MEd. in Elementary Education (Not Eligible for Credential)

• Philosophical / Social Issues
  
  This study of the historical, philosophical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed addresses societal issues and future challenges facing educators involved in the system
  
  
• Advanced Educational Psychology
  
  This study of the theories and principles of psychology that influence education addresses developmental, behavioral, and cognitive approaches to learning, motivation, instruction, and assessment.
  
  
• Educating Learners with Diverse Needs
  
  Emphasis will be placed on definitions, etiology, characteristics, and prevalence of various exceptionalities; laws and litigation protecting the rights of students with special needs and their families; current issues affecting persons with special needs; social perceptions, assessment, inclusion, and transition; and basic curriculum accommodations and supportive services for teaching students with special needs in the general classroom.
  
  
• SEI English Language Teaching: Foundations and Methodologies
  
  This course presents the historical, legal, theoretical, and sociological foundations of programs of instruction for English language learners. It includes an examination of the role of culture in learning and instructional program models, with a focus on Structured English Immersion. Students will be instructed in immersion strategies and the use of assessment data.
  
  
• Prescriptive Reading Theory
  
  The focus of this course is on reading diagnostics, assessments and strategies implemented with a single elementary student. Emphasis is also given to research-based systematic phonics instruction.
  
  
• Curriculum and Methods: Literacy: Reading/ Language Arts
  
  This course is designed to develop a coherent, research-based program fostering literacy in the classroom. The course includes discourse theory as it pertains to the teaching of reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on planning and delivery of lessons in reading comprehension, literature, phonics, writing, oral language, vocabulary, and evaluation of learning.
  
  
• English Linguistics
  
  This course familiarizes students with emergent language, early linguistic development, and the fundamentals of linguistic theory, including the morphological, phonological, and syntactic structure of the English language.
  
  
• Curriculum and Methods: Social Studies
  
  This course presents the current research-based curriculum developments and models of effective instruction used in the field. Emphasis is placed on the construction of unit and daily lesson plans, materials and resources with implementation in the elementary classroom
  
  
• Curriculum and Methods: Science
  
  This course is designed to acquaint the student with science curriculum and effective techniques for the teaching of science. The student is involved in planning instruction, employing science programs that are currently being used in the public schools, and using research-based instructional models.
  
  
• Curriculum and Methods: Mathematics
  
  This course is designed to acquaint the student with the current research related to the pedagogy of teaching mathematics. Curriculum formulation and implementation along with the utilization of manipulative materials and individualized games in the elementary classroom are addressed.
  
  
• Instructional Technology
  
  Emphasis is given to the advanced utilization of research-based methodologies through various media elements as well as computer networking, multimedia, interactive video, and the Internet.
  
  
• Literacy in a Multicultural Society
  
  This course is designed to develop understanding and appreciation of cultural differences (including values, attitudes, behaviors, abilities, and learning styles) present in both the general public and schools. Both theoretical constructs and practical applications of literacy in a multicultural society are emphasized.
  
  
• Educational Applications of Technology
  
  Participants will investigate various learning theories and how these theories are contributing to technology enhanced educational practices. The most current issues facing educational technology will be addressed in a threaded discussion format, as well as through classroom discussion and journal or online article research.
  
  
• Classroom Management
  
  Various models of classroom management are examined, and techniques for assessing current classroom management practices at school are explored.
  
  
• Educational Action Research
  
  This course is designed to provide the theoretical foundation and framework of action research. Special emphasis is placed on an examination of the basic principles of qualitative research methodologies, which will lead to the design and implementation of a peer-supported action research project.