3000

This course is an introduction to working with children and youth. The content is organized around the following clusters: educational systems in Texas, ethics, professionalism, and the ultimate intent for students to discover their calling and to embrace the unique work that they are called to do in the world.  

Designed specifically for education majors for elementary and middle level, this course provides students with skills and understanding needed to plan, organize, and deliver effective instruction based on the Social Studies TEKS. Special emphasis is given to instruction in geography, economics, and American history. Students develop an understanding of the social and environmental consequences of scientific discovery and technological innovation. This course will address the needs of students served in special education.

This three-hour course explores a variety of children’s literature across various genres. Among the topics addressed are major works, writers, and illustrators - and the distinctive genres and their characteristics, as well as determining appropriate selection of books for specific populations and purposes. Class time includes reading and sharing quality children’s literature. This course is intended for those working with children and not necessarily certifying to teach.

What is trauma? What is the impact of trauma on the individual? What can communities do to support those impacted by trauma? These questions will be the foundation for the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students will gain in this course. The course will cover historical, generational, and developmental trauma. Students will explore how trauma impacts self-regulation, increases risk-taking behaviors, and contributes to a decline in mental and physical health. Students will learn about resiliency factors contributing to post-traumatic growth and well-being despite traumatic events. Last, students will demonstrate their readiness to serve their community by applying universal and foundational trauma-response interventions in response to community need.

The term literacy generally refers to reading and writing skills. This three-hour course examines “digital literacy,” a term that extends beyond traditional reading and writing to a variety of modes of communication. Using a multi-literacies perspective, this course provides you an opportunity to explore literacy in a constantly evolving technological landscape. The course explores skills, trends, and issues in information and digital literacy that will benefit individuals in any career pathway. We will examine legislation related to digital communication as well as how information science has evolved in the 21st century.

This course is a study of the causes and characteristics of emotional and behavioral disorders in students from early childhood through adolescence. Classroom and behavior management strategies for maintaining a positive learning environment are considered along with strategies for preparing individuals to live cooperatively and productively in society, social skills needed for educational and functional living environments, and strategies for crisis prevention and intervention.  Lab/field experience is required. This course will address the needs of students served in special education.