Course Descriptions
EDUC 6610 Teacher as Professional (3 sem. cr.)
This course explores what it means to be a professional in today’s diverse and changing educational landscape. Teachers examine their values, beliefs, vision, and mission. They explore their role in the larger context of the teaching profession, the importance of collaboration in a professional learning community, and the need to advocate for students, educators, and the field of education itself. Teachers learn how a professional stance impacts student learning. They also serve as a driver of their own professional growth and development.
EDUC 6640 Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (3 sem. cr.)
This course examines classroom curricula, instruction, and assessment in the context of standards and accountability. The importance of alignment of these components and resulting impact on student learning is emphasized. Teachers explore learning theory, learner variables, and the need for differentiation to meet diverse learning needs. Multiple purposes and methods of assessment as well as effective approaches to grading and reporting are discussed. Using their state or district standards, teachers engage in a process for designing standards-driven classroom curriculum, instruction, and assessment that will meet the diverse learning needs of their students.
READ 6581 Reading in the Content Areas, Grades 6–12 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers learn and use research-based strategies to enhance students’ reading proficiency and develop critical literacy skills while teaching essential content. Strategies are designed to enhance learning in science, mathematics, history, English, and other middle-level or secondary content areas.
EDUC 6650 Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (3 sem. cr.)
This course explores teachers’ views on the value of linguistic and cultural diversity and the powerful learning opportunities it affords today’s classrooms and schools. Teachers examine their attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding linguistically and culturally diverse students, families, and communities and learn approaches for working together to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Strategies for ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences are presented. Effective practices such as cultural responsiveness, anti-bias curriculum, differentiated instruction, and developing academic vocabulary are explored.
READ 6582 Writing in the Content Areas, Grades 6–12 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers integrate writing into content area curricula, instruction, and assessment and learn how to help students use writing to both deepen and clearly demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. Strategies include the use of various types of journals and learning logs, writing frameworks, and note-taking tools. Special emphasis is given to the writing process and to skills in various writing genres.
EDUC 6733 Action Research for Educators (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides a structured approach to the practice of action research. Educators learn how to address relevant problems, become involved in collaborative inquiry, and use data and research to inform their practice, improve student academic success, and contribute to positive change in their classroom and school environments. Educators will engage in reflective practices as they collect and analyze student data and develop and implement data-driven decisions and/or actions to improve student learning and enhance their professional growth.
READ 6583 Technology and Literacy in the Content Areas, Grades 6–12 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers integrate technology into research-based instructional models and strategies to develop higher levels of literacy and facilitate more effective content area learning. Included are information literacy skills such as Internet searching, critically evaluating online resources, and expanding the learning community across boundaries.
EDUC 6657 Creating an Effective Classroom Learning Environment (3 sem. cr.)
This course helps teachers create safe, supportive, and respectful learning environments that promote social-emotional development, self-responsibility, and character in order to optimize learning for all students. Teachers learn how to foster a sense of community in the classroom and develop positive relationships with and among students. Skills and strategies for managing dynamic and flexible classroom structures and for teaching conflict resolution are presented. The course also provides strategies for building positive relationships and engaging in effective communication and problem-solving with parents and families.
READ 6584 Supporting Struggling Readers, Grades 6–12 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers learn and use strategies to help improve middle-level and secondary students’ reading, writing, test-taking, and study skills as a way to increase their learning and achievement in the content areas.
EDUC 6674 Designing Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Students With Special Needs (3 sem. cr.)
This course emphasizes the need for all students, including students with special needs, to achieve high academic standards. It examines the learning challenges of students who by definition of federal law have disabilities, as well as those of students who have significant difficulty with learning but do not qualify for special education services. Teachers learn how to adapt/modify curriculum, instruction, and assessment to maximize learning for students with special needs.
