Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction

Focuses on student assessment and the relationship of assessment practices to instructional decisionmaking. Students will consider, analyze and apply a variety of approaches for interpreting individual and group behavior based on relevant research and best practices. Traditional assessment techniques, using standardized and criterion instruments, will be explored, as well as direct performance and portfolio assessments. Both classroom and clinical practice assessment strategies will be explored. [ 3 credits ]

Encourages an open inquiry into the nature of global education as a means to prepare students for intelligent participation in the contemporary world. Classroom materials and techniques are used to explore global issues, such as hunger, poverty, the environmental crisis, international development and world peace. Integrates content with pedagogy. [ 3 credits ]

Introduces learners to technology as a tool for classroom instruction and management. Students will be given opportunities in planning, designing and producing projects that meet the instructional needs of students. The projects encompass skills in word processing, video, Web pages, multimedia and other technologies. Students examine online information services and the integration of technology into the curriculum and practice. [ 3 credits ]

Considers the forces driving quality curriculum development. This course examines how different groups, issues, ideologies and research have influenced what and how children have been taught historically. Attention will be focused on recent reform literature directed at schools and its likely impact on curriculum. Current political, economic, demographic and academic trends will be studied. The process for curriculum design will be examined and applied as students develop a sample guide using the class as a workshop group. The course concludes with an analysis of future curriculum needs and the role of educators in bringing about needed changes. [ 3 credits ]

Identifies and explores the multiple interrelated crises facing education around the world. Participants evaluate the future of education in both industrial and developing countries and examine such critical issues as the worldwide growth of learning needs, inequities both within and among countries, and world-wide needs for education reform. [ 3 credits ]

Evaluates theories of learning from cognitive, physiological and affective perspectives as a basis for effective instructional practice. Research into the theoretical basis for learning and higher level thinking skills is applied to educational planning, implementation, and evaluation. [ 3 credits ]

A self-paced or online course, designed to give you an understanding of the framework of and need for creating supportive learning environments for diverse learning populations. This course is designed to help special and general educators gain a better understanding of inclusion, one of the current educational reform movements that advocates educating students with disabilities in the general education classrooms. Upon course completion, the learner will be able to define key concepts and terms, identify and describe federal legislature and court cases, and list and describe the federal definition of students entitled to special services. This course will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of educators in providing special services to students educated in inclusive classrooms. [ 3 credits ] NOTE: This course includes a final case study paper in addition to the assignments in the syllabus.