Reading Instruction and Phonics Theory

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will learn the sounds of American English and the theory of the alphabetic codes by focusing on letter-sound relationships of the alphabetic code instruction.
2. Teachers analyze the introduction to understand the author and his perspectives on the various reading instruction strategies in school systems and their outcomes.
3. Educators will review the history of reading instruction in the U.S and contrast the whole-language literacy compared to creating phonics frameworks for reading acquisition.
4. Participants will utilize the appendices supplement to stages, code sounds to letters, consonant blends, complex and frequently used words to enhance reading instruction.
5. Educators will research this topic, view videos and practice sounds stages from the book to create lessons/activities to improve reading/phonics instruction in classrooms.

Epidemic: Rot of American Culture: Absentee & Permissive Parenting

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will review the historical progression and decline of marriages and family system dysfunction and the impact they have on society, values and raising children.
2. Participants will be presented with a model for teaching children to love and respect other people and numerous positive strategies to utilize when teaching children.
3. Educators will examine early childhood education and the affects of day care on children and families as well as the social and economic issues families struggle with.
4. Participants will review the impact of media violence, blatant sexuality and other negative social behaviors that the media presents and how to instill morality and values in an indifferent world.
5. Educators will look at the issue of students growing up in an adult world of sex and violence without enjoying the innocence of childhood experiences and how that affects their development and ability to be successful in schools.

Adolescent Girls' Interaction: Queen Bees and Wannabees

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will review the changes that take place in adolescent girls as they become involved in more complex interpersonal interactions with other girls in school settings.
2. Participants will examine the interpersonal behaviors such as gossip, cliques, teasing notes and appearance and how these behaviors play themselves out in schools.
3. Educators will learn about power and influence in-between girls as well as jealously and judging behaviors that take place on the internet and in school settings.
4. Participants will explore dating issues, the influences of boys, crushes, matchmaking and a variety of adolescent sexuality issues and dramas that take place in schools.
5. Educators will research this topic to be able to provide guidance and solutions to teen girls in school settings. These wells help preventing young girls from the dangers of sex, drugs and negative interrelationships in school and society.

African-American Student Achievement

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Teachers will develop a framework of knowledge and understanding of the various strategies for improving achievement for African-American students in the classroom and school situations.
2. Educators taking this course will learn about planning lessons inclusive to Africa-American culture as well as capitalizing on student interests.
3. Teachers will learn about the effective interactions with Urban African-American culture as well as awareness of African American gender issues.
4. Educators will examine the involvement of African-American parents in their child's educational experience and ways to improve support for schools.
5. Teachers will examine these complex issues and develop a lesson or unit plan strategies or activities in the book and how they can use instructional techniques for improving student achievement and behavior in schools.

A Framework For
Understanding Poverty

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will acquire a framework of the culture of poverty and the role of language.
2. Participants will learn about the hidden roles among social classes and how those roles influence how students work, behave and perceive the school experience.
3. Educators will learn about the characteristics of generational poverty and how the patters of behavior, problems and world views are passed to future generations.
4. Participants will explore the resources, role models, discipline and support systems.
5. Educators will research the culture of poverty issue regarding alternative theories and conclusions presented in the book, as well as present a variety of solutions.
6. Teachers will develop a lesson or unit plan that utilizes strategies or activities in the book and how to use instructional techniques to improve student achievement.

Essentials of World Languages, Grades K-12

- 1 Graduate Credit -

Course Objectives

1. Teachers will examine the shift to performance-based model of language instruction programs and the challenges associated with new instructional activities, projects and academic assessments.
2. Students will learn about setting more realistic expectations for attaining student's second-language proficiency using a variety of instructional approaches.
3. Educators will be presented with new ways to arrange the instructional environment in languages classes as well as creating a new framework for the value of language learning in an increasing global social culture.
4. Teachers learn about designing curriculum and corresponding assessments. They will review current research in the field of world languages and design new lessons and classroom strategies.
5. Educators will review the new techniques and concepts that are being developed by teachers nationwide for possible implementation into their instruction.

Understanding Hispanic Students and Issues: Module A

- 3 Graduate Credits -

Course Objectives

1. Educators will analyze statistical, educational, and social demographics that are related to Hispanic students and schooling trends in the United States.
2. Participants will clarify the origins of Hispanic ethnic labels and accurate use of them as well as the cultural contributions of the Maya, Aztecs, and Islamic Spain.
3. Educators will examine the origins of Hispanic stereotypes and myths regarding Spanish history or culture and explore them from a Spanish perspective.
4. Participants will learn about and contrast various Hispanic cultural views, behaviors, and traits to distinguish them from U.S. culture and/or normal adolescent behavior.
5. Educators will understand Hispanic religious beliefs and practices as well as the current immigrant assimilation and acculturation process.
6. Participants will review and explore the current social, educational and political issues affecting U.S. Hispanos in school and society

1. Educators will review learning theory and methodology for improving their instructional effectiveness regarding teaching Hispanic student's basic skills and core knowledge.
2. Educators will synthesize the course content, power point shows and DVD's to develop a comprehensive approach to effective teaching and improving student achievement.