ANNETTE CALDWELL SIMMONS SCHOOL
OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Education Courses

(credit bearing only)

EDU 5100. Special Topics. Students work on a personalized system of instruction. Most of the work in this course is to be done as an independent study.

EDU 5121/5122/5123. EC-4 Field Experience I/II/III. Opportunities to work in appropriate school settings. Field Experience I allows students to observe a functioning classroom. Field Experience II concerns special populations. Field Experience III allows students to shadow a teacher in preparation for student teaching.

EDU 5124/5125/5126. Middle School/High School Field Experience I/II/III. Opportunities to work in appropriate school settings. Field Experience I allows students to observe a functioning classroom. Field Experience II concerns special populations. Field Experience III allows students to shadow a teacher in preparation for student teaching.

EDU 5200/5300. Special Topics. Students work on a personalized system of instruction. Most of the work in this course is to be done as an independent study.

EDU 5310. Civic Leadership. An examination of individual and community transformations, resulting from civic leadership, in the classroom and experientially through a required community service component occurring outside the classroom.

EDU 5315. MS/HS Formative and Summative Assessment. An examination of various formal and informal assessment methods and strategies specific to their content areas and levels of certification.

EDU 5318. Formative Summative Assessment for Elementary School. Explanation and practice of formal and informal assessment strategies and how assessment outcomes should inform instruction and be shared with families.

EDU 5327. Integrating Teaching and Learning. A review of the nature and design of educational activities: theory, research and practice of unit and lesson planning for active learning that meets the needs of individual students.

EDU 5331. Content Area Studies for Elementary School. Exploration of science, social studies, art, music, drama and physical education content for Pre-K through 4th-grade students and effective teaching strategies for each content area.

EDU 5335. Adolescent Development and Cognition. The theory of adolescent growth and development and its application in the classroom. The study of how adolescents learn and the conditions under which they learn best.

EDU 5343/CCPA 5301. Leadership Theories and Practices. Examination of the theories and skills necessary for the development of effective leadership. Includes opportunities for evaluating leaders and leadership behavior in a variety of contexts.

EDU 5348. Urban and Multicultural Environment. Study of diversity, multicultural concepts, inclusion and exploration of issues, policies and professional practice relevant to teaching in urban schools.

EDU 5349. Learning Environment and Professionalism: EC-12. Major issues facing teachers in establishing and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, as well as the professional roles and responsibilities of teachers.

EDU 5355. Teaching Mathematics in Elementary School. Learning materials and teaching methods focusing on knowledge and skills required for Pre-K through 4th-grade students.

EDU 5357. Emergent Literacy. Examination of principles of literacy learning in young children and predictable stages of oral language, writing and reading development. All literacy classes require field experiences in local schools.

EDU 5358. Conventional Literacy. An introduction to theories, practices and materials for teaching reading/writing in primary grades.

EDU 5363/5364. ECñ4 Student Teaching. A 15-week assignment in an elementary school that has a diverse student population and a weekly seminar on campus.

EDU 5367 Creating Successful Classrooms. Students will examurrent research that promotes student-centered teaching and constructivist practices. Focuses on various teaching and learning strategies of teaching in effective classrooms will be the focus of the course.

EDU 5371. Secondary Instruction: Content Area Methods. Observation, practice teaching and assessment methods and strategies specific to content area and level of certification. Requires a minimum of 12 hours of field work in a middle school or high school.

EDU 5373/5374. Middle School/High School Student Teaching. A 15-week assignment in a middle school/high school that has a diverse student population and a weekly seminar on campus.

EDU 5375/5376. Internship I/II: Middle School/High School. An opportunity for secondary student teachers to share ideas concerning such topics as assessment, classroom management and teaching strategies with experts from area K-12 schools.

EDU 5385/5386. Internship I/II: EC-4. A full-year assignment as the teacher of record in a public or accredited private school. Supervision by SMU faculty.

EDU 6100. Independent Study. A personalized system of independent study.

EDU 6101/6102/6103/6104. Practicum Experience. An opportunity for clinical teaching and therapy practices. Requires clinical teaching reports and therapy demonstrations. Each student is assigned an adviser to answer questions and provide support and guidance. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6105. Current Issues in Dyslexia: Dyslexia Identification Process, Kindergarten and Beyond. An in-depth outline of steps for early identification of dyslexic students. This identification involves more than administering a battery of tests. A team approach, involving persons with information regarding the students, is integral to the identification process. Central to the team are knowledgeable classroom teachers. Early identification as a key to successful remediation is also discussed, including current research that shows this can be accomplished for children as young as 5 years of age, before they experience real failure.

EDU 6106. Advanced Learning Disabilities (Project Read: Written Expression). An examination of Project Read/Language Circle, an alternative language arts program that offers a systematic learning experience with direct teaching concepts through multisensory techniques. “Framing Your Thoughts: The Written Expression Strand” delineates a process for expressing thoughts in written form. Abstract concepts of sentence construction and word function are developed concretely with symbols.

EDU 6107. Study of Psycholinguistics (Project Read: Reading Comprehension–Report Form and/or Story Form). A focus on Project Read/Language Circle, an alternative language arts program that offers a systematic learning experience with direct teaching concepts through multisensory techniques. The Reading Comprehension curriculum, which presents the underlying structure and format of language in both expository and narrative forms, also is explored. This strand is divided into Report Form (expository) and Story Form (narrative) written information. It teaches a process of analyzing the underlying structure of expository and narrative writing.

EDU 6108. Colloquium: SALT (Structured Accelerated Language Training). Techniques for modifying academic language therapy, from word attack to reading comprehension, organizing and extending thoughts for written expression and improving handwriting skills.

EDU 6109. Seminar/Practicum Curricular Issues: WorkSmart. An introduction to WorkSmart, a strategy for increasing dyslexic students’ self-esteem and advocacy competencies. It is based on the premise that the biggest problem most people with dyslexia face is not the learning difference itself but the way they cope with it.

EDU 6110. Adapted Learning Therapy (Automaticity and Rate). An outline of explicit suggestions for helping students develop proficient decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) skills to a level of automaticity that does not require conscious thought or effort. Also pointers on how students can be taught to understand how different kinds of text are organized, as well as a repertoire of strategies for understanding these texts.

EDU 6111. Dyslexia Teaching Level 2 and 3. Instruction in levels 2 and 3 of EDMAR MTA curriculum. A focus on cognitive and linguistic structure of written language and writing in phonetic concepts related to reading and spelling. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6112. Dyslexia Teaching Level 4 and 5. A focus on cognitive and linguistic structure of written language and writing in phonetic concepts related to reading and spelling. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6115. Early Language Development (Phonological Awareness). An exploration of current research that confirms that children who have a greater degree of phonological awareness when they enter school are better equipped to learn to read. A more advanced form of phonological awareness is called phoneme awareness, which is the understanding that speech can be broken down into even smaller units called phonemes. Since few preschoolers spontaneously attain phonemic awareness, this course will teach appropriate activities to help build these skills by engaging them in activities that draw their attention to the existence of phonemes in spoken words.

EDU 6116. Topics in Learning Therapy (Procedures & Measures for Assessing Students for Dyslexia). A guide for developing a referral, assessment and placement process for identifying the student with dyslexia. Time is devoted to analyzing all existing information on the student, including formal test results, in order to make an educational identification of dyslexia. In addition, a focus on accommodations, modification and teaching strategies that may be used for the dyslexic student in the regular classroom.

EDU 6117. Project Read: Report Form. Project Read/Language Circle, an alternative language arts program that offers a systematic learning experience with direct teaching concepts through multisensory techniques. The Reading Comprehension curriculum presents the underlying structure and format of language in both expository and narrative forms. This strand is divided into Report Form (expository) and Story Form (narrative) written information. It teaches a process of analyzing the underlying structure of expository and narrative writing.

EDU 6134. Cognition. An emphasis on learning styles and processes, as well as organizational patterns and cognitive development of the dyslexic student. Study skills and learning strategies used in the classroom and clinical practice.

EDU 6200. Independent Study. A personalized system of independent study.

EDU 6231. Early Language Development. A continuation of instruction in introductory levels of the curriculum. Refines techniques and procedures previously introduced and discusses systems of record keeping and progress reporting. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6233. Advanced Structure Written Language III. A continuation and completion of instruction in advanced levels of curriculum. Students acquire more sophisticated therapy techniques, including transition and closure, and review record keeping and student progress measurement. This course also includes a discussion of professional dyslexia-related organizations. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6300. Independent Study. A personalized system of independent study.

EDU 6302. Design and Assessment of Learning. A review of research and practice in learning theory, instructional design and assessment strategies. Also an investigation of studies supporting “best practices” in the classroom.

EDU 6303. Learning Environment and Professionalism. An investigation of student needs that teachers must meet as well as different aspects of professionalism expected of classroom teachers. Also analysis of studies supporting “best practice” in classroom management and professional development.

EDU 6304. Interpreting Educational Research. A study of how to understand and critically evaluate educational research. A review of basic statistics, introduction to experimental design and procedure and ethics in research. Emphasizes, throughout the course, application through the study of current research articles in education.

EDU 6305. Differentiated Instruction. This course introduction toes assessment and curriculum design concepts that facilitate differentiation by studying design principles for assessment and using data to plan and implement differentiation of learning processes and student products.

EDU 6306. Mastering U.S. History TEKS. An exploration of left- and right-brain strategies for mastering Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in 5th, 8th and 11th grade social studies. Emphasis on left- and right-brain learning styles, as well as critical and creative thinking skills. Implements the 1981 Nobel Prize-winning discovery that accelerated learning ensues from presenting information simultaneously to both brain hemispheres.

EDU 6310. Philosophical Ideas in Education. A review of a variety of educational philosophies, past and present, that drive educational practice. Primary focus on those philosophies that have most influenced American education and on the development of a personal philosophy of education to guide everyday practice in school.

EDU 6311. Literacy Consultation. The most current understanding of literacy consultation and coaching. Preparation for teachers and other specialists to provide professional consultation and coaching to their peers in order to support the reading development of all students in the school. All literacy classes require field experiences in local schools. Prerequisites: EDU 6340 and EDU 6363.

EDU 6312/ANTH 6311. Applied Linguistics. An introduction to the application of linguistics in the context of language acquisition and bilingual education. Both theory and practice and review of the methods for teaching a second language. Bilingual Education students lead a Spanish component of this course.

EDU 6313. Spanish for Teachers. An intensive conversational Spanish course for teachers designed to improve oral and aural skills not only in class but also by means of projects and assignments in settings where Spanish is spoken. Guest lecturers from the Hispanic community provide opportunities to experience the diversity of the Hispanic culture and language. Course assignments facilitate the acquisition of the social and academic vocabulary necessary to work with students and parents whose first language is Spanish.

EDU 6314. Practicum Gifted/Talented. A practicum course designed to develop and enhance skills in working with gifted students. F for counselors or social workers who are not teachers.

EDU 6315. Diverse Learners. An introduction to different teaching approaches that help create equal educational opportunities for students from diverse racial, ethnic, social-class and cultural groups. Strategies to make teaching more effective in increasingly diverse schools.

EDU 6316/ANTH 6347. Mesoamerican Ethnology. An understanding of contemporary Meso-America by examining the literature and field data from anthropological and interdisciplinary viewpoints.

EDU 6317/ANTH 6306. Anthropology and Education. An anthropological approach to the study of schools and how an anthropological framework can provide insight into the nature of education and classroom interaction. In addition, the development of education in its cultural, economic, political, religious and social contexts. Special consideration to “bilingual” and “bicultural” (and “multicultural”) education in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere in the Americas.

EDU 6318. Special Problems. Guided reading and research.

EDU 6319. Fundamentals of Bilingual Education. An examination of the history of bilingual education as well as important research and key considerations in program implementation. Particular attention to issues related to recruitment, training and retention of bilingual education teachers.

EDU 6320. ESL Instruction and Assessment. An introduction to the methodology of second language instruction with an emphasis on teaching English in the bilingual classroom and on preparation of classroom teaching materials.

EDU 6321. Bilingualism/Biliteracy. An exploration of the theoretical foundation, methods and materials for literacy instruction in a bilingual instructional setting. Special emphasis on language and literacy for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

EDU 6322. Educational and Behavioral Psychology. An advanced survey of areas in psychology with direct application in schools and the educational process, including developmental psychology, learning and the brain, motivation and motivational change and the theory and practice of testing. An emphasis on application to real-world problems.

EDU 6323. Literacy Assessment. The most current understanding of literacy development and assessment based on recent research. A focus on formal and informal literacy assessment procedures at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Emphasis on gathering and interpreting assessment information for making instructional decisions. All literacy classes require field experiences in local schools. Prerequisites: EDU 6340 and EDU 6363.

EDU 6324. Content Methods. The study of teaching strategies specific to content areas and levels of certification. The examination of research promoting content literacy. In depth reading assignments unique to content areas of specialty. Field work included.

EDU 6325. Educating the Gifted and Talented. An historical survey of the field, definitions, basic terminology, theories, models and characteristics of the gifted and talented. A brief summary of identification and assessment procedures, characteristics desirable in counselors/teachers, models for interaction with gifted persons and a review of effective program prototypes.

 

EDU 6326. Content Area Studies. Exploration of science, social studies, art, music, drama and physical education content for Pre-K through 4th-grade students, including effective teaching strategies for each content area. Readings from research journals in the content areas, along with the development of research-based instructional strategies.

EDU 6328 Strategic Teaching. An examination of a variety of instructional strategies proven to engage learners in the middle and high school learning environment and to give students an opportunity to practice developing skills in communication and facilitating learning.

EDU 6329. EC-4 Math. Evaluation of learning materials and teaching methods in mathematics focusing on the knowledge and skills required for Pre-K through 4th-grade students. Study of the research in math concept development.

EDU 6330. Survey of Dyslexia and Related Learning Disabilities. An introduction to language communication concepts and educational activities for teaching individuals with developmental dyslexia and related language learning difficulties. A study of the characteristic symptoms of dyslexia, implications of the disorder, diagnosis and multisensory and discovery language remediation techniques. Practicum opportunities and an introduction to Curriculum Level I. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6331. Cognitive and Linguistic Structures of Written Language. Instruction in the teaching of Curriculum Level II. A focus on cognitive and linguistic structures of written language and writing and phonetic concepts related to reading and spelling. An examination of the historical development of English and its relevance to language disabilities. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6332. Advanced Cognitive and Linguistic Structures of Written Language, Part I. An overview of advanced dyslexia instruction. Also an introduction to upper levels of the curriculum and instruction in the more complex aspects of the English written code. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6333. Advanced Cognitive and Linguistic Structures of Written Language, Part II. A continuation of EDU 6332. Refines previously developed procedures and techniques and examines phonetic irregularities and semantic and syntactic structures. (Learning Therapy only)

EDU 6339. Bilingual Content and Instruction. A review of current research in biliteracy and the implementation of authentic proficiency-based content-area instruction, in which language arts, mathematics, science and social studies are taught in the primary language (L1), which is Spanish, and in the second language (L2), which is English. A course for graduate students pursuing bilingual education certification and/or a Master of Bilingual Education degree. Lectures and discussion groups in both English and Spanish.

EDU 6340. Literacy Acquisition. The most current understanding of early reading acquisition based on recent research. A focus on learning experiences that students need to acquire fundamental reading skills, typically learned in pre-kindergarten through second grade. Specifically, an examination of the theory, research base and application of specific procedures for designing and delivering reading and language arts instruction to students including those who have disabilities or are dyslexic, second-language learners and/or advanced learners. Field experiences throughout the semester.

EDU 6347. Creativity: Theories, Models and Applications. A survey of the concept of creativity. Includes instruments and techniques for identifying creativity, theories and models of creativity, techniques for creativity enhancement, futuristics and challenges unique to creative persons.

EDU 6363. Advanced Literacy Development. The most current understanding of advanced literacy development based on research. A focus on learning experiences that students need to be successful in school and in later life. Specifically, an examination of the theory, research base and application of specific procedures for designing and delivering reading and language arts instruction to upper elementary and secondary students, including those who have disabilities or are dyslexic, second-language learners and/or advanced learners. Field experiences throughout the semester. Prerequisite: EDU 6340.

EDU 6370. Physical Science: Chemistry. This course topics will focus on developing models of effective instructional strategies designed to promote student learning and understanding of science concepts and processes. Practical methods for demonstrating, using models, planning laboratory experiences, managing science equipment, and safety concerns will be developed and discussed. Current issues in science education will be addressed. Modules will include: Connection Through Time, The Nature of Science, Science in School and Issues in Science Education.

EDU 6371. Life Science. Activities that have been specifically designed to help achieve an understanding of current research pertaining to concepts in life science as defined in the 4-8 TEKS. A focus on developing models of effective instructional strategies designed to promote student learning and understanding of science concepts and processes. Practical methods for demonstrating, using models, planning laboratory experiences, managing science equipment and safety concerns. Includes modules: Levels of Organization of Living Organisms, Changes in Living Systems: Heredity and Reproduction, Changes in Living Systems: Evolution and Diversity and Environment, Genetics and Time.

EDU 6372. Physical Science. Activities that have been designed to help achieve an understanding of current research pertaining to concepts in physical science as defined in the 4-8 TEKS. A focus on developing models of effective instructional strategies designed to promote student learning and understanding of science concepts and processes. Practical methods for demonstrating, using models, planning laboratory experiences, managing science equipment and safety concerns. Includes modules: Matter, Chemical Reactions, Force and Motion and Energy and Energy Transformations.

EDU 6373. Earth and Space Science. Activities especially designed to help achieve an understanding of current research pertaining to concepts in earth and space science as defined in the 4-8 TEKS. A focus on developing models of effective instructional strategies designed to promote student learning and understanding of science concepts and processes. Practical methods for demonstrating, using models, planning laboratory experiences, managing science equipment and safety concerns. Includes modules: Earth in Space and Time, Earth Structures, Dirt, Rocks, Fossils and Earth Systems.

EDU 6379. Numerical Reasoning: Numbers and Operations. An examination of number systems and their properties, including integers, rational numbers and irrational numbers. Decimal representation; complex numbers; use of numbers in everyday life; recurrence relations; mathematical induction; symbolic logic, proofs and invalid arguments; prime numbers; the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic; greatest common divisors; least common multiple; division algorithm; Euclidean algorithm; and problem solving.

EDU 6380. Algebraic Reasoning and Patterns. An examination of functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; properties and graphs of functions, including symmetry, intercepts, one-to-one and invertibility; applications of functions in everyday life, including exponential growth and decay; sequences and series; rates of change; calculus, including area and volume; and problem solving.

EDU 6381. Geometry and Measurements. Euclidean geometry–axioms and proofs, lines and triangles. Trigonometric functions and the study of transformations–translations, rotations, reflections, dilations and symmetry. Also coordinate geometry, vectors and matrices, non-Euclidean geometry and problem solving.

EDU 6382. Everyday Mathematics: Probability and Statistics. A focus on methods of representing and analyzing data, measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Also discrete and continuous random variables, combinations and permutations, random samples and analysis of samples, binomial, geometric and normal distributions and problem solving.

EDU 6384. Teaching and Learning with Technology. An introduction to various learning styles and models of instructional design and development. Teaches participants to integrate technology effectively to achieve learning objectives and to meet the varied learning needs of all learners.

EDU 6385. Technology-Related Instruction Assessment. An understanding of fundamentals of qualitative and quantitative assessment using technology-based applications.

EDU 6386. Multimedia Design and Development for Educators. Teaches participants to design, develop and use interactive media and multimedia, such as audio, video, animation, graphics, hyper text and still media for instruction. Reinforces the instructional design principles discussed in EDU 6384, focusing on multimedia applications.

EDU 6387. Research and Professional Development in the Information Age. Emphasizes research on technology-related issues, trends and emerging technologies in instruction. Develops an understanding of the changing environment that technology in the work place represents and the ability to assume the dual role as teacher as well as mentor through effective modeling and coaching.

EDU 6388. Curriculum Development for Gifted and Talented Learners. The foundation for the development of differentiated curricula for gifted students. A review and/or introduction to significant curriculum models. Also effective teaching strategies for gifted students, adapting curriculum for individual differences, the organization of curriculum for the gifted (scope and sequence and the issues related to integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum) and the teaching of higher-level cognitive skills.

EDU 6389. Special Topics. A personalized system of instruction.

EDU 6390. ESL Teaching and Learning. Classroom applications of ESL teaching and learning theory. Factors that influence English language and literacy development. Instructional approaches and pedagogical materials for linguistic and cultural needs of English-language learners.

EDU 6397. Growth and Development of the Gifted. An examination of the differentiated affective characteristics and needs of the gifted. A review of general counseling theories, the assessment of affective needs, strategies for assisting the gifted in developing social and interpersonal skills and effective communication skills with the gifted. Issues surrounding the potential of the gifted to achieve and make significant contributions to society as a whole.

EDU 7300. Independent Study.

EDU 7301. Professional Seminar: Paradigms of Education Research. An introduction to the Department of Teaching and Learning, to contemporary research in education and to the paradigms and methods of education research. Provides a foundation for the coursework, independent scholarship and research students will undertake in the doctoral program.

EDU 7302. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods. Doctoral professional seminar emphasizing research designs in education including experimental, quasi-experimental, single-case, evaluation, survey and other designs. Although statistical methods are discussed for various designs, the emphasis is on concepts, procedures and internal and external validity issues. Applications to the review of research and writing of methods sections for grants and dissertations.

EDU 7303. Mixed Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Research designs and statistical methods for studies that combine quantitative analysis with qualitative inquiry. Review of literature employing mixed methods. Computer methods of analysis.

EDU 7311. Quantitative Statistics for Education Research. Statistical techniques for educational research and the ability to interpret statistical concepts. Includes analysis of variance, multiple comparisons, non-parametric statistics, simple linear regression and multiple correlation.

EDU 7312. Intermediate Quantitative Statistics in Education. Doctoral seminar that is a continuation of EDU 7311. Statistical methods including analysis of variance, basic regression and other intermediate statistical methods.

EDU 7313. Advanced Assessment. Theories and methods of evaluating and designing assessments (tests, scales, questionnaires, surveys, observations, etc.) for a broad range of uses in educational research and for clinical evaluations in special education and psychology; psychometric methods; classical and item-response theory; statistics used in reliability and validity of tests; and reviewing published tests.

EDU 7314. Advanced Multivariate Statistics. Continuation of EDU 7312 including multiple regression, discriminant function, canonical correlation, basic structural equation modeling, factor analysis, and hierarchical linear models. Other methods used in research and assessment presented by visiting lecturers or guest speakers. Computer applications.

Courses Offered through Other University Departments

ANTH 6306. Anthropology and Education. A focus on the anthropological approach to the study of schools and an anthropological framework that can provide insight into the nature of education and classroom interaction. In addition, the development of education in its cultural, economic, political, religious and social contexts. Special consideration to “bilingual” and “bicultural” (and “multicultural”) education in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere in the Americas.

ANTH 6332. Special Problems: Research in the Hispanic Community. First-hand experience for graduate students in doing ethnographic and survey research in Hispanic communities located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and throughout North Texas. Students focus their fieldwork on neighborhoods and communities surrounding designated schools with bilingual and bicultural student populations. The research enterprise (project design, implementation, data analysis and report-writing) is done in teams and involves shared responsibilities for the final written report and oral presentation.

ANTH 6347. Mesoamerican Ethnology. Develops an understanding of contemporary Meso-America by examining the literature and field data from anthropological and interdisciplinary viewpoints.

HIST 5330. Seminar in Mexican-American History: Texas and the Tejanos. An examination of the growing historiography on Mexican-Americans. A focus on the relationship between their ethnic identity and the Southwest.

HUMN 6307. Mexican and Mexican-American Literature. Broadens the conceptual knowledge of the Mexican civilization and develops a stronger understanding of Hispanic values and traditions and a deeper appreciation of the ways in which Hispanic children culturally enrich the classroom. Analyzes Mexican and Mexican-American literature from linguistic, cultural and pedagogical perspectives. Readings, informal lectures, class discussion and individual projects.