EDU 509 Writing for Professionals
Successful managers need to write clear and effective proposals, reports, directives, and requests. Students learn how to research, manage, and clarify information; how to revise through multiple drafts to tailor writing to its intended audience; how to anticipate readers' needs for information and manage readers' attitudes; and how to balance conciseness with communication. They also study the results of recent research into how people read and how writers write most effectively. This focus enables student writers to manage the process of writing to achieve both clarity and desired results.
2 credits

EDU 512 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
A good beginning for children is essential to their later school success. Students study the historical forces that have influenced today's practices in the care of young children, ages 3-8. Through readings, discussions and visits to child-care facilities, the students gain an understanding of the current status of children in today's society.
2 credits

EDU 523 Introduction to Specific Learning Disabilities
Teachers who provide services to children identified with specific learning disabilities know the unique learning needs of their clients. Students research the etiology, characteristics, and methods of intervention for children and adolescents with learning disabilities. In addition, they learn various theoretical perspectives in this area of exceptionality and how to develop an IEP.
2 credits

EDU 525 Special Topics in Education
Students have the opportunity to explore special topics in the field of education. Prerequisites: Admission to the Graduate Program and consent of advisor and instructor.
1-4 credits

EDU 527 Management Theory/Personnel
Administrators must know how to effectively manage resources in order to attain school objectives. The students study the theories of management and know how they relate to effective decision-making. Discussion will focus on the study of research and data-based program evaluation, management and the use of information systems, planning, and education-improvement processes. By concentrating efforts toward these areas, administrators will develop skills to manage effectively.
3 credits

EDU 530 Philosophy and Foundations of Middle School
The heart of the middle school philosophy is interdisciplinary team organization. Interdisciplinary teams are faced with the problems of how to use the resources of time and space effectively. This course will describe the philosophy and foundations of middle school education. Emphasis will be placed on how teams meet the physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs of the young adolescent.
3 credits

EDU 531 Ethics for Educators
Educators are expected to uphold community norms while at the same time demonstrate exemplary tolerance for differing ethical viewpoints. Students learn how to identify and analyze systems of values, including their own, and how to structure meaningful ethical standards in the educational setting.
2 credits

EDU 535 Foundations of Reading
Practitioners in the elementary schools make effective instructional decisions that are based upon the basic principles and current research of reading education. Students examine and apply fundamental processes of maturation, perception, and cognitive and affective domains to current issues and techniques in reading instruction.
2 credits

EDU 540 Foundations of Guidance
Educators who work with and/or supervise guidance programs need to have general knowledge of the various ways a counseling program may impact students and be able to effectively facilitate the guidance counselor's responsibility to satisfy a wide range of student needs. This course examines various counseling theories and models utilized by guidance counselors in public and private school systems. Students receive instruction concerning the development of a student-oriented, needs-based system of guidance counseling.
2 credits

EDU 542 Language Development and Disorders
Being able to effectively communicate with others is essential to all school success. Students study normal language development in children, both expressive and receptive. Students study the literature, observe and record language use, assess language using formal and informal assessment tools, and evaluate a child's language scores with suggested norms to determine the discrepancy from acceptable performance.
3 credits

EDU 545 School Administration
The administrator's role in the local educational agency is a multifaceted leadership function. Students learn the principles of personnel administration and staff development. They also develop skills in curriculum design, budgeting, and effective communication.
2 credits

EDU 551 Critique and Design of Research
Effective educators are able to synthesize current research and develop new knowledge through investigation. To develop their research skills, students study the components of the research process and the methods employed in conducting experimental and descriptive research with application to the field of education.
2 credits

EDU 565 Statistics
Effective educators and administrators must have a basic understanding of the application of statistical concepts and procedures. Students develop an understanding of the descriptive and inferential statistics utilized in educational research for the purpose of statistically analyzing and interpreting research findings.
3 credits

EDU 566 School Curriculum K-12
The purpose of this course is to explore the foundations, design, development and implementation of curriculum in K-12 and other settings and to examine administrators', teachers', and leaders' role in curriculum decision-making, development, and implementation.
3 credits

EDU 568 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education
Making sure that children receive an optimal early childhood education program is essential. To ensure developmentally appropriate programs for 3-8 year old children, students in this course study the content and curriculum of early childhood programs. Particular attention is given to developmentally appropriate practices. From readings and observations of children, students develop appropriate topics and outcomes for children.
2 credits

EDU 573 Curriculum and Methods of Middle School Education
Curriculum and methods of in a middle school are designed to meet the intellectual, physical, emotional and social needs of the young adolescent. The course will explore components necessary for an effective curriculum. A number of interactive strategies will be presented, such as cooperative learning and integrated curriculum. The application of integrated curriculum and service learning will be presented and modeled.
3 credits

EDU 576 Advanced Methods and Materials of Learning Disabilities
Teachers of children and youth with learning disabilities design programs for direct instruction and for collaboration and consultation services. To attain this skill, students develop a working knowledge of methods and materials for teaching students who have been identified with unique needs. Emphasis is placed upon developing effective teaching strategies.
2 credits

EDU 581 Curriculum and Development in Higher Education
A study of the history and current status of curriculum in higher education along with the development of the background and skills necessary to plan courses and programs for college students.
3 credits.

EDU 583 School Supervision
Elementary and secondary school administrators are educational leaders. This course is designed to provide students with leadership skills based upon sound theories and to examine the fundamental principles of supervision and evaluation. To develop their leadership skills, students learn conference techniques to use with teachers to make long-term, positive changes in teaching behaviors.
2 credits

EDU 585 Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Education
Personnel who supervise and organize early childhood programs are leaders in governance. Students examine local, state and federal regulations governing the administration and management of preschools and daycare centers. Methods of record keeping, personnel management, resource management, budgeting and government programs are explored. Parental and community support and involvement are also considered.
2 credits

EDU 593 Introduction to Emotional Disturbance
School personnel must understand the educational and emotional needs of children with severe behavior disorders. In this course, students examine the emotional, behavioral, social and psychological issues of childhood and adolescence. The course is designed to provide a working knowledge of intervention techniques.
2 credits

EDU 595 Behavior Management
Skilled school personnel function on the premise that academic progress is achieved through effective behavior management of children. Students demonstrate their knowledge of the theories underlying the appropriate practices of managing significant behavior in therapeutic settings. This course is designed with a practicum component to provide students with observation and application experiences.
3 credits

EDU 601 Teaching Strategies in Early Childhood Education
Techniques to ensure appropriate learning are essential in an effective early childhood education program. Students investigate instructional materials, teaching strategies and learning styles with young children, ages 3-8 years of age. Students give particular attention to active, manipulative, child-centered activities in a playful situation. Various instructional practices and techniques are explored.
2 credits

EDU 605 Teaching Strategies in Higher Education
Seminar includes theoretical bases, modes of presentation and application of concepts in micro-teaching situations. Explores contemporary higher education issues and models and their implications for the teacher.
3 credits

EDU 608 Foundations, Issues, and Trends in Education
Effective educators must have knowledge about the philosophical foundations of American education and the current issues and trends influencing education. Students examine the foundations of education and the issues and trends currently affecting teaching and student learning. Emphasis is placed on the development of a research project that critically examines the effect of current educational issues and trends on teaching in America's schools.
2 credits

EDU 611 Reading Diagnosis and Correction
Children with difficulties in reading and language arts make significant gains when their problems are properly diagnosed and the correct remediation procedures are prescribed. These gains are made when children are taught by clinicians who have developed skill in the selection and administration of formal and informal diagnostic procedures and in prescribing remediation strategies that address the children's needs. This course is designed to provide knowledge of theories and procedures of the remedial reading process and application of those theories and procedures in the reading clinic. (EDU 617 required concurrently.)
2 credits

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EDU 615 Consultation and Leadership Roles in Special Education
The special educator is one who provides a broad base of services to school-age children who have been identified with special needs. The students explore the changing role of the special educator from the primary role of provider of direct instruction to the role of collaborator and consultant to other persons working with individuals with disabilities. Models of collaboration, consultation and leadership skills are practiced and analyzed.
3 credits

EDU 616 Measurement and Evaluation in Higher Education
Instruments and assessment plans to measure individual progress toward outcomes as well as program evaluation are developed and critiqued.The focus of this course is the acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary to design assessment instruments for formative and summative evaluation.
3 credits

EDU 617 Reading Clinic
The remedial reading teacher is a specialist who has background knowledge of the reading process and has technical training in administration of diagnostic/prescriptive procedures. Student and reading teachers experience teaching and remediation strategies in a supervised practicum setting. The course is designed to provide training in formal test administration, scoring and interpretation within the framework of the case study report. Prerequisite: EDU 611 concurrent.
2 credits

EDU 620 Integrating Technology in Education
Educators must have expertise in teaching strategies that effectively integrate current technology into the curriculum. Students are given the opportunity to examine and develop computer-based teaching strategies and techniques that will improve student learning. Emphasis is placed on the examination of computer-based instructional strategies, but students also examine computer software programs designed to assist educators with other professional responsibilities, including grading, database development, recordkeeping, and research.
2 credits

EDU 622 Supervision and Teaching of Language Arts
Educators design learning environments that develop communication skills in elementary school children. Students design instructional programs, based upon sound curricular theory as applied to current technological processes, that provide children the opportunity to develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking. This focus gives teachers and administrators experience in making curricular decisions.
2 credits

EDU 624 Supervision and Teaching of Elementary Math
Effective educators provide opportunities for displaying logical/mathematical intelligence in classroom activities. Students examine strategies in the teaching, evaluation and supervision of an elementary math program. This focus gives teachers and administrators experience in making curricular decisions. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of manipulative materials.
2 credits

EDU 626 Supervision and Teaching of Elementary Social Studies
Effective educators are practitioners of the social democratic process. Students examine current research and methodology in the teaching and supervision of an elementary social studies curriculum. This focus gives teachers and administrators experience in making curricular decisions.
2 credits

EDU 627 Current Research in Teaching
Effective secondary educators must have knowledge about the current trends and best practices employed in teaching at the secondary level. Students work independently to synthesize current knowledge in the teaching of a discipline specific content area at the secondary level. Emphasis is placed on the research of teaching strategies and techniques that improve student learning.
2 credits

EDU 628 Supervision and Teaching of Elementary Science
Effective educators are practitioners of the scientific process. Students investigate current content of science curricula and develop the process skills necessary to plan, design and supervise an effective elementary science curriculum. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences.
2 credits

EDU 629 Current Research in Assessment Strategies
Effective educators use ongoing assessment strategies to ensure student learning. This course provides individualized research and instruction in assessment strategies ranging from informal feedback to standardized testing. Particular emphasis will be upon federal and local mandates in regards to assessment.
2 credits

EDU 631 Supervision of Student Teaching
Effective teacher educators provide a laboratory for teachers in training where their skills are guided, nurtured and enhanced. Professionally certified personnel develop the techniques, processes and observation skills needed to be cooperating teachers. The focus of this course is to develop supervisory skills.
2 credits

EDU 632 School Law
School personnel must have knowledge of the complexity of legal precedents governing school and student relations, use of public funds, procedural due process and curricular decisions. Students develop an understanding of the federal, state and local precedents affecting local educational agencies. This course is designed to involve students in the study of the factual and technical aspect of problem-solving procedures involved in school law.
2 credits

EDU 634 School Finance
The quality of fiscally based decisions that impact the students who attend our schools is often dependent upon the knowledge and judgment of the school administrator who understands the relationship between revenues and the development and maintenance of programs designed to benefit students. Attainment of competence in school finance is a lifelong process that requires flexible and analytical thinking. This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the fundamental principles that govern school finance.
2 credits

EDU 642 Public Relations
This course involves the study of the responsibility of school administrators, school boards and school personnel to cultivate a positive relationship with the community, staff, students and the media to enhance the education of students. Ethical implications of policy initiatives will be explored. Emphasis is placed upon the leadership role necessary in effectively dealing with political issues and public relations programs, and the appropriate role of the community in the education process. The course will highlight a positive, proactive approach to leadership that is necessary to create a positive educational image for the twenty-first century.
2 credits

EDU 645 School - Family Relations
The success of any special education program is dependent upon the relationship with parents and community resources. The student explores the relationships of schools, communities and families as affected by exceptional children. Family dynamics, conferencing with parents and developing networks with school and community resources are considered, and parent panels, community resource panels and various other resources are used.
2 credits

EDU 652 Teaching Reading in the Content Area
Children in the elementary schools use their reading skills to learn. To develop this skill, every teacher is a teacher of reading. Students utilize reading and study skills to facilitate children's vocabulary development, comprehension and critical thinking abilities in various content areas. The focus of this course is to develop reading and study techniques to be used in content areas, regular classrooms and in resource situations.
2 credits

EDU 654 Child Study, Observation and Assessment
Gathering information to assist in evaluating children and programs is important in all early childhood education programs. The student explores and practices various observation and assessment techniques that assist the teacher in evaluation and decision-making with young children. From the observations and assessments, the student determines instructional topics and strategies for use in determining age appropriate and individually appropriate practices in Early Childhood programs.
2 credits

EDU 656 Assessment of Exceptional Students
Teachers specializing in the areas of exceptionality assess students in order to provide the most appropriate programs for students with special needs. Based upon a theoretical framework, students practice formal and informal assessment in identifying and diagnosing significantly handicapped children and adolescents. Emphasis is placed on developing skill in informal assessment and analyzing formal instruments.
2 credits

EDU 660 Special Education Law
Special education and general education teachers, administrators and related service personnel must know and apply educational practices required by law in order to effectively serve all students, including those with special needs. This course teaches the history, intent, educational practices and major court cases in special education law. Emphasis will be on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Idea 97) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2 credits

EDU 670 Education of Students who are Emotionally Disturbed
School personnel who work with children identified as seriously emotionally disturbed understand the unique educational, emotional and behavioral needs of this population. Students explore strategies and materials designed to meet the specific needs of emotionally disturbed children and youth in school and therapeutic settings. A practicum is included.
2 credits

EDU 683 Advanced Field Experience and Seminar in Emotional Disorders
Teachers of children with emotional disorders must have technical and experience- based skill to provide appropriate programs for their clients. Students develop this skill through review of current best practice literature, tours and interviews at regional sites serving seriously emotionally disturbed individuals and seminars on related topics. This course allows flexibility in scheduling and individualization in topical work to meet each student's particular needs.
3 credits

EDU 696 Seminar and Practicum in Higher Education
Synthesis of course work including curriculum development, teaching strategies, measurement and evaluation and elective courses in the students area of study to plan and execute a unit of curriculum. The course is designed to meet the specific professional goals of each student.
3 credits

Internships
School personnel have developed skills in their areas of study that are augmented by field-based experiences under the supervision of master teachers and administrators. Students practice their knowledge and skills at practicum sites or other school environments. Through the internship/ practicum, students have practical experiences in their areas of emphasis as well as experiences such as site-based decision-making, personal relations, curricular planning, organization and time management, and student relations. Prerequisite: Admission to the Graduate program and completion of area of emphasis.
1 - 4 credits

EDU 690 - Internship: Emotional Disorders

EDU 691 - Internship: Learning Disabilities

EDU 692 - Internship: Elementary School Administration

EDU 693 - Internship: Secondary School Administration

EDU 694 - Internship: School Superintendent

EDU 695 - Internship: Special Education Director

EDU 697 - Internship: Early Childhood Special Education

EDU 700 - Research Seminar I
Research seminars guide students through thesis research and writing.
1 credit

EDU 701 - Research Seminar II
Research seminars guide students through thesis research and writing.
1 credit

EDU 702 - Continuing Research
Continuing credit for students who do not complete thesis presentation within the allotted time.
1 credit

EDU 704 - Thesis Presentation
Students present research to faculty and guests upon completion of their research and writing.
4 credits

EDU 705 Portfolio Preparation
Students are introduced to development of their electronic professional portfolios.
2 credits

EDU 706 Portfolio Presentation
Students present their electronic professional portfolios for approval and program completion.
2 credits

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