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 curriculum, 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.

MATH 6571 Number and Operations, Grades 6–8 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers develop their own understanding of foundational mathematics concepts by focusing on numbers and operations, including number relations, integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. The NCTM Process Standards of representation and the use of manipulatives in mathematics instruction are included.

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.

MATH 6572 Geometry and Measurement, Grades 6–8 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers develop their own understanding of geometry and measurement, including such topics as classifying, defining, and comparing two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes; measuring angles and using ratio and proportion to solve problems involving scaling and similarity; and exploring area, perimeter, surface area, and volume. The NCTM Process Standards of problem-solving and communication are also included.

EDUC 6653 Introduction to Educational Research (3 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the basic fundamentals and principles of research. The research process is explored with the underlying assumption that educational research can improve classroom practice. Course participants are expected to develop knowledge and skills in the use of theoretical frameworks; quantitative, qualitative, and action research methodologies; critiquing and evaluating research; and compliance with ethical responsibilities of the researcher.

MATH 6573 Algebra, Grades 6–8 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers develop their own understanding of algebra, focusing on topics such as patterns, relations, functions, coordinate pairs and graphing, and equations and inequalities. The NCTM Process Standards of making connections between mathematics concepts, real-world applications, and other disciplines is included.

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.

MATH 6574 Data Analysis and Probability, Grades 6–8 (3 sem. cr.)
Teachers develop their own understanding of data analysis and probability, focusing on such topics as collecting, organizing, and displaying data; using appropriate statistical methods to analyze data; and understanding and applying basic concepts of probability. The NCTM Process Standards of reasoning and proof are included, along with integrating technology and ensuring equity in a standards-based mathematics classroom.

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.