University Catalog: 2008-09

Think. Learn. Succeed.

Elementary/Secondary Education (EDCI)

Graduate School of Education

370 Young Adult Literature in Multicultural Settings (3:3:0) Examines literary works written for and about young adults, introduces critical issues surrounding teaching of young adult literature in multiculturally diverse schools, and requires reading and review of young adult literature. Significant online work is required.

473 Teaching Science in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Builds fundamental knowledge of science teaching and learning including standards-based curriculum design and research-based teaching strategies. School-based field experience required for those seeking initial teacher licensure.

479 Advanced Methods of Teaching English in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Guides students in working effectively with national and local standards for teaching secondary English. Continuation course in methods from EDCI 469.

483 Advanced Methods of Teaching Science in Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 473. Provides advanced study of teaching and curriculum development based on research and current issues. Emphasizes integrating science and technology, adapting instruction to needs of diverse learners, and promoting safety.

490 Student Teaching in Education (6:6:0) Prerequisite or corequisite: completion of licensure and all endorsement course work. Provides intensive, supervised clinical experience in approved school for fall or spring semester.

500 In-Service Educational Development (1–6:1–6:0) Prerequisite: employment in professional capacity by sponsoring division or agency. Offered at request of school division or other educational agency. Content varies; may be repeated for credit.

510 Linguistics for PreK–12 ESOL Teachers (3:3:0) Examines language as a system, with particular focus on teaching English as a second language (ESOL) to students in public schools, grades PreK–12. Considers teaching implications of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

511 Developing Curriculum and Designing Instruction in Early Childhood Education (3:3:0) Covers procedures, materials, and organization of environments for young children. Field experiences required for students without previous teaching or administrative experience in early childhood settings.

516 Bilingualism and Language Acquisition Research (3:3:0) Examines research in first and second language acquisition, including interaction of bilingual person’s two languages, with applications for classroom. School-based field experience required.

519 Methods of Teaching Multilingual Students (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 516. Examines approaches, methods, and techniques for teaching English as second language (ESL) in bilingual and ESL classrooms, as well as resources available in field. Participants critically analyze and demonstrate teaching approaches based on second language acquisition research, including teaching language through content. Field experience in public schools required.

520 Assessment of Language Learners (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 516 and 519. Examines innovative approaches to assessing language minority students and English language learners. Topics include identification, placement, monitoring of student progress, development of authentic performance-based measures, design of portfolios, application of measurement concepts, analysis of assessment instruments, and linking assessment to instruction.

521 Curriculum Development for Language Learners (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 516 and 519. Examines current approaches to curriculum development for second language learners and language minority students. Participants review, evaluate, and develop curricular materials, with emphasis on learner-centered activities, cooperative learning, interdisciplinary and thematic approaches, authentic and problem-based learning, integration of language and content, and linking assessment and instruction.

544 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching in Elementary Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: admission into elementary education graduate program; must be taken in programmatic sequence. Introduction to general methods of teaching in elementary schools focusing on planning, teaching strategies, management, assessment, and differentiation.

545 Assessment and Differentiation (3:3:0) Prerequisites: admission into elementary education graduate program; must be taken in programmatic sequence. Provides a research-based introduction to differentiated instruction for children in grades PK–6. Emphasis on the assessment of learners and differentiation of instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

546 Integrating Technology in Elementary Classrooms: Literacy (1:1:0) Prerequisite: admission into elementary education graduate program; corequisite: EDCI 556. Studies the development and integration of technology in the elementary education literacy curriculum.

547 Integrating Technology in Elementary Classrooms: Mathematics (1:1:0) Prerequisite: admission into elementary education graduate program; corequisite: EDCI 552. Studies the development and integration of technology in the elementary education mathematics curriculum.

548 Integrating Technology in Elementary Classrooms: Social Studies and Fine Arts (1:1:0) Prerequisite: admission into elementary education graduate program; corequisite: EDCI 554. Studies the development and integration in the elementary education social studies and fine arts curriculum.

549 Foreign Language Immersion in the Elementary School (3:3:0) Covers theories and methods of teaching foreign language through elementary school curriculum; and curriculum development, assessment, and community relations in foreign language immersion classes.

552 Mathematics Methods for the Elementary Classroom (1–3:1–3:0) Prerequisite: admission to elementary education licensure program. Introduces methods for teaching all children topics in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, probability, and statistics in elementary grades. Focuses on using manipulatives and technologies to explore mathematics and solve problems. Requires field experience in public schools.

553 Science Methods for the Elementary Classroom (1–3: 1–3:0) Prerequisite: admission to elementary education licensure program. Develops skills and abilities in science teaching methods, applications of technology, safety practices, and creation of integrated science curricula. Examines science teaching based on contemporary theory, practice, and standards. Requires field experience in public schools.

554 Methods of Teaching Social Studies and Integrating Fine Arts in the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0) Prerequisites: admission into elementary education graduate program; must be taken in programmatic sequence. Focuses on the design and delivery of standards-based integrated curriculum centered on the social sciences. Includes integration of fine arts and examines the central role of the arts in learning. Field experience is required.

555 Literacy Teaching and Learning in Diverse Elementary Classrooms I (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to elementary education licensure program. Provides research-based introduction to literacy teaching and learning for younger children. Emphasizes language development; reading and writing processes; emergent literacy; culture, families, and literacy; and literacy integration in the curriculum. School-based field experience required.

556 Literacy Teaching and Learning in Diverse Elementary Classrooms II (1–3:1–3:0) Prerequisite: admission to elementary education licensure program. Provides research-based introduction to literacy teaching and learning for older children. Emphasizes literacy and language processes and development; connections among cultures, families, and literacy; and literacy integration in curriculum. School-based field experience required.

557 Integrating Technology in the Elementary Curriculum (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to elementary education licensure program. Examines development and implementation of curriculum and instruction in elementary classroom. Emphasizes integrating technology in curriculum, and inclusion of special needs and culturally diverse students. School-based field experience required.

558 Integrating Fine Arts and Movement in Elementary Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to PDS or Partnership Elementary Licensure Program. Includes art, drama, music, and movement. Examines central role of arts in children’s learning. Focuses on integration and interdisciplinary learning experiences. Includes developmental theory, addressing diverse learners through multiple intelligences, and movement for physical health. School-based field experience required.

559 Research and Assessment in Elementary Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission into elementary education graduate program; capstone course for degree must be taken last in programmatic sequence. Provides teacher candidates an understanding of research paradigms utilizing systematic evidence to improve practice, and further skills in assessment of learning outcomes. Emphasizes linking research and practice, making instructional decisions based on systematically collected data.

560 Methods of Teaching in Foreign/World Languages (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 516, or current teaching position. Covers approaches, theories, and methods of teaching foreign and second languages, with practical application to classroom. Students demonstrate teaching strategies, develop lesson and unit-planning skills, and evaluate curricula and materials. Requires field experience in schools.

567 Teaching Social Studies in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite or corequisite: EDUC 522. Advanced course in methods, materials, content, and organization of social studies programs in secondary schools. Requires field experience for those seeking initial teacher licensure.

569 Teaching English in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDUC 522. Provides study of advanced methods, materials, content, and organization of English programs in secondary school. School-based field experience required for those seeking initial teacher licensure.

570 Teaching Young Adult Literacy in a Multicultural Setting (3:3:0) Examines literary works written for and about young adults. Introduces critical issues surrounding teaching young adult literature in multiculturally diverse public schools and requires reading and reviewing young adult literature from several genres.

572 Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDUC 522. Covers curricula, current issues, and research literature in secondary school mathematics. Emphasizes developing different styles of teaching. School-based field experience required.

573 Teaching Science in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDUC 522. Provides study of methods, materials, content, and organization of science programs. Emphasizes curriculum planning, current methodologies, safety, and trends in secondary schools. Requires school-based field experience for those seeking initial teacher licensure.

577 Curriculum and Methods of Teaching, PK–12 (3:3:0) Blends theory and practice by providing instruction in curriculum and planning, theoretical concepts, application of research, models of learning and teaching, and practical experiences. Examines educational standards, assessment, and classroom management in PK–12 schools.

597 Special Topics in Education (1–6:1–6:0) Prerequisite: admission to program in GSE. Provides advanced study on selected topic or emerging issue in American or international education. May be repeated for credit with GSE permission.

600 Workshop in Education (1–6:1–6:0) Offers full-time workshops and weekend seminars on selected topics in education and education tour seminars. May be repeated for credit.

601 Applied Study of Communicative Competence and Classroom Discourse (3:3:0) Analyzes young children’s language development and design of individual and group language experiences.

602 Technology Applications in Early Childhood Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to GSED. Examines criteria and methods for integrating technology into all areas of early childhood curriculum. Emphasizes use of instructional technology to facilitate cognitive and social growth.

603 Trends, Issues, and Research in Early Childhood Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: admission to GSED, and EDRS 590. Examines trends, issues, research findings, and resulting program development.

613 Curriculum and Assessment in Early Childhood Education I (3:3:0) First of two-course sequence addressing current thinking about curriculum and assessment in programs for preschool through third grade. Gives overview of effective ways to plan and implement integrated curriculum; special focus on content, subject matter.

614 Curriculum and Assessment in Early Childhood Education II (3:3:0) Second of two-course sequence focusing on planning and assessing children’s knowledge of content and subject matter. Emphasizes action research.

615 Advanced Human Development (3:3:0) Advanced course in development and learning across lifespan. Critically reviews contemporary research and theories of human development and learning, and relevance to educational practice and family contexts as they relate to children under 8.

616 The Creative Arts and Play in Early Childhood Education (3:3:0) Advanced course using creative arts and play as central approaches to teaching and learning. Focuses on an integrated approach to what arts-based curriculum looks like and how it functions.

621 Introduction to Gifted and Talented Learners (3:3:0) Examines nature and needs of gifted and talented learners. Participants become knowledgeable about characteristics of gifted and talented students, and examine role of culture in manifestation of gifts and talents as well as gifted behaviors in special populations.

622 Curriculum Differentiation for Diverse Learners (3:3:0) Develops personal and professional rationale for differentiating instruction in mixed-ability classrooms, as well as skills and knowledge of strategies to utilize preassessment data and plan for and implement differentiated instruction.

623 Models and Strategies for Teaching Gifted Learners (3:3:0) Provides framework to examine and apply curriculum models and instructional strategies advocated for use with gifted students according to national and state standards that reflect best practices in gifted education.

624 Assessment, Identification, and Evaluation of Gifted Learners (3:3:0) Examines broad understandings of intelligence and assessment. Provides techniques to identify gifted students. Develops specific understandings of assessment techniques and awareness of the influences of language, culture, ethnicity, gender, and exceptionality on recognition and subsequent identification of giftedness.

625 Contemporary Issues and Trends in Gifted Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 621, 622, 623, 624. Focuses on research, trends, issues, legislation, and litigation concerning gifted and talented children. Provides professionals in gifted education and related fields with knowledge and skills to serve as advocates for gifted child education.

626 Action Research in Gifted Education (3:3:0) Opportunity to identify and investigate school-based problem and apply inquiry, writing, and research skills to relevant issue or concern in gifted education.

627 Advanced Practicum in Gifted Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 621, 622, 623, 624. Intensive supervised clinical experiences for one semester in accredited elementary or secondary school. Students supervised in setting that includes scheduled observations and seminar experiences.

631 Research in Elementary Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: completion of elementary education (PK–6) licensure. Helps beginning teachers understand various research paradigms to use research literature and systemic evidence to improve practice. Emphasizes linking research and practice, and making data-based instructional decisions.

632 Advanced Social Studies Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0) Prerequisites: completion of elementary education (PK–6) licensure, and EDCI 631. Provides advanced study of teaching social studies in elementary education. Uses inquiry, research, and reflection to improve teaching. Emphasizes design and delivery of integrated social studies curriculum centered on knowledge, skills, and dispositions from history, geography, civics and economics, arts and humanities, and multicultural education. Covers student assessment and using student data in instructional decision-making and improvement. Requires extensive field experience in public schools.

633 Advanced Mathematics Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0) Prerequisites: completion of elementary education (PK–6) licensure, and EDCI 631. Focuses on teaching all children, including those from nonmainstreamed populations. Emphasizes teaching problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills promoted by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning. Uses techniques and materials to develop specific problem-solving strategies in hands-on, activity, and workshop-oriented experience. Explores teaching of problem-solving, reasoning, communications, and connections in PK–6 mathematics by working with manipulatives and technologies. Requires field experience in public schools.

634 Advanced Science Methods for the Elementary Classroom (3:3:0) Prerequisites: completion of elementary education (PK–6) licensure, and EDCI 631. Emphasizes inquiry and extensions of theoretical understanding of how children learn. Develops expertise in teaching and assessment, and incorporates technology, safety, and issues of culture and gender into day-to-day teaching activities.

635 Applied Research in Elementary Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: completion of elementary education (PK–6) licensure; and EDCI 631, 632, 633, and 634. Helps beginning teachers plan and complete action research project related to teaching assignment. Students apply research methods explored during prerequisite series of courses.

645 Curriculum Development in Mathematics Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership master’s degree program, or permission of instructor. Yearlong seminar for master’s level students in mathematics education leadership cohort program. Analysis, design, and evaluation of school mathematics curricula.

646 Mathematics Education Leadership for School Change (1–3:1–3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership master’s degree program, or permission of instructor. Yearlong seminar for master’s-level students in mathematics education leadership cohort program. Surveys current literature and large-scale studies in mathematics education. Engages students in research, study, and discussion of factors that affect teaching and learning of mathematics in school settings.

663 Research in Science Technology (3:3:0) Prerequisite: course in teaching science in elementary school, or permission of instructor. Provides advanced study of methodology and materials in teaching biological, physical, and earth sciences.

666 Research in Mathematics Teaching (3:3:0) Explores curricula, current issues, and research literature in elementary school mathematics. Emphasizes development of different styles of teaching.

667 Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Sciences in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 567. Emphasizes interdisciplinary curriculum and instruction, implementing national state standards, authentic assessment, and adaptations for diverse populations. School-based field experience required.

669 Advanced Methods of Teaching English in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDUC 522 and EDCI 569. Continuation course in methods (See EDCI 569). Guides students in working effectively with national and local standards for teaching secondary English.

672 Advanced Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 572. Focuses on learning processes for mathematics. Introduces national and state standards regarding content and methodologies for teaching mathematics. Examines instructional methods and materials in relation to secondary mathematical content, curriculum, and assessment. School-based field experience required.

673 Advanced Methods of Teaching Science in the Secondary School (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 573. Provides advanced study of teaching and curriculum development based on research and current issues. Emphasizes integrating science and technology, and adapting instruction to the needs of diverse learners. School-based field experience required.

677 Advanced Curriculum and Methods of Teaching, Secondary (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 577. Extends principles of teaching and learning introduced in EDCI 577. Includes application of skills in discipline-specific methodology, communication, classroom management, and evaluation of student performance appropriate to elementary level.

678 Advanced Curriculum and Methods of Teaching, Elementary (3:3:0) Prerequisite or corequisite: EDCI 577. Extends principles of teaching and learning introduced in EDUC 577. Includes application of skills in discipline-specific methodology, communication, classroom management, and evaluation of student performance appropriate to elementary level.

683 Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Science Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 663, or permission of instructor. Advanced course in science curriculum design and development. Emphasizes instructional materials and assessment.

684 Advanced Methods of Teaching Foreign/Second Languages in PK–12 Schools (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 516, or current teaching position. Blends theoretical knowledge and practical application. Provides advanced study of second language pedagogy and teaching trends. Topics include multiple learning styles, alternative forms and assessment, and teaching diverse populations. Requires field experience.

693 Leadership and Organizational Issues in Science Education (3:3:0) Prerequisites: EDCI 663 and 683, or permission of instructor. Advanced course in current issues for leadership in science education. Emphasizes technology, safety, professional development, and related organizational change issues.

705/EDIT 705 Instructional Design (3:3:0) Prerequisite: teaching experience. Helps students analyze, apply, and evaluate principles of instructional design to develop education and training materials spanning a wide range of knowledge domains and instructional technologies. Focuses on variety of instructional design models, with emphasis on recent contributions from cognitive science and related fields.

710 Technology and the Culture of Schools (3:3:0) Corequisite: EDIT 711. Explores relationship of human inventions and social, political, cultural, and epistemological constructions. Examines history of technology, relationship of technology and human behavior, and theories of social change and technology. Focuses on how technological and social changes influence and shape goals and outcomes of K–12 educational process. Considers links between technology and educational reform, how technology is associated with educational reform movement, and ways educators can take leadership roles in facilitating intersection of educational reform and technology.

712 Technology and Learning (3:3:0) Corequisite: EDIT 713. Explores ways of knowing and theories of learning as reflected in and influenced by technology. Analyzes, applies, and evaluates current theories such as constructivism, multiple intelligences, role of symbolization in human cognition, development of problem-solving and critical thinking strategies, and learning conditions. Covers relationship of technological forms and nature and structure of human cognition, especially as it influences K–12 educational practice. Explores technology and nature of individual learner attributes, learners in context, special-needs learners, access, equity, and values.

714 Methods of Integration (3:3:0) Corequisite: EDIT 715. Considers curriculum design strategies that facilitate technology integration. Includes examples of curriculum design strategies, readings, discussions, and design of lessons or units appropriate to various contents. First course in sequence focuses on disciplinary standards, role of technology applications to support standards, and strategies for curriculum design such as learning cycle, thematic design, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, and writing across the curriculum.

716 Principles of Integration (3:3:0) Corequisite: EDIT 717. Continued consideration of curriculum design strategies appropriate for technology integration. Includes examples of curriculum design strategies, readings, discussions, and design of lessons or units. Second course in sequence builds on previous student learning, and focuses on technology’s role in problem-based learning, problem-centered curriculum design, authentic instruction, and rationales and processes for implementing authentic assessment strategies.

725 National and International Leadership Issues in Mathematics Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership PhD program. Yearlong seminar for PhD students in the mathematics education leadership cohort program. Students study research on mathematics teaching and learning, including current issues and trends in mathematics education leadership at national and international levels.

726 State and Local Leadership Issues in Mathematics Education (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership PhD program. Yearlong seminar for PhD students in the mathematics education leadership cohort program. Students study issues and policies that affect mathematics teaching and learning, including current trends in mathematics school reform at state, district, and individual school levels.

777 Research to Practice (3:3:0) Prerequisites: all other program courses except EDRS 590 and elective, or permission of instructor. Provides culminating experience that synthesizes and applies essential elements of second language teaching and learning. Emphasizes teacher as change agent through critical inquiry into practice. Promotes collaboration between ESL and grade-level teachers to advance achievement of English language learners and language minority students.

784 Capstone Seminar in Early Childhood Education (3:3:0) Culminating seminar devoted to analyzing and synthesizing knowledge and skills gained through graduate course work as it applies to early childhood education.

790 Internship in Education (1–6:1–6:0) Prerequisites: passing scores on Praxis I and II, ESL Praxis I only, and permission of advisor. Intensive, supervised clinical experience for full semester in accredited school. Students must register for appropriate section.

795 Science Education Research (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 891. Explores science education research, theory, and practice, including sources and methods of study. Students review and report on research literature and teaching practices on topics of interest.

796 Science Education Curriculum (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 891. Explores science education curriculum from preschool through high school, including identifying and evaluating curriculum materials and resources. Emphasizes research-based exemplary materials and use of technology.

797 Advanced Topics in Education (1–6:1–6:0) Advanced study of selected topics in education for students preparing for doctoral studies or who have been admitted to the PhD program in education. May be repeated for credit with CEHD approval.

855 Mathematics Education Research on Teaching and Learning (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership PhD program. Yearlong seminar for PhD students in the mathematics education leadership cohort program. Students survey most current research literature in mathematics education and engage in research, study, and discussion of mathematics education research on teaching and learning in school settings.

856 Mathematics Education Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership PhD program. Yearlong seminar for PhD students in the mathematics education leadership cohort program. Students engage in research, analysis, design, and evaluate school mathematics curricula.

857 Preparation and Professional Development of Mathematics Teachers (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership PhD program. Yearlong seminar for PhD students in the mathematics education leadership cohort program. Students study attributes of effective professional development in mathematics education, develop expertise in designing and teaching mathematics methods courses, and learn to create and teach professional development experiences for practicing teachers.

858 Mathematics Education Research Design and Evaluation (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to mathematics education leadership PhD program. Yearlong seminar for PhD students in the mathematics education leadership cohort program. Students review methods of research appropriate for mathematics education settings and develop theoretical framework and action plan for conducting research project.

891 Science Teaching and Learning (3:3:0) Explores research, theory, and practice for effective science teaching and learning. Focuses on science education standards at local, state, national, and international levels. Students review common core of research literature and topics of individual interest.

892 Science Education History and Research (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 891. Explores history of science education research, theory, and practice, including research on general teaching strategies in science instruction. Reviews common historical core of research literature; students conduct exploratory research of individual interest.

893 Science Education Staff Development (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 891. Explores staff development in science education with emphasis on planning and conducting professional development on key topics in science teaching and learning. Reviews common core of research literature; students conduct research of individual interest.

894 Science Education Leadership and Policy (3:3:0) Prerequisite: EDCI 891. Focuses on leadership and policy issues at local, state, and national levels that affect science education. Emphasizes understanding decision-making structure and process; current issues; and trends. Students participate in leadership and policy events.

895 Emerging Issues in Curriculum and Instruction (3:3:0) Prerequisite: admission to PhD program, or permission of instructor. Covers issues in curriculum and instruction through individual and group research, discussion, writing, and presentations by experts. Students conduct critical analysis of specific field.