Interim Department Head: Dr. Christie Calhoun, cfcalhoun@jsu.edu
The Department of Curriculum & Instruction offers Master of Science in Education (MSE) degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education Collaborative Teacher, and Reading Specialist for those who already hold initial certification. We also offer an alternative route for receiving a Master of Science in Education degree for those who have a bachelor's degree outside of education. The Alternative Class A Master of Science in Education (MSE) programs include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education Collaborative Teacher. These alternative programs are designed to fully equip candidates to be effective educators.
- Early Childhood Education P-3 (Master of Science in Education)
- Early Childhood Education P-3 Alternative Class A (Master of Science in Education)
- Early Childhood Special Education P-3 (Master of Science in Education)
- Education - Elementary Education (Education Specialist)
- Elementary Education K-6 (Master of Science in Education)
- Elementary Education K-6 Alternative Class A (Master of Science in Education)
- Reading Specialist P-12 (Master of Science in Education)
- Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6/6-12 (Master of Science in Education)
- Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6/6-12 Alternative Class A (Master of Science in Education)
Early Childhood Education
Twenty-first century instructional processes, program, and strategies for teaching and learning in P-3 classrooms.
Physical, emotional, intellectual, and social components of development, their interrelationships and their effect on later functioning; psychological principles.
Review the use of assessment procedures which are developmentally appropriate for the use in early childhood education. This course is cross-listed with EED 522, and only one may be taken for credit.
This course will acquaint graduate candidates with methods, materials, and developmentally appropriate practice to integrate 21st century tools in teaching math and science for P-3 students.
Practicum experiences working with young children with disabilities, ages infancy to eight.
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Methods and procedures for individualizing instruction.
Theories, methods, and current research involving writing instruction; emphasis on P-3.
Theory and research-based practices used in early childhood education and early education special education. Emphasis on strategies to plan developmentally appropriate activities for all children.
Current trends in assessing literacy development and providing intervention in identified problems will be addressed in this course. Theories, assessments, and strategies used in reading and writing interventions for emerging and beginning readers and writers who may be at risk for difficulties in language literacy will be discussed. These strategies include, but are not limited to, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The development of individualized and small group reading programs designed to match student needs will be addressed. Assessments such as running records, spelling inventories, evaluating writing samples, and interpreting test scores such as DIBELS and Global Scholar will also be discussed.
Exploration of current research and issues and trends in early childhood education; review and comparison of selected teacher research projects, and examination of the concept and practice of teacher research as a strategy to build school collaboration and strengthen the professional role of teachers. ECE 631 is cross-listed with EED 631 and only one course may be counted for credit.
Elementary Education
This course is designed to guide graduate teacher candidates to critically examine local school culture and/or teaching practice, set reasonable and appropriate 21st Century goals for change, and plan/conduct an action research project to achieve identified objectives.
This course is designed to help elementary teachers gain an understanding of classroom assessment, current trends and issues involving classroom assessment, and how to use assessment to be a more effective teacher and enhance student learning. This course is cross-listed with ECE 507, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Graduate Studies.
Corequisite(s): RDG 520, RDG 521, ECE 533.
Must meet Teacher Education Program eligibility. The purpose of this course is to provide information regarding methods, materials, and research findings related to langugage and literacy development of early childhood and elementary students.
Designed to examine the literacy needs of elementary students within the content areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as the literacy needs fo English Language Learners (ELL). Because literacy skills are so crucial to success in school, the course will focus on strategies and their application to the above content area.
Advanced course in materials and teaching techniques for improving math concepts and skills.
Advanced course in materials and methods of teaching social studies.
Problems in development of science program in the elementary school; facilitating children's learning of science & its concepts and attitudes.
Advanced course in materials and methods of teaching for the multicultural classroom.
Current teaching practices examined in scheduled seminars and then implemented in an elementary classroom setting. Online assignments will augment and correspond with practicum experiences. It is a requirement for all JSU students who are completing a practicum or internship to be covered by professional liability insurance during the time of the practicum in the amount of $1,000,000. Not open to students enrolled in Alternative Fifth-Year Teacher Certification or Ed.S. programs.
Prerequisite(s): Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility.
Course provides information to educators, equipping them to work with ESL students, while incorporating curricular planning and instructional techniques specific to the diverse learner.
This advanced online course examines the underlying philosophies and foundations of the accomplished elementary science teacher.
Examination of current issues and methods related to elementary mathematics.
In-depth analysis of the methods and procedures of research in education.
Examination of current issues and methods related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education.
Exploration of current research and issues and trends in elementary education; review and comparison of selected teacher research projects, and examination of the concept and practice of teacher research as a strategy to build school collaboration and strengthen the professional role of teachers. EED 631 is cross-listed with ECE 631 and only one course may be counted for credit.
Examination of current issues and methods related to Social Studies Education.
Examination of current instruction, assessment, and best practices in Elementary Education.
Reading Specialist
Requires Teacher Education Program Eligibility. The purpose of this course is to provide information regarding methods, materials, and research findings concerned with reading strategies for students with exceptionalities. The course is designed for general or special education classroom teachers and education professionals.
Methods, materials and research findings concerned with beginning reading instruction emphasizing P-3.
Materials and methods of teaching literacy in early childhood. Foundations of literacy development including reading, writing, listening, spelling, and speaking will be emphasized.
The purpose of this course is to provide instruction in methods and materials regarding strategic reading for the elementary grades with emphasison building expertise in literacy instruction, including traditional and new literacies across the curriculum. Simulations, scenarios, blogging, wiki posts, and refletion are an important component of this course.
Using literature to increase cultural awareness can be an effective tool for teaching in the elementary classroom. Students will explore, analyze, and share literature that portrays history, customs, values, and/or languages of various cultural groups.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. Research in diagnosing reading abilities, handling current diagnostic tools, and construction of evaluation of instruments.
Prerequisite(s): EED 542 or RDG 542.
Application of knowledge gained in course work; emphasis placed on using a variety of formal and informal assessment tools to determine the strengths and weaknesses of struggling readers while using this information to implement specialized instruction to enhance the student¿s literacy development; case study requires collection and interpretation of assessment data, planning, and implementation of remediation lessons for the struggling reader.
Prerequisite(s): EED 542 or RDG 542.
Examines research-based best practices in effective intervention strategies for students experiencing difficulties in reading; reading materials and programs will be examined and evaluated in terms of application for effective intervention instruction.
Prerequisite(s): EED 542 or RDG 542 and a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS II exam is required prior to taking this course.
Application of knowledge gained in course work; emphasis placed on providing literacy services in developmental reading or reading intervention programs at a variety of levels.
Prerequisite(s): EED 542 or RDG 542.
Application of knowledge gained in course work; emphasis placed on designing and implementing literacy programs, planning and providing professional development, providing leadership in literacy instruction and serving as a resource for teachers, administrators, and the community. Must be completed at JSU.
Exploration of recent research in literacy development and instruction, identification of trends and patterns in research and findings.
Special Education
Foundations of Collaborative Education as well as various areas of exceptionality including cognitive impairments, behaviorally disordered, multiple disabled, learning disabled, gifted and talented, hearing impaired, visually impaired, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language disordered, and early education for students with disabilities.
Use of technology to support collection, organization, and presentation of classroom assessment data. Emphasis on summarizing, describing, presenting, and interpreting data to facilitate decision-making for students with various disabilities.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 502.
Advanced discussion of how mild disabilities affect academics and behavior; current methods for teaching and training individuals from kindergarten through graduation.
Specialized applications of classroom technology to support UDL and RTI for students with disabilities with diverse learning needs.
Strategies for identifying problems and planning instruction to remediate reading and/or math problems.
Focuses on the evaluation process, related strategies and instruments designed to facilitate decision-making for students with various disabilities.
Introduction of collaborative co-teaching models, strategies for creating an inclusive environment, and individual educational/instructional planning.
Strategies for identifying problems and planning instruction to remediate math problems.
This is a weekly seminar that focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder. It consists of a series of seminars on major topics related to ASD such as: historical timeline, diagnosis and assessment, advocacy, current research and statistics, behavioral interventions, classroom supports and services, transition and it covers the lifespan.
Methods for teaching students with moderate to severe disabilities including hands-on experiences, career education, transition, AAA assessment, and lesson planning to teach life skills.
Advanced discussion of how mild disabilities affect academics and behavior. Emphasis on current methods for teaching and training individuals from kindergarten through high school.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300 or 500, SPE 554 and SPE 524.
Corequisite(s): SPE 555, SPE 580.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. This course is designed to provide teacher candidates with an understanding of collaborative and co-teaching models in the secondary classroom setting. Theories of neurodiversity, secondary course content standards, and student engagement techniques will be presented.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to collaborative co-teaching models, theories of exceptionalities and methods for gifted enrichment. The course is designed for general or special education classroom teachers and education professionals.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. Practical approach to applied behavior management through demonstration and application of frequently employed models of classroom intervention.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. Use of technology to support collection, organization, and presentation of formative and summative classroom and student assessment data with emphasis on summarizing, describing, presenting, and interpreting data to facilitate decision-making for K-12 students with various disabilities.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300 or 500, SPE 524 and SPE 554.
Corequisite(s): SPE 565.
Teacher Candidates will develop plans and skills that allow them to teach and interact with individuals in need of ongoing support in more than one major life activity. This includes integration into community settings and learning to enjoy a quality of life comparable to other with less or no disabilities. Supporting skills for communication, self-care, independent living, employment, and self-sufficiency will also be addressed.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300 or 500, SPE 524, and SPE 554.
Corequisite(s): RDG 543 and SPE 564.
This course provides teacher candidates with strategies for meeting the needs of students with mild disabilities in inclusive settings, including general and special education classrooms. Includes theories of collaboration, models of co-teaching, and response to intervention procedures. Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility.
Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the appropriate Praxis II, permission of instructor, successful completion of SPE 509, 510, 528, 520, 521, and 533.
Practical teaching experiences in all public school core general education curriculum areas, as well as communication, social behavior, and transition skills.
Preparation of candidates for professionalism, advocacy, and knowledge of medical, legal, and ethical aspects of students with disabilities within the classroom settings.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300 or 500, SPE 524 and 554.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with materials and methods in the teaching of mathematics concepts and processes based on the Standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Common Core State Standards and the new "Standards-based" curricula. Specific strategies for struggling mathematics learners will be presented. SPE 555 is cross-listed with EED 511 and only one course will count as credit.
Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the appropriate Praxis II, permission of instructor, successful completion of SPE 509, 510, 528, 520, 521, and 533.
Practical teaching experiences with students who have intellectual and adaptive behavior scores in the significant cognitive disability range served in a self-contained classroom for students with severe disabilities.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300 or 500, SPE 524 and SPE 554.
Corequisite(s): SPE 537 and RDG 543.
This field experience provides teacher candidates opportunities to observe, analyze, and apply concepts and theories in the K-12 mild setting. Teacher candidates will integrate co-teaching, foundations reading, and principles of collaboration within the classroom environment. Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility.
Field experiences working with students in a special education setting K-6. In the field experiences, the candidate is required to collaborate with professionals to build successful learning experiences for special education students in mild or severe settings. The SPE practicum coursework and related field experiences will prepare candidates to teach in all core general education curriculum areas, as well as communication, social behavior, job competency, and life skills.
Field experiences working with students in a special education setting 6-12. In the field experiences, the candidate is required to collaborate with professionals to build successful learning experiences for special education students in mild or severe settings. The SPE practicum coursework and related field experiences will prepare candidates to teach in all core general education curriculum areas, as well as communication, social behavior, job competency, and life skills.
This course will be the culminating experience in the program. Candidates will conduct an action research project in their practicum/intership placement on either an individual student or the entire class. Candidates will be required to write up the research project for possible submission and present the project to the SPE Graduate Faculty.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300 or 500, SPE 524 and SPE 554.
Corequisite(s): SPE 529 and SPE 555.
Requires Teacher Education Program eligibility. This clinical experience provides Teacher Candidates opportunities to observe, analyze, and apply concepts and theories in collaborative settings. Teacher Candidates in this practicum will participate in Transition University along with appropriate school settings.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 560, SPE 561, SPE 533, permission of the instructor, and a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS II examination is required prior to taking this course.
Designed to provide 120-150 practicum hours applying previously learned skills in assessing and teaching students with severe disabilities of learning and behavior. Classroom placement will be in an accredited public school classroom for students with severe disabilities at the K-6 level. Offered Spring semester only.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 560, SPE 561, SPE 533, permission of the instructor, and a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS II examination is required prior to taking this course.
Designed to provide 120-150 practicum hours applying previously learned skills in assessing and teaching students with severe disabilities of learning and behavior. Classroom placement will be in an accredited public school classroom for students with severe disabilities at the 6-12 level. Offered Spring semester only.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 560 and SPE 561 or SPE 562, and a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS II exam is required prior to taking this course. experience provides a vehicle for discussing current practical issues and teaching strategies as they apply to existing problems in the teacher's classroom setting.
Supervised classroom teaching experience through on-site observation, as well as related assignments and seminars for graduate students in an actual teaching situation; experience provides a vehicle for discussing current practical issues and teaching strategies as they apply to existing problems in the teacher's classroom setting.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300/500.
This course is designed to present specialist students with preparation in learning, reading, writing, note taking, math, social skills, content, and transition strategies for persons at the elementary level.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 300/500.
This course is designed to present specialist students with preparation in learning, reading, writing, note taking, math, social skills, content, and transition strategies for persons at the secondary level.
Individual student review and development of curriculum in special education field of interest; analysis of principles of early and present curricula and validity of prevailing practice.
Refine and develop professional writing skills.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 560.
Advanced study of methodologies, materials, and management techniques for students with severe physical, mental, and medical developmental disabilities K-6th grade. The purpose is to enhance the capacity of teachers as creative decision makers who are committed to and capable of facilitating student learning in appropriate settings.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 560.
Advanced study of methodologies, materials, and management techniques for students with severe physical, mental, and medical developmental disabilities 6th-12th grade. The purpose is to enhance the capacity of teachers as creative decision makers who are committed to and capable of facilitating student learning in appropriate settings.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 524, SPE 534, SPE 516, SPE 560, SPE 533, SPE 617, and a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II examination prior to beginning the practicum.
THis practicum is for EdS candidates who have a master's level teacher certification in an area other than Colaborative Teacher/Special Education. Time will be spent in both a mild to moderate classroom setting as well as a severe disabilities classroom at the K-6 level.
Prerequisite(s): SPE 525, SPE 534, SPE 516, SPE 560, SPE 533, and SPE 618 and a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II examination prior to beginning the practicum.
This practicum is for EdS candidates who have a master's level teacher certification in an area other than Collaborative Teacher/Special Education. Time will be spent in both mild to moderate classroom setting as well as a severe classroom at a 6-12 level.