500

This course explores the definitions, purposes, and theories of assessment and curriculum differentiation in early childhood settings. The implication of assessments, ethical concerns, and appropriate assessment practices are discussed . Candidates learn various forms of authentic and other performance-based assessments appropriate for young children from different cultural, linguistic, and social economic backgrounds. Candidates learn meaningful ways to collect data on child performance, analyze and interpret teaching effectiveness, and utilize the assessment results for curriculum planning and differentiations. At least five hours of observation in early childhood settings are required. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

In this course, candidates explore various types of educational inquiry and assessment by studying their own educational settings and contexts. Candidates investigate topics that are of interest to them and learn how to critique published research. Candidates collect and evaluate their own data to understand their classrooms and students’ behaviors and attitudes. Working collaboratively and/or independently on projects and assignments, candidates learn different approaches to data collection and assessment, considering issues of credibility, reliability, and validity. Candidates engage in a small scale site-based project, or its equivalent, to acquire practical skills of researching and evaluating educational phenomena. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course critically examines the social, cultural, political, and economic forces, and the philosophies of education that have influenced policy, laws, school structure, and practices throughout the history of American education. Issues addressed include (dis)ability, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic class, identity, and immigration. Candidates lay the foundation for the development of a personal philosophy of education and reflectively examine issues of education from social justice perspectives. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

In this course, students examine current social, cultural, political, and economic factors that affect American education and schooling. These factors are examined in relation to students' personal, professional and social identities and experiences. The intent is for educators to understand sociopolitical and cultural contexts of their practice and their abilities and responsibilities that help shape those contexts. Students engage in ongoing discussion of and reflection on moral and ethical responsibilities of educators who construct and implement a plan of action that reflects a commitment to democratic schools and social justice. This course requires a minimum of 15 hours of site-based activities. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

In this course candidates learn to interpret and apply various data driven instruction frameworks used in school settings. Some frameworks include the use of national assessment data, state assessment data, various individual school level data available to teachers, and classroom assessment data. Candidates also design their own framework for data informed instruction. Focus is on advanced studies in data-based decision making. Candidates research, display, and practice classroom data analysis in the areas of curriculum design, academic intervention, behavior intervention, attendance intervention , and student achievement. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MED program or permission of instructor. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours

In this course, candidates explore research paradigms that underpin practitioner and action research and the corresponding methods of educational inquiry. Candidates examine their assumptions regarding the value of practitioner-oriented research and develop skills to conduct small-scale research projects within the areas of their specialization and interest. Course readings and assignments are used to exemplify various methods and styles of conceptualizing, conducting, and presenting research. Candidates learn to evaluate published research and scholarly works and to express themselves creatively in writing and presenting their research projects. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is designed to explore topics related to building equitable classroom environments that address the learning needs of a diverse population of students. The course supports candidates' engagement in the classroom through the study and application of differentiated instruction, creating inclusive classrooms, and developing practices to meet the educational needs of diverse students. Candidates explore and learn to apply the Culturally Relevant Teaching and Leading Standards (CRTL), practices toward identifying and teaching students with special needs, and strategies to design equitable, inclusive and engaged learning communities including management routines and practices that support positive student behaviors. Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Alternative Education program (SEC ALT). Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours