Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction w/ Teaching Certification

ED 506. Classroom Management and Basic Law for Teachers. 3 Hours.

This course presents all aspects of classroom management from organizing classroom space to strategies for dealing with student behavior. Basic Texas education laws will be presented ranging from contracts to the First Amendment in schools. This course will prepare the student to feel confident not only on the first day of school but for the entire year. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Alternative Certification Program.

ED 508. Introduction to Teaching. 3 Hours.

This course examines learning theories along with their impact on strategies for effective teaching. Educational measurement and evaluation (STAAR) used by schools will be studied. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Alternative Certification Program.

ED 520. Education Research Literature and Techniques. 3 Hours.

This course addresses the process and tools to locate, read, understand, and critique education research. The fundamental techniques of planning, conducting, and reporting qualitative and quantitative research will also be considered. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Alternative Certification Program.

ED 530. Human Growth and Development for Educators. 3 Hours.

This course examines cognitive, physical, psychological, and social development of humans from conception through adolescence (0-20 years). Theoretical frameworks, critical issues, and current research pertaining to each life-stage are included. Educational implications of domain specific developmental factors are highlighted. Study of the overlay of creativity, resiliency, and focus of control are added psychological variables integrated for further understanding of developmental influences on student success and/or failure in learning and school. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Alternative Certification Program.

ED 547. Evaluating Learning. 3 Hours.

This course addresses formative and summative assessments of learning. Related statistical analysis concepts are also studied. Prerequisite: ED 520 and must be admitted into the Alternative Certification Program.

ED 557. Innovative Learner-Centered Strategies for Student Success. 3 Hours.

This course contains the professional body of knowledge necessary for the effective teaching of diverse learners for student success. Course emphasis is centered on understanding theories and strategies that address the needs of a diverse population in the public school systems. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into the Alternative Certification Program.

ED 573. Leadership and Mentoring in Education. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on building leadership through research-based strategies. The role of the professional as consultant, mentor, and coach is discussed. Prerequisite: ED 520.

ED 590. Curriculum Alignment for School Improvement. 3 Hours.

This course addresses theories and related practices of applied curriculum leadership including topological and deep alignment of the written, taught, and tested curriculum. Students will study research-based curriculum-related elements of high performing schools. Prerequisite: ED 520.

ITED 511. Teaching with Emerging Technologies. 3 Hours.

The Web 2.0 and other emerging learning technologies have the potential to provide effective and powerful learning environments in which learners can develop skills the information age require. This course explores innovative ways of utilizing emerging technologies to facilitate learning and to improve the way we teach. Topics include blogs, podcasts, wikis, online social networks, virtual worlds, and digital game-based learning. Prerequisite: Instructor permission required.

SPED 540. Introduction to Exceptionalities. 3 Hours.

This course provides teachers with a foundational knowledge and basic understandings needed to work with students with exceptionalities. Students will investigate the learning and behavioral characteristics of students with exceptionalities and laws relative to this population. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into Alternative Certification Program.

RDG 501. Fundamentals of Reading Instruction. 3 Hours.

This course provides the essential reading skills and teaching techniques for pre-service teachers. Additionally, the course covers effective components of reading instruction, along with research-based student interventions. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into Alternative Certification Program.

RDG 562. Prescriptive Reading. 3 Hours.

This course provides a framework for examining reading difficulties in all components of reading instruction. Effective assessment techniques and strategies to scaffold student learning will be discussed. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into Alternative Certification Program.

RDG 563. Teaching Reading in the Content Area. 3 Hours.

This course assists the content area teacher in acquiring the necessary understandings and techniques to more effectively facilitate learning from textbooks. Prerequisite: Must be admitted into Alternative Certification Program.