ED 205 Issues in Educating Students with Exceptionalities
Introduces students to the academic, cognitive, and social characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities. The focus of this course will be on identification, diagnostic, and planning processes, as well as educational service delivery models. The use of multiple intelligences and diverse approaches based on behavioral, cognitive, and social theory as a means of servicing the needs of students will be addressed. Field experience: 20 hours. (3)
ED 219 Current Research, Trends, and Legal Issues in Special Education
Designed to provide students with the opportunity to use reference materials to explore the current research and legal issues that impact special education policy and practice. The topics to be discussed include: the legal basis for special education, issues related to the identification and evaluation of special education students, the concepts of free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and least restrictive environment (LRE), discipline and special education students, the impact of school reform movements on special education, funding for special education, recent litigation outcomes, and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Prerequisite: sophomore status. (3)
ED 245E Exploring Teaching
This is the first course in the undergraduate Elementary Education (PK-6) teaching licensure professional preparation program and is designed to explore education and teaching as a profession. The philosophical, historical, and societal aspects of education in the United States will be stressed as well as a look at the contemporary issues that affect the elementary school student and elementary schools. Rudimentary curriculum design, including lesson planning, will also be addressed. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisite: successful completion of 25 credit hours. (3)
ED 245S Educational Foundations for Secondary Teachers
An exploration of the historical, philosophical, curricular, and sociological foundations of current educational theory and practice with emphasis at the secondary level. This course is a prerequisite for all junior- and senior-level Education classes. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisite: successful completion of 25 credit hours. (3)
ED 301 Foundation of Literacy Development
Designed to provide an understanding of how children develop language and grow into literacy. The nature of reading, writing, and language acquisition is emphasized and an examination of second language learners and cultural diversity are included. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisite: ED 245E with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 310 Reading and Language Arts: Grades PK-2
Reading, writing, listening, speaking, thinking, and viewing are studied in the context of language arts in the primary classroom. Various strategies for teaching spelling, writing, and grammar are included as well as creative arts and technology to reinforce language arts and reading. Techniques learned in class are implemented with diverse populations in the field experience. The Virginia Standards of Learning are used as the framework for this course. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 245E and ED 301. These prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 311 Reading and Language Arts: Grades 3-6
Using the Virginia Standards of Learning as the framework, students will explore the relationships among reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the context of an upper elementary classroom. Various strategies for teaching writing, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension will be emphasized. Assessment strategies are examined to aid with differentiating instruction and meeting student strengths and needs. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 245E, ED 301, and ED 310. These prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 312 Teaching in Content Areas for Students with Learning Disabilities
Designed to provide experiences in selecting appropriate teaching strategies and techniques to meet the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of individuals with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized programs and the adaptations and modification of materials and strategies to address specific learning needs in the content area. Students will learn strategies to create a positive classroom environment where conduct and behavior are conducive to learning. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 205 and ED 245E. These prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 320 Assessing and Guiding Students in Elementary Settings
This course focuses on assessment strategies and the principles of effective classroom management in elementary classrooms. Students will engage in reflective practice as they explore and consider the variety of assessments and management practices. This course must be taken prior to, or during, the student-teaching experience. Prerequisites: ED 245E, ED 301, ED 310,
ED 311, ED 400, and ED 410. These prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 327S Curriculum Design: Secondary Education
Provides a foundation in the principles of effective curriculum design and instruction development for students preparing to teach at the secondary level. The course covers integrating technology into the curriculum, adapting the curriculum for students with special needs, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and assessment procedures. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisite: ED 245S with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 337 Reading in the Content Areas
Helps students develop the background knowledge and instructional strategies needed to become effective teachers of reading within their chosen content areas. Topics will include an overview of theoretical models of the reading process as well as practical strategies for developing reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and study skills. The Virginia Standards of Learning are used as the framework for this course. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 245S and ED 327S. (3)
ED 341 Transition, Family, and Community Services 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 and to present the various program options that are currently available. The knowledge and understanding of the importance of counseling and working with families of students with disabilities will be explored. The availability of community resources to assist both parents and children with disabilities will also be discussed. Prerequisites: ED 205 and ED 245E. (3)
ED 360 Student Teaching
Supervised clinical experience in a school site, grades K-12, for 14 weeks. Readings and seminar attendance required. Prerequisite: Students must apply for student teaching and fulfill all requirements listed on page 97. (6)
ED 360S Student Teaching: Secondary Level
Supervised clinical experience in a school site, grades 6-12, for 14 weeks. Readings and seminar attendance required. Prerequisite: Students must apply for student teaching and fulfill all requirements listed on page 97. (6)
ED 400 Teaching Mathematics and Science
Designed to help students develop an understanding of how elementary children develop math and science knowledge and skills. This course also supports the development of appropriate attitudes and instructional strategies to teach math and science in grades PK-6. Applied methods for teaching elementary math and science will be demonstrated, using manipulatives, natural objects, computer technologies, and other tools of science and measurement. Field experience: 30 hours. Prerequisites: ED 245E, ED 301, and ED 310. These prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better. (6)
ED 410 Teaching History and Social Studies
Introduces students to social studies curriculum and instruction in elementary classrooms and methods of integrating social studies with other content areas. The National Council for the Social Studies standards and Virginia Standards of Learning for grades K-6 in History, Geography, Civics, and Economics provide the focus for this course. Field experience: 10 hours. Prerequisites: ED 245E and ED 301. These prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better. (3)
ED 421 Project
An investigation of some selected topic in the major emphasis area under the direction of a faculty advisor. The project is intended to demonstrate ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of Education and Human Services. (3-9)
ED 433 Research
A student in this course will conduct collaborative research (scholarly work leading to new knowledge) under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: application and approval of department chair. (1-6)
ED 453 Teaching English as a Second Language
Designed to equip students with a basic understanding of the problems involved in learning and teaching a second language; the phonological, lexical, and grammatical problems are examined. It is also meant to develop the skills necessary to overcome these problems through properly designed texts and materials and through the methodologies and techniques of modern linguistic pedagogy. The course prepares students to do their student teaching in ESL effectively. Field experience: 20 hours. (3)
ED 460E Student Teaching: PK-6
Supervised clinical experience in an elementary (grades PK-6) school site for 14 weeks. Readings and seminar attendance required. Prerequisite: Students must apply for student teaching and fulfill all requirements listed on page 97. (6)
ED 463 Curriculum and Assessment in TESL
Assists students in developing ESL/ESP curriculum design based on needs and objectives on a variety of levels and for different age groups. This course develops basic skills in the preparation of ESL/ESP materials and tests as well as techniques for assessing English language performance. Field experience: 10 hours. (3)