Education Course Descriptions

EDUC1400 Introduction to Education 3 s.h.
Emphasis is upon social, historical, and philosophical foundations of education; ethics; reflection; and professional development. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in this class for admission to the Teacher Education Program and to enroll in junior-level education classes. Prerequisite: At least second semester Freshman standing. Co-requisite: EDUC1410 or equivalent Field Experience.

EDUC1410 Field Experience: Exploration of Teaching 1 s.h.
Includes 22 hours of field experience with a licensed professional educator. Candidates may have course waived by completing equivalent field experience and submitting required documentation. Prerequisite: At least second semester Freshman standing. Co-requisites: EDUC1400. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

EDUC2000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

EDUC2100 Technology Applications in Education 3 s.h.
Focus on effective and appropriate use of technologies commonly used in the field of education, including administrative applications, multimedia applications and hardware, and Personal Digital Assistant. Emphasis on understanding functional apsects, legal issues, and be able to create educational products with each technology. (Goal 8 Catalog 0809+)

EDUC2150 Literacy Instruction for Early Reading and Language Acquisition 3 s.h.
Study the psychological, socio-cultural, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. Apply knowledge of language development, reading acquisition (birth through third grade), and the variations related to culture and linguistic diversity to provide effective instruction in reading and writing. Acquire knowledge of the unique needs and backgrounds of students with language differences and delays and uses effective strategies for facilitating the learning of standard English by all learners.

EDUC2300 Children's Literature in Elementary Education 3 s.h.
A survey of literature for children. Prepare to use knowledge of children’s literature for modeling the reading and writing of varied genres, fiction and nonfiction, technology- and media-based information, and non-print materials; for motivating through the use of texts at multiple levels, representing broad interests, and reflecting varied cultures, linguistic backgrounds, and perspectives; and for matching text complexities to the proficiencies and needs of readers. Includes a brief survey of literature for the adolescent. Does not apply toward literature for general education.

+EDUC2390 Early Childhood Education (Infants/Toddlers) 3 s.h.
Focuses on the development and the implementation of integrated learning experiences that facilitate cognition, communication, social and physical development of typical and atypical infants and toddlers, including developmentally appropriate assessments and adaptations for children at risk or have exceptional needs, within the context of parent-child and care giver-child relationships. Pre- or co-requisite: EDUC2400, PSYC2250. Co-requisite: EDUC3310, EDUC3620.

EDUC2420 Teacher Education Entry Seminar 1 s.h.
Acquire information pertaining to teacher education requirements and candidate responsibilities for the program assessment system. Participate in seminars on issues related to becoming a professional educator. Take the C-BASE examination and complete other testing required for program participation. Enroll the semester after completion of EDUC2400 Introduction to Education. Also required for all transfer students during their first semester or term at Graceland. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

EDUC2600 Creative Drama and Education (Also THTR2600) 3 s.h.
Study and application of techniques which enable teachers and group leaders to guide others in imagining, enacting, and reflecting upon human experiences through dramatic activity. Fulfills an Iowa State Teacher Certification requirement in Speech Communication/Theatre. Goals 2b, 3, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)

EDUC3000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

EDUC3100 Human Relations for Educators 3 s.h.
Development of awareness of various societal subgroups, recognizing and dealing with dehumanizing biases, and learning to relate effectively to various groups in order to foster respect for diversity. Emphasis on self-awareness in human relations issues and how this awareness can be translated into positive relationships. Introduction to pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in educating various societal subgroups. Pre- or co-requisite: EDUC2400. Goal 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

EDUC3200 Introduction to Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-12 3 s.h.
Understand the general developmental, academic, social, career, and functional characteristics of individuals with mild and moderate disabilities. Examine educational alternatives and related services, including the role of the multidisciplinary team in studying etiologies of disabilities and providing appropriate educational programming. Prerequisites: EDUC2400 and junior standing. Co- or prerequisites: EDUC3580.

EDUC3220 K–8 Methods and Strategies for Mild/Moderate Special Education 4 s.h.
Learn to facilitate instructional methodologies for elementary-level learners with exceptional needs, including learning, behavioral, emotional, mental, and language disabilities in a mild/moderate setting. Prepare to plan individual educational programs and to implement curricula for the development of cognitive, academic, language, and functional life skills. Address remedial methods and techniques, including alternative methods for teaching skills and strategies, as well as appropriate assistive technology. One semester hour of this course is a supervised field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3200, EDUC3580 and junior standing.

EDUC3230 5-12 Methods and Strategies for Mild/Moderate Special Education 4 s.h.
Learn to facilitate instructional methodologies for secondary-level learners with exceptional needs, including learning, behavior, emotional, mental, and language disabilities in a mild/moderate setting. Prepare to plan individual educational programs and to implement curricula for the development of cognitive, academic, language, and functional life skills. Address remedial methods and techniques, including alternative methods for teaching skills and strategies, as well as appropriate assistive technology. One semester hour of this course is a supervised field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3200, EDUC3580 and junior standing.

EDUC3260 Transition Programming 2 s.h.
An introduction to organizing and implementing career-vocational programs for secondary students with mild disabilities. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3580 and junior standing.

EDUC3280 Middle School Practicum 2 s.h.
A three week practicum in a middle school classroom. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3560 and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis). Goal 5

EDUC3290 Early Childhood Practicum 2-5 s.h.
A pre-student teaching practicum of at least 100 clock hours, normally offered during winter term. Work with three age levels: (1) infant and toddler, (2) preprimary, and (3) primary students in two different settings such as rural and urban, and encompassing differing socioeconomic status, ability levels, cultural and linguistic diversity and program types and sponsorship. Prerequisites: EDUC2390, EDUC2400, EDUC3200, EDUC3310 and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

EDUC3300 Foundations of Reading Instruction 3 s.h.
Study a range of research pertaining to reading, writing, and learning, including scientifically-based reading research, and knowledge of histories of reading. Examine major components of reading. Use a variety of assessment strategies to identify reading proficiencies and needs for planning and instruction and communicating results of assessments. Match text complexities to the proficiencies and needs of readers. Use knowledge of a range of research-based strategies and instructional technology for designing and delivering effective instruction across the curriculum, for grouping students, and for selecting materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Prerequisite EDUC2400 and EDUC2410.

+EDUC3310 Early Childhood Education (Pre-primary/Kindergarten) 3 s.h.
Focuses on the development and the implementation of integrated learning experiences for typical and atypical preprimary and kindergarten children with focus on multicultural and nonsexist content that includes, aesthetic, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and developmentally appropriate adaptations for children at risk or have exceptional needs. Pre- or Co-requisites: EDUC2400, PSYC2250, Junior standing. Co-requisite: EDUC2390, EDUC3620.

EDUC3330 K-6 Reading Practicum 1-3 s.h.
A three-week practicum offered during winter term in elementary school literacy programs for struggling students. Work with a licensed professional who observes, evaluates, and provides feedback on knowledge, dispositions, and performance of the teaching of reading and writing. Effectively use reading and writing strategies, materials, and assessments based upon appropriate reading and writing research and work with colleagues and families in the support of reading and writing development. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC2410, EDUC3390, and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

EDUC3340 7-12 Reading Practicum 3-6 s.h.
A three-week practicum offered during winter term in middle or high school literacy programs for struggling students. Work with a licensed professional who observes, evaluates, and provides feedback on knowledge, dispositions, and performance of the teaching of reading and writing. Effectively use reading and writing strategies, materials, and assessments based upon appropriate reading and writing research and work with colleagues and families in the support of reading and writing development. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC2410, EDUC3390, and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

EDUC3350 Behavior Management for Mild/Moderate Disabilities 3 s.h.
Preparation in behavior management theories, methods, and techniques for K-12 students with mild/moderate learning, behavior, emotional, mental, and language disabilities. Address use of diagnostic instruments and non-aversive techniques for controlling targeted behaviors and attention deficits. Prepare to design, implement, and evaluate instructional programs that enhance an individual’s social participation in family, school, and community activities.

+ EDUC3360 Outdoor Education (Also RECR3360) 3 s.h.
The organization, administration, and program activities of outdoor education in the school curriculum and other community agencies.

EDUC3390 Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities 3 s.h.
Use knowledge of assessment instruments, procedures, and practices for the identification of students’ reading proficiencies and needs, for planning and revising instruction for all students as well as those with reading difficulties. Examine policies and procedures related to special programs, including Title I. Use knowledge of a range of research-based strategies and instructional technology for designing and delivering effective instruction and for selecting materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC2410, EDUC3300.

EDUC3400 Elementary Reading in the Content Areas 3 s.h.
Examine text structure and the dimensions of content area vocabulary and comprehension (e.g. literal, interpretive, critical, and evaluative). Focus on content area instruction in reading and writing that effectively uses a variety of research-based strategies and practices. Integrate curricular standards with student interests, motivation, and background knowledge. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC2410, EDUC3300.

+ EDUC3410 Introduction to Mental Disabilities 3 s.h.
A study of mental disabilities including definitions, classification systems, causes, and characteristics. Attention will also focus on the retarded in school and community. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3580. Goal 2d (Goal 2C Catalog 0809+)

EDUC3450 K–6 Mild/Moderate Special Education Practicum 2 s.h.
A three-week practicum in Mild/Moderate Special Education Programs in elementary schools. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3200, EDUC3220, and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

EDUC3470 Collaborative Consultation 3 s.h.
A study of methods and strategies for working with parents, support services personnel, regular classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and other individuals involved in the education program. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, EDUC3580 or EDUC3200.

EDUC3480 Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies Methods 3 s.h.
An introduction to curriculum and strategies for instructing language arts, reading, and social studies in the elementary school, including practice teaching in a laboratory environment. Use knowledge of reading-writing-speaking connections, the writing process, the stages of spelling development writing genres and the connections between oral and written language development to effectively teach writing as communication. Enroll during the semester prior to enrollment in student teaching. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, EDUC2410, and junior standing. Co-requisite: EDUC3510, EDUC3540. Goal 4c1, 10

EDUC3510 Methods of Elementary Science and Art 3 s.h.
An introduction to curriculum and strategies for instructing science and the arts in the elementary school. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, junior standing. Enroll during the semester prior to enrollment in student teaching. Corequisite: EDUC3480. Goal 4c1, 10

EDUC3520 General Secondary Methods and Content Reading 3 s.h.
Study of theory and research related to content area reading in the secondary school. Apply techniques for evaluating textbooks, assessing achievement, improving comprehension and critical thinking, enhancing study skills, and developing vocabulary. Prerequisite: EDUC2400.

EDUC3530 Methods of Teaching Elementary Math 3 s.h.
An introduction to curriculum and strategies for instructing mathematics in the elementary school. Prerequisites: MATH1310, EDUC2400, and junior standing.

EDUC3540 Methods Lab 1 s.h.
Students apply curriculum planning and instructional strategies for teaching science, social studies, language arts, reading, and the arts. Enroll during the semester prior to enrollment in student teaching. Prerequisite: EDUC2400.

EDUC3550 7–12 Mild/Moderate Special Education Practicum 2 s.h.
A three-week practicum in Mild/Moderate Special Education Programs in secondary schools. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, EDUC3200, EDUC3230, and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

+EDUC3560 Nature and Needs of the Middle Grades Child 3 s.h.
The nature and needs of the middle grades child (grades 5-8) as they relate to the middle school philosophy and curriculum. An overview of the history of the middle school movement in this country. Prerequisite: EDUC2400.

+EDUC3570 Curriculum for Middle Grades Education 3 s.h.
A study of the curriculum needs for the middle grades student with emphasis upon the unique transitional function of the middle school concept in curricular planning and materials selection. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, EDUC3560.

EDUC3580 Psychology of Exceptional Child and Adult 3 s.h.
Examine the philosophical, historical and legal bases for special education, including the definitions and etiologies of individuals with disabilities and exceptional learning needs. Study gifted individuals and those with exceptional needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, PSYC1300. Goal 2d, 4ab, 5, 6 (Goal 2C Catalog 0809+)

EDUC3590 Educational Psychology and Measurement 3 s.h.
The relationship between psychology and education with emphasis on the individual as a learner and the psychology of the learning process. A review of teaching models and classroom test construction will be covered. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, PSYC1300. Goal 2d (Goal 2C Catalog 0809+)

EDUC3610 Emotional and Behavior Disorders 3 s.h.
The study of disabling emotional and/or behavior problems in students. Emphasis will be on causes, characteristics, assessment, and educational approaches both in the school and community. Prerequisite: EDUC3580.

+EDUC3620 Administration of Early Childhood Programs 2 s.h.
Examines principles of administration, organization and operation of programs for ages 0-8 and their families, including staff and program development, supervision and evaluation of staff, and continuing improvement of programs and services. Examine legal aspects, historical, philosophical, and social foundations of early childhood education. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, EDUC3580, Junior standing. Co-requisite: EDUC2390, EDUC3310.

EDUC3630 Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation Strategies 3 s.h.
Examine legal provisions, regulations and guidelines regarding unbiased assessment and use of psychometric instruments and instructional assessment measures with disabilities as infants through high school age. Study a variety of instruments, procedures, and practices that range from individual to group and from formal to informal to alternative for the identification of students’ reading proficiencies and needs, for planning and revising instruction for all students, and for communicating results of ongoing assessment to all stakeholders. Practice administering, scoring and interpreting diagnostic tests used by schools to individualize program development and management, and identify the relationship between assessment and placement decisions. Prerequisite: EDUC1400, EDUC1410, EDUC3580, and junior standing.

EDUC3710 K-6 Elementary Education Internship 2 s.h.
A required three-week internship for Elementary Education majors. Interns with endorsements in English/Language Arts, Health, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Speech Communication/Theatre have full-day placements in regular elementary classroom programs. Interns with endorsements in Art, Foreign Language, Music and Physical Education have placements in these specialty-area classrooms. Elementary majors may substitute PHED3400. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, endorsement-area methods class, and admission to the Teacher Education Program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

EDUC3720 7-12 Secondary Education Internship 2 s.h.
A required three-week internship for Secondary Teacher Education Program. Interns have full-day placements in secondary school subject-area programs. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, subject-area methods class, EDUC3520, and admission to the Teacher Education program. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

EDUC3730 Combination K-6 and 7-12 Education Internship 2 s.h.
Candidates with majors in art, music, and physical education complete three weeks of internship in art, music, or physical education. Interns have full-day placement with half of experience at the secondary level and half at the elementary level. Prerequisite: EDUC2400, subject-area methods courses, EDUC3520, admission to the Teacher Education program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 5

EDUC3900 Topics in Education 1-3 s.h.
Content may vary and will be announced at time of offering. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: EDUC2400.

EDUC4000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

EDUC4100 Legal, Ethical, and Pedagogical Responsibilities in Education 2 s.h.
A study of professional ethics, school law, educational policy, and professional organizations. As evidence of readiness for student teaching, students present a pedagogically sound portfolio which has been developed to meet the outcomes specified in the Graceland Teacher Education Program Model. Enroll during the professional semester. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, admission to the Graceland Teacher Education Program, Junior Internship and/or Practicum. Goal 5

EDUC4200 Elementary Classroom Management 3 s.h.
Designed for the Elementary major in preparation for student teaching. Review several theoretical models for managing groups of students and develop a plan for structuring an appropriate learning environment. Understand strategies that motivate students and techniques to monitor student engagement in active learning. Analyze and discuss the application of concepts and techniques. Credit cannot be received for this course and EDUC4300. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, application to the Teacher Education Program. Enroll during the semester that precedes student teaching. Goal 6

EDUC4300 Secondary Classroom Management 3 s.h.
Designed for the Secondary major in preparation for student teaching. Review several theoretical models for managing groups of students and develop a plan for structuring appropriate learning environment. Understand strategies which motivate students and techniques to monitor student engagement in active learning. Analyze and discuss the application of concepts and techniques. Credit cannot be received for this course and EDUC4200. Prerequisites: EDUC2400, application to the Teacher Education Program. Enroll during the semester that precedes student teaching. Goal 6

* EDUC4400 Elementary Student Teaching (K-6) 6-14 s.h.
Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of elementary student teaching in accordance with the policies in the Teacher Education Handbook. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

* EDUC4420 Secondary Student Teaching (7-12) 6-14 s.h.
Secondary Education Candidates complete 14 weeks of secondary student teaching in accordance with the policies in the Teacher Education Handbook. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

* EDUC4440 Early Childhood Student Teaching 6-14 s.h.
Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of student teaching. Will include a placement with preprimary children and a placement from kindergarten to grade three. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

EDUC4450 Combination K-6 and 7-12 Student Teaching 6-14 s.h.
Candidates with majors in art, music, and physical education complete 14 weeks of student teaching in art, music, or physical education. Half (7 s.h.) of the experience is secondary level and half is elementary level. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

**EDUC4460 Elementary and Mild/Moderate Student Teaching 6-14 s.h.
Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of student teaching. Will include a mild/moderate special education setting and a mainstream elementary classroom. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. This course substitutes for EDUC4400.  Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

*** EDUC4470 Secondary and Mild/Moderate Student Teaching 6-14 s.h.
Secondary Education Candidates complete 14 weeks of student teaching to include placements in a mild/moderate special education setting and a secondary subject area classroom. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. This course substitutes for EDUC4420. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

EDUC4480 Elementary and Secondary Mild/Moderate Student Teaching 6-14 s.h.
Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of student teaching. Will include a placement in a secondary mild/moderate special education setting and a mainstream elementary classroom. Enroll in conjunction with EDUC4100 and EDUC4700. This course substitutes for EDUC4400. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to the Teacher Education Program, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis) Goal 4ab, 6, 8 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)

EDUC4500 Problems in Elementary Education 3-5 s.h.
An opportunity for students who have completed student teaching or have practical teaching experiences to discuss and study pertinent problems in elementary education. For Elementary Education majors only. Prerequisite: EDUC2400.

EDUC4600 Teacher Education Methods Seminar 0-1 s.h.
Edit and submit artifacts for methods section of Teacher Education Program Portfolio and for program progression. Align artifacts with program standards, update philosophy of education and continue to design portfolio. Participate in seminars on issues related to becoming a professional educator. Enroll during semester or term prior to student teaching. Prerequisite: Pass grade in EDUC2420 Teacher Education Entry Seminar. Co-requisite: EDUC4200 Elementary Classroom Management or EDUC4300 Secondary Classroom Management. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

EDUC4700 Capstone Teacher Education Seminar 1 s.h.
Edit and submit artifacts for Teacher Education Program Portfolio and for program completion. Align artifacts with program standards, update philosophy of education and complete portfolio. Co-requisite: EDUC4100 Legal, Ethical, and Pedagogical Responsibilities. Must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program and be enrolled in student teaching. Prerequisites: EDUC2420 Teacher Education Entry Seminar, EDUC4600 Teacher Education Methods Seminar. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)