Graduate Courses in Early Childhood and Special Education (ECSE)
5311 READING/LITERACY INSTRUCTION This course is the first part of a two-semester sequence that prepares graduate students to teach reading in the early and middle childhood education classroom. This first course develops a knowledge base related to emerging literacy and the specific competencies necessary for successful reading instruction within a variety of classroom situations and diverse populations, including students with special needs or disabilities. Research-based concepts of human growth and development related to theories of language acquisition (receptive and expressive) and reading/literacy learning are presented to graduate candidates to prepare them for selecting materials, planning effective interdisciplinary instruction, and using ongoing interactive techniques to support and assess emerging literacy and reading processes. Prerequisites: Admission to graduate study.
5320 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF READING AND WRITING STRATEGIES This course is the second part of a two-semester sequence that prepares graduate students to teach reading in the early and middle childhood education classroom. The course develops a knowledge base related to the foundations of literacy learning and the specific competencies required for effective reading instruction. Lectures, group activities and online experiences are integral parts of the course that will be taught both on the university campus and electronically. Prerequisite: Admission to graduate school and completion of ECSE 5311 or equivalent.
6270 LABORATORY PRACTICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 0-3 Provides supervised experience in the area of instructional specialist ages 0-3. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses and ECSE 6322; must be taken concurrently with ECSE 6271 and 6327.
6271 LABORATORY PRACTICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 3-5 Provides supervised experience in the area of instructional specialist ages 3-5. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses and ECSE 6322; must be taken concurrently with ECSE 6270 and 6327.
6272 LABORATORY PRACTICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 5-8 Provides supervised experiences in the area of instructional specialist ages 5-8. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses and ECSE 6322 and 6337.
6300 PHILOSOPHICAL, HISTORICAL, AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION Examines historical and current trends of special education services, program philosophies, and program practices. Legal foundation and issues, special education terminology, and professional roles are addressed.
6302 MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF DISABILITIES Examines the medical, psychological, and educational implications for individuals with disabilities.
6304 BEHAVIOR AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT Examines the theory, research, and practice of managing the behaviors of students with disabilities. The course emphasizes theoretical and functional principles of behavior management used and observed in the classroom.
6306 FAMILY, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Examines the impact of children with disabilities on families and the various theoretical approaches to family functioning. The course includes the factors that affect family structure, the family's role in their child's development, and the techniques for identifying family strengths and needs. In addition, theory, research, and practice of family/school/community partnerships and the effect diversity, including disability, has on such partnerships is discussed.
6308 EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION Examines the theory, research, and practices of testing students with disabilities in the classroom. The course emphasizes the assessment process as well as the practical skills needed to assess students with special needs.
6314 DIAGNOSIS AND CORRECTION OF READING DIFFICULTIES Theory, demonstration, and practice in group and individual procedures and techniques of diagnosis and correction/intervention of reading difficulties. Prerequisite: ECSE 4315 or equivalent.
6318 MODIFICATIONS IN THE GENERAL CLASSROOM Mashburn Institute Curriculum.
6320 LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS Mashburn Institute Curriculum.
6322 CURRENT ISSUES AND TRENDS Examines current issues and trends in the field of early childhood special education. State and federal laws governing and regulating early childhood special education, program models, community resources, program development, and state agencies and organizations are addressed. Special emphasis is placed on providing candidates with knowledge of philosophies, roles, and services of various professionals providing services to young children with special needs. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6325 TEACHING CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDERS This course will examine the characteristics, assessment, and management of ADD. It will provide training in the development of behavioral and academic intervention techniques designed to meet the educational needs of children with ADD.
6327 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN AGES 0-5 WITH DISABILITIES Examines curricula issues, instructional arrangements, and management techniques for meeting the needs of children ages birth to age five with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on skills needed by instructional specialists to be successful in various community and school settings. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6328 STRATEGIC INSTRUCTION MODEL/CONTENT ENHANCEMENT ROUTINES This course examines use of the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) in a diverse school setting. Guiding philosophies, research base, and use of the model will be investigated. Additionally, the course examines use of the model in collaboration with other professionals from the perspective as a teacher leader.
This course will be offered in a distance learning setting which will include compressed video, Centra and Blackboard. For some discussions and hands-on activities, candidates will meet face-to-face. It is believed that by using a variety of means of instruction, course objectives can be fully met.
6329 INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITATION / TEACHER LEADERSHIP This course examines the various roles of an instructional facilitator. It includes an in depth examination of the function of an instructional facilitator as a resource provider, collaborator, change agent, learning facilitator, school leader, and learner. It examines the implementation and ongoing support needed to sustain a school-based facilitating initiative. It explores the principle of partnership learning and learning structures. Presentation format will involve engaging interactions, cooperative learning, video analyses of model facilitation and inadequate facilitation, opportunities for reflection, assignments for skill development, role-play simulations, case investigations, demonstration of coaching principles and techniques, the evaluation of coaching model and behaviors, and trouble-shooting. Prerequisites: Admission into UCA Graduate School.
6330 TRANSDISCIPLINARY AND COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES Examines the concept and practice of collaboration and transdisciplinary teaming in providing appropriate services to young children with disabilities. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses.
6335 TEACHING STUDENTS WITH AUTISM, PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS AND OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT/CONDUCT DISORDERS This course will examine the characteristics, assessment and management of children and adolescents with Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and Oppositional Defiant/Conduct Disorders. It will provide training in the development of behavioral and academic intervention techniques designed to meet these students' unique and diverse educational needs.
6336 ADVANCED STUDIES IN GUIDANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN This course examines the theory, research, and practice of social and emotional learning among children. The course emphasizes synthesizing theoretical and functional principles of social and emotional development. The course also emphasizes the application and analysis of guidance and behavior management strategies used among teachers, school staff, administrators, and families. This course is designated as a core requirement for candidates seeking a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education.
6337 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-8 WITH DISABILITIES Examines curricula issues, instructional strategies, learning environments, instructional arrangements, and management techniques for meeting the needs of children ages five to eight with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on skills needed to be successful in a variety of community and school settings. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6338 ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONAL AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN This course focuses on planning, implementing, and evaluation activities and strategies designed to facilitate cognitive content learning among children from diverse populations; addresses essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas including academic subjects. i.e., language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics; addresses academic perspectives on measurement and evaluation in the early childhood years; addresses professional and ethical issues regarding instruction and evaluating young children from diverse populations.
6341 LANGUAGE ARTS IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Objectives and implementation of language arts programs in the elementary school. Examines alternatives in the teaching of reading and language development in the elementary school.
6342 RESEARCH AND LITERATURE IN READING The investigation of the research on teaching and learning process of reading and related language arts. Requirements include completion of an action research project and submissions of an article for publication.
6343 PRACTICUM IN READING I (EARLY LITERACY) Diagnosis and intervention of reading difficulties (Pre-K through second grade) in case study format under clinical supervision. Prerequisite: ECSE 6314 and consent of instructor.
6344 PRACTICUM IN READING II (MIDDLE GRADES) Extension and further development of strategies learned in ECSE 6314 with emphasis on middle level (grades 3-8) literacy strategies and study skills under clinical supervision. Prerequisite: ECSE 6314 and consent of instructor.
6345 ORGANIZATION AND COACHING THE READING PROGRAM Planning, organizing, supervising, coaching, and assessing reading programs in school systems. Literacy coaching and philosophy of reading will be emphasized.
6346 CHILDREN'S READING AND BOOK SELECTION Techniques of using children's literature in an instructional program, in the overall reading activity program, and in bibliotherapy. Prerequisite: A course in language arts or consent of instructor.
6350 COLLABORATIVE TEACHING AND INCLUSIVE SETTINGS Examines the concept and practice of collaboration among professionals in providing appropriate services for children and students with disabilities. Guiding philosophies, research, and the practice of inclusion are investigated. Additionally, the course examines the role of collaborative teaming in inclusive schooling. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6353 INTRODUCTION TO GIFTED EDUCATION This course will explore the characteristics of the gifted, talented, and creative child in public schools. Enrollment restricted to g/t licensure candidates.
6355 CURRICULUM FOR GIFTED PROGRAMS The rationale and design of curricula specifically for gifted students in educational programs. Enrollment restricted to g/t licensure candidates.
6357 CREATIVITY FOR THE GIFTED AND TALENTED Exploration of the characteristics of the creatively gifted student and provision for analysis of the theoretical models and their applications. Enrolment restricted to g/t licensure candidates.
6358 STRATEGIES FOR THE GIFTED AND TALENTED This course examines the differentiated teaching strategies necessary to effectively provide appropriate experiences, materials, and environments conducive to optimum learning/development of the gifted and talented. Enrolment restricted to g/t licensure candidates.
6365 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENTS WITH EMOTIONAL BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES Incorporates assessment for educational assessment for educational planning, instructional methods, and intervention strategies for teaching students grades 4-12 with emotional behavioral disabilities. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6366 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENTS WITH MILD DISABILITIES Incorporates assessment for educational planning, instructional methods, and intervention models for teaching students grades 4-12 with mild disabilities. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6367 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES Incorporates assessment for educational planning, instructional methods, and intervention models for teaching students grades 4-12 with significant disabilities. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses.
6370 LABORATORY PRACTICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Provides supervised experiences in the area of instructional specialist ages 0-8 and grades 4-12. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses and either special education 0-8 track courses or special education grades 4-12 track courses.
6371 LABORATORY PRACTICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Provides supervised experiences in the area of instructional specialist ages 0-8 and grades 4-12. Prerequisites: Completion of all special education core courses and either special education ages 0-8 track courses or special education grades 4-12 track courses.
6372 INDEPENDENT READING AND RESEARCH Reading and a research problem in education selected by the student under the direction of the instructor.
6374 CURRICULUM RATIONALE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Analysis of different curricula in early childhood programs.
6379 READING IN THE CONTENT AREAS This course will present theory and strategies with philosophy and best practices of content area reading. The focus will be on the demands placed on students as they learn to read from subject matter textbooks and other material different from the narrative format encountered in the early grades.
6382 PROBLEMS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
6386 PRINCIPLES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING IN ECE PROGRAMS A psychological analysis of educational programs for young children, including Piaget, Skinner, Montessori, responsive environments, contingency management, social dramatic play, and didactic teaching.
6387 PRACTICUM I: EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Opportunity to implement educational practices for young children in individual, small, and classic group situations. Prerequisites: ECSE 6374, 6386.
6388 SEMINAR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Development of early childhood curricula on the basis of principles of learning, principles of child development, and materials and techniques.
6391 ADVANCED PRACTICUM: EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE IN GIFTED EDUCATION Experience in the gifted classroom to include identification and program/curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation. Prerequisite: ECSE 6357, 6353, 6355,6358. Enrolment restricted to gifted licensure candidates.