SOE - School of Education

This course provides theoretical and practical knowledge of linguistics and language structure in the teaching of young children from infancy through 2nd grade. Observations and readings concentrate on linguistic processing and theory and its impact on acquiring and developing language and early reading and writing skills. NOTE: This course replaces SOE 260 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours This course provides an overview of best practices demonstrated by effective teachers in today's preschool and primary school classrooms. It begins by defining the practices, behaviors, and dispositions of effective, reflective teachers and emphasizes the importance of understanding the diversity and complexity of today’s students. It continues by exploring lesson planning structures or designs and basic as well as more advanced instructional strategies that will help educators reach every student in their classroom. Finally, this course introduces several forms of assessment that serve specific purposes for allowing teachers to evaluate whether students are demonstrating the learning that meets specific goals andobjectives. Prerequisite: ECE 240

Required field experience: 5 hours This course explores Response to Intervention (RTI) and how high-quality core instruction is implemented in the general education classroom. Teacher candidates research evidence-based interventions in a multitiered instructional environment, learn the dynamics and composition of the RTI team, and plan multitiered interventions using differentiated instructional strategies for the RTI classroom. The physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development needs of school-aged children are emphasized. Prerequisite: SOE 290.

Students learn about and demonstrate an understanding of the uses of technology in educational settings, including computer technology as an instructional resource and management tool in Pre-K–12 classrooms. Technology as an instrument for professional preparation and advancement is a focus, as is development of a personal philosophy for the use of technology in teaching and learning. Prerequisites: CIS 190, KCC 102, or KCC 105 NOTE:This course replaces EDU 280 in previous curricula.

Required field experience: 10 hours Students will review the federal categories for students with disabilities and the special education process. However, the emphasis will be on how students with special needs can access the general education curriculum while being included in the general education classroom. Ideas of how to build in modifications and accommodations into a differentiated-instruction-whole-classroom approach will be shared. Methods of instruction, planning, and environment will be the focus. Transition strategies for student success will also be highlighted. Prerequisites: ECE 240 and SOE 290.