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Education Courses

Graduate

ED 589: Accommodating Gifted Learners in Regular Classrooms
This technology-based course provides participants with an expanded repertoire of instructional strategies for gifted learners who require additional depth and complexity in the learning process. Participants apply strategies for pre-assessment, acceleration, grouping, and differentiation in their classroom instructional plans. Teachers' management of these accommodations ensures appropriate levels of challenge and meaning for gifted learners. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Web based (semester based), 3 semester hours, tuition $495, fee $55.00

ED 589: Achieving Success with Parents of Students with Special Needs
This course is designed to provide the educator with specific strategies to employ to build trust, increase parental participation, reduce one's legal liability as well as work with and support non-traditional and culturally diverse parents of students with special needs. In addition, emphasis is placed on practical ideas for dealing with anger, denial, and parental dissatisfaction. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Adolescent Sexual Diversity: Supporting the Needs of Students who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender
This course is designed to provide the knowledge and the skills for educators to better understand the challenges faced by gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual youth, identify risk factors related to personal well-being and academic success, and implement specific strategies to create a safe learning environment that embraces all facets of human diversity. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Advanced Classroom Management: Children as Change Agents©
This course is geared primarily for professionals (e.g., regular or special educators, instructional assistants, school psychologist, counselors) serving children and youths presenting behavior problems in the school or community. This course focuses on cognitive and cognitive-behavioral interventions (often lumped together under the rubric "social skills") with an emphasis on teaching students how to change and manage their own behavior. Since previous knowledge and understanding of traditional behavioral (operant) concepts and strategies is required, it is strongly recommended that you take an introductory behavior management course, such as the VESI course, Behavior is Language: Strategies for Managing Disruptive Behavior, to learn the basic terms and concepts of behavior management prior to taking this "advanced" course. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Approaches to running A Readers' Workshop
Learn to teach reading in an effective and exciting manner for your students and yourself. Discover how to hold effective mini-lessons that set a purpose for daily independent reading while instructing students in comprehension strategies that teach students to interact deeply with text. Learn to monitor independent reading so that all learners are reading 'just right' books and writing thoughtful reactions to their daily reading. Find out how to run effective small groups based on students' needs in a guided reading or literature circle format. Study techniques of running shared reading lessons so that student's fluency increases along with their love of written language. This teacher friendly course will help you to become skilled at organizing and monitoring all of these techniques in an easy and doable way. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 2 or 3 semester hours, tuitions $145/hour ($290, or $435)
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering

ED 589: Attention Deficit Disorder: Information & Interventions for Effective Teaching©
This course will help you achieve a better understanding of ADD and intervention strategies to facilitate positive student change. The course covers the history of the disorder, accepted methods to assess and identify students with the disorder, and various methods, medications, and strategies that currently used to treat the disorder. For situations where a student needs services beyond what you can provide in the classroom, you will learn about the referral process for getting help for the student. Reference materials include a list of resources for both teachers and parents who would like more help or information about ADD or ADHD. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

3 semester hours, tuition $435, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Autism & Asperger's Disorder: Information & Effective Intervention Strategies©
This course describes autism and Asperger's Disorder, including characteristics of these disorders, associated learning styles, communication weaknesses, and various intervention strategies. The course helps you make sense out of why individuals with autism spectrum disorders act the way they do, and what you can do to enhance more appropriate behavior. This course also lists resources for educators, related service personnel, and parents who want more help or information on autism and Asperger's Disorder. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Behavior Is Language: Strategies for Managing Disruptive Behavior©
This an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course designed to give you a new perspective on student behavior and effective tools for facilitating positive student change. Behavior is Language provides a developmental framework for understanding what students are trying to tell you through the "language" of their behavior. The course teaches behavioral techniques and intervention strategies that remediate disruptive behaviors, reduce power struggles while increasing classroom control, and reduce your workloads and burnout. This program helps you, as well as students, find creative, effective solutions to behavioral problems. This computer-based instruction course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction, structured practice, and evaluation all on your home or business computer. Information on installation and technical support can be found, and will be covered in detail, in the User Guide that accompanies your computer software. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

3 semester hours, tuition $435, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Best Practices for Literacy Instruction K-12
The No Child Left Behind Act has touched every classroom in America, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, in all subject arenas. As educators we are expected to help every child meet success in literacy, causing all content area teachers to provide instruction in reading and writing. No longer can a math teacher just teach math, but rather they must teach their content material and include instruction in literacy. Students who fail literacy assessment, like CSAP, must have literacy plans. Research shares many instructional strategies that we can use to help children meet success with literacy, but many teachers have had little opportunity to try these strategies themselves, or they may have only heard about them in a workshop or professional article, and have not experienced them as a learner. How can you teach reading strategies effectively if you have never had the opportunity to try them out with an adult book? This is what your independent study will focus on. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 1, 2, or 3 semester hours, tuitions $145/hour ($145, $290, or $435)

ED 589: Boys and Literacy
Data from tests show that boys under perform girls in literacy. Using data from recent research and reports from teachers and students, this course will focus on creating literacy curriculum that is boy-friendly and will help boys improve their literacy skills. Understanding how boys think, perform, and what motivates them will be an integral part of this course. Literacy strategies, writing techniques, and books that motivate boys will be reviewed. View syllabus, PDF. Also available as ENG 589. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Breakthrough to Your Peak Learning Style
Too often the academic environment limits students who do not fit into the mold of the traditional learner. Breakthrough to Your Peak Learning Style emphasizes creative and challenging ways to learn that enable the student to use his or her own unique learning style to master any subject. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Building Positive Relationships with Difficult Parents
It is essential for educators to be able to successfully interact with even the most challenging parents. This course will give you the communication tools to develop positive relationships with all families and enhance parental support of your work in the classroom. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Challenging Kids to Grow
This course is designed to provide educators with greater understanding of their own personality and communication styles as well as those of their students and how these variables support or impede their ability to challenge their students through implementation of quality instruction. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Channeling the Emotions for Maximum Learning
All learning takes place within an emotional context. We cannot separate academic achievement from the emotions that help or hinder it. Using the text Emotional Intelligence, the student will gain insight into the field of emotional learning and how he or she can apply this knowledge in the classroom to help students improve the emotional skills that will enhance their learning. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Child Abuse: Working with Abused and Neglected Children©
Welcome to Working with Abused and Neglected Children and Adolescents, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course designed to help you identify and effectively teach students affected by child abuse and/or neglect. This course teaches you to recognize the signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect in students. It also discusses the specific factors that exist in families who abuse or neglect their children. A major emphasis in this course is on helping the participant understand the special learning needs of the abused or neglected child and how to meet those needs in the regular classroom. Working with parents and community agencies is also emphasized. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Comprehension Strategies that Improve the Skill and Joy of Reading
In this course you will learn to instruct students of any age, kindergarten through adult learners, in effective comprehension strategies so that they engage deeply with all types of text. You will also learn to instruct these strategies in a manner that supports students of all ability levels in falling in love with reading. If you are planning to take the three-credit version of the course, you will need to have a group or individual child to teach for at least four weeks. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 2 or 3 semester hours, tuitions $145/hour ($290, or $435)

ED 589: Creative Journaling
Teachers will learn to use the arts (drawing, photographs, and music) to enhance the writing and communication process. The course is designed to help students foster and develop positive self-esteem, expression, creativity, motivation and appeal to different learning styles through writing, speaking, and the arts. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Current Issues in Education
Frustrated by what's going on in education? Feel like you don't know enough? This course gives you the opportunity to select a current issue that is professionally relevant to you, research it using a variety of resources and present your findings in a paper, activity, or project that demonstrates your learning. Instructor approval of topic and plan of research is required before student begins research. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Dealing with Change
This course provides the student with practical strategies for dealing with transition. Any change results in a process which has predictable stage: an ending followed by a time of confusion and distress resulting in a new beginning. Whether changing jobs, dealing with policy changes, retiring, or redefining relationships the student will learn how to use transition as a time of opportunity. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Dealing with Conflict and Confrontation
This course will help the teacher learn to deal effectively with conflict, confrontation, anger, aggressiveness, and verbal abuse from children and adults by using boundary setting strategies, assertiveness training, negotiations, and personal empowerment skills. This class will address preventative strategies, such as creating a physically and emotionally safe environment, a review of ethical issues, dealing with conflict and confrontation in parent teacher conferences, using communications and assertiveness skills, and recovering from the trauma of being confronted inappropriately. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Drugs & Alcohol in School: Understanding Substance Use & Abuse©
Take this course to gain a more comprehensive understanding of alcohol, drugs, and their influences in your classroom. This course provides a contextual framework for understanding what students may be experiencing either through their own substance use or from the substance use of persons close to them. The course also provides a basic historical perspective of substance use along with the biological, psychological, and social factors that comprise the disease of addiction. Upon course completion, you will better understand the complex dynamics that contribute to this biological and social phenomenon. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: E-Commerce for Educators
This course is designed for students who have some Internet experience. It will provide the participants with information on using the Internet for Banking, Investing, Shopping and Making money. View syllabus. REGISTER

Web-based (open entry/open exit), 1 semester hour, tuition $145

ED 589: Educational Assessment: Assessing Student Learning in the Classroom©
This course is designed to further develop the conceptual and technical skills required by teachers to help them identify their educational goals, and implement meaningful instructional strategies for effective learning by students with special needs. The focus of the course is on assessment for instructional programming and will outline procedures for designing or selecting, administering and interpreting, a variety of informal assessment measures typically used in schools. The presentation of assessment information in an acceptable format to parents and teachers is also be addressed. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Educational Trends: A Perspective
Today's educators are bombarded with a variety of expectations, responsibilities, and demands. In addition, economic, political, and sociological factors influence today's classrooms, and teachers don't have the training or the time to keep up with these forces. This course will examine many of the current, relevant dynamics at work in our profession. The participant will gain heightened awareness of the issues present in today's schools, and will be provided a forum to discuss the implications for the classroom now and in the years to come. Eight lessons. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Web-based (open entry/open exit), 2 semester hours, tuition $290

ED 589: Enhancing Communications
This course uses some of the most respected tools in the field of communication today. The course will take the concept of communication to a new level and challenge the students to look at old ways of interacting with people. Students will gain an understanding of the power the spoken word can have on enhancing learning and self-esteem. The focus will be on building self-confidence in yourself and others through proactive communication. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Good Books, Good Authors
Read and study good books and good authors for your grade level. Explore what makes a "good" book and a "good" author. You will be introduced to a wide variety of reading, resources and web sites that are appropriate for choosing good books and good authors. You will read good books, be introduced to authors of children's and young adult books, keep a reading log, study authors, and explore the connection between reading good books and your curriculum. You will create an author study presentation and a curriculum application that is suitable to your professional purposes. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Human Behavior Skills for New Teachers
This course is for all K-12 new teachers who wish to learn the human behavior skills master teachers accumulate over their careers. Equipped with these skills, new teachers should have much better first years. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Improving Writing Skills Through Autobiographical Application
Improve writing skills and the writing process through autobiographical writing activities, using photographs and writing prompts. Connect with history from a personal history. Also available as ENG 589. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Improving Writing Skills through Writing Family Histories
This course will focus on writing family histories. Research, gathering family histories, making family trees, using photographs, using anecdotal records will be combined with writing and revising skills to create interesting and memorable family histories. Also available as ENG 589. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Inclusion: Working with Special Needs Students in Mainstream Classrooms©
This course is designed to help special and general educators gain a better understanding of inclusion, one of the current educational reform movements that advocates educating students with disabilities in the general education classrooms. Upon course completion, the learner will be able to define key concepts and terms, identify and describe federal legislature and court cases, and list and describe the federal definition of students entitled to special services. This course will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of educators in providing special services to students educated in inclusive classrooms. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Infant and Toddler Mental Health©
This interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course designed to help you achieve a better understanding of infant and toddler mental health, child development, and strategies you can use to promote positive relationships with children and their families. This course provides information that will help you to understand and identify your role as a child care provider, educator, and early childhood professional. Infant and Toddler Mental Health will provide you with research-based information on child development, attachment, temperament, and curriculum. This course also lists resources for both teachers and parents who would like more help or information about infant and toddler mental health. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Instructional Achievement: Practical Application of Assessment Results in Improving Curriculum Content
Instructional Achievement: Practical Application of Assessment Results in Improving Curriculum Content is designed to offer practical insight using assessment results to improve instructional content for teacher or district improvement plans. Weak areas of success in assessment need to be reinforced with additional or modified instruction to enhance achievement. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Kids and the Enneagram in the Classroom
The focus of this course is on helping educators understand the personalities of children using the Enneagram system. The Enneagram acknowledges that each child is unique and yet it identifies certain distinctive patterns of behavior for each personality type. The use of the Enneagram: a) Helps the educator to draw on the assets of each child, thus helping the child to attain a greater sense of confidence. b) Eases the minds of educators who feel a sense of failure when a child doesn't behave according to their expectations. c) Gives the educator concrete suggestions on how each personality type deals with: getting to school on time, study habits, learning styles, manners, getting along with others, decision making, emotional maturity. d) Helps students understand other students who are different than them. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for Classroom Teachers©
This course describes diverse theoretical approaches to handling learning disabilities in the classroom and lays the foundation for sensitive, appropriate assessment and evaluation of students. In addition, the course covers program planning and implementation, stresses the importance of a close, positive partnership with parents or alternative caregivers, and explores methods for ensuring that the home-school axis is effective and meaningful. You will also learn about major trends and unresolved issues in the field of learning disabilities. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

3 semester hours, tuition $435, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Life and Work Planning
Students will learn how to take charge of their life and set career, retirement, and vocational goals. They will learn effective life and work planning skills that can be used at any time of life. They will learn to write resumes, and practice interviewing skills. View syllabus. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435 + $15 fee

ED 589: Love & Logic Classroom Principles & Application
Teaching has been changing throughout the course of public education in this country. New programs and courses are being developed yearly to address the issues that the classroom teacher faces in this changing world. Fortunately, the classroom teacher designs his or her own model for working with students. This course, designed by Jim Fay and Foster Cline, is an attempt to provide innovative techniques for the classroom teacher, providing a new paradigm in the classroom-sharing control with the student. Ideally, this course will provide the teacher with the foundation to incorporate the love and logic techniques and philosophy in the classroom, which will afford some relief from the stress that can come with trying to control a classroom of students (young or old). View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 2 semester hours, tuition $290; 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Minding the Brain: Teaching Smart in the Classroom
This course focuses on how the brain influences learning. It exposes teachers to ideas and methods that will enable them to reshape their classroom instruction so that it is more in line with the way students actually learn. As a result, teachers will be able to promote creativity, elevate student enthusiasm for learning, and help them better achieve academically. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: More Navigating the Information Highway
This course will allow the participants to extend their knowledge in Online activities. Topics will include alternative search strategies, advanced e-mail, downloading files and attachments, K-12 Internet issues, telecollaborative activities, and new trends in interactivity. The knowledge of how Internet activities can be utilized in the classroom will also be covered. Prerequisite: B.A. or B.S. degree and requires internet access. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 2 semester hours, tuition $290

ED 589: Navigating the Information Highway
This course will allow participants the opportunity to explore and become proficient with the Internet. Students will effectively utilize the Internet as a classroom tool. They will become familiar with and be able to use Internet browser software, access numerous databases online, use effective search strategies to find information on the World Wide Web, send and receive e-mail and explore newsgroups. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 2 semester hours, tuition $290

ED 589: On Writing: Writing for the Writer and Non-Writer
Writing strategies and practice for the writer and non-writer to improve skills for writing in any content area in or outside the classroom. Students who learn to write and perform well on state assessments have teachers/coaches/models that practice and share their writing process. This course will give you the opportunity to write, while learning about the writing process. The workbook is set up in four parts. Part 1 discusses setting the stage for writing. Part 2 discusses the writing process. Part 3 discusses how to create a writing curriculum using mentor texts, and Part 4 addresses writing to text and test prompts. You will spend time writing through journaling, collecting ideas in a writer's notebook, writing drafts, and revising a chosen piece for "publication." You will read like a writer, collecting mentor texts to study how authors create their craft. You will try new writing strategies and practicing elements of good writing. You will create a writing application for your personal and/or professional application. Through this, you will learn the magic and power of writing! View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Positive Classroom Discipline
The focus of the course is teaching teachers how to use positive discipline interventions in educational settings. Using techniques from the Cline/Fay Institute, teachers will learn to enhance student self-concept, create an atmosphere of achievement, gain new tools for managing disruptive students, and create an environment where students will want to behave well. Seven lessons and final paper. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 1 semester hour, tuition $145, workbook $25

ED 589: Preparing Yourself and the Classroom for Today's Students
The rapid pace of change in today's classrooms has gone on at breakneck speed. Teaching today is not the same as it was 20 years ago or even 10 years ago. The demands on classroom teachers, administrators and staff are difficult to comprehend. This class will examine some of the changes that have gone on in education, what is the current status of public and private education today, and what school personnel might have to look forward to on a daily basis. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Web-based (open entry/open exit), 2 semester hours, tuition $290

ED 589: Reading Fundamentals I: Introduction to Scientifically-Based Research©
States that receive funds from the No Child Left Behind, Reading First Act need to ensure that teachers are qualified to teach reading. They must have a working knowledge of scientifically validated instructional programs and practices. According to Kilpatrick (2003), the most critical part of the Act is that there must be an increase in teachers' knowledge of the scientific process under which instructional programs are evaluated. (Note: A summary of this legislation regarding the use of scientifically-validated instructional materials appears in Course 2.) View syllabus. REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Reading Fundamentals II: Laying the Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction©
Reading is the cornerstone of an effective education. Without this skill we are limited in so many important life activities. We cannot access the newspaper, read the directions of a new recipe, enjoy a favorite novel, or read a prescription bottle of medication. The list goes on and on. Reading is tied to all other academic areas. Without reading, mathematics, writing, spelling, and the content areas such as science and social studies are difficult, if not impossible, to participate in or complete at an adequate level. College becomes out of the question and many jobs are simply out of reach because they require some basic level of reading or other skill that hinges on reading. An inability to read renders these individuals almost powerless in our society. View syllabus. REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Reading Fundamentals III: The Elements of Effective Reading Instruction & Assessment©
The Reading First program focuses on implementing proven methods of early reading instruction in classrooms. Through Reading First, states and districts will receive support to apply scientifically based reading research-and the proven instructional and assessment tools consistent with this research-to ensure that all children learn to read well by the end of third grade. The Reading First program will provide the necessary assistance to states and districts to establish research-based reading programs for students in kindergarten through third grade. Funds will also support a significant increase in professional development to ensure that all teachers have the skills they need to teach these reading programs effectively. Additionally, the program provides assistance to states and districts in preparing classroom teachers to screen, identify, and eliminate reading barriers facing their students (U.S. Department of Education, 2002, p. 1). View syllabus. REGISTER

3 semester hours, tuition $435, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Reclaiming Your Power
The ability to take appropriate risks lies at the core of personal power. Using The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the student will gain a framework for risk-taking behavior that leads to increased power and the resulting rise in self-esteem, reduction in stress, and enhanced relationships. Available in .pdf delivery format. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $420
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering

ED 589: Self-Care and Renewal for Teachers
This course will explore self-care and renewal and application of the principles in a classroom setting. Using a trail system (developed by Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory), you will explore the Trail of Self-Awareness, the Trail of Making Time and Setting Limits, the Trail of Managing Stress, and the Trail of Application of Techniques. A computer with Internet access to complete the Web-based reading and activities is essential. Prerequisite: B.A. or B.S. degree. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 1 semester hour, tuition $145; 2 semester hours, tuition $290

ED 589: Shedding New Light on Bullying Behavior
This course is packed with practical tips for teachers to use immediately to help stop bullying behavior in the classroom. The student will gain a more thorough understanding of the bullying dynamic and the functionality of bullying behavior. Mainly we will look at the solutions to the problem of bullying in schools as we know it through current research. The course will include the latest and most comprehensive research available. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Standards-based Instruction: Scope and Sequence and Alignment of Standards with Course Curriculum
Standards-based instruction seems to be the way of the future in education with the emphasis on accountability for all of education. Likewise, the No Child Left Behind Act affirms the concept that instruction must be based on a well-developed scope and sequence, alignment of curriculum with state standards and grade level expectations, as well as the development of assessment tools for student performance. This course is designed to provide the classroom instructor with the skills and tools to develop curriculum that will assure that quality education is achieved in each teacher's classroom. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Stress Management for Personal and Professional Growth
Learn how to manage and prevent stress from robbing the joy in your professional and personal life through cognitive behavior modification skills, and assertiveness strategies. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Students at Risk: Dealing with Anger, Frustration, and Low Self-Esteem
Students will learn effective cognitive-behavior modification strategies for helping the student at risk deal with self-defeating patterns of anger, frustration and low self-esteem. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Talented and Gifted: Working with the High Achievers©
This course is designed to provide a foundation in talented and gifted education. It will provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and serve TAG students through a planned program for intellectually gifted and academically talented students within a framework of common practice based on current research. Students will gain an understanding of the characteristics and needs of TAG students, current legislation as it relates to the education of talented and gifted children in the USA, identification procedures, assessment options, programs and services models, and curriculum modification options. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Teaching Diversity©
Designed to give the learner the knowledge, tools and dispositions to effectively facilitate a diverse classroom, this course teaches how to understand and identify differences in approaches to learning and performance, including different learning styles and ways in which students demonstrate learning. An emphasis in this course is on understanding how students' learning is influenced by individual experiences, talents, disabilities, gender, language, culture, family and community values. The learner is challenged to apply knowledge of the richness of contributions from our diverse society to the teaching field. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: The Educational and Therapeutic Use of Journaling in the Classroom
Teachers will explore the use of the journal as an educational tool and as a therapeutic tool in their classroom through specific journaling techniques and strategies. As a curriculum tool, journals allow teachers to have written feedback about how the student processes information, as well as their learning styles. As a learning tool, it promotes thinking, reading, writing, and spelling. As an evaluation tool, journals provide a student progress report. Therapeutically, the journal offers the opportunity for self-expression, the building of self-esteem, creativity, problem-solving both personally and interpersonally. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: The Effects of Stress & Trauma on Student Learning©
This course is designed to help classroom teachers, school counselors, and other educational personnel gain strategies to reach and teach students who have been affected by stress, trauma, and/or violence. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of stress and trauma. Participants will explore how stress, violence, and trauma affect a student's learning, cognitive brain development, and social-emotional development. The short and long term consequences of being exposed to stress, trauma, or violence, as well as the social and family causes, will be reviewed. Participants will learn the dynamics of domestic violence and community violence. The educator's role in the intervention and prevention of violence will be discussed. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: The Psychological Dynamics of the Classroom
Students will learn to recognize the dysfunctional behaviors of codependency and how it affects classroom performance. Students will also learn effective strategies to reverse and install healthier patterns of behavior. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Time to Read
This class will give you time to read and share with others about great books for children from picture books, young adult, fiction and non-fiction. Choose books that meet standards and incorporate them throughout your curriculum. Book talks, literature circles, getting parents involved, marketing reading will be addressed. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Time to Read: Professional Materials
Professional growth requires staying current with educational trends, books, journals, and educational Internet sites. This class will give the professional time to read and share with others about books, journals, and Internet sites that enhance the profession of teaching and learning. Teachers will choose books, journals, and Internet sites to enhance their professional growth. Teachers will read and review one professional book. Teachers will review current professional literature. Teachers will be researchers as they journal their thoughts, reactions, and insights. Teachers will log a record of their reading. Teachers will be encouraged to create a book club to continue this process of professional renewal. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Train Your Students to be Competent Leaders
This course provides teachers with tools for developing their own leadership skills, which they can transfer to students. Based on the tenets of emotional intelligence, it identifies the qualities of a competent leader and offers insights into how to put emotionally intelligent leadership into practice. Emotionally intelligent leadership calls upon the resources of the entire personality, going beyond mere intellectual resources. It also concentrates on motivating people to excel through positive means, rather than through imposing an authoritarian leadership structure. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435
The study guide for this course will be sent to your email address as a .pdf attachment. To have the study guide mailed to you via US mail, please make your request in the "comments" section when registering.

ED 589: Understanding Aggression: Coping with Aggressive Behavior in the Classroom©
Understanding Aggression includes topics on violence, aggression in the classroom, youth gangs, aggression in sports and on television, how drugs and alcohol play a role in aggression and violence, and "hot spots" that tend to breed aggression and violence The course helps school personnel become more aware of the causes of aggression and ways to evaluate aggression and intervene before the aggression turns to violence in the schools. The course also speaks about aggression in our communities through driving, dating, sports, television, music and how these issues are dealt with in modern society. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

3 semester hours, tuition $435, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Understanding Gifted Learners in Regular Classrooms
This technology-based course provides participants with increased understanding of gifted learners in regular classrooms. Participants clarify their definitions of giftedness and recognize classroom behaviors associated with giftedness, so they might understand special cognitive and emotional needs of gifted learners in their classrooms. Teachers' understanding of giftedness and their rapport with gifted learners increase achievement and social-emotional adjustment in school. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Web based (semester based), 3 semester hours, tuition $495, fee $55

ED 589: Using Film to Inform Instruction
This course will provide you with greater understanding of teaching methodology to reach all types of students. You will get an overview of methodologies, choose films to watch and then research teaching theories in more detail and critique the films using what you've learned in your research. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Using Nonfiction to Motivate Reading and Writing K-12
Explore the world of nonfiction and how you can use nonfiction in your classroom to motivate student's reading and writing. Discover resources for finding well-crafted nonfiction. Choose nonfiction books, magazines, and Internet sites to read. Document forty-five hours of reading through writing a practical and useful reading log. Create lists of nonfiction titles for read-alouds, text sets, paired texts, mentor texts, and classroom application. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Using Picture Books, K-12
This course will focus on the power and sophistication of picture books and how to use them across the curriculum, K-12 to introduce units, create a resource of short texts, build literacy standards, and improve reading and writing skills. Using picture books enhances comprehension strategies such as making connections, developing visualization and inferencing through words and art, and building vocabulary. You will be introduced to a wide variety of picture books as well as given time to read and collect picture books to fit your curriculum and teaching level. View syllabus, PDF. Also available in ENG 589. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435, fee $15

ED 589: Violence in Schools: Identification, Prevention, and Intervention Strategies©
This course is designed to give you a better understanding of school violence and increase your intervention strategies. Taught by Dr., this course provides an overview of violence and the motivational purposes behind aggression. The correlation and impact of the media, community, and family upon violence is investigated. You will learn identification and intervention approaches to working with out-of-control behaviors. In addition, you will receive information about the national resources available for both parents and teachers. Upon successful completion of this course, you will have a better understanding of violence and the motivations behind the use of violence, as well as specific strategies to minimize the occurrence of violence in a school and community. View syllabus. CD-ROM (see computer requirements at end of section). REGISTER

2 semester hours, tuition $290, plus $95 for CD

ED 589: Writers' Workshop/Process Writing in Kindergarten through High School
Get students to fall in love with writing and write with power and voice while improving their ability to write for state mandated tests. Learn to model writing instruction so that your students see first hand what is expected of them every step of the way. In this course teachers will learn to run a writers'workshop in their classrooms where students plan, draft, revise, proofread, edit, and publish for real audiences and real purposes. Learn to model each of these steps while becoming a better writer alongside of your students. When students see their teacher engaged in the act of writing on a regular basis, it is much easier to motivate and teach them what is needed to become an excellent writer. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 2 semester hours, tuition $290; 3 semester hours, tuition $435

ED 589: Writing Strategies for Boys
Writing strategies tailored for boy's interests and learning style preferences based on findings from research that are good for girls, too. Develop authentic purposeful writing tasks that help boys pursue an interest, gather information to be competent and honor their love for action, power, and humor. Strategies to help boys on state writing assessments will be addressed. This course will give you a compendium of practical writing activities and strategies that you can use in your K-12 classroom. View syllabus, PDF. REGISTER

Print-based (open enrollment), 3 semester hours, tuition $435


The computer-based software courses are designed to be run from the compact disc (CD) and only save user data on the hard drive of their Macintosh or Windows computer. The CD is provided after course registration.

To run it on a personal computer, you need the following:

To run it on a Macintosh computer, you need the following:

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