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 each 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 each semester
EDUC 320 Teaching Reading and the Language Arts (4)
Provides prospective elementary and middle education teachers with content skills that include oral language, reading, writing, and literature. Provides observation and instruction in an elementary school. All lesson plans made by students focus on Virginia Standards of Learning and assessment strategies. Prerequisites: EDUC 225, INST 202 and consent. Offered each semester.
EDUC 321 Literacy Development and Assessment (4) (W)
Provides prospective elementary teachers with strategies for ongoing classroom assessment, diagnosis, and remediation of reading skills using both informal and standardized assessment tools. Focuses on developing proficiency in a wide variety of comprehension strategies, including fluency and vocabulary development, appreciation for a variety of literature, and independent reading, as well as the ability to promote progress with Virginia Standards of Learning end-of-course assessments. Includes instructional techniques to assist students with disabilities to achieve reading and comprehension skills. Prerequisites: successful completion of ENG 105 with a grade of C or higher, EDUC 320 and consent. Offered each 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 each 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 each fall.
EDUC 348 Perspective on Mathematics and Science Initiatives (4)
Critically examines mathematics and science initiatives, starting with educational standards from their origins in these disciplines to their incorporation into the social and political realm and the resulting effects on mathematics and science curricula and pedagogy. Includes demonstration and application of current pedagogical activities. Prerequisites: Q course from mathematics, and L course from natural sciences; admission to education program. Offered on demand.
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 366 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. Prerequisite/Co-requisite: EDUC 225 and consent only. Offered each semester.
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 each 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 each 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 each semester.
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) (V)
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 each 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 each 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.