Common Core Courses
| ED 503 | Classroom Management: Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Through classroom application of course content, this course provides students with substantial practical experience as they master and implement preventive and positive classroom management strategies. In addition, students acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge about the relationships between school-wide systems and behavioral development, learning and achievement among students with diverse needs. |
| ED 520 | Strengthening Literacy: Implementing Solutions for School-Wide Effective Reading Instruction This course prepares students to implement a school-wide leadership initiative to improve a comprehensive range of literacy skills. Specific principles and theories of reading instruction are evaluated in relation to currently employed practice so teachers can immediately strengthen instruction. Students examine the scientific research base underlying different models of reading instruction. Special attention is given to curriculum mapping, alignment, and the development of an implementation plan to strengthen literacy. |
| ED 512 | Diverse Learners: Developing Classrooms to Support Learning for All Students This course reviews data related to the effectiveness of educational initiatives emphasizing evidence- based instructional design models used to assess and instruct students with diverse learning needs. Special attention is given to inclusion of traditionally underrepresented learner populations (i.e. special education, LEP, economically disadvantaged, and ethnic minorities). |
| ED 501 | Assessment for Learning: Mastering Assessment Tools for Improving Curriculum and Instruction This course develops competencies in utilizing formative and summative assessment practices and data to inform and guide curriculum development and instruction. Classroom and school-based assessment tools provide teachers with the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of diverse learners. Embracing assessment is the first step towards "data-based" decision-making in education. |
| ED 515 | Informed Research: Systematically Identifying, Using, and Communicating Data to Improve Schools This course enables students to become informed consumers of educational research and to develop skills that prepare them to carry out action research in their schools and classrooms. An emphasis is placed on providing students with knowledge that they can apply in determining whether particular research findings are relevant to their leadership and instructional practices and to distinguish between trustworthy and non-trustworthy research. Throughout the course, students identify the elements that scientifically-based research and action research share. Emphasis is placed on how research can become a vital and relevant tool for teachers and school leaders. |
| ED 505 | Community Engagement: Building Community Partnerships for Learning How can those within the community support the established teaching and learning goals set by the school? This course provides a foundation for developing relationships among stakeholders in the school community—students, school, parents, and the community at large—for the express goal of supporting student learning. In addition to examining research findings, students will explore family engagement, mutually beneficial community relationships, and student advocacy. The course culminates with a plan for continuing school improvement and professional growth. |
Curriculum & Instruction Courses
| CI 531 | Curriculum & Instructional Design with Emphasis on Multicultural Classrooms This course assists students in developing rigorous, appropriate curriculum and instruction. Multiculturalism, culturally relevant pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and thematic, interdisciplinary unit planning are emphasized. Using a curricular framework, students plan, evaluate, reflect on, and adapt curricula experiences that build successful learning environments for all learners including English language learners. |
| CI 535 | Standards Driven Learning: Applying Theories and Strategies of Standards-based Differentiated Learning This course focuses on the major theories, strategies, and applications utilized in P-12 standards-driven learning environments. Participants review and apply current literature and educational research studies concerning standards-based curriculum, implementation strategies and tools. |
| CI 533 | Student Engagement: Setting Expectations and Motivating Students for Learning This course prepares teachers to establish high expectations for all students and to effectively evaluate and implement theories of motivation and cognitive engagement in classroom learning. Emphasis will be placed on different theories of motivation and how classroom, school, work, and social environments shape and influence student motivation. |
| CI 545 | Learning with Technology: Integrating Technology into Instructional Models This course examines the use of computer technology for managing 21st century classrooms and providing differentiated instructions to 21st century learners. Learners will evaluate their own use and their school district's use of technology and develop action plans for integration and change. |
| CI 542 | Community of Learners: Developing and Implementing Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Environments This course prepares students to implement strategies for building a learning community. An emphasis is placed on the application of the learner-centered principles; cooperative and problem-based learning strategies; and the promotion of integrated curriculum and critical thinking. |
| CI 539 | Teacher Leadership: Developing Leadership Capacity in Schools This course explores the critical roles teachers play in decision making through the perspective of multiple stakeholders. Learners engage in leadership interactions to develop problem solving skills and the ability to become change agents for continuous school improvement. |
