Core Course: A study of models, techniques, and skills of teaching and learning through observation and analysis of the inclusive, regular, and diverse classroom and related settings. Topics include management, motivation, and instruction and The Danielson Model. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide best instructional practices-development and implementation of teaching strategies across all content areas (English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies) for students with mild/moderate disabilities at the secondary level. This course will integrate approaches for instruction, classroom management, accommodations and modifications of curriculum, along with the development of Individualized Education Program as it relates to the secondary level of education and transition form school to community. The will also provide discussion on life skills curriculum, social skills and transition from school to community.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An introductory course designed to make students aware of the diversity of the field of Psychology and the ways in which human behavior can be studied. Goals, methods, and applications of the science of psychology in learning, language, thinking, perception, and the emotions are investigated. Prerequisite for all psychology courses.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.

Prerequisite: PSY-0100

A study of the development of the individual from infancy to old age with special emphasis on childhood.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.

Prerequisite: None

Core Course: A study of the historical and sociological development of the American system of education and an exploration of current issues in educational theory and practice. IDEA/ADA/504 legal aspects will be addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

An overview of current program models and learning theories in early childhood education, with emphasis given to how social, cultural, and political issues impact practice. A key component of this course is developing in students and understanding of how child development relates to effective early childhood education. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Consideration of literature for children and adolescents as communication between authors, adult readers, and child readers.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201 and EDU 0280.

This is a required course for Education majors enrolled in the special education certification track. It will provide students with a thorough understanding of the manifestations of learning disabilities affecting student performance and achievement in reading and language arts. Strong emphasis will be placed on techniques using differentiation of instruction for the LD student and on effective instructional interventions for both individuals and the entire class. Appropriate use of assessment tools will also be a key component of the course. Students will do a minimum of 10 hours of classroom observation in appropriate special education settings as a part of this course.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201 and EDU 0280.

This course is a required course for Education majors enrolled in the Special Education certification track. It will provide students with a thorough understanding of the manifestations of learning disabilities affecting student performance and achievement in Mathematics. Strong emphasis will be placed on techniques using differentiation of instruction for the LD student and on effective instructional interventions for both individuals and the entire class. Appropriate use of assessment tools will also be a key component of the course. Students will do a minimum of 10 hours of classroom observation in appropriate special education settings as a part of this course.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

This is a required course for Education students who are pursuing K-12 certification in Special Education. The course provides a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills necessary in order to understand and work effectively with children at all levels of the autism spectrum from pervasive developmental disorder to Asperger’s syndrome. The course will include significant opportunities for supervised observation in area programs serving autistic children.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU0 201 and EDU 0280.

This as an upper level course specifically intended for students who are in the later stages of preparation for certification as special education teachers. The course has two primary components: classroom sessions devoted to relevant areas in special education (e. g. student assessment, IEP creation and implementation, etc.) and participation in a true practicum with regularly scheduled time in a special education class during the entire semester.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201.

Study of methods of teaching elementary school health, safety, and physical education and their relationship to the classroom and to the development of the whole child in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.

Offered fall/spring semester. (1.5 Credit)

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201; lab fee.

A study of methods of teaching the arts in the elementary school in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. This course integrates fine art, music, dance, and drama. Inclusionary topics are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

A lecture and hands-on approach to understanding the computer and its application in the classroom. No prior computer knowledge or skill is necessary.

Offered fall/spring semester. (1.5 Credit)

This course will include an examination of the various forms of group testing, both standardized and classroom. Students will also learn how to read and interpret test results and how to apply that knowledge to classroom and individual instruction. Basic statistical concepts such as median, mode, standard deviation, etc. will be covered, as will the ways in which statistics may be used appropriately and ethically in the educational setting. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 0200

A study of the principles of human learning and cognition as applied to the educational context. Consideration of effective instructional techniques and current research.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.

There are three primary foci: students will learn about the role, both educational and social, of the school in modern society, the fundamentals and diversity of family structure in America today, and the dynamics of family/school interaction. In addition, they will learn about the myriad social service resources available to support schools and children in America. Emphasis will be placed on ways in which teachers and schools can foster community partnerships which benefit students and their families.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic concepts and principles of elementary and middle grades curriculum. Emphasis is on methods, planning for diversity, inclusion, and differentiation of instruction. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An introductory survey of philosophical approaches to contemporary moral and social problems. Emphasis will be on theories about how we ought to act and about goals, rights and responsibilities appropriate to human beings. Topics may include capital punishment, equality and discrimination, economic justice, globalization, and terrorism, among others.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

*This course can fulfill General Education requirements.

*Easily add a minor: This course can be applied toward more than one requirement.

This course will provide students with a foundation in the organization and management of an effective classroom. Students will learn how to create and maintain a positive learning environment at every level, as well as specific techniques for managing a variety of student behavioral issues. Issues of respect, cultural diversity, and appropriate behavioral expectations will also be covered. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201

This is an introductory survey course. Students will learn about the development of special education in the United States. Key laws (e.g. 94-142 and ADA/504) as well as major litigation will be covered in detail. In addition, students will be introduced to the various categories of disability. Students will learn introductory material about educational accommodation for these disabilities and will learn how to write an IEP.

Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201 and EDU 0280.

This course will build on the learnings acquired in the Special Education foundation course described above. The various disabilities will be covered in greater detail with heavy emphasis on accommodating instruction and the classroom environment to the needs of disabled students. A significant portion of the course will also be devoted to strategies for providing appropriate enrichment in the regular classroom to students identified as gifted and talented.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

This is a basic course intended to provide students with the fundamentals of providing effective classroom instruction to students who are not native English speakers. It will examine the controversy over bilingual education vs., English for Speakers of other Languages (ESL). Students will acquire an understanding of immersion instruction, the various levels of resource room instruction, and how the classroom teacher can support such programs. Significant time will also be devoted to exploring cultural diversity and ways for the classroom teacher to foster a classroom environment which is both respectful and inclusive.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

An introduction to American Sign Language, covering the relationship between manual and oral language systems, the implications of deafness on communication, and the philosophy of total communication.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

A continued study of American Sign Language that emphasizes conversational skills and deaf culture.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: 120 hours of Stage 1, 2, and 3 practicum hours are required prior to student teaching. Limited to Education majors or Permission Of Instructor (POI). This course may only be taken during one of a student’s final two semesters in Undergraduate College. Students taking this course in their final semester must have completed all but two required courses.

Directed classroom participation. Teaching completed in suburban or urban schools; conferences and/or seminars with supervising teacher and college faculty member. The seminar also includes exploration of current issues in American education and their relevance for the classroom teacher. Professional conduct an ethical standards are emphasized as well. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed.

Offered fall/spring semester. (12 Credits)