Education

A survey course, Foundations of Education investigates the philosophical, historical, and social/cultural character of education in the United States. It examines the way schools function organizationally. Topics include the role of education, system philosophy, and trends that have shaped contemporary education. Students also conduct field observations. This course is a concentration requirement for both the Special Education certificate and the Teacher Education associate degree. It is intended to be the first in a series of learning experiences for those interested in careers as teachers. This course includes field study.

Using the framework of positive behavioral support, Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviors teaches the knowledge and skills needed to support children in the classroom with challenging behaviors. Students in the course learn the basic assumptions about the context and function of behavior. They learn how behavior influences people and events, how certain behaviors enable children to obtain basic needs, and how other behaviors allow them to avoid unpleasant situations. By understanding the effects of various behaviors, students in the course can develop effective classroom strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviors. By focusing on these new skills of support (as opposed to intrusive interventions that rely on eliminating challenging behaviors), the course inculcates effective positive approaches that respect the dignity of the individual and facilitate social inclusion. This course includes field study.

Predicated upon legislative requirements, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Legal Issues in Education revisits the theories and issues explored in EDU101W and EDU200W, placing them within the context of inclusive instructional settings. In addition to examining these various legal requirements, the course explores instructional strategies for curriculum adaptation and delivery that effectively assist children and adolescents with special needs.

Teaching Strategies for Students with Disabilities focuses on strategies to accommodate students who have difficulties with basic reading, writing, and study skills. The course emphasizes the importance of accommodating students rather than "helping" students by completing work for them. Students in the course study and practice a variety of techniques through in- and out-of-class exercises. They teach collaboratively with one another to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Additionally, they learn a variety of study techniques, including mnemonics, organization, reading strategies, time management, double-column notetaking, and the concepts of active verses passive learning. Students work in small groups developing strategies to teach various skills to one another. Innovation and creativity are key to success in this course. This course includes field study.

Teaching and Learning studies principles of curriculum, organizations, and teaching methods. Under supervision, students observe and participate in a public school. The course introduces the student to rubric evaluation, learning styles, lesson planning, and curriculum delivery. This course includes field study.

Design of Instruction introduces students to the design and development of the content of learning experiences. This course introduces curriculum theory and investigates the processes of curriculum development, use, and evaluation. It also addresses these broad questions: "What do students need to learn?" "How is the learning experience most effectively managed?" And "How do we know the desired outcome was attained?" In addition, students are introduced to the following two frameworks: Understanding by Design (UbD), which helps them create units and assessments that develop students' understanding of important ideas and Universal Design of Learning (UDP), which helps guide students in planning lessons, choosing materials, assessing learning, and ultimately improving instructional practices.