ED 502 Foundations of Education
Explores the historical background and philosophical foundation of education in the United States with emphasis upon present-day applications. The education system will be viewed in terms of the role of various organizations upon its structure and operation. Teacher responsibilities and management skills will be emphasized as well as the legal implications of classroom behavior. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 503 Curriculum: Theory and Practice
Designed to help the preservice teacher select and develop curriculum and instruction that will promote effective teaching and learning. The prospective teacher will learn how to write instructional objectives and daily lesson plans to provide instruction for diverse learners including those with disabilities, and devise ways to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 505 Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities
Examines characteristics commonly associated with children and youth who display learning difficulties, with specific focus on the academic difficulties such children exhibit. Theories of etiology are explored in depth. Field experience: 20 hours. (3)
ED 508 Special Education and the Exceptional Learner
Designed for the K-12 non-special education teacher. The content surveys categories of special education (learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, autism, AD/HD, ADD, and others) and exceptionalities, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and the gifted learner. The themes of the course include working effectively with families, adapting curriculum, assessing and monitoring student progress, and collaboration among special education teachers, ESOL teachers, paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and other school professionals. Field experience: 20 hours. (3)
ED 512 Strategies for Instruction and Behavioral Management for Students with Learning Disabilities
Focuses on the development of the knowledge and skills of instruction for individuals with learning disabilities. It is designed to provide experiences in determining best teaching strategies and techniques to meet the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individuals with disabilities. Emphasis is on creating adaptations and modification of materials and strategies to address specific learning needs in the content area and on the role of the teacher as a behavioral management decision maker. Students will learn strategies to create a positive classroom environment where conduct and behavior is conducive to learning. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisite: ED 505. (3)
ED 512A Strategies for Teaching Students with Emotional Disturbances
Examines the nature and needs of those students with emotional disturbances and behavioral disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the teacher as an instructional and behavioral management decision maker. Techniques for working with elementary and secondary school students in different settings will be examined. An essential component of the course is the 20-hour field experience. (3)
ED 519 Current Research, Trends, and Legal Issues in Special Education
Examines the legislative foundations of special education services and looks at current legislation and litigation that will shape its future. Critiques of current research in the field of special education will be conducted. (3)
ED 522 Reading, Language Development, and Remedial Strategies
Overview of normal and abnormal language development and the acquisition of reading skills. Identification, assessment, and intervention strategies relevant to reading and language development are stressed. Issues surrounding bilingual and multicultural children are explored using the Virginia Standards of Learning as the framework. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 526 Cross-cultural/International Curricula
A basic course in cultural differences in education. Cultural groups’ needs in the United States and cultural differences in other nations are examined. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 530 Student Teaching of Students with Learning Disabilities
Supervised clinical experiences in K-12 school sites in the education of the learning disabled. Prerequisites: ED 502; ED 503; ED 505; ED 512; ED 519; ED 522; and two from the following: ED 538, ED 555, ED 556, ED 558, or ED 559; approval of the Graduate Teacher Education Committee. (6)
ED 535 Assessing and Guiding Students in Elementary Settings
Designed for students to become knowledgeable in assessment strategies and in principles and practices of effective classroom management in the PK-6 setting. Students explore a variety of assessment techniques and devices. Essentials of classroom organization, management, and discipline are emphasized. Prerequisite: ED 508. (3)
ED 536 Creativity and Problem Solving
Emphasizes creativity in communication, art, music, and gaming. Examines problem solving in a general way and moves from definition to research and testing. Research in these areas is stressed. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 537 Reading Across the Curriculum: Secondary
The reading process, specialized content areas, and the evaluation of reading are emphasized. Research in the secondary school curriculum is presented and the Virginia Standards of Learning are examined. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 538 Secondary Teaching Methods
Provides an overview of basic principles and practices of curriculum modification at the secondary level. Focus is on developmental characteristics, and social and educational contexts of the secondary student. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 540 Project
Study of a selected topic in education under the direction of a graduate faculty member. Offered summer semester only. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of the School of Education and Human Services. (3)
ED 543 Fundamentals of Language Arts
Surveys the study, nature, and function of language. Analyzes the components of English linguistics (phonology, morphology, and syntax) and their implications in teaching students in PK-12 programs. (3)
ED 545 Transition and Family Issues for Individuals with Disabilities
Designed to provide educators with a broad overview of the rationale for career and transition programming critical to the development of children and youth with disabilities. The course also presents the various program options that are currently available. The knowledge and understanding of the importance of counseling, working with families of students with disabilities, and the availability of community resources to assist both parents and children with disabilities will be discussed. (3)
ED 550 Research Methods
Presents students with various current research methods in education preparing them to design and conduct an applied research project that involves collecting and analyzing data and reporting the findings. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 553 Teaching English as a Second Language
Emphasizes second-language learning and problems involved with linguistics and semantics; deals with remediation and textual material. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 554 Computers and Technology in the Classroom
An introductory, hands-on course designed to acquaint preservice teachers with the integration of technology into an educational curriculum, including multimedia, evaluation of educational software, and an introduction to telecommunication resources such as the World Wide Web. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 555 Reading and Language Arts: Grades PK-2
Introduces students to the teaching of reading by exploring the nature of the reading process and the major approaches and skills needed to enhance literacy learning in the classroom for all students. It focuses on the understanding of literacy development of young children, ages preschool through second grade. Using the Virginia Standards of Learning as the framework, students will examine language learning and tailor that instruction for diverse populations. Theoretical foundations of methodologies that research and practice have indicated to be successful are explored. Teaching strategies for special populations are demonstrated throughout the course. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 556 Reading and Language Arts: Grades 3–6
Using the Virginia Standards of Learning as the framework, students will explore the relationship among reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the context of a diverse grades 3-6 classroom. Various strategies for teaching spelling, grammar, and vocabulary in the content areas are included. Emphasis is placed on examining diagnostic tools used to assess, evaluate, and group students for instruction. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502, ED 503, and ED 555. (3)
ED 557 Social Studies/Literature: Grades PK-6
Focuses on the integration of children’s literature and social studies in planning learning experiences for PK-6 students. Knowledge and appreciation of children’s literature is fostered through extensive study of various literary genres and their use throughout the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, skills, and processes of history and social science disciplines as defined in the Virginia Standards of Learning. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 558 Elementary Math Methods
Methods for teaching elementary mathematics will be demonstrated while a hands-on approach and the use of technology as an instructional tool are emphasized. Students will study techniques for designing and implementing mathematics lessons that develop knowledge and skills in mathematical concepts, computations, reasoning, and problem solving. Mathematics curricula and strategies for evaluating student performance will be addressed. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 559 Elementary Science Methods
Applied methods for teaching elementary science will be demonstrated using manipulatives, natural objects, computer technologies, and other tools of science and measurement. Students will study techniques for designing and implementing science lessons and units based on an inquiry model. In addition, questioning strategies, graphics, safety in the science classroom, and appropriate assessment strategies will be addressed. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502 and ED 503. (3)
ED 561 Teaching Language Pragmatics
Designed for ESL teachers (in training and service). It focuses on ESL classroom practices based on the latest principles of applied linguistics and sociolinguistics, especially as these principles relate to language use versus language usage. (3)
ED 563 ESL/ESP: Curricula, Materials, and Tests
Emphasizes English as a Second Language/English for Special Purposes. Develops skills for preparing assessment materials and tests. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 565 Cross-cultural Education and the Language Arts
Addresses the unique language arts needs of students in grades K-12 who are also involved in urban and suburban multicultural settings. The participant will explore and define multiculturalism while developing teaching techniques in the language arts that augment the existing curriculum using the Virginia Standards of Learning as a framework. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)
ED 568 Teaching English and Social Studies in the Middle/Secondary School
Examines best practices unique to teaching English and social studies at the secondary level while integrating the curriculum to include Virginia Standards of Learning. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502, ED 503, and ED 538. (3)
ED 569 Teaching Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science in the Middle/Secondary School
Examines best practices unique to teaching science, mathematics, and computer science at the secondary level while integrating the curriculum to include Virginia Standards of Learning. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 502, ED 503, and ED 538. (3)
ED 570A Student Teaching: PK-6
Supervised clinical experience in an elementary (grades PK-6) school site for 14 weeks. Readings and seminar sessions are required. Prerequisites: ED 502, ED 503, ED 508, ED 555, ED 556, ED 557, ED 558, ED 559, and approval of the Graduate Teacher Education Committee. (6)
ED 570B Student Teaching: Secondary
Supervised clinical experience in a school site, grades 6-12, for 14 weeks. Readings and seminar sessions are required. Prerequisites: ED 502, ED 503, ED 508, ED 537, ED 538, ED 568 or ED 569, and approval of the Graduate Teacher Education Committee. (6)
ED 570D Student Teaching: ESOL Students
Supervised clinical experience in a field training site at both elementary and secondary levels for 14 weeks. Readings and seminar sessions are required. Prerequisites: ED 502, ED 503, ED 508, ED 522, ED 543 or EN 550, ED 553, ED 563, and approval of the Graduate Teacher Education Committee. (6)
ED 574 Advanced Technologies in Education
Students will explore the use of emerging technologies to gain access to information, enhance learning, and effect change in the schools. Hardware and software selection criteria and trends in the use of media and technology will be discussed. Prerequisite: ED 554 or other acceptable technology course. (3)
ED 580 Capstone Experience
Final capstone experience will be developed with the assistance of an advisor. Several options are available. (3)
ED 581 History and Mission of American Catholic Schools
Surveys the historical, philosophical, theological, and sociological roots of American Catholic education in the context of education in general. Examines the ministry of Catholic school educators through tradition, history, mission, and current practice as well as their role in evangelization, lifelong faith development, and building a school community. (3)
ED 582 Building a Faith Community
Emphasizes ways to involve the entire school community, to put faith in action through social justice and prayer, and to build a school’s Catholic identity based on its history, tradition, and rituals. (3)
ED 583 Administration of Catholic Schools
Examines the theories, research, and practices of leadership and management of educational organizations such as motivation theory, decision making, effective communication, conflict resolution, consensus building, and personnel issues. (3)
ED 584 Advanced Curriculum and Instruction for Educational Leadership
Provides practice in the development of the curriculum, writing instructional objectives, and preparing daily lesson plans to facilitate learning of all students and to devise ways to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction with an emphasis on the purposes and practices of Catholic school curriculum. (3)
ED 586 Issues in Catholic Education
Topics will vary and will address current trends and contemporary challenges facing Catholic school teachers and administrators such as brain-based teaching practices, legal issues, the integration of the arts in the curriculum, and the use of technology. (3)
ED 587 School Law
Addresses legal issues applicable to both public and private schools: structures of the law; the legal process; and the legal rights and responsibilities of educators, parents, and students. (3)
ED 588 Catholic Educational Leadership and Supervision
Examines leadership theories, principles of school supervision, and ministry while developing concepts, attitudes, values, and skills necessary to establish and maintain a school climate that fosters the teachings of the Catholic Church. (3)
ED 589 Fostering Moral and Ethical Development
Study of the major theories of developmental psychology related to moral development with an emphasis on current research and best practices to promote ethical behavior within the particular dynamics of Catholic schools. (3)
ED 591 Catholic School Finance and Development
Addresses effective strategies in business management, school plant management, budgeting, accounting, fiscal planning, and fund-raising tasks facing Catholic school administrators. (3)
ED 592 Administrative Issues in Special Education
Examines the legal rights of all children to an appropriate educational experience and provides a variety of strategies for inclusion of children with special needs and the celebration of diversity within the Catholic school community. (3)
ED 593 Project, Thesis, or Internship
Provides a practical application of the skills and strategies acquired and developed throughout the Catholic School Leadership program. The project and internship components will closely resemble real-world conditions actually encountered daily by practicing educational leaders. Students who select the thesis option will use high-quality writing skills to present issues that are well substantiated by current research-based data. (6)