University Catalog

Curriculum and Instruction - Undergraduate Programs

Admission, Enrollment and Program Continuation

Eligibility for Admission and Enrollment

Students seeking admission to the College of Education must meet specific criteria established by the College of Education for unconditional admission:

  • Satisfy credit hour requirements for admission to a degree plan.
  • Application for admission.
  • Submit transcripts from each college or university the student has attended (reflecting all current/completed semesters).
  • Be TSI (Texas Success Initiative) complete
  • Have a minimum GPA, not less than 2.75, for any applicant, that leads to a cohort average of 3.0 or higher.
  • Any other assessment requirements deemed necessary by the College of Education.
  • Students who have been suspended or expelled from The University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic reasons may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the College of Education.

Educator preparation program requirements are located on the College of Education website.

Eligibility for Program Continuation

Each candidate for certification must:

  • Demonstrate suitability for admission to the education profession.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
  • Demonstrate the speech competencies associated with proficient oral communication in instructional settings. If a student is found to be deficient in these competencies, successful completion of COMS 3315 or an approved substitute will be required.
  • Demonstrate progress through committee assessment of the teaching field(s) or specialization(s) and maintain a 3.0 GPA in all College of Education certification courses with a grade of C or better.
  • See College of Education website for additional educator preparation program requirements.

Students/candidates who have been suspended or expelled from The University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic reasons may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the College of Education.

Our candidates must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 or at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework.  Students who do not meet the grade point average of 2.75 should consult a program advisor to determine their eligibility.

Each student/candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on Professional Dispositions by the faculty and staff. These dispositions are identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with students/candidates rated as “unacceptable” in one or more stated criteria. The student/candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions. If digression(s) are not, or cannot be successfully remediated as in the case of an egregious digression, a determination will be made by Committee on continuation or dismissal from the College of Education.

Criminal History Acknowledgement

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

1.       In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.

2.       If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.

3.       You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.

For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:

https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/

Degrees with Teacher Certification

Bachelor of Arts in Education with EC-6 ESL Teacher Certification

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II
WORLD LITERATURE
BRITISH LITERATURE
AMERICAN LITERATURE
FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (3 hours)
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
ARITHMETICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Life and Physical Science (Biology recommended); 6 credit hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences
Creative Arts
Other Program Requirements
Foreign Language, two courses, Spanish preferred, at 1441 and 1442 level. No sign language.8
MATH 1331GEOMETRICAL INFERENCE AND REASONING3
MATH 1332FUNCTIONS, DATA, AND APPLICATIONS3
Select two of the following:6
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - PHYSICS
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY
GEOLOGY, METEOROLOGY, AND OCEANOGRAPHY
ASTRONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
HIST 3345TEXAS TO 18503
or HIST 3346 TEXAS SINCE 1845
Early Childhood Support System - 7 hours at 2000 level or above including EDUC 2302. See advisor.7
EDUC 2302 satisfies the first-year experience requirement if taken at UTA; if EDUC 2302 is not taken at UTA student must take UNIV 1101.
BEEP 3381INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS3
EDUC 3301TEACHING DIVERSE LEARNERS3
EDUC 4340HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT3
EDUC 4318POSITIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
BEEP 4306FAMILY LITERACY AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION3
BEEP 4385SHELTERED ENGLISH INSTRUCTION3
EDUC 4319CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT3
LIST 4373LITERACY LEARNING FOR EC-6 STUDENTS: READING AND WRITING3
LIST 4374LITERACY LEARNING FOR EC-6 STUDENTS: LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE3
LIST 4376ASSESSMENT IN LITERACY LEARNING3
ELED 4311TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
ELED 4312TEACHING SCIENCE AND HEALTH IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
ELED 4314TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
BEEP 4384LITERACY METHODS FOR ESL/BILINGUAL CLASSROOMS3
ELED 4687CLINICAL TEACHING IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION6
Total Hours120

 Bachelor of Arts in Education with EC-6 Bilingual Teacher Certification

Pre-Professional Courses
General Core Requirements 42
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II
WORLD LITERATURE
TOPICS IN LITERATURE
BRITISH LITERATURE
AMERICAN LITERATURE
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
ARITHMETICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Life and Physical Science (Biology recommended); 6 credit hours
FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (3 hours)
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
CREATIVE ARTS
Program Requirements
Intermediate Spanish
SPAN 2313; Complete CLEP Test
SPAN 2314 (SPAN 2315 if fluent); complete CLEP Test
Advanced Spanish6
ADVANCED SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS
SPANISH COMPOSITION
MATH 1331GEOMETRICAL INFERENCE AND REASONING3
MATH 1332FUNCTIONS, DATA, AND APPLICATIONS3
Select two of the following:6
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - PHYSICS
PHYSICAL SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY
GEOLOGY, METEOROLOGY, AND OCEANOGRAPHY
ASTRONOMY
EDUC 2302THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR3
EDUC 2302 satisfies the first-year experience requirement if taken at UTA; if EDUC 2302 is not taken at UTA student must take UNIV 1101.
HIST 3345TEXAS TO 18503
or HIST 3346 TEXAS SINCE 1845
Professional Courses
BEEP 3381INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS3
BEEP 4305BILITERACY DEVELOPMENT IN DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS3
BEEP 4302IMPLEMENTATION OF EC-6 DUAL LANGUAGE CURRICULUM MODELS3
EDUC 4340HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT3
EDUC 3301TEACHING DIVERSE LEARNERS3
LIST 4373LITERACY LEARNING FOR EC-6 STUDENTS: READING AND WRITING3
LIST 4376ASSESSMENT IN LITERACY LEARNING3
EDUC 4319CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT3
BEEP 4382LITERACY INSTRUCTION IN SPANISH FOR THE BILINGUAL CLASSROOM3
EDUC 4318POSITIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
BEEP 4306FAMILY LITERACY AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION3
BEEP 4311MATH IN DUAL LANGUAGE SETTINGS3
BEEP 4312SCIENCE AND HEALTH EDUCATION IN DUAL LANGUAGE SETTINGS3
BEEP 4314CREATIVE ARTS AND SOCIAL STUDIES IN DUAL LANGUAGE SETTINGS3
BEEP 4384LITERACY METHODS FOR ESL/BILINGUAL CLASSROOMS3
BEEP 4319ASSESSMENT OF CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE STUDENTS IN EC-6 SETTINGS3
BEEP 4687CLINICAL TEACHING IN EC-6 BILINGUAL/ESL CLASSROOMS6
Total Hours120

Bachelor of Arts in Education with 4-8 Middle-Level English Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher Certification

Core Curriculum
General Core Requirements 42
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II
WORLD LITERATURE
BRITISH LITERATURE
AMERICAN LITERATURE
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
ARITHMETICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Biology recommended 6 hours)
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE (3 hours)
FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (3 hours)
CREATIVE ARTS (3 hours)
Other Degree Requirements/Content
Intermediate-Level Foreign Language 1
SPAN 2313INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I3
SPAN 2314INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II3
Social Studies Content
HIST 2321WORLD HISTORY TO 14003
HIST 2322WORLD HISTORY, 1400 TO THE PRESENT3
HIST 3345TEXAS TO 18503
HIST 3346TEXAS SINCE 18453
ECON 2337ECONOMICS OF SOCIAL ISSUES3
GEOG 2302HUMAN GEOGRAPHY3
ENGL 3333DYNAMIC TRADITIONS IN LITERATURE3
ENGL 3371ADVANCED EXPOSITION3
ENGL 3384STRUCTURE OF MODERN ENGLISH3
ENGL 4370RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS3
ENGL 4366YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE3
or ENGL 4365 CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Early Education Coursework
EDUC 2302THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR3
EDUC 2302 satisfies the first-year experience requirement if taken at UTA; if EDUC 2302 is not taken at UTA student must take UNIV 1101.
Professional Courses
EDUC 4340HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT3
SPED 3301CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES3
LIST 4378TEACHING READING, WRITING, AND LITERATURE IN THE MIDDLE LEVEL GRADES3
EDUC 3301TEACHING DIVERSE LEARNERS3
LIST 4343CONTENT AREA READING AND WRITING3
EDUC 4318POSITIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
EDUC 4319CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT3
LIST 4376ASSESSMENT IN LITERACY LEARNING3
ELED 4314TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
LIST 4373LITERACY LEARNING FOR EC-6 STUDENTS: READING AND WRITING3
Clinical Teaching
EDUC 4647CLINICAL TEACHING IN MIDDLE/SECONDARY SCHOOL/ALL-LEVEL CLASSROOMS6
Total Hours120

1 Credit for the Beginner Foreign Language (1441 & 1442) is required prior to taking the intermediate levels (Spanish is preferred; no sign language).

Bachelor of Science in Education with 4-8 Middle-Level Math/Science Teacher Certification

Core Curriculum
ENGL 1301RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I3
ENGL 1302RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II3
ENGL 2303TOPICS IN LITERATURE3
or ENGL 2309 WORLD LITERATURE
or ENGL 2319 BRITISH LITERATURE
or ENGL 2329 AMERICAN LITERATURE
Foundational Component Area3
HIST 1301HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 18653
HIST 1302HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT3
POLS 2311GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES3
POLS 2312STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
MATH 1302COLLEGE ALGEBRA3
MATH 1308ELEMENTARY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS3
BIOL 1441BIOLOGY I FOR SCIENCE MAJORS: CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (required)4
BIOL 1442BIOLOGY II FOR SCIENCE MAJORS: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION4
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE (3 hours)3
CREATIVE ARTS (3 hours)3
Program Requirements
MATH 1330ARITHMETICAL PROBLEM SOLVING3
MATH 1331GEOMETRICAL INFERENCE AND REASONING3
MATH 1332FUNCTIONS, DATA, AND APPLICATIONS3
MATH 4350PRECALCULUS FOR MID-LEVEL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (Capstone I: Fall Only)3
MATH 4351CALCULUS FOR MID-LEVEL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (Capstone II: Spring Only)3
BIOL 3454GENERAL ZOOLOGY4
or BIOL 3427 PLANT SCIENCE
SCIE 3301PHYSICAL SCIENCE - PHYSICS3
SCIE 3302PHYSICAL SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY3
or CHEM 1451 CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES
SCIE 3303GEOLOGY, METEOROLOGY, AND OCEANOGRAPHY3
SCIE 3304ASTRONOMY (MATH/SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVE)3
MATH 1303TRIGONOMETRY3
or MATH 1325 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY
or MATH 3313 INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITY
PHYS 1302PHYSICS FOR NON SPECIALISTS II3
or GEOL 1302 EARTH HISTORY
or BIOL 3454 GENERAL ZOOLOGY
or BIOL 3427 PLANT SCIENCE
or CHEM 1445 CHEMISTRY FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS
or CHEM 1446 CHEMISTRY II FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS
Note: Each elective/choice course above must be an elective/choice course not already taken (courses will not count more than once).
EDUC 2302THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR3
EDUC 2302 satisfies the first-year experience requirement if taken at UTA; if EDUC 2302 is not taken at UTA student must take UNIV 1101.
EDUC 4340HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT3
EDUC 4344TEACHING IN MIDDLE/SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE CLASSROOMS3
LIST 4378TEACHING READING, WRITING, AND LITERATURE IN THE MIDDLE LEVEL GRADES3
EDUC 4345TEACHING IN MIDDLE/SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS CLASSROOMS3
LIST 4343CONTENT AREA READING AND WRITING3
EDUC 4318POSITIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
EDUC 3333STEM EDUCATION IN THE PK-12 CONTEXT3
EDUC 4319CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT3
SPED 3301CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES3
EDUC 3301TEACHING DIVERSE LEARNERS3
EDUC 4647CLINICAL TEACHING IN MIDDLE/SECONDARY SCHOOL/ALL-LEVEL CLASSROOMS6
Total Hours120
1

One Texas History may be taken in place of one US History: HIST 3345 or HIST 3346.

Bachelor of Science in Education with EC-12 Special Education and EC-6 Core Subjects Teacher Certification

Core Curriculum
General Core Requirements 42
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I
RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II
TOPICS IN LITERATURE
WORLD LITERATURE
AMERICAN LITERATURE
FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (3 hours)
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865
HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
ARITHMETICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES (Biology recommended) 6 hours
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (3 hours)
CREATIVE ARTS (3 hours)
Other Degree Requirements/Content Course
HIST 3345TEXAS TO 18503
or HIST 3346 TEXAS SINCE 1845
MATH 1331GEOMETRICAL INFERENCE AND REASONING3
MATH 1332FUNCTIONS, DATA, AND APPLICATIONS3
SCIE 3301, SCIE 3302, SCIE 3303, SCIE 3304 (must take two of the listed SCIE courses for a total of six hours)6
EDUC 2302THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR3
EDUC 2302 satisfies the first-year experience requirement if taken at UTA; if EDUC 2302 is not taken at UTA student must take UNIV 1101.
EDUC 3301TEACHING DIVERSE LEARNERS3
SPED 3301CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES3
SPED 4307SPECIAL EDUCATION LEGAL AND POLICY ISSUES3
EDUC 4318POSITIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT3
EDUC 4340HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT3
ELED 4314TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
ELED 4311TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
SPED 3302APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS FOR TEACHERS3
SPED 4304ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY3
SPED 4301STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGH INCIDENCE DISABILITIES: READING AND WRITING3
SPED 4302COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES AND TRANSITION PLANNING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION3
LIST 4373LITERACY LEARNING FOR EC-6 STUDENTS: READING AND WRITING3
LIST 4376ASSESSMENT IN LITERACY LEARNING3
EDUC 4319CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT3
SPED 4303ADVANCED CONTENT AREA STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES3
ELED 4312TEACHING SCIENCE AND HEALTH IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION3
SPED 4601PRACTICUM IN SPECIAL EDUCATION6
SPED 4687CLINICAL TEACHING IN EC-6 AND SPECIAL EDUCATION6
Total Hours120

Courses

ELED 4311. TEACHING MATHEMATICS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

Principles of integration of mathematics concepts in relation to cognitive development. Emphasis on developing dispositions promoting scientific investigation and appropriate objects, materials, activities and programs to assist in assimilation of mathematics concepts. Course will also address the instructional needs and appropriate assessment of all students in inclusive, multicultural and multilingual classrooms for this content area; 20 hours field-based experiences required. Prerequisite: ELED 4312, ELED 4314. Taken concurrently with BEEP 4385.

ELED 4312. TEACHING SCIENCE AND HEALTH IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

Principles of integration of science and health concepts in relation to cognitive, socio-emotional, and psychomotor development. Emphasis on developing dispositions promoting scientific investigation and appropriate objects, materials, activities and programs to assist in assimilation of science and health concepts. Course will also address the instructional needs and appropriate assessment of all students in inclusive, multicultural and multilingual classrooms for this content area; 20 hours field-based experiences required. Prerequisite: Taken concurrently with ELED 4314.

ELED 4314. TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

Examination of materials, methods, content, and assessment learning experiences associated with elementary social studies and fine arts. Content areas include history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, science, technology and society. Opportunities to demonstrate applications in field settings. Course will also address the instructional needs and appropriate assessment of all students in inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual classrooms for this content area; 20 hours field experiences required. Prerequisites: Taken concurrently with ELED 4312.

ELED 4317. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND LEARNING THEORY. 3 Hours.

Examination of the relationship between major theories and principles of cognitive, socio-emotional, and psychomotor development and EC-6 student learning, home-school connections, and behavior in the classroom. Emphasis on environmental and cultural influences on children's development and learning, prenatal through age 12. Prerequisite: ELED 4311, ELED 4312, ELED 4314.

ELED 4321. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT, PEDAGOGY, AND PRACTICES IN EC-6 EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

A study of developmentally appropriate curriculum and methods for elementary classrooms, including diversity, assessment, behavior guidance and management, planning instruction, and creating a positive learning environment. Course will also address instructional needs and appropriate assessment of all students in inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual classrooms. Field observations required. Prerequisites: EDUC 4316, ELED 4317.

ELED 4687. CLINICAL TEACHING IN EARLY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. 6 Hours.

Full-day, Monday - Friday, supervised and directed clinical teaching in university-approved EC-6 classrooms. Candidates will have two placements: one in PK-2 and one in grade 3-6. Clinical teaching must immediately follow the field-based experiences semester. Candidates will follow the school district's calendar, and report to the classroom all day and each day of the semester. Prerequisites: ELED 4311, ELED 4312, ELED 4314, ELED 4317, BEEP 4306, BEEP 4384; LIST 4373, LIST 4374, LIST 4376, EDUC 3301, EDUC 4318, EDUC 4319.

ELED 5309. TRENDS AND ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

In-depth analysis of current research and practical articles on trends and issues in early childhood and elementary education. Emphasis on the evaluation and impact of historical, political, and social policy; overview of legislation and advocacy on behalf of young children.

ELED 5312. EC6: INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES IN SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

Study of principles of integration of content in EC-6 classrooms with focus on science concepts and cognitive development. Emphasis on developing dispositions toward scientific inquiry and the use of appropriate objects, materials, activities, and programs to assist in the learning of science concepts.

ELED 5315. CLINICAL TEACHING. 3 Hours.

Clinical teaching in candidate's certification area(s). This semester-long experience will help candidates apply theory and research to practice.

ELED 5317. THEORIES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING. 3 Hours.

Human growth and development, including developmental anomalies, from birth through middle childhood with emphasis on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Attention is given to current research regarding establishment of learning environments that foster development of the child's self-concept, cognitive competencies, oral language and literacy development, and positive social behaviors including appreciation of diversity among individuals and groups.

ELED 5318. FOUNDATIONS IN EC6 EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

An overview of historical and philosophical influences and current research in early and elementary education on promoting educational environments that support development of the whole child. Attention is given to the development and implementation of appropriate EC-6 curricula and programs that extend and integrate learning experiences of children, including the home-school relationship; 20 hours field experiences required.

ELED 5319. EC6 EDUCATION: INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES IN MATHEMATICS. 3 Hours.

Study of principles of integration of content in EC-6 classrooms with focus on mathematics concepts and cognitive development. Emphasis on developing dispositions toward the use of appropriate objects, materials, activities, and programs to assist in learning of mathematics concepts.

ELED 5320. EC6 EDUCATION: INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES IN SOCIAL STUDIES AND THE CREATIVE ARTS. 3 Hours.

Study of principles of integration of content in EC-6 classrooms with focus on social studies, the creative arts, and cognitive and socio-emotional development. Emphasis on developing dispositions promoting awareness of self and others, and the study of group dynamics involved in the socialization process in a diverse community. Strategies for enhancing creativity and risk-taking characteristics in EC-6 classrooms.

ELED 5321. EC-6: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT & INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES. 3 Hours.

This course explores a variety of effective classroom management and instructional strategies which include developmentally appropriate, research-based, and anti-biased curricular and materials to teach the core content subjects of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in ESL elementary classrooms. This course also examines challenges to inquiry-based instruction, including those related to assessment, behavior guidance and management, planning instruction, and diversity; 20 hours of field observations are required.

ELED 5390. SELECTED TOPICS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

An examination of different topics related to elementary education. This course may be repeated for credit with permission.

ELED 5391. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. 3 Hours.

Research over a topic agreed upon between the student and instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission.

Courses

SPED 3301. CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the characteristics of students with mild disabilities and their (a) related academic and social outcomes, and (b) implications for assessment and intervention. The course is specifically designed for students who seek certification in teaching children with mild disabilities, to include children who are defined by Federal and state regulations as experiencing learning disabilities (LD), intellectual disability (ID), emotional and/or behavioral disabilities (EBD), and attention deficit disorders/hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD).

SPED 3302. APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS FOR TEACHERS. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to present students with applied behavior analysis strategies and tactics to ensure they are able to make effective instructional decisions and to evaluate the results of those decisions. Procedures covered in class include those to accelerate, decelerate, and maintain student academic and social behavior. Application of learning theory, measurement procedures, and verification of functional relationships will be emphasized. Knowledge of current significant research in Applied Behavior Analysis will be facilitated through research readings.

SPED 4301. STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGH INCIDENCE DISABILITIES: READING AND WRITING. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to prepare future special educators to plan and provide content area instruction to elementary and secondary students with mild disabilities in reading and writing. Course content will include information on assessment, curriculum and instruction, and the professional role as a teacher of students with mild disabilities.

SPED 4302. COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES AND TRANSITION PLANNING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to learn about the concepts, tools, and strategies considered essential for effective collaboration and teamwork. Methods of collaborating and consulting with other professionals in the field of education and family members of students with disabilities will be discussed. Transition planning and collaborative interagency issues related to transition will be examined. Context, process, and content of collaborative school consultation will be presented.

SPED 4303. ADVANCED CONTENT AREA STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to prepare future special educators to plan and provide content area instruction to elementary and secondary students with disabilities across the content areas. Course content will include information on assessment, curriculum and instruction, and the professional role as a teacher of students with disabilities.

SPED 4304. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

This course will address the use of technology in special education, including microcomputers, interactive video, auditory and visual enhancement, and other adaptive devices with individuals experiencing disabilities including learning disabilities, intellectual impairments, sensory and physical impairments. Current developments and research findings concerning rehabilitative, adaptive, and learning technologies applied to needs of individuals with learning, intellectual, physical, or sensory disabilities will also be addressed. Topics include selection and evaluation, instructional and administrative applications, and personal productivity tools.

SPED 4307. SPECIAL EDUCATION LEGAL AND POLICY ISSUES. 3 Hours.

This introductory course will discuss historical legal foundations of special education and the present legal and policy challenges facing the field. Course content will include information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Students will also understand how important rules from the court system have interpreted laws governing special education and how current policies and issues could impact special education. At the undergraduate level, special focus will be given to applied aspects of the law (e.g., Individualized Education Plans; ARD meetings, etc.).

SPED 4601. PRACTICUM IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. 6 Hours.

This course is designed to provide practical opportunities for the pre-service candidate to develop skills in assessment and instruction of individuals with severe disabilities. In addition to providing direct services, an important component of the practicum is to collaborate with both classroom and school staff regarding all aspects of service provision. Finally, general professional protocol is emphasized in this course including dependability, attitude, and communication skills (both written and spoken).

SPED 4687. CLINICAL TEACHING IN EC-6 AND SPECIAL EDUCATION. 6 Hours.

Supervised and directed clinical teaching in student's targeted area of certification. The student will be assigned full time for the Independent School District calendar. Required seminars provide students with theory to integrate and apply during clinical teaching. Students will apply theory and research to practice through daily teaching and interaction with students, major assignments, and data analysis of practice. Prerequisite: Completion of program coursework, program approval.

SPED 5301. CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This introductory course focuses on the characteristics of students with mild disabilities and their (a) related academic and social outcomes, and (b) implications for assessment and intervention. The course is specifically designed for students who seek certification in teaching children with mild disabilities, to include children who are defined by Federal and state regulations as experiencing learning disabilities (LD), intellectual disability (ID), emotional and/or behavioral disabilities (EBD), and attention deficit disorders/hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD). Graduate level students' understanding will be assessed and measured through additional readings and assignments designed to encourage deeper thinking regarding classroom level interventions for students with disabilities.

SPED 5302. APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS FOR TEACHERS. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to present students with applied behavior analysis strategies and tactics to ensure they are able to make effective instructional decisions and to evaluate the results of those decisions. Procedures covered in class include those to accelerate, decelerate, and maintain student academic and social behavior. Application of learning theory, measurement procedures, and verification of functional relationships will be emphasized. Graduate level students' understanding will be assessed and measured through the direct application of concepts in the field and a written functional behavioral assessment inclusive of a behavior intervention plan.

SPED 5303. COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES AND TRANSITION PLANNING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the concepts, tools, and strategies considered essential for effective collaboration and teamwork. Methods of collaborating and consulting with other professionals in the field of education and family members of students with disabilities will be discussed. Transition planning and collaborative interagency issues related to transition will be examined. Graduate students will facilitate a mock ARD and transition planning meeting.

SPED 5304. INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to prepare future special educators to plan and provide specialized instruction to elementary and secondary students with mild disabilities in reading, writing, mathematics, and across the content areas. Course content will include information on assessment, curriculum and instruction, and the professional role as a teacher of students with mild disabilities. Graduate students will demonstrate mastery of evidence-based practices for students with disabilities by teaching a lesson.

SPED 5305. ADVANCED LEARNING DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to teach the definitions, characteristics, theories, and etiologies of students with specific learning disabilities. Students will analyze definitions of specific learning disabilities from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and professional learning disability organizations. Students will also analyze research describing the nature and characteristics of learning disabilities and how to best serve these students in an educational setting.

SPED 5306. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

This course will address the use of technology in special education, including microcomputers, interactive video, auditory and visual enhancement, and other adaptive devices with individuals experiencing disabilities including learning disabilities, intellectual impairments, sensory and physical impairments. Students will examine current developments and conduct research concerning rehabilitative, adaptive, and learning technologies applied to needs of individuals with disabilities.

SPED 5307. SPECIAL EDUCATION LEGAL AND POLICY ISSUES. 3 Hours.

This introductory course will discuss historical legal foundations of special education and the present legal and policy challenges facing the field. Course content will include information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Students will also understand how important rules from the court system have interpreted laws governing special education and how current policies and issues could impact special education. At the undergraduate level, special focus will be given to applied aspects of the law (e.g., Individualized Education Plans; ARD meetings, etc.).

SPED 5308. ADVANCED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to teach the definitions, characteristics, theories, and etiologies of students with intellectual disabilities. Students will analyze definitions of intellectual disabilities from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and professional intellectual disability organizations. Students will also analyze research describing the nature and characteristics of intellectual disabilities and how to best serve these students in an educational setting.

SPED 5309. THE NEUROSCIENCE OF TYPICAL & ATYPICAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT. 3 Hours.

This course will examine the many levels of language including phonetics, phonology, semantics, syntax and pragmatics from both functional and neuroscientific perspectives. This will be closely tied to language acquisition and early language development. The focus on the pre-reading years will provide a solid basis for further study of literacy-related skills and overall learning. Sub-skills and precursors of reading will be examined from a neurological point of view and applied to researching reading difficulties as well as the teaching and learning in the classroom. Course offered as EDUC 5362 and SPED 5309; co-list credit will be granted only as one.

SPED 5310. ADVANCED BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS. 3 Hours.

This course will cover advanced principles, concepts, and practices related to educating students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders and other IDEA disabilities categories with behaviorally related characteristics. Emphasis will be on school-based services, including advanced instructional and behavioral interventions for improving academic, social, and behavioral outcomes, as well as mental health and juvenile justice services.

SPED 5311. CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to equip teachers with practical assessment strategies for students with a wide range of disabilities. Course content will include standardized norm-referenced assessments, curriculum-based assessment, curriculum-based measurement, and other progress monitoring strategies. Students will create various assessment tools and plans to collect meaningful instructional data from students with disabilities.

SPED 5312. SPECIAL EDUCATION FIELD EXPERIENCE. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to engage students in multiple field-based activities such as, direct observations, functional-behavior assessments, data-based instruction and decision making, and research as part of an independent field experience. At the conclusion of the field experience, students will be assessed on a written product and presentation (e.g., portfolio, research poster). Prerequisite: All other courses in program sequence; requires approval.

SPED 5313. SINGLE SUBJECT RESEARCH. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide students an introductory overview of single subject research methodology. Course content will include quality indicators of single subject research that can lead to identifying effective interventions. Students will design and implement a single-subject experiment.

SPED 5314. CURRENT TOPICS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to discuss current events in special education with a focus on both practice and research. Students will think critically about intended and unintended consequences of various policy and practice issues. Specific topics for the course will be influenced by current policy concerns, problems of practice, and student interests.

SPED 5315. MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT. 3 Hours.

This course will focus on multi-tiered system of support frameworks for integrating instruction, evidence-based interventions, and assessments to meet the academic and behavior needs of all students. Specific frameworks such as, response to intervention and positive behavioral interventions and supports will be emphasized as systems for prevention of disabilities and identification of students with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders.

SPED 5316. ADVANCED APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to present graduate students in special education with applied behavior analysis strategies and tactics to ensure they are able to make effective instructional decisions and to evaluate the results of those decisions in accordance with the master's degree program and initial and advanced licensure standards. This course is intended for students with foundational knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students will be required to plan, implement, and evaluate an applied behavior analysis project with a student in an educational setting.

SPED 5317. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the characteristics and issues encountered by individuals who experience autism spectrum disorders. Students will analyze definitions of ASD provided by IDEA, DSM-V, and professional organizations. Emphasis will be on characteristics, school-based and post-secondary supports, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and assistive technology.

SPED 5318. MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide students with an examination of how the medical and physical needs of students affect a teacher's design of instruction. The medical and physical aspects of a wide variety of orthopedic, musculoskeletal and sensory disorders, as well as the educational models of intervention and service delivery for individuals with multiple disabilities will also be discussed.

SPED 5319. METHODS OF TEACHING STUDENTS WITH MODERATE/SEVERE DISABILITIES AND AUTISM. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to prepare future special educators to plan and provide specialized instruction to elementary and secondary students with moderate/severe disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Course content will include information on assessment and evidence-based instructional practices for academic, functional, adaptive, and behavioral skills. Students will demonstrate mastery of evidence-based practices for students with moderate/severe disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders and receive feedback on the implementation of these practices.

SPED 5320. CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the characteristics and issues encountered by individuals who experience severe and profound levels of intellectual disabilities. Characteristics addressed include learning, behavioral, social-emotional, and communicative abilities. Special emphasis is placed on implementing evidence-based practices and empirically supported treatments.

SPED 5601. CLINICAL TEACHING. 6 Hours.

Supervised and directed clinical teaching in student's targeted area of certification. The student will be assigned full time for the Independent School District calendar. Required seminars provide students with theory to integrate and apply during clinical teaching. Students will apply theory and research to practice through daily teaching and interaction with students, major assignments, and data analysis of practice. Prerequisite: Must complete all other courses in sequence first; permission required.