300

This course distinguishes middle level education history and philosophy and advocates relationships between the unique developmental characteristics of young adolescents (10-14 year olds) and young adolescent culture for appropriate interactive classroom experiences and middle level educational best practices. The course advances middle level educators to develop appropriate dispositions, strategies and knowledge for the multifaceted role as facilitator, guide, collaborator, reflective practitioner and young adolescent advocate while exploring young adolescent learning as a personal experience based on their Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, Spiritual developmental characteristics (PIESS) embedded within each learner's gender, cultural, socioeconomics, community, mass media popular culture (PLUS) understanding. Prerequisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course explores appropriate curricula models for young adolescent learners in safe healthy academically challenging classroom environments and advocates cultivating middle level educators as leaders. Students participate in a variety of course experiences advancing learning while developing strategies for teaching in diverse, collaborative, creative, globally connected classrooms while embracing and encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, infusing related fine arts and the production and use of mass media technology. Students develop strategies for evaluation of student achievement and curricular programs through alternative and diverse assessments identifying differentiation, student voice professional, state, local standards and data acquired from students, parents, and community members. Prerequisite(s): MLE300. 5 quarter hours