2013 – 2014 - Barton College

252 EducationEDU 520. Elementary Curriculum. 3.This course builds on the study of issues in curriculum begun in EDU 512 Contemporary Issuesin Education, including the presentation of methods for evaluating, planning, and/or revisingelementary school curriculum. This course requires candidates to extend their philosophy ofcurriculum differentiation. It introduces candidates to research based strategies and helps themdevelop and articulate their rationale for using specific strategies to meet the learning needs ofthe students in the classroom. Candidates learn to integrate 21st century content and skills intoeducational practices. They also learn to develop a relevant, rigorous curriculum that demonstratesthe interconnectedness of disciplines and the importance of curriculum in engaging studentsin content.EDU 522. Special Learning Needs of Students. 3.This course is focused on teaching special education students in the elementary schoolsetting. A historical overview, definitions, and terminology in basic areas of exceptionality;developmental and learning characteristics of each area of exceptionality; and educationalsettings and strategies employed in special education, including best practices used by inclusionteachers. A review of current educational laws and policies affecting special education is included.Teachers work collaboratively to design and implement curriculum and instruction responsive tolearner differences.EDU 524. Educational Research. 3.This course is designed to enable teachers to become discriminating consumers and practicalproducers of educational research and includes an overview of quantitative and qualitativeresearch methods. The course helps teachers develop the knowledge and skills needed for designingclassroom action research projects. Students will also learn to use existing educational research toinform their own school practices.EDU 526. Advanced Literacy. 3.Students explore the role of literacy in the elementary school. Students examine the nature ofreading and writing, as well as the characteristics of developing readers and writers, with specialemphasis on effective instructional practices. This course includes an exploration of what itmeans to be a reader/writer, the nature of reading and writing processes, and critical features ofdevelopmental phases of reading and writing. Students critique a variety of instructional practicesand literacy programs. Also included are information and media literacy skills.EDU 528. Assessment. 3.Students learn to use a balance of assessments, including high-quality standardized testing alongwith effective classroom assessments, to offer elementary school students ways to master the contentand skills central to success.