The problem of bullies and victims is a universal problem in our schools. Often it is ignored with disastrous results. Many of the school shootings can be traced directly to this problem. Recent research of the problem shows that teachers and administrators ignore this problem. The same research also shows profile of children predisposed to be bullies and victims. Among children predisposed are children who witness aggressive behavior in the home and children who come from schools who do not take bullying seriously.

This course will examine the areas of brain research, differentiation, and multiple intelligence. Overviews of each topic will be discussed with in-depth reading/discussion for participants that are not yet familiar with these topics. This course will explore how teachers can incorporate new research into already developed lesson plans. This allows teachers to feel that new information or ideas can fit into curriculum already in place, without feeling the need to add just one more thing to an already packed agenda.

Participants will examine instructional practices that are proven to have the greatest impact on student learning and achievement. Participants will learn skills and strategies associated with seeking and engaging in non-evaluative, reflective communication with colleges. Techniques essential to fostering a culture that embraces learning, innovation, trust, and partnership will be examined.

Participants will develop a collective understanding of why and how change is being undertaken, recognizing the fear often associated with change. They will learn to identify the change process and support those who are experiencing change. The course examines the theories of organizational and transformational change, critical conversations, and linking change efforts to institutional mission.

Participants will apply and integrate innovative teacher leadership and instructional coaching during an on-the-job experience grounded within their school districts and/or community. Participants will be challenged to think critically about their leadership/coaching roles and to extrapolate the experience to future leadership/coaching issues within their individual school districts. Prerequisites: 505, 506, 507.

Internet-based course. May be repeated for credit.

This course includes a study of the role of the supervising teacher in the student teaching program. Attention will be given to the development of understandings and skills essential in working effectively with student teachers and in improvement of instruction.

This course will address the psychological, motivational, and linguistic foundations of the reading and writing process including language acquisition, and the histories of reading pedagogy. Students will understand the major components of reading including: comprehension, vocabulary, word identification/sight words, fluency, phonics, and phonemic awareness. Participants will develop and understanding that reading involves highly complex processes by which children learn to speak, read, and write.

Principles of corrective reading instruction, diagnostic instruments and procedures, effective strategies, and materials for correcting reading difficulties in grades K-8 from individual to group and from formal to informal to alternative are covered. Profienciency in prescribing and communicating corrective instructional reading and writing plans and activities to support children's reading and writing development will be studied. Restricted to students admitted to reading licensure/endorsement program.

Principles of corrective reading instruction, diagnostic instruments and procedures, effective strategies, and materials for correcting reading difficulties in grades 5-12 from individual to group and from formal to informal to alternative are covered. Profienciency in prescribing and communicating corrective instructional reading and writing plans and activities to support children's reading and writing development will be studied. Restricted to students admitted to reading licensure/endorsement program.