Graduate Alternative Pathway/Elementary Education Certificate

0 Credits

3 Credits

This course examines the strategies used in managing a positive and respectful classroom environment within the framework of today¿s diverse student population. Topics include models of discipline, establishing expectations and procedures, motivating and engaging students, and effective communication strategies. The course focuses on supporting teacher candidates in developing an individual classroom management plan appropriate for their targeted grade levels and needs.

3 Credits

This course focuses on the theoretical models that underlie teaching and learning. Teacher candidates analyze the most effective teaching strategies to encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of content and to promote critical thinking. Teacher candidates also examine teaching methods and learn to effectively use students' prior knowledge to develop lesson plans.

2 Credits

This course provides an overview of the categories of exceptionality for school-age students with special needs. The teacher candidate will focus on expressive and receptive communication skills and the recognition of individual learning patterns to utilize for the planning, instruction, and assessment strategies of diverse populations. Historical perspectives and information related to special education law, and current policies and practices are examined.

3 Credits

This course addresses legal and historical foundations of structured English immersion (SEI) foundations, instructional elements and language development of English learners in elementary grades, and culturally relevant instruction. Candidates explore SEI identification, SEI models, and English Language Proficiency Standards. Candidates also examine language acquisition theories, elements of language, and language domains. Candidates learn instructional strategies for academic English development in elementary settings. This course is designed to meet the standards set by the Arizona Department of Education.

3 Credits

This course provides the teacher candidate with the methodology to assess student learning effectively. The focus is placed on providing teacher candidates with the tools necessary to use, interpret, and evaluate student growth in order to inform instruction. Teacher candidates explore a variety of assessment tools and construct objective and performance assessments.

3 Credits

This course focuses on the most current research, theory, and methods of reading instruction. Teacher candidates will implement teaching and learning strategies that use critical thinking, provide meaningful context, and incorporate student knowledge to develop an integrated unit of instruction. Various instructional and assessment techniques, including research-based phonics, are modeled. A practical application project, based on work with a student in a K-8 school setting, is incorporated into the course requirements.

3 Credits

This course focuses on the methodology and assessment strategies that enhance learning at the elementary level. Integrated content, interdisciplinary teaching, and curriculum and assessment issues are emphasized. Multiple perspectives of students as learners of elementary content, along with current research on pedagogy, are explored. This course provides teacher candidates with an opportunity to develop the ability to use and evaluate instructional and curricular materials and appropriate assessment strategies.