(3 credits) Teachers and schools must continually examine current practices in PreK-12 education in search of better solutions to increase student achievement and to thoroughly prepare children for the world in which they will live and work. In this course students will study current social, political and academic trends and issues affecting children, teachers and schools. Students will define their personal positions based on facts and experience, and will collaborate with others to advocate for solutions that improve education for PreK-12 grade students. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.

(3 credits) Technology integration in the K-12 setting can enhance learning, improve motivation and engagement, increase accessibility, individualize instruction, differentiate assessment and improve communication with parents and stakeholders. In this course students will broaden their understanding of the technology available to them in the PreK-12 classroom and improve their ability to leverage specific technology to improve teaching and learning. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.

(3 credits) This course will provide an overview of research methodology employed for studies in the field of education. Topics include basic research methodology, interpretation of findings, and application of research in educational settings. Students will develop their ability to critically evaluate educational research and to judiciously apply findings in their professional settings. By the conclusion of the course students will be able to identify a potential topic for future research and outline the basic methodology needed to conduct the study. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.

(3 credits) In this course students will apply the cumulative knowledge and skills learned in their master's program. The research focus may be related to student learning, teacher effectiveness, school quality, school policy, or other area by approval. The project will be proposed, approved, designed, and implemented prior to the student's graduation with a master's degree in education from Northwestern College. Students who do not have a finished capstone approved by the M.Ed. Director at the conclusion of EDU635 will repeat the course for credit. Prerequisite: EDU610. Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

This course will provide an in-depth presentation of the complex issue of assessment, including an examination of evaluation procedures, from pre-referral intervention, eligibility/placement/program decision-making to progress monitoring of research-based instructional interventions based on Response to Intervention (RTI). Students will examine a variety of formal and informal instruments and techniques used in assessing the strengths, needs, interests, and preferences of children and youth with exceptional learning needs. The focus is placed on providing students with knowledge and skills necessary for selecting, using, interpreting, and evaluating results from measurement and/or screening instruments and techniques commonly employed by professionals to facilitate special education placement, Individual Education Program (IEP) development and evaluation of the effectiveness of that instruction using progress-monitoring techniques. Issues in assessment and instruction concerning multicultural and bilingual special education will also be addressed. (3 credits)

In this course students will learn about the basic principles of learning that govern human behavior as well as how these principles can be applied in the classroom to help individuals with exceptional learning needs reach their maximum potential. Students will also learn how to measure and analyze student behavior in order to evaluate student learning and make necessary adjustment to teaching strategies for individuals with exceptional learning needs. (3 credits)

This course will prepare special education personnel, classroom teachers, related services personnel, and other support staff for collaborative consultation, teamwork and transition in serving the educational needs of students and their families. Consideration of the role of home and parents in the educational programming for exceptional children, and practical to positive strategies that can be used in working with parents. The context, content, processes, practices, and support of collaborative school consultation will be addressed. (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to theoretical and practical applications of data-driven decision making, assessments, and curriculum planning for educators. Students will explore the uses of qualitative and quantitative data by educational leaders for the purpose of improving student and organizational outcomes. This course will also focus on using a collaborative problem-solving approach and response to intervention processes to improve the learning rate of student. (3 credits)

This course is an intensive study of the legislation and litigation involved with individuals with disabilities specifically concentrating on those students between the ages of birth - 21 years. A historical as well as current study of legislation used as the basis for providing special education services on the federal and state level will be covered. The legal system on the federal and state level is covered as well as critical litigations that have influenced the field of special education. The student will become knowledgeable about the legal precedence for all that they do as a special educator. (3 credits)

(3 credits) Students will learn to design curriculum, instruction and assessment specific to the needs of diverse children ages 0 through 8. Create safe and nurturing classroom environments that are developmentally appropriate and respect diversity. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet the needs of young children. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.

(3 credits) This course will focus on building knowledge and experience to improve student learning. Research-based instructional strategies will be studied, with particular emphasis on adapting and employing strategies to fit students' cognitive abilities, motivation, interest, cultural background and other unique characteristics in diverse settings. Students in this class will apply new instructional strategies to positively impact learning in the PreK-12 classroom. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree.

Students in this course will learn about types of childhood trauma, as well as its causes and symptoms in children of all ages. They will also review misconceptions about childhood trauma, examine recent research about how trauma changes a child's brain and affects learning, treatment methods, and prevention techniques. Students will learn strategies for creating trauma-informed schools and classrooms and design plans to implement them. (3 credits)