ED711 - Curriculum & Assessment Diverse Learners

This course considers research, principles, and strategies for effective instruction and classroom organization, particularly in the context of supporting diverse learners and teaching in diverse settings. Topics include differentiated instruction, curriculum planning and resources, formal and informal assessments of student progress, modifications appropriate to meet linguistic and cultural differences, and accommodations for special needs learners. Requires classroom observations at multiple locations.

ED712 - Literacy Instruction: Elementary

This course explores literacy learning and teaching in grades 1 – 6. Topics include the role of phonemic awareness, phonics, and word analysis in reading and writing; the relationship among vocabulary development, comprehension, and fluency; formal and informal assessments to measure literacy development and guide classroom instruction; and effective instructional strategies and materials to support elementary learners in reading and writing. Includes focus on differentiating instruction for readers and writers with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Requires a pre-practicum.

ED713 - Reading Supports for Elementary Learners

This course examines formal and informal assessments of reading difficulties, especially those currently in use, and their analysis, interpretation, and application to classroom instruction and placement. Students explore strategies, materials, and modifications appropriate for classroom teachers, as well as specialized programs. Requires classroom observations. Prerequisite: ED 712.

ED720 - Mathematics Concepts & Curriculum

This course explores central areas of mathematics in the elementary classroom, as well teaching strategies and methods appropriate for learners at various stages of understanding. Topics include number and operations; functions and algebra; geometry and measurement; statistics and probability; and problem solving. Requires classroom teaching.

ED721 - Science & Technology Concepts/Curriculum

This course provides understanding of essential concepts in the physical and life sciences, including technology and environmental science. Reviews standards for teaching and learning science and technology, as well exploring area resources for teachers and elementary students. Integrates technology appropriate for elementary classrooms.

ED722 - Social Studies Concepts & Curriculum

This course provides understanding and critical examination of major events and eras in American and world history through varied perspectives. Includes strategies for integrating social studies and other content areas, including literacy and arts. Students explore local resources for teaching social studies and become familiar with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

ED751 - Research, Policy, Practice in Education

This course explores critical issues in education, with particular focus on policy and practice implications. Specific topics vary, including both perennial concerns (for example, inclusion and accommodations for special needs learners; assessment goals, strategies, and instruments; literacy instruction and assessment; school choice) and emerging concerns related to legislative initiatives, budget considerations, and major research findings.

ED752 - Collaboration for Student Success

This course emphasizes effective communication skills in a variety of contexts, both within and outside of school settings, related to elementary student success. Students develop strategies for collaborating with a variety of professionals, including school professionals in general education and special education and professionals in medical and mental health agencies; and for engaging families/caregivers, particularly from diverse backgrounds, community members, and outside agencies.

ED753 - Literacy Across the Curriculum

This course provides principles, strategies, and resources for teaching and using literacy skills in content-area subjects in elementary grades. Focuses on comprehension of narrative and informational texts, text types, integration of literature in content areas, study skills, and vocabulary development.

ED754 - Phonics & Spelling in Elementary Grades

This course focuses on language processes, including phonological and orthographic language systems related to literacy development. Research and theory related to letters, sounds and their relationship, word analysis, and spelling are used to critique and evaluate reading programs and design customized assessment and instruction.

ED761 - Sheltered English Immersion

This course provides a grounding in current theory and practice related to teaching English Language Learners. In particular, students learn to effectively shelter their content instruction, so that ELL students can access curriculum, achieve academic success, and contribute their multilingual and multicultural resources as participants and future leaders in the 21st century global economy. Course includes a pre-practicum in license-appropriate classrooms. Prerequisite: ED 713 or Department permission. (3 credits) Formerly - ED773

ED771 - Understanding/Using Educational Research

This course explores major paradigms of educational research, including concepts, methods, and terminology related to each. Students read, analyze, and discuss both seminal and current research in relevant areas; study trends in educational research; and apply findings to their own practice by designing a classroom-based research project. Prerequisite: completion of at least 21 credits in the graduate education program.

ED772 - Teacher as Researcher

This course focuses on refining, completing, and reporting the research project designed in ED 771. Requires presenting findings in symposium setting. Prerequisite: ED 771.

ED773 - Teacher as Leader

This course explores various aspects of leadership and change in education, business, and other professions. Includes theories and models of leadership, organizational change and behavior, and policy analysis, as well as approaches to mentoring and coaching. Helps participants identify their own leadership styles and goals.

ED796 - Practicum: Elementary

This course provides a minimum of 300 hours of student teaching experience in an elementary classroom under the supervision of a qualified professional. Includes a weekly seminar to discuss issues such as management, planning, professional development, and moral and ethical aspects of teaching. Prerequisites: Pass all required MTEL; cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0; complete at least 27 credits in the graduate education program.

SPED711 - Learners with Special Needs

This course provides information on characteristics of special needs learners, including physical, emotional, and learning disabilities, with a focus on how these needs may affect classroom organization, planning, and instruction. Introduces assessment, models of special education delivery, and multiple perspectives on educating special needs learners. Requires classroom observations.

SPED712 - Curriculum & Resources in SPED

This course provides experience in curriculum planning and instruction that meets the needs of special education learners with specific disabilities. Requires classroom observation and teaching.

SPED721 - Inclusive Education

This course provides knowledge and resources related to teaching special needs learners in an inclusive classroom. Topics include collaborating with other professionals to plan and deliver instruction, co-teaching, classroom management techniques, behavior interventions, assistive technology, and appropriate modifications, adaptations, and accommodations. Requires classroom observation and teaching.

SPED722 - Policy, Law, & Disability

This course provides in-depth understanding of federal and state laws and regulations related to special education. Introduces resources for special needs learners, parents or care-takers, and teachers, including school professionals, services available in area communities, advocacy groups, professional associations, mental health care professionals, and medical professionals. Includes focus on collaboration among these various groups to support special needs learners and their families. Recommended prerequisites: SPED 711, SPED 712.

SPED753 - Assistive Technology in Education

This course is an in-depth exploration of current technology available for adaptive, assistive, and instructional applications. Students research and evaluate available applications and develop a professional resource file.

SPED754 - Advanced Assessment & Modification

This course explores selection, administration and interpretation of assessments related to special needs learners, particularly those used to assess intelligence, aptitude, and achievement; communication of results to school professionals, students, and parents/caregivers; and applications to classroom settings. Students should be generally familiar with assessment and referral processes. Includes field assignments.

SPED795 - Practicum: Moderate Disabilities PK - 8

This course provides a minimum of 300 hours of student teaching in two different classrooms under the supervision of qualified professionals. May be full time in an inclusive general education classroom or 75 hours in an inclusive general education classroom and 225 hours in a classroom for students with moderate disabilities. Includes a weekly seminar to discuss issues such as planning, teaching, collaboration, and moral and ethical aspects of teaching. Prerequisites: Pass all required MTEL; cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0; complete at least 27 credits in the graduate education program.