Course Descriptions

EDU 200 - Introduction to Education

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Provides students with an introductory overview of Education. Includes purposes of schools and schooling; characteristics of effective schools; diversity and its effects on schools, teachers, and students; social problems affecting schools; comparative education; curriculum issues and controversies; and technology’s impact on schools and schooling. Also includes philosophical, legal, and financial issues facing today’s schools; history of American education; and current trends in education reform.

  

2.   Explain the effects of diversity on schools, teachers, and students.

3.   Explain the effects of social problems on schools, teachers, and students.

4.   Compare and analyze educational problems and trends throughout the world.

5.   Discuss curriculum controversies surrounding standards-based practices and current educational reform initiatives.

6.   Articulate a personal philosophy of education that demonstrates 1) a commitment to engaging and supporting all students actively; 2) an understanding of the teaching/learning/evaluation process; 3) a dedication to the teaching profession; and 4) a desire to grow and develop professionally.

1. Defining Schools/Foundations of Education
   1. Overview: education and schooling
   2. Purposes of schools
   3. Models of schools
   4. Schools as cultures
   5. Schools as transmitters of culture
   6. Examining the nature of schools
   7. What is a good school?
   8. Governance, influences, and finances
   9. Technology and education
2. Today’s Student
   1. Student diversity
   2. Racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity
   3. Diverse needs
   4. Diverse abilities
   5. School’s response to diversity
   6. Teacher’s response to diversity
3. Social Problems Affecting Today’s Students/Ethical and Legal Issues
   1. Family patterns
   2. Poverty
   3. Homelessness
   4. Teen pregnancy
   5. Abuse
   6. Violence
   7. School dropouts
4. Curriculum
   1. Curriculum defined
   2. Standards-based movement
   3. Assessment
   4. Curriculum controversies
   5. Influences on curriculum development and management
5. Comparative Education
   1. What is comparative education?
   2. Key problems and trends throughout the world
   3. Education reform worldwide
6. Effective Teaching and the Profession
   1. Effective decision making
   2. Attitudes
   3. Subject matter knowledge
   4. Theoretical knowledge
   5. Practical knowledge
   6. Basic teaching skills
   7. Status of the teaching profession
   8. Professional development
   9. Examining personal motives for entering the field
   10. Rewards of teaching

EDU 201 - Diversity in Education

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Exploration of diversity represented in the school community, including culture, language, ethnicity, socio-economic status, ability, age, sexual orientation, and lived experiences. Includes factors that impact educational practices, shape our educational system, and influence student achievement. Also includes the application of knowledge of diversity to the teaching/learning process and the facilitation of positive interactions within the learning community; the development of collaborative relationships; and the support of student development and well-being.

2. Discuss how issues of social justice relative to educational practices in a multicultural, democratic society influence student achievement and shape our education system.

3. Apply knowledge of cultural diversity and how students differ in both their development and approaches to learning to instructional preparation, delivery, and assessment practices.

4. Describe and employ a variety of approaches to foster positive social interaction and relationships among members of a learning community that create a supportive and affirming learning environment for all   students.

5. Discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with families, school colleagues, and agencies in the community to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, and   physical development and well-being of all students.

EDU 202 - Introduction to the Exceptional Learner

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Foundations of special education, encompassing the characteristics of students with exceptionalities, laws governing special education, the role of the teacher working with exceptional learners, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and the Special Education process. Includes current educational practices and theories related to instruction, classroom management, and assessment in special education. Also includes collaboration and communication supporting the success of students with exceptionalities.

2. Describe the role and function of the teacher working with exceptional learners and select or create teaching methods, learning activities, instructional materials, and lesson plans appropriate for students with specific       exceptionalities.

3. Describe Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), discuss the roles of stakeholders in the development and execution of IEPs, and identify measurable IEP annual goals that align with Arizona standards and the      school district’s core curriculum.

4. Use a variety of assessment methods to determine student progress and adjust instructional strategies to address student needs.

5. Recognize classroom management strategies and discuss the creation of a positive learning environment for diverse learners.

6. Describe community resources that serve students with exceptionalities and how teachers can collaborate with them.

1. The Exceptional Learner
   1. Children whose exceptionalities necessitate accommodation
      1. Children with learning and/or behavior problems
      2. Children with physical disabilities and/or or sensory impairment
      3. Children who are intellectually gifted and/or have a special talent
   2. Laws governing special education
      1. Definition of special education
      2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
      3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
      4. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
      5. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
      6. No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
2. Role and Function of the Teacher Serving Students with Exceptionalities
   1. The teacher and student advocacy
   2. The teacher and collaborative teams
   3. The teacher and instruction
      1. Teaching methods and modalities
      2. Assistive and instructional technology
      3. Lesson plans
      4. Instructional materials
      5. Learning activities
   4. The teacher and learner accommodation
      1. Facilitating access to general education curriculum
      2. Ensuring compliance to applicable laws and adherence to individualized education plans
      3. Individualization of instruction
   5. The teacher and communication
3. Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
   1. The Special Education process
   2. IEP stakeholders
   3. Development of IEPs
      1. Measurable annual goals and objectives
      2. IEP goal alignment with state standards and core curriculum
   4. Executing IEPs
   5. Annual review
   6. Transition plans
4. Assessment
   1. Methods of assessment to determine student progress
   2. Monitoring student progress and adjusting instruction to address student needs
5. Classroom Management
   1. Identifying appropriate classroom management strategies and techniques
   2. Community building and inclusive learning environment development
   3. Communication skills and techniques
   4. Approaches to motivation and behavior
6. Collaboration Supporting Success of Exceptional Students
   1. Collaboration with community resources
   2. Collaboration with colleagues
   3. Collaboration with parents and guardians

EDU 206 - Relationships in Classroom Settings

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Introduction to basic classroom management principles. Includes management of curriculum, instruction, the physical environment, psychosocial factors, student motivation, and special groups. Also includes a focus on disruptive family involvement, managing student behavior, communication, stress management, and appropriate record keeping.

Information: This class requires 60 hours of volunteering in a local K-8 school. Students must select their site by the first EDU206 class session and must have a fingerprint clearance card and background check before participation. This process could take four weeks (students should check with the school district where they will be volunteering for details).

2. Describe the role and challenges of the professional educator.

3. Identify and describe elements that foster a community of learners in the classroom and how differentiated instruction is supported.

4. Identify, describe, and assess a variety of strategies that support the development of effective and efficient classroom operations.

5. Model a variety of instructional strategies used with direct teaching, facilitated teaching, and computer based teaching.

1. Management Overview
   1. Purpose of classroom management
   2. Preparation- before school starts/first days of school
   3. C.Daily organization/conferences
   4. D.Curriculum management (mapping, standards, curriculum, thematic units)
   5. Planning for the school year
2. Managing the Physical and Psychosocial Environment
   1. Floor, wall, shelf, and countertop space; classroom ambience
   2. Human relation skills and building positive relationships
   3. Teacher and student responsibilities
   4. Teacher-student/parent-teacher communication
   5. Maintaining a positive psychosocial environment
   6. Working with support staff/communication with colleagues
   7. Strategies for motivating students (a look at William Glasser, Howard Gardner, Fredric Jones, Spencer Kagan)
3. Managing Instruction, Student Behavior, and Student Work
   1. Direct, facilitative, and computer assisted teaching
   2. Routines and procedures
   3. Strategies for correcting students’ work-related problems
   4. Cooperative/participative discipline techniques and strategies
   5. Providing assistance and useful feedback
   6. Review of programs and philosophies (Driekurs, Ginott, Canter, Jones, Glasser, Kyle, Kagan,  and Scott)
   7. Stress assessment and management strategies
4. Special Groups
   1. Intellectual and communicative exceptionality
   2. Sensory and behavioral exceptionality
   3. Physical and multiple exceptionality
   4. Language and family diversity
   5. Homelessness
5. Assessment and Record Keeping
   1. Key elements of assessment
   2. Authentic assessment and portfolios
   3. Rubrics and other tools