Temporary Director: Joseph M. Cuzzola, Ed.D.
OBJECTIVES
The School of Education offers a program leading to a Master of Education degree designed to
facilitate a higher level of teacher performance. The core courses focus on the mastery of
teaching effectiveness for teachers in grades K through 12. The objectives will enable the
teacher to:
Core Courses/Performance Learning Systems
Teaching Effectiveness (12 credits)
GEDU 682 Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences (3)
GEDU 683 Discovering the power of Live-Event Learning (3)
GEDU 685 Meaningful Activities in Generating Interesting Classrooms (3)
GEDU 688 Achieving Student Outcomes through Cooperative Learning (3)
GEDU 689 Coaching Skills for Successful Teaching (3)
GEDU 691 Project T.E.A.C.H. (required) (3)
GEDU 693 P.R.I.D.E. (3)
GEDU 694 Teaching through Learning Channels (3)
GEDU 697 Keys to Motivation (3)
GEDU 699 Teaching through Learning Channels Lab (3)
(Prerequisite: Teaching through Learning Channels)
GEDU 663 Brain Based Ways We Think and Learn (3)
GEDU 686 Teaching the Skills of the 21st Century (3)
GEDU 660 Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility (3)
GEDU 665 Building Your Technology Education & Skills (3)
GEDU 699 Brain Compatible Learning Through the Curriculum: A Laboratory Approach (3)
Foundation courses (6 credits)
GEDU 500 Classics in Education (3)
GEDU 611 Philosophy of Education (3)
GEDU 613 History of Education (3)
GEDU 614 Sociology of Education (3)
GEDU 615 Urban Education (3)
GEDU 621 School Curriculum (required) (3)
Research courses (9 credits)
GEDU 600 Introduction to Graduate Statistics (4)
GEDU 601 Educational Research Methods (3)
GEDU 696 Directed Research and Special Topics (2-4)
Elective Emphasis Sequence (9 credits)
Selected and planned in consultation with the program advisor.
Total Credits 36
Upon application as a degree candidate, the student will be assigned an advisor. At that point, a program appropriate to the needs of the student will be designed cooperatively.
Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction Outreach and Weekend Cohort Program
Director: Joseph M. Cuzzola, Ed.D.
OBJECTIVES
The School of Education offers an Outreach Cohort program leading to a Master of Education
degree designed to facilitate a higher level of teacher performance. Candidates are part of
a dynamic cohort community which shares the goals associated with Agents of Change. This
requires mastery of knowledge, dispositions, and performances that enable practicing teachers
to become:
Performance Learning Systems Teaching Effectiveness (12 credits)
GEDU 682 Purposeful Learning through Multiple Intelligence (3)
GEDU 683 Discovering the Power of Live-Event Learning (3)
GEDU 685 Meaningful Activities in Generating Interesting Classrooms (3)
GEDU 688 Achieving Student Outcomes through Cooperative Learning (3)
GEDU 689 Coaching Skills for Successful Teaching (3)
GEDU 691 Project T.E.A.C.H. (3)
GEDU 693 P.R.I.D.E. (3)
GEDU 694 Teaching through Learning Channels (3)
GEDU 697 Keys to Motivation (3)
GEDU 699 Teaching through Learning Channels Lab (3)
(Prerequisite: Teaching through Learning Channels)
GEDU 663 Brain Based Ways We Think and Learn (3)
GEDU 686 Teaching the Skills of the 21st Century (3)
GEDU 660 Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility (3)
GEDU 665 Building Your Technology Education and Skills (3)
GEDU 699 Brain Compatible Learning Through the Curriculum: A Laboratory Approach (3)
Applied Master’s Portfolio Inclusion courses (24 credits)
GEDU 503 Educational Leadership (3)
GEDU 505 Classroom Discipline: Sound Theory/Effective Practice (3)
GEDU 604 Student Assessment and Educational Statistics (3)
GEDU 601 Methods of Research (3)
GEDU 602 Portfolio Project (Degree requirement) (0)
GEDU 603 Current Issues in Education (3)
GEDU 621 School Curriculum (3)
GEDU 637 Learning Theory (3)
GEDU 650 Advanced Educational Computing (3)
Total Credits 36
Upon application as a degree candidate in the Outreach Cohort program, students will be assigned to a Cohort in their region. All of the Applied Masters Portfolio Inclusion courses will be completed as a cohort community.
Master of Education: Reading & Reading Specialist Certification Programs
Director: Sharon E. Crisman, Ed.D.
The School of Education offers a program leading to a Reading Specialist Certification. Certification may be obtained without pursuing a Master’s degree.
A second option includes certification with a Master of Education degree.
Philosophy Literacy is the key to children’s success while in school and provides communication linkage with society throughout the life span. Valuing the present understanding of human development and the learning process, the Master of Education degree in Reading and the Reading Specialist Certification Program provide training as a reading professional, one who will function collaboratively and in a variety of capacities. Preparation is provided regarding knowledge and implementation of research-based instruction and assessment practices. The Reading Specialist is required to be a leader in planning, coordinating, and managing literacy programs for students, parents, and other educators and the community.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The Master of Education Candidate and/or the Reading Specialist Candidate:
GEDU 640 Adolescent Literature
or
GEDU 641 Children’s Literature (3)
Student Teaching is required if candidate had no prior student teaching experience. GEDU 550 - 6 credits
Additional requirements for Master’s Degree are:
GEDU 504 Adult Literacy (3)
GEDU 600 Introduction to Graduate Statistics (4)
GEDU 696 Directed Research and Special Topics (3)
Total Credits 40
Also required:
Master of Education: Educational Leadership
Director: Donald C. Beckman, Ed.D.
PHILOSOPHY
The intent of the Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership is to reflect the vision of Gannon University’s Department of Education, to integrate the goals of faculty members, and priorities of professional administrative associations and organizations, and to incorporate and reflect the standards adopted by the PA Department of Education.
The Master of Education program is based on the premise that a significant shift has occurred in recent years relative to the leadership paradigm, from an authoritative, hierarchical model to a decentralized, collaborative model. This transformation has evolved as research on effective organizations suggests that leadership of a special sort is required to manage fundamental change in organizations. This type of leadership recognizes that organizations do not change unless the individuals who comprise them change first. The challenge for educational leaders is, therefore, to teach individuals the value of making changes that affect them and their organizations. This can only be accomplished if the leadership of the school entity is viewed as an integral part that infuses the total system, not a segmented function that resides in isolated positions of the organization.
The program in Educational Leadership designed by Gannon University is based upon the premise that one of the major areas of competence for a principal and other school leaders is that of being a functional visionary for the 21st century - one who strives for continuous improvement through the utilization of a dynamic systems approach to administration and leadership while simultaneously reflecting upon the diversity of the school district and community. This model will stress the development of astute leadership, rather than ordinary leadership.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
Director: Donald C. Beckman, Ed.D.
OVERVIEW
The principal is the professional staff member of the school in the most strategic position to
encourage, initiate and guide changes needed to improve the learning environments available to
students. The Principal Certification program at Gannon University has been developed on the
premise that the building principal can be an effective visionary leader of change. A principal
possesses and utilizes skills such as an in-depth knowledge of school organizations and
structures within a social, psychological and political environment, and an understanding of the
fiscal operation of the school. A good principal also takes a proactive role in both school and
community relations.
Those interested in the program must have completed a Master’s degree in Education or a related field. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires a minimum of five years of professional school experience and completion of an approved program of study to be certified as a principal. Candidates for principal certification must also successfully pass the PRAXIS exam.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
Educational Leadership, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Certification Program
Director: Donald C. Beckman, Ed.D.
OVERVIEW
Formal leadership in schools and school districts is a complex, multifaceted task. Effective
school leaders are strong educators, anchoring their work on central issues of learning, teaching
and school improvement. They are moral agents and social advocates for the children and the
communities they serve. Finally, they make strong connections with other people, valuing and
caring for others as individuals and as members of the educational community.
Those individuals interested in the Superintendent’ s Letter of Eligibility program must have completed a Master’s degree in Education or a related field. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires completion of an approved graduate-level program of educational administrative study minimally approximating two full academic years for the preparation as chief school administrator. Also necessary is evidence of six years of teaching or other professionally certificated service in the basic schools, three years of which should have been in supervisory or administrative positions.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
CURRICULUM
27 CREDITS
GEDU 724 Computer Applications for Administrators (3 credits)
GEDU 740 The Superintendency (3 credits)
GEDU 741 Organizational Leadership: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
GEDU 742 Educational Facilities and School Plant (3 credits)
GEDU 745 Superintendent Practicum I (1 credit)
GEDU 743 Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations (3 credits)
GEDU 746 Superintendent Practicum II (1 credit)
GEDU 744 Business Administration and Finance in Public Education (3 credits)
GEDU 747 Superintendent Practicum III (1 credit)
GEDU 748 Superintendent Internship (3 credits)
GEDU 749 Independent Study in Educational Leadership-Superintendent (3 credits)
Graduate Certification Program: English as a Second Language
Director: Sally L. LeVan, Ph. D..
OVERVIEW
This certificate program offers the student the opportunity to earn a credential which
demonstrates a degree of specialization in the field of teaching English as a Second Language
(ESL). According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, all new and existing teachers in
an ESL program must have an ESL certificate. Nine of the credits earned can be used towards a
Master of Arts in English and all twelve can be used towards a Master of Education in Curriculum
and Instruction.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GEDU 500 Classics in Education
3 credits
In this course, students will read and discuss several great works in the field of education.
The books read will vary each time the course is offered.
GEDU 501 Early Intervention: Practice and Policy
3 credits
Examines the theoretical and empirical research and practical experience relating to the first
five years of life through a multidisciplinary approach. The study of the practice and policies
which shape early intervention.
GEDU 502 Review of Research in Early Childhood
3 credits
Examines significant research in early childhood to enable students to become competent in
analysis and interpretation of research, as well as knowledge of this body of literature.
GEDU 503 Educational Leadership
3 credits
This course is a study of models of leadership, issues dealing with human development,
communications, culture, climate, change, management, and assessment of leadership.
GEDU 504 Adult Literacy
3 credits
The exploration of a variety of philosophies, approaches and materials used for reading
instruction of the adult learner. Familiarity with the social, psychological and multicultural
characteristics of the adult learner is stressed. Non-tutorial administrative responsibilities
related to literacy site management are also examined. Research project addressing an adult
literacy issue is required.
GEDU 505 Classroom Discipline
3 credits
This course is a study of theory and practice for teachers as they use their knowledge and
skills for effective classroom discipline.
GEDU 506 Human Growth and Development (Life Span)
3 credits
Through a transdisciplinary approach, this course examines the theoretical, empirical and
practical information relevant to human development and the life span. The ontogeneses of
various developmental processes are studied from the ecological contextual systems point of view.
Factors that facilitate and interfere with development are considered.
GEDU 511 Introduction to Human Sexuality
3 credits
This course is designed for counselors, teachers, or those in helping professions which require
understanding of human sexuality or those individuals wanting to increase their personal
understanding of sexuality. The course presents a psychosocial view of sexuality drawn from a
broad range of theoretical and empirical literature.
GEDU 517 English as a Second Language Assessment and Program Development
3 credits
This specially tailored section of Student Assessment is designed for students in the graduate
ESL Certificate program. It has been tailored specifically to address needs, assessments,
programs and family-school support for ESL students. We will explore a broad array of student
assessments (IPT, LAS, and PSSA), and their use in program development and in developing the
literacy skills of ESL students. Assessment of students before, during and after instruction
will be practiced and evaluated. We will research this variety of assessment tools and
strategies to identify purpose and audience for these assessments, including qualitative
measures, observation and portfolios.
GEDU 518 Multicultural Aspects of the Helping Professions/
Cross Cultural Communication
3 credits
This course will help students to develop an appreciation for and sensitivity to points of
view in a pluralistic society. Various cultures will be presented from the perspective of
family structure, family coping mechanisms, communication style, interface with the community,
interpersonal coping style, identity and history.
GEDU 519 Structures of American English
3 credits
This course is a descriptive study of the structures of modern English. Emphasis is placed
on the special characteristics of the English language and the principles and approaches to
teaching English to non-native speakers.
GEDU 520 Methods and Materials for Teaching ESL
3 credits
A study of various theories and research in Second Language Acquisition, and practice of the
various methods and approaches to teaching ESL.
GEDU 521 Microcomputers in Education
3 credits
This course focuses on the use of microcomputers in the classroom. Students will engage in
applied learning activities which stress the use of computer productivity tools for text/data
processing and making presentations, technology assessment, and planning.
GEDU 530 School Law
3 credits
The course includes a review of all the major laws and regulations including the compulsory
school attendance law, Pennsylvania Child Labor Law, Child Labor Provisions of the Federal Fair
Labor Act, Child Welfare Regulations Title 3200, Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, Emancipation
Requirements and other significant regulations pertaining to the health and welfare of children.
GEDU 535 Exceptional Child
3 credits
A study of children and adolescents who have physical, mental, and emotional handicaps; the role
of the teacher and the counselor in providing for the exceptional child; gifted children and
their special needs.
GEDU 540 American Sign Language I
3 credits
This course will teach a basic vocabulary of signs used in American Sign Language, the true
language of Deaf Americans. Students will learn important aspects of ASL grammar and ASL culture,
and will be given a brief introduction of hearing loss and some practical issues in the
education of Deaf children.
GEDU 541 American Sign Language II
3 credits
This course will teach more advanced vocabulary of signs used in American Sign Language. It will
also analyze conversational settings of various Deaf and hearing signers. Detailed aspects of
ASL grammar and ASL culture will be taught. A major emphasis is placed on expressive signing
by students. Practical issues in Deaf culture and in Deaf education will be discussed.
GEDU 550 Student Teaching
6 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of Education Department
The course consists of observation and study of classroom teaching, actual teaching under
skilled supervision, and a weekly seminar on teaching problems. The student is expected to
spend full time for one semester in this internship. The course requirements include a project
which is related to the student’s teaching field. Student Teaching fee.
GEDU 591 Seminar: Selected Topics in Education
1 credit
GEDU 592 Seminar: Selected Topics in Education
2 credits
GEDU 593 Seminar: Selected Topics in Education
3 credits
GEDU 594 Teaching the Gifted Child
6 credits
This course examines various types of curricular modifications that can be used when teaching
gifted/talented children.
GEDU 600 Graduate Statistics
4 credits
Prerequisite: EDCR 330 or other beginning course in descriptive statistics.
An intermediate to advanced course in statistics applicable to educational research settings.
The general emphasis is on commonly used inferential and parametric techniques with a brief
review of descriptive statistics. Topics covered include: correlation, linear and multiple
regression, sampling and sampling distributions, t-test chi-square, one and two factor Analysis
of Variance, and parametric statistics.
GEDU 601 Educational Research Methods
3 credits
This course examines research techniques, interpreting research reports, employing data analysis
procedures and applying statistical techniques to further investigations.
GEDU 603 Current Issues in Education
3 credits
This course provides the opportunity for graduate students to explore current education topics
in depth.
GEDU 604 Student Assessment Educational Statistics
3 credits
This course explores the various statistics and assessments that teachers utilize in their
classrooms.
GEDU 605 Adult Learning Theory
3 credits
This course explores the various ways in which adult learners process and present information.
GEDU 611 Philosophy of Education
3 credits
A consideration of the position of philosophy in education. The major philosophies, ends in
education, the curriculum, educational values, educational ladder, and the role of the teacher
and administrator.
GEDU 613 History of Education
3 credits
Survey of the development of educational theory and practice from earliest times to the present
with special emphasis on the development of American schools.
GEDU 614 Sociology of Education
3 credits
An analysis of social relationships emerging from a formal educational setting with a special
emphasis on parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
GEDU 615 Urban Education
3 credits
Analysis of current controversial issues arising in the urban school. Community control of
schools, educating a diverse student population, desegregation and the neighborhood school,
religion in the school, Federal aid, and innovative curricula and teaching methods.
GEDU 616 School and Community Relations
3 credits
This seminar will view the school as a dynamic cultural entity interacting with external
supra-systems. The graduate student will assess the school’s interdependency on the community
and its many publics, the importance of a sound public relations program for the school, and
the need to communicate and understand the community are stressed.
GEDU 617 Administration of School Personnel
3 credits
This seminar studies dimensions in school personnel administration and includes the principles
of recruitment, selection, and practices essential to a functional integration of the individual
into the school system.
GEDU 618 Dynamics and Processes of Change
3 credits
This seminar studies field experiences, role playing, and case study analysis, and discusses
the factors, dynamics, and processes involved in assessing need for change and in determining
effective, efficient operations to secure desired change.
GEDU 621 School Curriculum
3 credits
Examination of theory, history, purposes and evolution in curriculum.
GEDU 623 Teaching Young Children with Severe Special Needs
3 credits
Explores the educational needs of young children with severe sensory impairment, physical
disabilities, communication disorders, behavior problems, and multiple handicaps. Introduces
techniques and materials for promoting self-help, communication, social, cognitive, and motor
skills. Emphasis is placed on translating assessment data into individualized educational plans
which integrate behavioral, developmental, and rehabilitation techniques. For teachers presently
working with young children or by permission of the instructor.
GEDU 624 Writing Project Summer Institute
6 credits
This course emphasizes improving student writing skills by using various methods of practicing
writing across the curriculum.
GEDU 625 Writing, Reading & Talking Across the Curriculum
3 credits
Designated to help develop teaching competencies through a regular pattern of activities that
embody learning and language linkages.
GEDU 626 Reading in Elementary School
3 credits
Basic components of the initial reading program: reading readiness, comparisons of initial
instructional programs, and the individualization of reading instruction will be studied as well
as developmental reading programs and procedures in the elementary school.
GEDU 627 Reading in the Secondary School Program
3 credits
Existing programs and recent research concerning reading programs in the secondary schools:
staffing patterns, reading and study skills in the content areas, vocabulary development and
enrichment, interpretive reading, and critical reading skills.
GEDU 630 Human Growth and Development in Childhood
3 credits
Psychological and sociological aspects of human behavior, with special emphasis on the birth
to adolescent school child. An interdisciplinary approach to the study of childhood, stressing
the aspects of growth and development that are significant for the teacher, counselor, social
worker, and school psychologist.
GEDU 631 Human Growth, Development and Learning in Adolescence
3 credits
Intellectual, social, emotional and physical development through adolescence. Special emphasis
on learning, growth patterns, and the relationship of change in behavior patterns to
psychological and sociological experiences.
GEDU 634 The Infant at Risk
3 credits
Reviews the current literature on the etiology, behavioral characteristics, developmental
outcomes, and family impact of infants born at environmental, biological, or established risk
for developmental delays or disabilities. The roles of medicine, nursing, social work,
education, and the developmental therapies in meeting the special needs of these children and
their families are reviewed. An introduction to the services of early intervention programs is
provided along with opportunities to observe in these environments.
GEDU 637 Learning Theory
3 credits
Human learning processes, the nature and kinds of learning, the factors which influence it,
and the major theories that seek to explain it.
GEDU 639 Techniques for Leading Parent Groups: Content and Process
3 credits
Focuses on the parent group as an important vehicle for providing education and support to
those who are rearing children in today’s complex society. Parents are seen as adult learners
for whom a group approach can be exceedingly helpful, provided group leaders have the requisite
knowledge and skills to lead the group effectively. Course participants will learn how to:
assess parental issues and concerns, develop group content, design session formats, guide the
group process, motivate parental participation and involvement, and evaluate outcomes.
Consideration will be given to using this knowledge and these skills when working with parents
in differing socio-economic and cultural circumstances.
GEDU 640 Adolescent Literature
3 credits
A comprehensive course reviewing adolescent literature as well as authors.
GEDU 641 Children’s Literature
3 credits
A comprehensive course consisting of the critical examination of children’s books, outstanding
writers and illustrators in the field of children’s literature.
GEDU 645 Current Issues in the Field of Reading Education
3 credits
This course is designed to focus in depth upon the current trends in reading education.
GEDU 647 Assessment-Adaptation Practicum
6 credits
Provides experience in dealing with reading and writing limitations in a three-pronged approach:
includes formal and alternative assessment, Instructional Support Techniques and experiences as
well as tutorial situations. Students are responsible for implementation of instructional
programs based on collaborative assessment and adaptation.
GEDU 650 Advanced Educational Computing
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDUC 214 or any other introductory course.
This course will focus on the assessment and planning stages of the instructional design process.
Students will engage in applied learning activities which stress the use of computer productivity
tools for text/data processing and making presentations, technology assessment, and planning.
GEDU 679 Curriculum Design and Instructional Technique in Environmental Education
3 credits
Students will explore various educational processes that deal with people’s relationship with
their total environments including the interaction of population, pollution, resource
allocations, and depletions, conservation, transportation, and technology with a focus on
urban and rural planning as it relates to the total human environment; students will also
review current programs and materials in environmental education as well as some of the
current research projects.
GEDU 690 Graduate Education Seminar
3 credits
This seminar will focus on a current issue or topic in education.
GEDU 696 Directed Research and Special Topics
2-4 credits
Prerequisite: GEDU 600, Introduction to Graduate Statistics
A course in which students identify a problem, select a research design, and work on the
project during the semester under supervision in a group and individually.
GEDU 720 Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction
3 credit
This course provides an introduction to the nature of instructional supervision, including
the organizational behavior systems and the evolvement of instructional supervision. It
provides competencies in the appraisal of teaching, teacher performance measurement, and
procedures and techniques related to the evaluation of teaching. It includes systematic
analysis and evaluation reporting and integrates the current concepts, planning, measuring
instruments, and validity of appraisal systems into the framework of the course.
GEDU 720 Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the nature of instructional supervision, including
the organizational behavior systems and the evolution of instructional supervision. It
provides competencies in the appraisal of teaching, the measurement of teacher performance
procedures, and a familiarity with techniques related to the evaluation of teaching. It
includes systematic analysis and evaluation reporting and integrates the current concepts,
planning, measuring instruments, and validity of appraisal systems into the framework of the course.
GEDU 721 The Principal as Instructional Leader
3 credits
This course examines the activities of the elementary, middle and high school administrator
in depth. It includes topics on general administration, the staff, student, curriculum,
finances, services, equipment and supplies, school plant, and public and professional
relationships.
GEDU 722 School Financial Management
3 credits
This course will study the legal and other factors governing financial policies and practices
in public schools, sources of revenue, budgeting, disbursement of funds, school plant, records
and insurance. It emphasizes knowledge and understanding of the major tasks and methods
involved in meeting financial responsibilities in the school and the educational system.
GEDU 723 Legal Aspects of Educational Administration
3 credits
This course will study the major areas of school law with particular emphasis on the school
code of Pennsylvania. Topics include tort liability of school officials and teachers, the
legal structure of public education, control of pupil conduct, desegregation, church-school
relations and teachers’ rights and responsibilities, pupils’ rights, professional negotiations,
the courts and the curriculum, the use of school property, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in addition to issues in the
area of special education.
GEDU 724 Computer Applications for Administration
3 credits
This course provides a review of different levels of computer literacy and the administrator’s
role in integrating technology into the educational setting. Possible topics include brief
overview of computer systems, fundamental literacy in reading computer programs, scheduling
by computer, management systems, bookkeeping systems, simulations, word processing, record
keeping, computer-aided instruction, computer preparation of individual educational programs,
telecommunications, management information systems, data bases, data searches, and personnel
screening by computer.
GEDU 725 Principal Practicum I
1 credit
GEDU 726 Principal Practicum II
1 credit
GEDU 727 Principal Practicum III
1 credit
GEDU 728 Principal Internship
3 credits
This course is designed to be the capstone experience of the Principal Certification program.
The course will provide experiences designed to develop and enhance the overall effectiveness
of the administrative candidate’s competencies. The internship is designed as an integrating
experience and an opportunity for the student to “practice” those skills and competencies
learned in the classroom setting and to learn certain skills best taught in a school environment.
It consists of planned experiences and emphasizes direct involvement in school administration
at sites mutually acceptable to the student and the program director.
GEDU 740 The Superintendency
3 credits
This course focuses on the role and functions of the superintendent in relation to other
administrative officers, staff, and board of education. Attention is given to the selection,
assignment and orientation of staff, decision making, personnel problems, administering the
school district, negotiations and collective bargaining, financial operation of the school,
administering school facilities and plant management, community relations, legal concerns of
the school district, and policy making.
GEDU 741 Organizational Leadership: Theory and Practice
3 credits
This course examines management and organization theories and their application to administrative
practice. Systems models are pursued to gain insight into administrative processes such as
decision making, group motivation, communications, goal-setting, delegating, conflict
resolutions, the management team concept, and total quality management.
GEDU 742 Educational Facilities and School Plant
3 credits
This course is designed to familiarize the prospective educational leadership administrator
with the issues and problems of new plant construction, renovation, and rehabilitation of
existing buildings and facility maintenance. The utilization of demographic, curriculum,
resource, energy data, and state building construction guidelines will be presented and studied.
GEDU 743 Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations
3 credits
This course enhances leadership through study of negotiations and labor relations in public
education. Topics and issues explored include an in-depth analysis of contract negotiations,
grievance procedures, mediation, and arbitration for all school employees. Theories and
practices in staff recruitment, selection, assignment, orientation, evaluation, educational
development, and retrenchment are studied.
GEDU 744 Business Administration and Finance in Public Education
3 credits
This course identifies and assesses methods of financing public education. Included are
the process of educational planning and financing for staff, instructional process, and
physical plant; the study of federal and state funding sources; the nature of taxing
authorities; the subsidy system; grants and entitlements to public education; and future
trends and options in creative financial planning. The business operation of the public
school is examined, and there is an in-depth investigation of budget preparation, long
and short term investing, bonding and under-writing, tax-collecting, and construction
planning will be addressed.
GEDU 745 Superintendent Practicum I
1 credit
GEDU 746 Superintendent Practicum II
1 credit
GEDU 747 Superintendent Practicum III
1 credit
GEDU 748 Superintendent Internship
3 credits
This course is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The administration
student will become actively involved in the operation of the central office and will perform
the functions and duties of central office personnel completing several projects throughout
the internship. A professional seminar will be scheduled to allow students to share their
experiences with their university supervisor and other administration students. The university
supervisor will perform periodic on-site visits to assess the growth and development of the
administrative intern.
GEDU 749 Independent Study in Educational Leadership-Superintendent
3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to organize and conduct a
piece of research in the area of educational administration under the supervision of a faculty
member, but independent of scheduled meetings and regular assignments.
GEDU 743 Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations
3 credits
This course enhances leadership through the study of negotiations and labor relations in
public education. Topics and issues explored include an in-depth analysis of contract
negotiations, grievance procedures, mediation and arbitration for all school employees.
Theories and practices in staff recruitment, selection, assignment, orientation, evaluation,
educational development, and retrenchment are studied.
PERFORMANCE LEARNING SYSTEMS
GEDU 591 Strategies for Co-operating Teachers
1 credit
This course is designed to give cooperating teachers the skills necessary to identify teacher
strengths as well as areas for growth, based on the research on effective teaching. Specific
skills are learned which enable the cooperating teacher to communicate with the student teacher
in a clear, positive, nonpunitive, and nonconfrontational manner to achieve a positive climate
and help student teachers learn valuable verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
GEDU 660 Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility
3 credits
Help students increase self-responsible behaviors and assume increasing amounts of control
over their school lives. Create a classroom that models, invites, and teaches self-responsible
behaviors.
GEDU 661 Parent Teacher Conferencing
1 credit
Student will learn to successfully internalize the ideas and strategies of effective parent
conferencing.
GEDU 662 Strategies For Cooperating Teachers
1 credit
Cooperating teachers learn the skills necessary to identify teacher strengths as well as
areas for growth.
GEDU 663 Brain Based Ways We Think and Learn
3 credits
Understand four complex thinking processes. Develop lesson plans that impart critical thinking
and problem solving skills. Discover the link between the brain and effective teaching practices.
GEDU 664 Motivation by Design
3 credits
This course guides participants to experience, design and share on-going highly motivated
learning strategies. This is done while building supportive environments in which students
are willing and motivated to learn and grow. Add more energy to your classroom and enthusiasm
in your teaching.
GEDU 665 Building Your Technology Education and Skills
3 credits
Understand the power of technology to enhance teaching, create educational materials, manage
classroom chores, provide motivational instruction and research the vast virtual world of the
internet. Create PowerPoint presentations.
GEDU 682 Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences
3 credits
Based on the work of Howard Gardner, this course focuses on understanding the characteristics
of each of the eight intelligences. Find out your own dominant intelligences. Participate in
discovery centers to experience each intelligence. Using real-life examples, practice
identifying people’s dominant intelligence. Learn teaching strategies and classroom
activities that enhance the intelligences. Find out how to design lessons incorporating
all eight intelligences into the lesson framework. View four schools’ programs for
integrating the intelligences in a school-wide framework.
GEDU 683 Discovering the Power of Live-Event Learning
3 credits
This course gives you a direct experience of using live events - real-life experiences - as
a basis for lesson plans which integrate academic curriculum with important life skills.
Mirroring cognitive research about how the brain takes in and stores information, this course
allows you to practice and promote lifelong learning habits. Carefully selected videotapes,
articles, and substantive research document the need to provide meaning and impart learning
for students in a real-world environment.
GEDU 685 Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms
3 credits
This highly-interactive course provides dozens of exciting, engaging learning activities that
are experienced firsthand. Teachers will learn how to structure new and interesting activities
that unlock the creative minds of their students. Many powerful learning strategies, such as
simulations, games, physical activities, and races, will be demonstrated. For the beginning
teacher or the veteran teacher ready for a “shot in the arm,” this course provides stimulating
projects and activities that apply to the elementary day, middle school schedule, or the
90-minute secondary block. Master ways to use activity/lesson formats to develop flexibility
in classroom activities. Learn, participate in, and observe the modeling of activities that
pique motivational interest and involvement and add magic to instruction.
GEDU 686 Teaching the Skills of the 21st Century
3 credits
Break the mold of traditional teaching methods. Identify the most useful real-life skills that
students need in order to be successful in life and on the job. Discuss what is relevant for
students to know and be able to do.
GEDU 688 Achieving Student Outcomes through Cooperative Learning
3 credits
This course is for K-12 teachers who would like to use cooperative strategies appropriately
in their classrooms. The course will emphasize cooperation as an alternative to competition
and individualization for improving achievement, acquiring interpersonal skills and developing
desirable interpersonal and interracial attitudes. Activities include cooperative simulations,
learning and using cooperative learning models, creation of lesson plans appropriate for the
implementation and teaching of micro lessons.
GEDU 689 Coaching Skills for Successful Teaching
3 credits
This course provides coaching training for teachers. This meaningful course models strategies
that help teachers share teaching ideas and encourage one another. Participants will be
introduced to communication and coaching skills that enable them to communicate effectively
with one another and reflect their own teaching. Colleagues will unlock the power of sharing
ideas in a nonthreatening environment through focused listening. Participants will learn to
identify excellent teaching practices and use them to grow.
GEDU 691 Project T.E.A.C.H. Teacher Effectiveness and Classroom Handling
3 credits
Improving communication with students, parents and others; overcoming student resistances to
learning; resolving discipline problems; helping students to motivate themselves and develop
decision-making skills.
GEDU 693 Professional Refinements in Developing Effectiveness P.R.I.D.E.
3 credits
Questioning techniques to enhance the quality of learning; students’ and teachers’ non-verbal
communication; rewards and penalties to reduce control and learning problems; dealing with
classroom critical incidents.
GEDU 694 Teaching Through Learning Channels
3 credits
Understanding learning styles of all students; concept formation and learning processes;
organizing the curriculum for learning goals and memory retention; alternative teaching
strategies to meet student needs.
GEDU 697 Keys to Motivation
3 credits
Creating motivating environments for all students; understanding students who are unmotivated
to learn or participate; grouping, using encouragement, and leadership strategies to enhance
student motivation.