Schedule of Classes

Surveys the history of American education from the Colonial Era to the present. Treats the changing character of education in the context of broader social and cultural developments. Provides both knowledge of the history of American education and an appreciation of historical perspectives as ways of understanding contemporary education. Examine the evolving historical contexts that served to shape and define American education. Specifically, the course will explore the role of education i.e., policies, purposes, practices, and reform efforts throughout U.S. history, and examine its relationships with the American economic, political, social, and cultural landscape.

Integration of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of the development and growth of the individual from conception to adulthood. Study the physiology of learning, the interactive nature of the teaching/learning process, and the need to consider developmental and cultural appropriateness in meeting individual learning needs, with an emphasis on acknowledging and accommodating exceptionality and diversity including an awareness of the social and emotional development of children. Environmental factors affecting development, including cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, individual, social contexts, and parent-child interaction. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Exploration of foundational knowledge of characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities, diversity, populations who are at risk, and English Language Learners. Enhance knowledge and performance of individuals with exceptionalities by developing and adapting curriculum materials that meet individual needs within inclusive environments. Response to Intervention outcomes and appropriate evidence-based strategies that support successful inclusion are discussed. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment. This course meets foundation knowledge for LBS I certification.

Addresses language development and methods for teaching English Language Learners (ELL). Topics include theories of second language acquisition as well as a variety of instructional strategies in the language arts and other content areas. Emphasis will be placed on the social and cultural needs of the ELL and the examination of pre-service teachers' own culture and its impact on their practice. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment. There is fieldwork expected for the class.

Addresses the assistive technology (AT) evaluation, selection, and application process for individuals with disabilities in school, the workplace and the community. Emphasis on assessment of the individual, environment, and tasks required of the person prior to evaluation of technologies and adaptations that enable the individual to function as fully as possible in his/her daily lives. Through illustrations and case examples students will obtain knowledge and skills required for the use of AT devices or adaptations and factors to consider in the selection and implementation processes. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Addresses total literacy instruction for learners at all levels 3-8: Reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. It addresses research-based approaches to literacy instruction for the grade school student, including accommodations of exceptionality and diversity using developmentally and culturally appropriate practices. Key topics: the reading and writing processes, vocabulary and comprehension, literacy assessments, planning for individual learners, integrating the language arts into the content areas and preparing students for the state writing assessment. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.

Addresses legal, psychological, and social impact of various exceptionalities, and professionalism. The laws governing the development and implementation of educational and transition programs for individuals with exceptionalities is also reviewed. Discussion and evaluation of legal documents for consent and notification. Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Practice, and Individual Education Program development will be the focus. Preparation for Teacher Performance Assessment.