Issues of school reform and their impact on special education. Areas of investigation will include: inclusion; economics; legal issues; interrelationships among homes, family, and community agencies; early intervention practices; transitional alternatives; research and instruction. Master’s program session 1. 3 credits.

Advanced study of human development from conception to adolescence. Course focuses on the typical and atypical physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children. Particular emphasis is placed on atypical development in the areas of physical, sensory, and motor development, atypical behavior, and mental health issues as they relate to and impact children with and without special needs. Master’s program session 2. Offered online. 3 credits.

Examination and application of current methods and materials for assisting students as they read, study, and learn in the secondary school content area. The course will investigate differentiated instructional approaches to facilitate learning of the content area curriculum for all students. Master’s program session 4. Offered online. 3 credits.

Teaching strategies for designing curriculum across all content areas to meet the needs of diverse secondary students. Students will learn to integrate reading comprehension strategies to enhance reading and learning across all areas of the curriculum. Students will explore various learning styles and preferences and be able to develop brain-compatible strategies to address learning needs through multisensory teaching. Prerequisite: SED727. Master’s program session 5. Offered online. 3 credits.

Theoretical and practical study of individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders. Emphasis on the definition, characteristics, identification, intervention, educational approaches, research, and instructional strategies. Summer and Master’s program session 3. 3 credits.

Designed to prepare prospective teachers to actively participate in the assessment process. All methods of assessment will be examined. Students will be given instruction in the effective construction and proper use of tests and the legal issues surrounding assessment. Current theories, practices, and research will be investigated. Master’s program session 6. 3 credits.

The impact on a family of a child with disabilities is investigated. The course is designed to develop effective techniques for conferencing and establishing good working relationships with professionals and parents of children with disabilities. Fall semester and Master’s program session 1. 3 credits.

This course investigates pertinent issues related to autism spectrum disorders and deals with the nature and dynamics of autism in relation to school, community, and home environments. Specific topics investigated include: definition and symptoms, family and professional relationships, behavior, multi-faceted treatment strategies, and constructive IEP/inclusion goals and objectives. Master’s program session 3. 3 credits.

This course provides an overview of the many facets of assistive technology. Learners investigate the use of assistive technology as it relates to communication, mobility, education, recreation, vocation, independence, and therapy/rehabilitation. Course activities are designed to provide an overview of assistive technology applications with a focus on basic, secondary, and postsecondary educational environments. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Master’s program session 2 and 5. Offered online. 3 credits.

Theories of multicultural education and psychology of difference. The social construction of difference, its influence on educational systems, and teachers’ values and behaviors will be discussed. Pedagogical skills for working with students from non-majority cultures will be presented. Summer. 3 credits.

This course prepares students to examine and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data. Designed to assist students in choosing research topics, reviewing literature, and selecting appropriate methodology. Each student will produce an introduction to a research proposal and a literature review for this proposal. Master’s program session 5. Offered online. 3 credits.

In this course, students will learn techniques for advanced word processing software, basic and intermediate spreadsheet software, and basic and intermediate database skills. Course will focus on uses of productivity software pertaining to teaching and training, including grade tracking options. Spring semester. Offered online. 3 credits.

Students will learn to use a variety of types of search engines and search techniques to find and evaluate information on the web. Students will learn to create presentations that include content specific techniques to enhance learning. Students will also be exposed to basic web design using html and will create a rudimentary web page. Fall semester. Offered online. 3 credits.

Students learn methods for creating podcasts, posting them, and using them for educational purposes. Fall semester. Offered online. 2 credits.

This course is intended to provide insight into the various types of adaptive hardware and software adaptations available to meet the needs of a learner with a physical disability. Focus will be placed on items readily available to be used or likely encountered in a classroom setting. There will also be focus on exploration and analysis of various types of software available for educational and administrative purposes. A third area of focus is electronic portfolio development. Summer. Offered online. 3 credits.

Basic skills in the use of digital camcorders, digital cameras, and software packages useful in editing the digital products. Students must purchase IDTEL program, required laptop, and software to use in the course. Summer. Offered online. 2 credits.

In this course, students will be exposed to basic web design using a web design software and will be expected to create a web page that includes navigational links, hot spots on links, smart objects, drop down menus, and various other features. Students will also learn graphic animation and use this animation within their web pages. Prerequisite: ID520. Spring semester. Offered online. 2 credits.

Students explore emerging technology tools, identify strong possibilities for each tool in learning environments, and evaluate applicability. Current examples of emerging technologies include moodles, wikis, podcasts, cell phone video, and Second Life web sites. Summer. Offered online. 2 credits.

Individualized study of selected topics related to Elementary/Middle Education. Repeatable for credit. Permission of Program Director is required. 1-3 credits.

The fundamentals of music, drama, and art education will be explored separately and given an integrated or thematic application. Summer. 3 credits. Fee.

Current research, instructional strategies, and assessment of individuals with high incidence disabilities. Emphasis on characteristics, identification, current educational approaches, and research. Spring semester. 3 credits.

This course is designed to provide graduate students with a foundation for a critical analysis of the teaching experience. Students will utilize a variety of literary media, observations, and interviews as a basis for inquiry and reflection concerning exemplary teachers throughout history. Using techniques of critical analysis, students will explore teaching and learning styles, the motivations of teaching, and current theories of teacher efficacy as it relates to student achievement in the middle grades. Students will observe/interview master teachers. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. J-term. 3 credits.

Designed to survey children’s literature including nursery rhymes, literary folk tales, poetry, illustrations, story telling, and literary genres, this course focuses on the importance of integrating children’s literature across the curriculum. Students will discover creative activities to incorporate children’s literature into their daily lessons and evaluate the quality of children’s literature. This course will also address the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Reading and Language Arts focusing on literature. Summer, odd-numbered years. 3 credits.

Issues of school reform and their impact on special education. Areas of investigation will include: inclusion; economics; legal issues; interrelationships among homes, family, and community agencies; early intervention practices; transitional alternatives; research and instruction. Master’s program session 1. 3 credits.

Educational philosophies and instructional strategies for children with special needs. Topics will focus on: specific characteristics of various disabilities, cultural and language barriers, gifted and talented, current legislation, inclusion strategies, current issues, and research in the field. Fall semester. 3 credits.

The fundamentals of music, drama, and art education will be explored separately and given an integrated or thematic application. Summer. 3 credits. Fee.

This course focuses on the investigation of current issues, trends, materials, and research-based strategies for teaching mathematics at the elementary/middle level with inclusive classrooms. Development of a variety of approaches and materials for effective instruction and evaluation according to National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Middle School Association, and Pennsylvania Academic standards and assessment anchors are emphasized along with an introduction to professional organizations and literature available to math educators. Field experiences required. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Summer semester. 3 credits.

This course includes the Pennsylvania Academic Standards with advanced study in the trends, materials, and approaches for teaching science/health topics and processes in elementary/middle level education. Participants will be engaged actively in science/health experiments/presentations and procedures with emphasis on life, earth, and physical science in the inclusive classroom. Science/health curricula and textbooks will be examined. Field experiences required. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.

This course analyzes the theoretical discourse in the field of social studies education. Lesson planning for the teaching of social studies, based on Pennsylvania Academic Standards, is stressed in this course. Instructional techniques for the teaching of elementary social studies topics such as history, geography, civics, Pennsylvania history, and economics to diverse learners in grades 4-8 receive major focus. The use of curricular materials, technology and related appropriate literature, and children’s literature complete course. Field experiences required. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Spring semester. 3 credits.

This course focuses on the examination and application of current research-based strategies for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to young children. Emphasis is on selecting, implementing, and adapting effective instructional strategies, curriculum resources, and technologies to meet the needs of diverse learners including students with learning disabilities. Communicating effectively with parents/guardians, lesson planning, development of instructional materials, children’s literature, and assessment based on national and PA Academic Standards are emphasized. Fall semester. 3 credits.

This course concentrates on the examination and application of current research-based strategies for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to children in grades 4-8 with a focus on national and Pennsylvania Academic Standards. This course emphasizes strategies for curricular connections and reading in the content areas to encourage student interest in a variety of literature genres that are developmentally appropriate in an inclusive setting. Professional journals and organizations will be explored. Field experiences required. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Spring semester. 3 credits.

Theoretical and practical study of individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders. Emphasis on the definition, characteristics, identification, intervention, educational approaches, research, and instructional strategies. Summer and Master’s program session 3. 3 credits.

Designed to prepare prospective teachers to actively participate in the assessment process. All methods of assessment will be examined. Students will be given instruction in the effective construction and proper use of tests and the legal issues surrounding assessment. Current theories, practices, and research will be investigated. Master’s program session 6. 3 credits.

This course provides an overview of the many facets of assistive technology. Learners investigate the use of assistive technology as it relates to communication, mobility, education, recreation, vocation, independence, and therapy/rehabilitation. Course activities are designed to provide an overview of assistive technology applications with a focus on basic, secondary, and postsecondary educational environments. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Master’s program session 2 and 5. Offered online. 3 credits.

Theories of multicultural education and psychology of difference. The social construction of difference, its influence on educational systems, and teachers’ values and behaviors will be discussed. Pedagogical skills for working with students from non-majority cultures will be presented. Summer. 3 credits.

Investigation of current issues and trends in education. Special emphasis on analyzing research related to the practices of teaching and learning. This course will culminate in the design of a special project or research paper. For students in the non-thesis option. Prerequisite: ED915. Fall semester. 3 credits.

Students will design, conduct, and present research projects under the direction of a faculty committee. Prerequisite: SED933. Pass/Fail only. Repeatable for credit. Fall, spring, and summer. 3 credits.

In this course, students will learn techniques for advanced word processing software, basic and intermediate spreadsheet software, and basic and intermediate database skills. Course will focus on uses of productivity software pertaining to teaching and training, including grade tracking options. Spring semester. Offered online. 3 credits.

Students will learn to use a variety of types of search engines and search techniques to find and evaluate information on the web. Students will learn to create presentations that include content specific techniques to enhance learning. Students will also be exposed to basic web design using html and will create a rudimentary web page. Fall semester. Offered online. 3 credits.

Students learn methods for creating podcasts, posting them, and using them for educational purposes. Fall semester. Offered online. 2 credits.

This course is intended to provide insight into the various types of adaptive hardware and software adaptations available to meet the needs of a learner with a physical disability. Focus will be placed on items readily available to be used or likely encountered in a classroom setting. There will also be focus on exploration and analysis of various types of software available for educational and administrative purposes. A third area of focus is electronic portfolio development. Summer. Offered online. 3 credits.

Basic skills in the use of digital camcorders, digital cameras, and software packages useful in editing the digital products. Students must purchase IDTEL program, required laptop, and software to use in the course. Summer. Offered online. 2 credits.

In this course, students will be exposed to basic web design using a web design software and will be expected to create a web page that includes navigational links, hot spots on links, smart objects, drop down menus, and various other features. Students will also learn graphic animation and use this animation within their web pages. Prerequisite: ID520. Spring semester. Offered online. 2 credits.

Students explore emerging technology tools, identify strong possibilities for each tool in learning environments, and evaluate applicability. Current examples of emerging technologies include moodles, wikis, podcasts, cell phone video, and Second Life web sites. Summer. Offered online. 2 credits.

Current teaching techniques across the curriculum are stressed in this class. Topics covered include Bloom’s Taxonomy, instructional objectives, motivation and retention theories, cooperative learning, inclusive practices, classroom management, assessment, and the use of Pennsylvania Academic Standards in lesson and unit planning. Field experiences required. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Fall, spring, and summer. 3 credits.

Designed to assist prospective early childhood and elementary teachers in leading physical activities for children. Graded games, team games, simple folk dances, rhythms, and methods of teaching physical education to handicapped and non-handicapped children. Pre- or co-requisite: SED201. Fall, spring, and summer. 1 credit.

This is a field experience for those pursuing Pre-K to Grade 4 certification. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Students work in area school classrooms one day per week per term. Corequisite: SED432. Pass/Fail only. Repeatable for credit. Fall and spring semesters. 1 credit.

Practicum students are placed in a classroom setting for one or more hours per week (15 hours total) to observe reading being taught. The students in this field experience interact with children who are learning to read and record observations on pupil behaviors, needs, and methods of teacher responses and instruction based on Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Tubercular check, FBI criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal Record History, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Pass/Fail only. Repeatable for credit. 1 credit. Fee.

Lesson planning and execution, based on Pennsylvania Academic Standards, are stressed in this class. Participants will utilize a diverse array of pedagogy for diverse audiences in their micro-teaching. They will engage in critical assessment of teaching performances. Exposure to professionals and professional organizations, the use of curricular materials and technology, and discussion of ethical behavior and classroom management complete the course. Prerequisite: Admission into the Education Program and successful completion of all Praxis exams. Corequisite: SED300 or SED301. Permission required. Fall, spring, and summer semesters, J-term. 1 credit.

This is a 14-week student teaching experience for students who are earning a single area of certification. Students are expected to plan and employ lesson designs based on Pennsylvania Academic Standards under the guidance of a cooperating teacher in an area school. Transportation is the student’s responsibility. Students will be assigned to schools within a 20-mile radius of the University. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Prerequisites: Completion of all courses required for certification; “B-” or better in SED201 or SED202, and SED432; cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better; passing scores in all required Praxis exams; and approval of Education faculty. Corequisite: SED435 for all; SED436 is also a co-req for PreK-4 majors. Permission required. Fall and spring semesters. 12 credits. Fee.

This is a seminar that emphasizes the professional responsibilities found in the companion course, the student teaching experience SED433 or SED434. The Pennsylvania Code of Ethical Behavior is examined in depth. Additionally, issues such as mandated reporting for child abuse, first aid issues and other classroom health care concerns, job search strategies, professional portfolio development, and classroom management comprise the topics for discussion in this course. Prerequisites: Completion of all courses required for certification; “B-” or better in SED201 or SED202, and SED432; cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better; and approval of Education faculty. Corequisite: SED433 or SED434. Permission required. Fall and spring semesters. 1 credit.

This course introduces students to major themes in American history such as cultural diversity, democracy, and economic growth. Also covers historical analysis, research methods, and a variety of social studies disciplines as they are used in history. 3 credits.

Topics include problem solving, set theory, number theory, numerations systems and algebra review. Particular emphasis is placed on the successive development of real numbers and the employment of electronic resources. The first course in a sequence of two mathematics courses designed for students who are pursuing teacher certification in areas other than secondary mathematics. Prerequisite knowledge: This course requires a working knowledge of elementary algebra. Fall, spring, and summer. 3 credits.

The study of human physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development from conception through adolescence. Includes observation and analysis of children’s behavior at the campus Child Development Center. Tubercular check, Act 33 Child Abuse, Act 34 Criminal Record check, Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record, and PDE-6004 (Arrest or Conviction Report and Certification Form) required. Fall and spring semesters, and ADP session 4 in even-numbered years. 3 credits.