Students review recent research on effective instruction and explore advanced classroom strategies and techniques designed to enhance their effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse populations of learners. Examples include direct instruction, cooperative learning, dimensions of learning, creative problem solving, and applications of technology to thinking and learning. Students develop expert teaching skills and learn to diagnose and deliver the most appropriate instructional strategies for specific circumstances. Analysis of models and related research for the design and development of instructional programs is provided.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2010

With middle school education at the forefront of the educational arena, it is imperative that the population at the heart of middle grades education, young adolescents be examined. It is highly important that middle school educators are apprised of the critical developmental stages and theories that affect this population: cognitive, physical, socioemotional and moral. It is essential that development theories as well as the biological changes of the middle school adolescent be thoroughly reviewed in the context of cultural situations: race, class and gender. This course seeks to add this multilevel, complex examination and its facets to the knowledge base of the middle school educator.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2010

Students will develop higher order thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, interpretation, and evaluation) through the utilization and application of research methodologies. These methodologies will introduce students to the research principles of data-driven decision making, and expose students to the effective practices of school leadership, teaching and learning. While applying research to these practices, students will become familiar with the research process, key issues related to this process, and the distinction between quantitative research and qualitative research. Against this backdrop, students will have two research options in this course. The first is to apply a variety of qualitative research methods to develop an action research project. The action research project requires students to utilize several techniques in this qualitative research design to revisit, rethink and improve a current instructional practice. The second objective is to utilize both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to develop a program evaluation. This second project will require students to assess the reliability, validity, and generalizability of a sample program evaluation (dissertation, thesis, proposal or conference paper). In so doing, students will utilize several quantitative and qualitative research techniques during the analysis of the program evaluation.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2005

This class is a survey of the field of educational technology. It surveys the pedagogical applications of widely used media, materials, and technology that form part of the knowledge and skills that modern teachers should possess to instruct students in the classroom. Reviewing Web sites, selecting software, surfing the Internet, experimenting with Web page design, and using other Internet protocols and software to supplement classroom instruction are all processes that modern teachers should be familiar with and be able to handle well to enhance their teaching skills. The focus of this course is on teaching strategies that make students aware of the ways in which media and technology affect the processes of teaching and learning.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2009

This course is a study of the role of the school administrator in managing the human resource function. Included in this course is a study of the organizational dimensions of the personnel function, along with planning, recruitment, selection, placement, development, and appraisal of the individual. This course also deals with the school administrator in his/her capacity as supervisor of the human resources of the school. In addition, the legal aspects of Human Resource Administration are discussed 3 semester hours. May or Summer.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2005

This course provides an in-depth study of curriculum development and delivery. The information and activities within the course will assist students in developing leadership ability in the curriculum area, along with techniques for evaluating and constructing curricula.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2009

Technology is constantly expanding and changing the way we teach and learn. Instructional leaders are called upon everyday to make ethical and important decisions about what technology to use and how to use it in the classroom. Consequently, courses in educational technology are becoming a critical part of teacher education programs across the curriculum. By completing this course, students will be equipped with skills that they need to meet the challenges posed by technology in a modern classroom.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2007

Theories of administration and practice at the district and community levels, administrative function, and types of school organization are examined. This class is designed to introduce students to the theories and concepts of administration, including personnel, finance, law, school organization, and curriculum. Research studies that have been completed by state and regional administrative groups and frequent seminars in administration are included.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2004

This course is an examination of school and community relations. Special emphasis is placed on parent involvement in schools as well as how parents view schools in general and their own school. Leadership roles, operational modes, and communication with regard to public school relations will be discussed.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2005

This course deals with the theories, policies, and expenditures of school funds. Special attention is given to school budgets, financial accounting, purchasing and supply problems, school equipment, and school insurance. The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the budgetary process involving schools and school districts. This is an introductory-type course that examines a broad range of issues relating to school finance management at the school and district levels.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2010

This course will examine relevant principals of law that pertain to public and private education. Components of this course will include topics relating to the rights of teachers and students, religious issues in public schools, individuals with disabilities, due process procedures of teachers and students, and the American judicial system.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2004

The intent of this course is to more closely examine certain aspects of court decisions and laws affecting teachers and students. Particular emphasis will be placed on issues including special education, the rights of students and teachers and controlling court decisions. Students will be expected to critically examine state and federal court decisions as well as statutes affecting education. The intent is for each student to understand legal principles of court decisions.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2009

This course identifies some of the innovative research and programs driving school improvement. Initiatives currently in place in America's schools will be discussed and examined. Further, the course provides the student with ways to access current educational conditions at the school and district level as well as provide suggestions regarding instituting change.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2007

This course examines and analyzes the daily job responsibilities of a public school superintendent, including areas such as financial management, instructional support and improvement, the management of and planning for school facilities and federal program management.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2006

The content of this course presents a review of the historical development of special education law in the United States. An emphasis will be placed on the evolution of the national special education mandate; and how the national special mandate serves to shape, define, and guarantee a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children and youth with disabilities. The content of the course will further include a discussion of how the national special education mandate has been impacted by adversarial administrative due process hearings and court litigation. Particular emphasis will center on Supreme Court judicial decisions that substantively serve to shape and define special education practices in every state across the country. This graduate-level course is relevant for general and special education teachers; school administrators at all levels of responsibility, both in general and special education; parents seeking a formalization of their understanding and knowledge regarding the legal aspects attached to special education; and school board members and other public sector officials who lead, guide, and protect the rights of children and youth with disabilities to FAPE.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2004

The course will provide educational administrators with a comprehensive review of assessment and measurement methods, emphasizing concepts of tests and measurements, formal and informal assessment, test administration, and practical use of assessment results in educational settings. The course focuses on the technology of measurement rather than on the development of skill in the use of any given measurement instrument.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2004

This course is designed to examine critical issues affecting the organization and administration of secondary education. Recent developments and innovations in curriculum design will also be discussed.

Available: Now

Copyright Year: 2007