All courses are three semester hours.
A study of the historical and philosophical background of current educational thought, including a review of selected trends and problems.
The course is designed to involve the student, through independent research and seminar-type discussion, in an analysis of significant contemporary issues in education.
A study will be made of current techniques and methods designed to provide superior leadership in the area of group action. Problems of organization, coordination, motivation, evaluation, community relations and staff relations will receive major consideration.
A study of curriculum theory, the forces that influence curriculum, and the current curriculum patterns in the elementary and middle school. Areas of controversy in curriculum, programmed learning, team teaching, and the role of the faculty in curriculum evaluation and program development are studied.
A course designed to strengthen instructional/curricular skills and develop basic competencies in curriculum design, instructional sequencing, and student/program evaluation. Curriculum theory and program development are considered.
A comprehensive course in curriculum theory and design which addresses pertinent curricular matters.
A study of the principles of elementary, middle and secondary school organization, leadership and management. Course content includes the role of the principal in the following areas: curriculum development, professional development, instructional leadership, conflict resolution, collective bargaining, school budgeting, class scheduling, use of plant and facilities, and program evaluation. A field experience component is included in this course.
A course designed to develop competencies necessary for effective teacher supervision and evaluation by implementing the clinical supervision model and a variety of teacher appraisal techniques, as well as providing strategies to improve classroom instruction. A field experience component is included in this course.
An overview of the legal aspects of education. Consideration is given to legal terms, the use of books of law, and the general principles of laws which affect teachers, administrators, school boards and parents. Topics include political structures, religion and public education, rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, equal opportunity, and tort liability. A field experience component is included in this course.
A general analysis of typical problems in the areas of school finance and economics. Encouraging and developing local support, acquiring federal funds, other sources of school funding, budgeting, accounting, financial long-range planning, and the nurturing of financial resources are among the topics studied. A field experience component is included in this course.
An introduction to the world of school district management. The focus is on the superintendent’s role as a leader. The course is designed to explore the responsibilities and challenges of the position. The course includes a study of school board-superintendent relations, administrative theory and practice, conflict resolution, interpersonal relations, policy planning, goal setting and similar topics.
This course leads to the development of an understanding of the evolution and practice of business affairs and resource management and basic education. Students acquire knowledge of concepts and language of the field and use same to articulate, formulate and solve problems, identify major issues and recognize that efficient business affairs practices promote effective learning.
Environment for Student Achievement. A study of theoretical and practical problems in planning, designing, building and maintaining educational facilities. Experiences also include legal, demographic, and political factors involved in the management of educational facilities.
A study of the collective bargaining process and the management of human resources in public education. Focus is on development and implementation of contracts for non-professional, professional and administrative personnel. Bargaining issues, techniques, strategies and tactics are examined.
A study of topics such as special education, elementary education, secondary education, vocational education, community education, declining enrollments, financing schools, local control, and management-employee relations. The impact upon the school administrator is the focal point.
An opportunity will be provided to learn about school administration by actually working with a school administrator. Seminars and individual conferences will be arranged during this experience.
This clinical experience is designed to facilitate the development of central office administrative skills. Emphasis will be upon school board-administrative relations, community and public relations, curriculum and instruction, financial management, staff personnel, and facilities. Seminars and individual conferences will be arranged for study and analysis of the learning activities.
A course in advanced educational psychology designed to develop deeper understanding of human development and learning. The course examines the contributions of major developmental theorists. A life course perspective is employed.
A study in the basic understanding of the approaches and purposes of assessment including the legal, ethical and statistical considerations of measurement. The course will focus on district testing programs, analysis of teacher-made tests and alternative assessment procedures.
The psychological implications for teaching gifted and/or cognitively and disabled children. Problems of the blind, the deaf, those defective in speech, and those with behavior problems are considered.
The focus of the course is on the analysis of legislation, litigation, and administrative rulings related to special education. The course will emphasize the development of legally sound policies and procedures to ensure an appropriate education for students with disabilities.