EDUC 225 Characteristics of the Learner (4)
A course in human growth and development from birth through adolescence. Students learn about the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children and how to use this knowledge to guide learning experiences and relate meaningfully to students. Includes discussion of social and individual differences that affect interaction including developmental disabilities, attention deficit disorders, gifted education, substance abuse, child abuse, and family disruptions. Offered every semester.
EDUC 230 Observation in School Settings (1)
An observational field experience designed to acquaint potential education candidates with the role of teachers and the workings of schools. Placements are in diverse school settings. May be required for admission to the Education Program. Pass/fail grading. Offered every semester
EDUC 266 Classroom Management and Teaching Strategies (4)
Provides teacher candidates with classroom management content and skills that create positive classroom behavioral
supports through strategies, effective teacher behaviors, and student assessments and interventions. Candidates develop a
classroom management plan. A required 10-hour field experience assignment supports the application of the management skills. Offered every spring and summer.
EDUC 320 Teaching Reading and the Language Arts (4)
Candidates study theories and strategies for the assessment and teaching of reading and writing for emergent and beginning readers. Instruction leads to understanding the complex nature of language acquisition and reading from phonological awareness to comprehension, ELL, language-based learning disabilities, and instructional strategies to meet children’s individual needs to promote progress with the VA Standards of Learning. Prerequisites: EDUC 225 and INST 202. Offered every semester.
EDUC 321 Teaching Reading and the Language Arts II (4)
Candidates study theories and strategies for the assessment and teaching of reading and writing for transitional to intermediate/advanced level readers. Instruction focuses on fluency and vocabulary, comprehension strategies, language - based learning disabilities, ELL, multicultural literacies and literature, and instructional strategies to meet children’s individual needs to promote progress with the VA Standards of Learning. Prerequisites: successful completion of ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher and EDUC 320. Offered every spring.
EDUC 328 Teaching Math for Diverse Learners (4)
Candidates develop discipline-specific pedagogical knowledge and skills to plan and implement curriculum, instruction, and
assessment that meet the needs of diverse learners and address the nature of mathematics, the five mathematical processes,
and the contributions and role of math in culture and society. Focus is on addressing local, state, and national standards.
Prerequisite: INST 202, EDUC 225, and EDUC 266. Offered every spring
EDUC 329 Curriculum & Instruct PreK-6 (4)
Provides elementary teacher candidates with an understanding of the principles of learning; the application of skills in discipline-specific methodology; communication processes; selection and use of materials, including media and computers; and evaluation of pupil performance including interpreting and analyzing valid assessments to make teaching decisions. Includes teaching methods for English language learners, gifted and talented students, and students with disabling conditions (PreK-6), and promotes student progress and preparation for the Virginia Standards of Learning assessments. Students learn methods of improving communication and involvement between schools and families, including the Foundation Blocks for Early Learning. Prerequisite: INST 202, EDUC 225, and consent. Offered every fall.
EDUC 330 Elementary Practicum (1)
A teaching practicum that provides an opportunity to apply teaching methods, practice skills in teaching specific subjects, and learn how to implement classroom management strategies. The placements are in diverse school settings. A supervised field experience in a primary classroom is provided. The student must request a placement from the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences early in the registration process. Prerequisites: INST 202, EDUC 225, EDUC 320 and consent. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: EDUC 329. Offered every fall. Course fee: $27.00
EDUC 348 Perspective on Mathematics and Science Initiatives (4)
Provides teaching candidates knowledge and skills required to develop, implement, analyze and interpret valid and reliable assessments (formative and summative) for diverse learners to inform instruction. Candidates will develop knowledge of formal and informal accountability systems for student and teacher evaluation and legal and ethical implications of preK-12 assessment. Prerequisites: INST 202 and EDUC 225. Offered every spring.
EDUC 350 Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction (4)
Provides teaching candidates knowledge and skills required to develop, implement, analyze, and interpret valid and reliable
assessments (formative and summative) for diverse learners to inform instruction. Candidates will develop knowledge of
formal and informal accountability systems for student and teacher evaluation and legal and ethical implications of preK-12
assessment. Prerequisites: INST 202, EDUC 225. Offered every spring
EDUC 364 Classroom Management and Teaching Strategies (2)
Provides Special Education General Curriculum K-12 teacher candidates with classroom management content and skills that create positive classroom behavioral supports through strategies, effective teacher behaviors, and student assessments and interventions. Candidates develop a classroom management plan. Prerequisite: PSY 205, special education candidates only, and consent. Offered on demand.
EDUC 434 – Elementary Pre-service Teaching I (8)
A student teaching experience in grades 1-3. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester before student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: Consent only. Offered each semester.
EDUC 435 – Elementary Pre-service Teaching II (8)
A student teaching experience in grades 4-5. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester before student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: Consent only. Offered every semester.
EDUC 461 – Elementary Pre-service Teaching I (4)
A student teaching experience in grades 1-3. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester before student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: VWU degree. Consent only. Offered every semester.
EDUC 462 – Elementary Pre-service Teaching II (4)
A student teaching experience in grades 4-5. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester before student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Consent only. Offered every semester.
EDUC 480 Field Experience in Education (1)
Involves working with students in special programs. The experience helps prospective teachers learn about students outside the usual formal school environment. An AVID program placement is possible. Pass/fail grading. Prerequisite: consent. Offered on demand.
Special Education Courses
SPED 371 Foundations/Legal Issues in Special Education (4)
Provides an introduction and overview of the field of special education including the definition, identification, and characteristics of those that are disabled. Students with ADHD and gifted abilities are emphasized. Also includes historical perspectives,models, theories, and trends that provide the basis for general and special education practice including the dynamic influence of the family system, cultural/environmental milieu pertinent to students, the understanding of ethical issues, and the practice of acceptable standards of professional behavior. Students taking this course will also gain an understanding of the legal aspects, regulatory requirements, and expectations associated with identification, education, and evaluation of all students. The rights and responsibilities of parents, students, and schools will also be a focus of this course. Prerequisite: consent only. Offered every fall.
SPED 376 Assessment and Management of Instruction in Special Education (4)
Designed to support the understanding of assessment as an ongoing part of instruction that is continuously analyzed and adjusted. Students demonstrate the use of assessment to design and adjust instruction that relies on research-based practices and uses multiple approaches to meet the needs of all children. Focuses on collaboration styles, roles, and specially designed instruction. The concepts of assistive technology, transition-related IEP goals, universally-designed lesson plans, and specially-designed instruction is applied throughout the course. Prerequisite: SPED 371 and consent. Offered every fall.
SPED 382 Transition in Special Education (2)
This course prepares students to work with families and community service providers to support students with disabilities throughout the K-12 educational experience. Covers postsecondary training, employment, and independent living; including long-term planning, career development, life skills, community experiences and resources, self-advocacy and self-determination, guardianship, and legal considerations. Students learn to collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, and personnel from community agencies. Prerequisite: consent only. Offered each spring.
SPED 384 Curriculum and Instruction K - 12 (4)
Provides teachers with strategies to teach special education students in inclusive settings. Teachers increase their knowledge of proven practices, instructional decision-making, and confidence in their ability to meet the needs of all students in the K-12 classrooms. Students gain skills in identifying the characteristics of special needs students, understanding the IEP process, collaborating with other professionals and parents, then relating this information to assessment and instruction in the general education classroom K-12. Skills in this course contribute to an understanding of the principles of learning, the application of skills in discipline-specific methodology, communication processes, selection and use of materials including media and computers, and evaluation of pupil performance including interpreting and analyzing valid assessments to make teaching decisions. Prerequisite: SPED 371 and consent. Co-requisite: SPED 385. Offered each spring.
SPED 385 Curriculum and Instruction K-12 Practicum (1)
Provides an opportunity for candidates to observe and teach in an inclusion classroom at the middle or high school levels. Placements are in diverse school settings. The student must request a placement from the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences early in the registration process. Prerequisite: consent only. Offered each spring.
SPED 438 – Special Education Pre-service Teaching I (8)
A student teaching experience in grades K-6. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester prior to student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: Consent only. Offered each semester.
SPED 439 – Special Education Pre-service Teaching II (8)
A student teaching experience in grades 6-12. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester prior to student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: Consent only. Offered each semester.
SPED 465 – Special Education Pre-service Teaching I (4)
A student teaching experience in grades K-6. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester prior to student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: VWU degree. Consent only. Offered each semester.
SPED 466 – Special Education Pre-service Teaching II (4)
A student teaching experience in grades 6-12. Placements are in diverse school settings. Candidates must submit application for placement to the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences the semester prior to student teaching. Includes an integrated seminar. Prerequisite: VWU degree. Consent only. Offered each semester.