EDUC - Education

EDUC 500 Methods for Teaching English Language Learners

This course examines strategies for promoting literacy and language development in English Language Learners grades K-12. Differentiation of content area instruction will also be explored.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDUC 502 Technology for Teaching, Learning & Leadership

Examines what educators need to know in order to enhance school programs through the use of technology. Topics include adaptive, administrative, and instructive uses of technology.

 

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer and/or Both Semesters

EDUC 511 Children's Literature

A survey of children's literature and enrichment materials and the criteria for evaluating and selecting such materials as they relate to the needs, interests, and capabilities of children and young people.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester (Odd Years)

EDUC 513 School Law

This course examines current legal issues facing educational leaders. Specific areas studied include constitutional rights of students, legal aspects of discipline, tort liability, and special education law. Constitutional, federal and state law will be examined within each topic area.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall and/or Summer Semester

EDUC 514 Administration of Student Services

Examines the pupil services component of educational administration. Includes components of student services administration, providing services for students with special needs, and the legal aspects of pupil services and special education.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring and/or Summer Semester

EDUC 517 Materials for Teaching Reading: Instruction & Methods

Prerequisite: Completion of a course in processes and acquisitions of teaching reading. The historical perspectives of reading instruction, developmental programs and materials and specific reading skills needed at elementary and secondary levels will be the focus.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 518 Reading Instruction: Elementary

Prerequisite: Completion of a course in processes and acquisitions of teaching reading. Concerns the remediation and prevention of reading difficulties and appropriate placement and program planning for all students. Topics include intervention strategies and establishing and managing the literacy program.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 519 Reading Instruction: Secondary

Prerequisite: Completion of a course in processes and acquisitions of teaching reading. A study of the principles and methods of teaching reading and the appropriate match of students with materials and teaching strategies at the middle school, junior high and senior high levels.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 520 Reading Diagnosis

Prerequisite: Completion of a course in processes and acquisitions of teaching reading.  Designed to acquaint students with a variety of reading disabilities, their possible etiologies and initial diagnostic procedures. Strategies for identifying gifted readers and for measuring general reading achievement will be addressed.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 521 Contemporary Issues in the Teaching of Reading

Prerequisite: Completion of a course in processes and acquisitions of teaching reading. Emphasizes implications of current theory and results of research for the teaching of reading. Attention is given to issues and problems in the area of reading instruction. An action research project is planned and implemented during the semester. Current issues associated with reading education are also discussed.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 523 Reading Diagnosis & Prescription: Clinical

Prerequisites: EDUC 517, EDUC 518, EDUC 519, EDUC 520 and EDUC 529 or permission of the instructor. The identification of disabled readers and appropriate prescriptive program planning will be emphasized. Includes the interpretation of initial screening results and subsequent recommendations. Instructional materials for individual and small group teaching will be developed and specific remedial techniques will be refined.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 524 Advanced Clinical Reading Experiences: Elementary

Prerequisite: EDUC 523 or permission of the instructor. This supervised practicum involves the continuous diagnosis of disabled readers and the planning and implementation of appropriate corrective/remedial programs. Three weeks are spent working with elementary age students. A seminar component is an integral part of the course. To be taken concurrently with EDUC 525.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDUC 525 Advanced Clinical Reading Experiences: Secondary

Prerequisite: EDUC 523 or permission of the instructor. Supervised practicum involves the diagnosis of disabled readers and the planning and implementation of remedial appropriate to the content areas. Three weeks are spent working with secondary-age students. Taken concurrently with EDUC 524.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDUC 529 Literacy Leadership

Prerequisites: EDUC 517, EDUC 518, EDUC 519 and EDUC 520. Examines effective school-wide literacy programs and the role the reading specialist/literacy coach plays in those programs.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 530 K-12 Blended Learning

This course examines the incorporation of blended learning strategies and tools in K-12 classrooms. The course explores a variety of texts and digital materials with a focus on differentiation and enrichment through the use of technology. Content is geared toward educators working with students with diverse learning and linguistic needs.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDMA 530 Mathematics Education Leadership I

This course examines current research and accepted practices in mathematics leadership. It looks into general topics in leadership and explores leadership specific to mathematics education. Participants gain knowledge and skill as they plan for their future development as a leader in mathematics.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDMA 531 Mathematics Education Leadership II: Practicum

Prerequisites: EDMA 530 This course follows up the topics of Mathematics Education Leadership I, having participants apply current research and accepted practices in mathematics leadership in a 37.5 hour supervised practicum. Participants will work with a range of students and adult learners in a variety of professional development settings. This is a hybrid course with 34% of the coursework to be face-to-face, 33% of the coursework to be on-line via Blackboard, and 33% to be in a supervised practicum.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 533 Effective Home-School Interaction: Research & Practice

The dynamics of the family-teacher-child relationship with emphasis on the teacher's role as partner and counselor of children ages 3-12. Techniques for working with family and children will be evaluated and designed by the teacher.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 534 Current Issues in Early Childhood & Elementary Education

A review and analysis of current research in early childhood and elementary education with emphasis on issues, emerging trends, and procedures essential to developing classroom programs for students.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 535 Integrating the Elementary Curriculum through Language Arts

Emphasis on integrating language arts in areas of the elementary school curriculum. Techniques and practical activities for developing skills such as listening, speaking, literature, writing, comprehension and vocabulary development will form the core of the course.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer (Even Years)

EDUC 539 National Board Certification Support

This course provides guidance and feedback to candidates in pursuit of National Board Certification. Participants will examine and apply the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) specific to individual content areas. Participants will analyze and reflect on their teaching practice and the impact of assessment and collaboration on student learning through the completion of components 3 and 4 of the National Board candidate portfolio.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 540 Modern Science Methods

An examination of modern elementary and middle school science and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) methods, curriculum materials and instructional strategies.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 542 Topics in Elementary Physical & Earth Science

A consideration of the processes and topics of physical science that are most appropriate to teachers. An activity-centered STEM approach is utilized and Next Generation Science Standards for physical and Earth sciences are addressed.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Even Years)

EDUC 544 Topics in Elementary Life Science

A consideration of the processes and topics of biological relevant to elementary teachers. An activity-centered STEM approach is utilized and Next Generation Science Standards for life science are addressed.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester (Even Years)

EDUC 545 Modern Mathematics Methods

An examination of modern elementary mathematics methods, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, materials and instructional strategies.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDUC 546 The Teaching of Numbers,Operations & Algebraic Thinking in Elementary & Middle School

A study of the teaching of numbers, operations, and algebraic thinking in elementary and middle schools. Focus areas include how students learn numbers, operations, and algebraic thinking.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Even Years)

EDUC 547 The Teaching of Geometry & Measurement in Elementary & Middle School

A study of the teaching of geometry and measurement in elementary and middle schools. Focus areas include how students learn geometry and measurement.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Odd Years)

EDUC 551 The Teaching of Geometry

Prerequisites: MATH 501 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently. Current research and accepted practices in teaching and assessing geometry in the secondary school. Focus on problem solving and mathematical reasoning, communication, and integrating geometry with other disciplines.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester (Odd Years)

EDUC 552 The Teaching of Algebra

Prerequisites: MATH 502 and or equivalent. May be taken concurrently.  Current research and accepted practices in teaching and assessing algebra in the secondary school. Focus on problem solving and mathematical reasoning, communication, and integrating algebra with other disciplines.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester (Even Years)

EDUC 553 Foundations of Elementary STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) Education

Examines foundational elements of elementary STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) inquiry-based instruction. Participants are expected to learn through experience, exploration, and discourse to gain an understanding of a STEM mindset to facilitate implementing a STEM approach in the elementary classroom.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 561 Teaching Diverse Learners in an Inclusive Setting

Designed to develop skills, attitudes and understanding to enable the general early childhood, elementary and secondary classroom teacher to effectively educate learners with special needs. Topics include inclusion, educational planning, teaching techniques, student assessment, and classroom organization and management skills.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 565 Classroom Organization & Management in Special Education

Classroom organization, climate, management and teaching techniques for students in general and special education settings; behavior modification, interaction techniques, self-management strategies and motivation strategies.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 571 Historical, Philosophical & Legal Foundations of Special Education

Historical and legal perspectives that led to PL 94-142 and subsequent legislation. Current issues in the field of special education; survey of disabilities, philosophical concerns, educational ramifications of legislation and innovative programming.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer Semester

EDUC 573 Assessment, Diagnosis & Prescription in Special Education

Theoretical and practical aspects of assessment, diagnosis and prescription of children with mild or moderate disabilities. Implications for educational programming are considered. Appropriate test selection and comprehensive report writing are included.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Odd Years)

EDUC 574 Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: English Language Arts & Social Studies

A study of curriculum goals and objectives, and the methods and materials to be used to meet the needs of diverse learners. Topics include learning processes and development of instructional programs in literacy and social studies.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

EDUC 575 Independent Study

Reading and/or research in a selected field. An approved title for the independent study must be submitted with the registration forms. Prerequisite: permission of the chair of the department. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to a degree program. (1-3 credits per independent study)

Credits

1.0 - 3.0

Offered

Either Semester

EDUC 576 Curriculum & Methods in Inclusive Classrooms: Math and Science

A study of curriculum goals and objectives, and the methods and materials to be used to meet the needs of diverse learners. 

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 577 Introduction to Educational Research

Prepares educators to become effective consumers of educational research, using a variety of tools and technology to locate and evaluate research documents. Topics include research design, methods of data collection and analysis, and development of a study proposal.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer and/or Both Semesters

EDUC 578 Educational Leadership and Group Dynamics

Extends educators' knowledge, understanding, and application of theories of child development and the teaching-learning-assessment process. Provides opportunities to consider and apply the findings of educational, psychological, and brain-based research and theory.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall and/or Summer Semester

EDMA 579 Capstone Project

Prerequisites: Completion of 21 credits in the M.S. in Mathematics Education program. Each project will focus on an idea that links mathematics to its teaching and learning. Independent reading and study, reflection, writing, and possible action research. The capstone is assigned a letter grade, which will reflect not only the quality of the final product, but also the student’s performance throughout the project.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Either Semester

EDUC 581 Research-Based Teaching, Learning & Assessment

Extends students’ knowledge, understanding and application of theories of child development and the teaching-learning-assessment process, and offers the student the opportunity to consider and apply the findings of educational, psychological and brain-based research and theory.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer and/or Both Semesters

EDUC 582 Educational Philosophy in a Diverse Society

Examines educational philosophies and frameworks in the context of diverse student populations. Topics include culturally relevant pedagogy, multicultural curriculum, and current issues related to teaching and learning in diverse classrooms.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer and/or Both Semesters

EDUC 583 Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal

Examines various approaches to curriculum development and evaluation. Topics include curriculum theories; processes and roles in curriculum planning; data use in curriculum planning; defining curricular goals and objectives; and the role of technology in curriculum and assessment.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer and/or Both Semesters

EDUC 584 Systemic Change Processes for School Improvement

Participants examine the literature on systemic change, with emphasis on models and strategies for use by school leaders to affect change at the individual, team, school and district levels.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall and/or Summer Semester

EDUC 586 Principles of Educational Supervision

This course examines educational supervision as a function of the school leader. Specific areas studied include classroom observation skills, conferencing skills, evaluation skills, and human relation skills. Students have the opportunity to practice supervisory skills in simulated and on-site applications.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring and/or Summer Semester

EDUC 587 Elementary School Administrative Internship

Prerequisites: EDUC 578, EDUC 583 and EDUC 586. A yearlong internship experience with a practicing elementary school principal for a range of administrative experiences. The culmination of the experience will result in the submission of an administrative portfolio to be evaluated by college faculty and, where possible, by a public school administrator. Includes class experiences, case studies, and real-life scenarios.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Year Long

EDUC 588 Secondary School Administrative Internship

Prerequisites: EDUC 578, EDUC 583 and EDUC 586. A yearlong internship experience with a practicing secondary school principal for a range of administrative. The culmination of the experience will result in the submission of an administrative portfolio to be evaluated by college faculty and, where possible, by a public school administrator. Includes class experiences, case studies and real-life scenarios.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Year Long

EDUC 589 School Business & Personnel Administration

Prerequisites: EDUC 578 and EDUC 586. This course examines administrative functions in the school business and personnel areas. Specific topics examined include revenue and budgeting; school maintenance and operations; comprehensive strategic planning; personnel recruitment, selection, induction and development; and appraisal of personnel performance.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Summer and/or Fall Semesters

EDUC 595 The Teaching of Statistics & Probability: Decision Making with Mathematics

Prerequisite: MATH 500 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently. Current research and accepted practices in teaching and assessing statistics and probability in the secondary school. Focus on problem solving and mathematical reasoning, communication, and integrating statistics and probability with other disciplines.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Even Years)

EDUC 596 The Teaching of Mathematical Modeling: Strategies for Contemporary Problems

Prerequisite: MATH 505 or equivalent. May be taken concurrently. Current research and accepted practices in teaching and assessing mathematical modeling in the secondary school. Focus on problem solving through mathematical modeling and mathematical reasoning, communication, and integrating mathematics with other disciplines.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Odd Years)

EDUC 597 Capstone Research Project

Prerequisite: Permission of the program director. 

Educators develop and execute a research project, including identifying a problem and developing research questions, conducting a literature review, selecting appropriate methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a reflective summary of findings and next steps. Must have access to a classroom to conduct research.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Year Long

EDUC 597MSE Capstone Research Project

Prerequisite: Permission of the program director. 

Educators develop and execute a research project, including identifying a problem and developing research questions, conducting a literature review, selecting appropriate methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a reflective summary of findings and next steps. Must have access to a classroom to conduct research.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Year Long

EDUC 597ST STEM Capstone Activity

Prerequisite: Permission of the program director. Candidates participate in a culminating project that reflects a transdisciplinary activity. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and making real-life connections through an activity-centered approach using current technology, content curriculum materials, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pedagogy.

Credits

3.0

Offered

As needed (One semester)

EDUC 599 Special Topics

The content and methods of such courses depend upon the interests of the faculty and students.

Credits

6.0

Offered

As Needed

EDUC 599LETRS1 LETRS Word Recognition: Units 1 & 2

Learners will engage in a comprehensive online learning experience designed to provide educators with the background, depth of knowledge and tools to teach language and literacy skills to every student within any reading program.  May apply for elective credit with program director approval.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall

EDUC 599LETRS2 LETRS Word Recognition: Units 3 & 4

Learners will engage in a comprehensive online learning experience designed to provide educators with the background, depth of knowledge and tools to teach language and literacy skills to every student within any reading program.  May apply for elective credit with program director approval.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring

EDUC 599V1 Effective Tchg in Blended Learning Envir

Pre-requisites: Admission to Vanguard and permission by instructor

This three-credit, hybrid course prepares the student to become an effective teacher in a blended learning classroom environment.  Topics are organized into four competencies of blended learning: mindset, instructional technology skills, teaching practices, and professional learning/networking skills.  Assignments include the development of a professional learning plan and an inquiry project based on these competencies. [Note: Vanguard teachers may take this course in lieu of EDUC 502]

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 599V2 Blended Learning Leadership

Prerequisites: EDUC 599V1 or Permission of Instructor

This three-credit, hybrid course scaffolds the candidate's growth toward becoming an effective advocate and facilitator for blended learning in his/her school community.  Topics are organized into four competencies of blended learning: mindset, instructional technology skills, teaching practices, and professional learning/networking skills.  Assignments include the planning, delivery and assessment of a Blended Learning Development Plan, which will be the principal means of assessment in the course.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

EDUC 599V3 Coaching a Blended Learning Community

Pre-requisites: EDUC 599V1 or EDUC 599V2 or Permission of Instructor

This three-credit, hybrid course prepares the student to become an effective coach and instructional support in blended learning.  Topics are organized into four competencies of blended learning: mindset, instructional technology skills, teaching practices, and professional learning/networking skills.  Assignments include development of a plan for the coaching and support of the implementation of the four VANGUARD competencies.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester