Schedule of Classes

Engage in a minimum of twenty-five hours of directed observations in an appropriate, PK-12 academic setting, where they teach a small group of students and collaborate with the classroom teacher to implement instructional and assessment plans for one student. Candidates are introduced to the language and dispositions of teaching, apply this knowledge in their reflections analyzing the learning environment, incorporate issues of equity and diversity including an awareness of the social and emotional development of children, and apply the knowledge in the creation on a developmental case study of one student. Weekly seminar. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

The study of key teaching frameworks with fundamental instructional strategies developed within the construct of planning lesson segments and units of study, including an awareness of exceptionality and diversity, an awareness of the social and emotional development of children. Application of brain research, methods to facilitate higher order, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and decision-making. Other topics include instructional management, collaboration in curriculum design and delivery and with stakeholders, teacher leadership, decision-making, and the needs of 21st Century middle school students are addressed. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Philosophy, concepts, and procedure related to organizational structure, curriculum, teaching strategies, and assessment in the middle school. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Covers fundamental basics of testing and assessment of the English Language Learner (ELL), prevalent in today's classrooms. Included are formal and informal assessment strategies; construction and use of teacher-made tests of student learning; interpretation and use of standardized tests, report cards, and grading; reporting procedures; and examination of how to utilize evaluation and assessment to strengthen instruction, differentiate assessment for ELLs, and contribute to positive learner development. There is fieldwork expected for the class.

Providing developmentally and culturally appropriate activities to infants and young children with special needs. History and evolution of early intervention services, teaming, collaboration, service coordination, development of Individualized Family Service Plans and Individualized Educational Plans, adaptation of curriculum, instructional models which promote interaction and independence, inclusionary programs, transitional planning. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Content and methods of teaching social studies in grades 1-6, including accommodations of exceptionality and diversity using developmentally and culturally appropriate practices. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Plan, implement, and evaluate a science program for children in grades 1-6. Emphasis on the nature of school science, students' misconceptions, and meaningful science activities, including accommodations of exceptionality and diversity using developmentally and culturally appropriate practices. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Emphasis on teaching strategies, materials, and organizational plans related to the grades 1-6 mathematics curriculum. Work with Common Core Standards in Math as well as National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is integrated throughout the semester. Focus on active involvement of students in the learning process. Future teachers learn about and plan lessons including appropriate teaching strategies, mathematical projects, accommodations of exceptionality and diversity using developmentally and culturally appropriate practices. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

How to plan, implement, and evaluate a science program for middle school students. Emphasis on the nature of school science, students' misconceptions, and meaningful science activities. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Content and pedagogy of high school science. Designing and implementing science instruction and curriculum using a variety of approaches including project-based science. Emphasis on instructional planning, assessment of student performance, learning environments, creative and critical thinking, problem solving, acknowledgment and accommodations of exceptionality and diversity, and developmentally and culturally appropriate practices. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Focus is on formal, informal, authentic, and performance-based assessments to determine student needs and progress; planning instruction incorporating assessment results to meet the needs of all students; transitional planning; collaboration and communication with families and professionals. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Practicum: use of psycho-educational tests and diagnostic teaching techniques. Preparation of a complete formal and informal educational assessment of a learner including a professional report written in a specified format.