Course Description - Teacher Preparation
LEDU1200 Foundations of Education (3 Credits)
This course investigates the philosophical, historical, and social/cultural character of education in the United States. It examines how schools function organizationally and the motivation for selecting teaching as a profession. Students will complete 20 hours of observation/participation in a public school.
LEDU1300 Introduction to Exceptionalities (3 Credits)
This course will introduce the federal laws that regulate special education, the basic values that underlie supporting students who experience disabilities, and the roles of teacher assistants in supporting those individuals including: the value of inclusion in home, education, work and community life; respect for the inherent worth and dignity of each person. Through readings, in-class discussions, lectures, presentations and classroom discussions, teachers and teacher assistants will develop strategies on how to facilitate students' independence, learning, social connections and self-advocacy skills. Curriculum will emphasize the philosophical and practical applications of valuing students' abilities and diversity, collaborating with educators and families, supporting classroom teachers and curriculum modifications. Topical issues to be explored include: A History of Disability Law; Implementing IDEA's (IDEIA's) Principles in public education; the practical application of these laws in an inclusive instructional setting; effective instructional strategies for curriculum adaptation and delivery within the context planning under IDEA (IDEIA) and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act; rights of teachers, parents and students; inclusion and collaboration. Emphasis will be placed upon the most prevalent disabilities, such as learning disabilities, emotional disorders, cognitive impairment, and physical disabilities
LEDU1450 Planning for Diverse Learners (3 Credits)
This course will explore students with their unprecedented challenges in today's education. It will enable educators to expand the scope of services and delivery they provide for all students, K-12. This course explores all facets of student diversity and addresses the teacher's need to design and deliver effective teaching for all learners. Topics to be explored include: developing and instilling a positive and inclusive classroom; encouraging and developing strengths rather than weaknesses; accommodating broad ranges of student abilities, talents, interest, backgrounds, and preparedness for learning; removing barriers to learning; and tracking student progress through "Follow the Child" initiatives.
LEDU1550 Alternative and Extended Learning Models (3 Credits)
This course explores alternative and extra-curricular educational settings and practices. These settings include, but are not limited to: charter and theme-based schools; home schooling; before and after-school programs; community for-profit and non-profit programs and partnerships; and museum settings. The roles of instructors, administrators, program developers, and their relationship(s) to traditional schooling will also be explored. (Prerequisite: LEDU1200)
LEDU2000 Teaching and Learning (3 Credits)
This course studies principles of curriculum, organizations, and teaching methods through supervised observation and participation in a public school. This course introduces the student to rubric evaluation and learning styles, lesson planning, and curriculum delivery. (Prerequisite: LEDU1200)
LEDU2010 Introduction to Middle/High School Teaching (3 Credits)
This course will explore the unique issues and challenges that teachers face when working with this population of students. Topics include, but are not limited to: the pre-adolescent/adolescent learner; middle/high school paradigms; behavioral and developmental concerns and management; and curriculum mapping. 20 hours of observation in middle/high school is required. (Prerequisite: LEDU1200, LEDU2000)
LEDU2080 Teaching Literature for Children Across the Curriculum (3 Credits)
This course explores genres of literature for children in grades K-8 with an emphasis on the integration of the language arts across the content areas. Discussion and development of thematic units using a variety of genre is included. Extensive reading and critiquing of children's books are required with the aim of developing an appreciation and understanding of the value of children's literature in language and literacy development. (Prerequisites: LEDU1200, LEDU2000)
LEDU2090 Integrated Arts (3 Credits)
An exploration into the value and practical application of integrating the arts across all content areas of the curriculum. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the creative process in the classroom and will investigate the various means of expressing ideas, emotions and images through the use of music, drama, movement, puppetry, visual arts, and theatre. This course involves a team-teaching practicum component with a minimum of 10 hours in a public school setting. (Prerequisites: LEDU1200, LEDU2000, or POI)
LEDU2100 Instructional Technology (3 Credits)
This course presents the theory and strategies for effective integration of technology resources and technology-based methods of instruction, and assistive technology designed for students with disabilities. A background of mediated instruction will be provided along with a review of the qualities and benefits of various technology options, including assistive technology, available to instructional settings. Opportunities to apply instructional delivery using common forms of media, multimedia, computers and specialized programs for students with disabilities will be integral to this course, in addition to the contemplation of future issues of integration of technology and matters of time and place of the learning experience. The fourth credit is an independent study/distance learning format utilizing the Internet. Computer labs will be open for student use. In order to fully participate in this class, students need to have experience with Microsoft Office applications, to include basic word processing and file management and the use of the Internet for searching and email communication. Students with questions or concerns regarding this requirement should contact the instructor or the Academic Affairs office.
LEDU2200 Integrated Arts Service Learning Project (3 Credits)
This course is intended to provide both service to the community and real-world experience for students in the Integrated Arts Certificate program. Students in other programs, such as fine arts, teacher preparation, and early childhood education, may also be considered for participation in this course. Students will design and implement an integrated arts program for a select group of children, the population, location, and scope of which will be determined by both the community partner's and the college's needs and resources. NOTE: a background check is required and will be performed before being allowed to work with children. (Prerequisites: POI) (09/2009)
LEDU2300 Essentials of Career and Technical Curriculum and Instruction (3 Credits)
This course will explore the history, philosophy, principles, organization and operation of career and technical education in the United States. Students will develop a functional understanding of the role and responsibilities of a professional career and technical educator. This course will provide the participant with the foundation and skills needed to design, implement and manage a curriculum in career and technical education. Identification of resources and occupational analysis, derivation of content, formulation of objectives, defining measurable learning outcomes, and the selection and development of activities and evaluation methods will be explored.
LEDU2400 Independent Study in Education (3 Credits)
The Independent Study in Education course is designed for those students who have a particular interest in a subject matter, population, or approach to teaching that could be explored in greater depth or breadth than current course offerings allow, or who may wish to design a personal project or practicum experience that supplements or focuses their college experience. Students are expected to have enough knowledge and experience to formulate their own goals and interests, as well as work independently to completion.
OTHER RELATED COURSES
LENG1200 College Composition (3 Credits)
In this course students learn to write clearly and effectively for defined audiences through a variety of strategies. Emphasis is on the writing process from prewriting through drafting, revising and editing. Formal essays and a research paper are required. (Prerequisite: Placement or successful completion of competency assessment)
LPSY1250 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
Various areas of psychology, including scientific investigation, motivation, personality, psychological testing, behavioral deviation, perception, learning and human development are studied.
LPSY1260 Human Growth and Development (3 Credits)
This course surveys physiological, mental and emotional development over the human life span. Using the central concepts of epigenetic stages and interaction with the environment, the course identifies the main trends of human development and explores the needs and typical responses of persons at each stage.
LHUM1310 Cultural Anthropology (3 Credits)
This survey course involves the study of human beings and their cultures, customs, origins and development. Specific topics examined and discussed include human origins and evolution, human cultures, race and ethnicity, religions, taboos, political systems, economic systems, kinship, sexual norms and mores, gender roles, marriage, educational systems, art, and the effects of globalization on local cultures.
LPSY2000 Educational Psychology (3 Credits)
Psychological principles are applied to the learning environment. Theories of learning, memory, cognition, and behavior management are discussed in relation to formal education. (Prerequisites: LPSY1250 and LPSY1260 which may be taken concurrently)
LPOL2310 American Government (3 Credits)
This introductory course in government examines the relationship between government, politics and power. Students discuss how people in a representative democracy can effect change in government to address current and future needs.
