Instructional Strategist I: Mild and Moderate Elementary Endorsement

(3 credits) This course provides an overview of the history of special education up to and including present day trends and practices in education students with exceptionalities. Various areas of exceptionality are explored, including ways to support students with di verse learning and behavioral needs in inclusionary environments. Note: This course includes a field experience. Students must earn a C- or better in order to fulfill program requirements for elementary licensure.

An overview of mild/moderate disabilities including historical and theoretical perspectives. Designed for students seeking reading, unified early childhood and special education endorsements. Prerequisite: EDU206. (3 credits)

This course examines the theories and knowledge of dynamic roles and relationships within and between families, schools and communities and how they can influence and support learning. Candidates will engage in intentional practices that value diversity and demonstrate understanding in how language, culture and family background can impact development. In addition, candidates will also learn to recognize how children are best understood in the context of family and how linguistic diversity, biological and environmental factors, and family strengths can influence development and learning at all stages of life. Prerequisite: EDU 206. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course is designed to provide an overview of various models for classroom and behavior management. The course will emphasize both theoretical and practical dimensions of behavior and social concerns. Note: This course includes a 10 hour field experience. Prerequisite: EDU206. (2 credits)

A study in the purposes, procedures and issues related to screening, testing and evaluation of special needs students. The course will include a study of diagnostic instruments used by the profession.Prerequisite: EDU206.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course examines how successful early childhood education depends upon reciprocal and respectful partnerships with families, communities and agencies. Candidates will understand the dynamic roles within and between families, schools and communities and how to create a community of support for children and families through interagency collaboration. Candidates will learn how to collaborate with supervisors, mentors and colleagues to enhance professional growth within and across disciplines to inform practice and to advocate for developmentally and individually appropriate practice. Utilizing collaborative partnerships, candidates will learn how to create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that engage learners in meaningful activities and interactions. Prerequisite: EDU 206. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course is designed to prepare pre-service teachers to develop and implement intervention strategies as well as appropriate accommodations and modifications to address students' exceptional learning and behavioral needs at the elementary school level. Pre-service teachers will also develop/refine skills in IEP writing, incorporating assessment and evaluation information as well as input from parents/families. Prerequisites: EDU206 and 235. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

(3 credits) (Writing intensive) Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems focuses both on the role of formative and summative assessment in the teaching of reading. In addition, significant attention is paid to the remediation of reading problems. Students will study the design, development, implementation and evaluation of remediation for students with reading problems, including diagnostic and prescriptive procedures for individuals and groups of students. Students will be required to write and revise their work for professional audiences. Formal and informal assessment procedures will be examined. Writing is a significant part of each exam. Note: A practicum experience is a key component of this course. This course includes a field experience. Prerequisites: EDU326, admission into teacher education program, and concurrent enrollment in EDU328.

This course focuses on learning oral language and the implications that has for learning written language. A major part of the course is devoted to designing effective remedial education programs for Title I and special education. Special attention is paid to early intervention programs. This is an upper level course, designed for students completing reading and special education endorsements.Prerequisites: EDU326 and 343.(3 credits)

This experience will include the observation, engagement and instruction of an elementary special education classroom for 4-8 weeks while under the supervision of a licensed, qualified teacher. Exact number of weeks/credits required will be determined by student teacher coordinator and department chair. Candidates will draw from and develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions in planning, instruction, assessment and professionalism learned and assessed throughout the education program. Candidates are expected to model "Teacher as Servant" throughout the experience by serving God and society in diverse classroom settings. (4-8 credits) Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Successful completion of student teaching is a necessary step towards licensure; a passing grade for student teaching does not guarantee licensure recommendation from department.