English 7-12 English, Lang. Arts, Reading Certification

ED 311. Teaching and Learning for Social Change (EL). 3 Hours.

This foundational education course explores the breadth of educational settings for students and the role the teacher plays in disrupting structural inequities and advancing justice in the classroom. Cultural, emotional, physical, intellectual, and learning differences are studied for their impact on learning abilities and educational opportunity. The course draws upon a framework of understanding that includes the 1) introduce and prepare sections of the teacher education learning cycle and 2) the four dimensions of equity. Students will apply educational theory to practical implementation of high leverage practices and consider how such practices enhance learning for all students. Students must be considered in their junior year and will be required to participate in 10 hours of field experiences and participate in practice-based learning opportunities to complete course requirements. This course integrates the principles of experiential learning and meets the criteria for field work.

ED 321. Secondary School Methods. 3 Hours.

This course provides students seeking certification in grades 4-8 and 7-12 skills for reading, critiquing, and adapting curriculum, planning effective instruction, creating assessments that provide a feedback loop, implementing differentiated methods for diverse populations, and delivering content effectively. Students will apply skills and knowledge in lesson plans, unit plans, and teaching simulations. This course integrates the principles of Experiential Learning and meets the criteria for fieldwork.

ED 331. Classroom and Behavior Management. 3 Hours.

This course presents current strategies for classroom and behavior management including classroom procedures and expectations, organization of materials, and classroom space for optimum learner benefit. An emphasis will be placed on the high-leverage instructional practice, developing meaningful relationships. University students will engage in strategies that support equity for diverse and marginalized students and large diverse classrooms. Basic federal and state laws for all teachers, including teachers of students with disabilities (dyslexia, emotional/behavior disorders, autism), English as a Second Language (ESL) and other at-risk students will also be presented. This course will require university students to learn and practice strategies and techniques through authentic and interactive field experiences. Prerequisite: Admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program.

ED 435. Secondary Content Pedagogy. 3 Hours.

This course provides students seeking certification in grades 4-8 and 7-12 with pedagogical best-practices. Students will learn lesson planning, assessment, and available resources for their specific content area. Methods for accessing and processing information through traditional as well as new technologies will be addressed. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

ED 495. Field-Based Co-Teaching Semester. 3 Hours.

This course provided clinical experience in the public school setting as part of the field experience requirements for the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program. The Teacher Candidate is required to spend six hours per week for 12 weeks in an assigned classroom. A university field supervisor in conjunction with the cooperating teacher supervises the Clincial Teacher. Block 1 is the first semester of the co-teaching assignment (2 semesters) in which the Teacher Candidate and Cooperating Teacher are considered co-teachers for the class. Course is graded on a Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) basis for 3 SCH. This course integrates the principles of experiential learning and meets the criterion for internship. Prerequisite: Met admission requirements to undergraduate field based placement guidelines.

ED 496. Clinical Co-Teaching Semester (EL). 3 Hours.

This course provided clinical experience in a public school setting as part of field experience requirements for the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program. The Teacher Candidate is required to spend 72 complete instructional days in an assigned classroom. A university field supervisor in conjunction with the cooperating teacher supervises the Clinical Teacher. Block 2 is the second semester of the co-teaching assignment (2 semesters) in which Teacher Candidate and Cooperating Teacher are co-teachers for the public school class. Course graded on Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) basis for 3 SCH. This course integrates the principals of experiential learning and meets the criterion for internship. Prerequisite: successful completion of ED 495, continued acceptance in the public school classroom, and completion of program requirements.

ITED 350. Technology and Digital Literacy. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to assist students with developing skills for using web applications and mobile computing. The activities in the course assist students with promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging them with digital tools being used in daily life. Topics covered include: technology in society, computers and digital components, the internet- how it works and making the most of web resources , applications for work and play, and systems software- operating systems, utilities and file management, information technology ethics, understanding and assessing hardware, digital devices and media and protection, information technology careers, software programming, databases and information systems, networking and security. There is an emphasis on using the Microsoft Office Suite of Products in this course including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

RDG 343. Content Area Literacy Instruction for Secondary Students. 3 Hours.

This course equips content area teachers with research-based strategies and skill to incorporate reading into science, mathematics, and/or social studies. Students will utilize strategies for morphemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression to develop a unit of study based on the TEKS for a subject area of choice. Additionally, students will assess curriculum materials and learn about additional tools and accommodations that teachers use to bridge student reading deficits to allow learning in the content area how to help their students learn the material presented.

RDG 350. Early Literacy Development and the Science of Teaching Reading (EL). 3 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide EC-6 teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide early literacy instruction to students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade that is aligned to the Science of Teaching Reading. Students will develop competency in the components of early literacy including letter naming fluency, oral language development, spelling, and fluency. A variety of research-based strategies will be used to create lesson plans that reflect diverse and equitable practices and differentiate by student need. Prerequisite: Must be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program.

RDG 352. Comprehension and Written Expression for Upper Elementary Students. 3 Hours.

This course will address strategies, and materials related to literacy development in the upper elementary grades. As guided by the TEKS in grades 3-6, students will engage in rehearsals to engage with high leverage teaching practices and design unit lesson plans that incorporate research-based strategies for enhancing comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, morphemic awareness, and spelling.

SPED 410. Introduction to Individual with Exceptionalities. 3 Hours.

This course develops students’ foundational knowledge of historical perspectives, educational principles, laws, and professional ethics and roles in the fields of special education and English Language Learners (ELL). It focuses on the learning and behavioral characteristics of diverse learners, including students with exceptionalities (which includes disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Dyslexia, and Gifted/Talented) students who are ELL and students who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional (CLDE) learners. Additionally, this course introduces instructional strategies, appropriate curriculum, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to ensure the success of all learners.

SPED 418. Inclusion of Students with High Support Needs in the Content Areas. 3 Hours.

This course presents research, issues, and trends related to the inclusion of secondary students with high-level support needs into content area classes in a manner that is equity-minded and socially just. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.