Typically, this is the culminating course in the Master of Arts in Education program. It provides advanced study on a topic or emerging issue in American education. It is designed to interrogate contemporary issues and their influences on teaching and learning. Students will develop a broad understanding of the different societal and cultural facets that impact PK-12 education. A four-day residency on the Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI campus is required; commencement takes place on the final day of residency. Students must be registered to complete all remaining coursework during the summer in which Proseminar takes place.

This course will focus on the diverse literacy needs of children within the regular education classroom. State and federal legislation concerning inclusion of children with disabilities and the concept of "least restrictive environment" will be studied. An exploration of personal and societal biases will allow teachers increased self-awareness in teaching a divergent population. Appropriate best practices for enhancing literacy in all children will be presented. This course will guide participants understanding of dyslexia and other reading difficulties, as well as, how to assess the needs of students who may have reading difficulties. Strategies will be covered on how to instruct students with dyslexia and reading disabilities in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and reading fluency.

This course focuses on topics such as identity, social factors of language use, cultural and linguistic diversity, and the many educational contexts in which English learners develop their cultural and linguistic identity in the United States. In addition, this course addresses the many ways that teachers and administrators can apply culturally responsive teaching to support the academic English language development of English learners in their schools.

Students will read, discuss, compare, and evaluate a variety of childrens and adolescents literature from the cannons to the current. Through a sociocultural perspective, students will use a critical lens to evaluate books, materials, and other teaching resources. Specific funds of knowledge that students bring to the classroom and how to effectively design and deliver classroom literacy experiences based on these funds of knowledge will be explored. Aspects of multiliteracies will emphasize a range of literacy pedagogy and multimodal representations, digital media, and other forms of literacies that are relevant in the lives of PK-12 learners.

Teaching at pre-kindergarten or kindergarten level integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation and delivery of developmentally appropriate instruction in a child-centered environment. Capstone experience. Prerequisite: passing Praxix II score. May be repeated for credit.

Demonstration of leadership in effective PK-12 literacy instruction, mentoring, coaching, and staff development is the primary focus of this course. Students will use research and theory to explore literacy models, social and political aspects of literacy, language variation, and the cultural and community influences on language acquisition and learning. Leadership in developing, promoting, and assessing teacher professional development, family and community literacy programs, and effective professional learning communities will be promoted throughout the course.

This course provides independent reading and/or research, at the post-baccalaureate or master degree level, under the direction of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. May be repeated for credit.

This course examines the effective strategies of supervision and staff development that relate to reading programs in schools. It is required for the 317 Reading License.

This course examines specific methods for identifying learning styles and how to design activities and instructional approaches to accommodate each style. Designed for all grade level teachers.

This course provides a foundation for educational partnerships between regular and special educators. It offers new and innovative ways to jointly meet the needs of special students.