Course DescriptionsEDUCATION
EDUC-101 Praxis I Review Course – Reading/Writing Tests
1 Credit
This course is designed to help students prepare for the Praxis I Reading/Writing Test. Passing scores on a basic skills test (Praxis I, SAT, ACT, GRE) are required for: 1) an AAT degree, 2) admission to a four-year Teacher Education program, and 3) teacher certification in Maryland and most other states. Students must pass the Praxis I exam if they have not received passing scores on another basic skills test. Students majoring in the Teacher Education transfer programs are required to submit scores from Praxis I or other approved basic skills tests to the Social Sciences Division Office prior to the completion of the 30th credit hour. Credit count certification individuals, conditional teachers, and teacher education majors could benefit from this course. (Campus Web course)
EDUC-102 Praxis I Review Course – Math Test
1 Credit
This course is designed to help students prepare for the Praxis I Math Test. Passing scores on a basic skills test (Praxis I, SAT, ACT, GRE) are required for: 1) an AAT degree, 2) admission to a four-year Teacher Education program, and 3) teacher certification in Maryland and most other states. Students must pass the Praxis I exam if they have not received passing scores on another basic skills test. Students majoring in the Teacher Education transfer programs are required to submit scores from Praxis I or other approved basic skills tests to the Social Sciences Division Office prior to the completion of the 30th credit hour. Credit count certification individuals, conditional teachers, and teacher education majors could benefit from this course. (Campus Web course)
EDUC-110 Introduction to Education
3 Credits
The student will examine the basic principles and philosophical traditions of Western and American Education. The student will also evaluate the trends, issues and career opportunities and options in contemporary education. A 15-hour Field Experience outside of class time is required. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-12 school where they are employed. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-111 Child Growth and Development
3 Credits
Through the study of the early childhood and elementary years, the student will be able to describe the language, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of young children, birth to 12 years. Instruction will focus on theories of child development, research methods, and developmental milestones. Knowledge learned in this course can be applied to parenting and to careers in early childhood and elementary education. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Child Development requirement for an initial certificate in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. This course meets the MSDE Human Growth and Development requirement for Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, and Generic Special Education Elementary/ Middle. This course fulfills Part 1 (of 2 Parts) of the Child Care Certificate required for Child Care Teacher–Preschool. EDUC-112 is required to complete the Child Care Certificate. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-112 Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education
3 Credits
This course is designed to teach the methods and proper use of materials for presenting creative learning experiences to young children in the areas of art, music, creative dramatics, language, movement, cooking, math and science. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Teaching Methodology requirement for an initial certificate in Early Childhood Education. This course fulfills Part 2 (of 2 Parts) of the Child Care Certificate required for Child Care Teacher–Preschool. EDUC-111 is required to complete the Child Care Certificate. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-113 Working with Infants and Toddlers
3 Credits
This course introduces the philosophy and implementation of infant and toddler caregiving in a group setting. This RIE (Magda Gerber) influenced course reviews care routines, appropriate activities, and group management techniques. The health, safety and nutritional needs of infants and toddlers are also examined. Upon completion of this course and EDUC-111, the student meets the coursework requirements for the position of Infant/Toddler Child Care Teacher in a child care center. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-130 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
3 Credits
This course is designed to increase the student’s understanding of various curriculum models and approaches in Early Childhood Education. Techniques for implementing and evaluating these models and approaches will be presented through lectures, videos, classroom activities, classroom visits, field placements and guest speakers. Furthermore, the student will explore some contemporary issues and problems affecting young children and learning, such as stress, sexism, homelessness, abuse, neglect and poverty. Students are required to complete 15 hours of Field Experience outside of class time. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-3 school where they are currently employed. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-140 Child Health, Safety and Nutrition
3 Credits
This course will examine the health, safety, and nutritional needs of children, ages 2 - 5 years, in the child care setting. Attention will be directed to the study of common childhood illnesses, chronic conditions, prevention through personal hygiene, good safety practices, and nutritious snacks and meals as they impact on the child care setting. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-150 Practicum in Early Childhood Development
4 Credits
This course is designed to teach the student how to implement and evaluate a quality child care program. Students are assigned to one child care setting where they will spend 9 hours per week. Students meet at the college every other week for 2 hours to discuss lecture topics and classroom experiences. Prerequisites: EDUC-111, EDUC-112. (1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)
EDUC-160 School Age Child Care
3 Credits
This course introduces the philosophy of elementary education with basic child development theory focusing how children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively, ages 5-12 years. Approaches in curriculum, planning, goal setting, and selection of age-appropriate materials and methods by which education objectives are obtained are stressed. Students learn how to plan an appropriate program for school age child care. This course meets the coursework requirements for the position of Child Care Teacher–School Age in a school age program. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-190 Field Experience: Introduction to Education
1 Credit
This is a field-based course that provides the opportunity to apply the theories and methods learned regarding best practices for creating and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment. Students will analyze a variety of learner characteristics that influence student development and academic achievement as is appropriate for age/grade level and professional specialization. Prerequisite: This course is only available to those students who have successfully completed the equivalent of Introduction to Education at another higher education institution but who have not completed 15 hours of field experience as part of that course.
EDUC-191 Field Experience: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
1 Credit
This is a field-based course that provides the opportunity to explore the theories and methods learned regarding the various curriculum models and approaches in Early Childhood education. Students will analyze some contemporary issues and problems affecting young children and learning. Prerequisite: This course is only available to those students who have successfully completed the equivalent of Introduction to Early Childhood Education at another higher education institution but who have not completed 15 hours of field experience as part of that course.
EDUC-200 Introduction to Special Education
3 Credits
This course prepares students to identify disabilities and their medical, psychological, and educational impact on students, parents, and teachers. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Inclusion of Special Needs Student Populations requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education. This course also meets the MSDE Historical, Philosophical, and Legal Foundations of Special Education requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, Generic Special Education Elementary/Middle, and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. A 15-hour Field Experience outside of class time is required. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-12 school where they are employed. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-201 Processes and Acquisition of Reading
3 Credits
This course develops an understanding of the reading acquisition process through analysis of reading and written language development, and the study of current issues in reading research. It is organized around current scientific, research-based theoretical models that account for individual differences in reading. Introduction to language structures including spoken syllables, phonemes, graphemes, and morphemes is included in this course. Participants will apply knowledge of the core areas of language to reading acquisition in terms of first and second language acquisition, typical development and exceptionalities. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Reading requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of a certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education Generic Infant/Primary, and Special Education Generic Elementary/Middle. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-202 Methods of Teaching Reading in the Secondary Content Areas, Part I for Regular and Special Education Teachers
3 Credits
Designed specifically for individuals seeking secondary certification, this course outlines the essentials of the reading processes necessary for secondary students to become proficient learners of content. Types of reading, elements of assessment, skills of the reading process, the incorporation of reading instruction into content delivery and the affective aspects of the processes of reading will be examined. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Reading requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Secondary Education and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-203 Instruction of Reading
3 Credits
This course is designed to give the classroom teacher the ability to use a representative array of research-based instructional techniques and strategies in the area of reading. Instructional routines and strategies in the five major components of reading instruction (phonological and phonemic awareness; phonics, spelling and word study; fluency development; vocabulary; and comprehension) suitable for various age and ability groups are emphasized. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate their skill with the instructional routines and strategies by role-play, live demonstrations, critiquing good and inadequate models, and reviewing the research support available for those approaches. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Reading requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education Generic Infant/Primary, and Special Education Generic Elementary/Middle. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-204 Assessment for Reading Instruction
3 Credits
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to use data from state, local, and classroom assessments of reading/language arts to make ongoing instructional modifications in their classrooms as a strategy for instruction and intervention. They will demonstrate an understanding of how to implement a variety of reading assessments and adjust the curriculum accordingly. They will demonstrate knowledge of how to provide meaningful input to Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) and Instructional Intervention Team (IIT) procedures. In additional they will be able to communicate assessment data about individual student reading performances to parents. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Reading requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of a certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education Generic Infant/Primary, and Special Education Generic Elementary/Middle. Prerequisite: EDUC-201. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-205 Materials for Reading
3 Credits
Students will use criteria consistent with findings of scientific research to select, evaluate, and compare instructional programs and materials for teaching reading. Participants will become proficient in enabling students to become strategic, fluent, and independent readers using a variety of texts and other materials. They will be prepared to involve parents and members of the school and surrounding community to promote reading both inside and outside of school. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Reading requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education Generic Infant/Primary, and Special Education Generic Elementary/Middle. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-206 Methods of Teaching Reading in the Secondary Content Areas, Part II for Regular and Special Education Teachers
3 Credits
Designed specifically for individuals seeking secondary certification, this course builds upon the foundational theories and knowledge of reading from the prerequisite course Methods of Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Part I. Participants will take theory into practice as they become familiar with and demonstrate best practices of how to integrate the teaching of reading of content area material with content-specific knowledge. Topics covered in this course will include using assessment to know the learner, putting metacognitive theory into practice, and differentiating instruction for all students. Participants will leave the course with multiple hands-on strategies they can immediately use to make content reading accessible and successful for their students. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Reading requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Secondary Education and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. Prerequisite: EDUC-202. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-212 Advanced Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education
3 Credits
This course is designed to expand and integrate the methods and materials presented in EDUC-112 with program planning for young children. The course will emphasize collecting and preparing a variety of activities and materials using a thematic approach to planning. The course will present a variety of issues relevant to curriculum planning in an early childhood program. Prerequisites: EDUC-111 and EDUC-112. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-230 Child Care Center Administration and Management
3 Credits
This course is the study of practical application of management procedures for early care and education programs including the role of the administration, planning, operating, supervising, and evaluating programs. Special focus is on philosophy, types of programs, policies, fiscal management, regulations, staff selection, training and management, food service, equipment, materials and parent and community involvement. Prerequisites: EDUC-111 and EDUC-112. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-240 Successful Classroom Management
3 Credits
This course is designed to teach how to effectively manage a classroom for two through five year old children. The student will learn respectful ways to interact with young children during various scenarios. The student will be able to set up the physical environment, plan the schedule, incorporate age-appropriate program planning, and learn strategies for working with parents and other staff members in a child care setting. Specific behavior management techniques will be explored as they relate to dealing with children in a classroom setting. Prerequisites: EDUC-111 and EDUC-112. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-250 Advanced Practicum in Early Childhood Development
4 Credits
This course is designed to teach the student how to implement and evaluate a quality child care program. Students are assigned to one child care setting where they will spend 9 hours per week. Students meet at the college every other week for two hours to discuss lecture topics and classroom observations and assignments. Prerequisites: EDUC-111, EDUC-112, and EDUC-150. (1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab weekly)
EDUC-260 Educational Psychology
3 Credits
Educational Psychology is an advanced course which surveys current psychological research and theory to address issues of teaching and learning. Instruction will focus on developmental theories, research methods, classroom management, and instructional techniques. The course will utilize readings, lectures, guest speakers, and small group projects, and is well suited for anyone interested in learning more about children, schools, learning, and/or teaching. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Human Learning requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education. A 15-hour Field Experience outside of class time is required. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-12 school where they are employed. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-265 Educational Assessment
3 Credits
Participants will explore the world of measurement, evaluation, and student performance as it aligns with instruction and curriculum. Participants will examine the role that validity, reliability, test bias, and item construction play in ensuring a good and meaningful assessment instrument, and will become familiar with the concept of a formal testing program, which encompasses state and local mandated assessments. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Assessment of Students requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. This course also meets the MSDE Assessment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptive Techniques requirement for an initial certificate renewal of certificate in Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, Generic Special Education Elementary/Middle, and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-266 Methods of Teaching Early Childhood and Elementary Education
3 Credits
This class prepares prospective and non-certified early childhood and elementary school teachers to become reflective teachers in a diverse society through knowledge of the subject matter, the curriculum, the learners, and teaching strategies. Opportunities will be provided for planning and practicing instruction based on a knowledge of the theory and research supporting the strategies and models used. Emphasis will be placed upon reflection on teaching and learning events in classrooms and schools to encourage problem solving in collaboration with others. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Teaching Methodology requirement for an initial certificate in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-267 Methods of Teaching Secondary Education
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide prospective and non-certified secondary school teachers with knowledge of theory and teaching practices, current educational goals, both nationally and locally, and trends in educational assessment and application. This knowledge will be used to plan, design and conduct effective instruction. Supplemental topics will include multiculturalism, classroom management, and the inclusion of students with special needs. A 15-hour Field Experience outside of class time is required. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-12 school where they are employed. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Teaching Methodology requirement for an initial certificate in Secondary Education. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-290 Special Education General Methods Birth-12th Grade
3 Credits
Students will understand and use a variety of organizational, teaching, and classroom management strategies. The course will focus on effective practices in different settings with all disability groups, as well as collaboration with other involved professionals and parents. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Curriculum and Methodology of Instruction requirement for an initial certificate in Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, Elementary/Middle, and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-291 Special Education Methods Birth–8th Grade
3 Credits
Students develop knowledge and skills in planning lessons for diverse learners, teaching oral language, writing, reading, mathematics, and content area material to students with special needs in both early childhood and elementary settings. In addition, students will explore special topics including inclusion, transitioning, and social skills development. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Curriculum and Methodology of Instruction requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, Generic Special Education Elementary/Middle. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-292 Special Education Methods 6th Grade–12th Grade
3 Credits
This course presents current practices in teaching students with special needs in grades 6 through 12. Students will review and demonstrate a variety of teaching techniques in the areas of functional skills, managing the learning environment, reading, writing, mathematics, and the content areas. Special focus is placed on transition education and services for adolescents. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Curriculum and Methodology of Instruction requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-293 Special Education Assessment Part I Birth-12th Grade
3 Credits
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills for selecting, administering, interpreting, diagnosing, reporting, using assessment data, monitoring and evaluating the instructional program. Legal perspectives, technical aspects of assessment tools, accommodations, computer as a tool for assessment, and nondiscriminatory testing will be examined. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Assessment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptive Techniques requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, Generic Special Education Elementary/Middle, and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-294 Special Education Assessment Part II Birth-12th Grade
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills in assessment, administration, interpretation, programming and alignment of test data with teaching standards. Trends in informal assessment, observation techniques, family assessment, vocational assessment, work sample analysis, task analysis, portfolios and teacher made tests will be explored. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education Assessment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptive Techniques requirement for an initial certificate or renewal of certificate in Generic Special Education Infant/Primary, Generic Special Education Elementary/Middle, and Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult. (3 hours weekly)
EDUC-297 Field Experience: Introduction to Special Education
1 Credit
This is a field-based course that provides the opportunity to explore the theories learned regarding the various types of exceptional children. Students will analyze the various exceptionalities in the assigned classroom and the influence of these on learning. Prerequisite: This course is only available to those students who have successfully completed the equivalent of Introduction to Special Education at another higher education institution but who have not completed 15 hours of field experience as part of that course.
EDUC-298 Field Experience: Educational Psychology
1 Credit
This is a field-based course that provides the opportunity to apply the theories and methods learned regarding best practices for teaching and learning. Students will analyze a variety of learner characteristics, learning environment, and instructional techniques that influence academic achievement as is appropriate for age/grade level and professional specialization. Prerequisite: This course is only available to those students who have successfully completed the equivalent of Educational Psychology at another higher education institution but who have not completed 15 hours of field experience as part of that course.
EDUC-299 Field Experience: Methods of Teaching Secondary Education
1 Credit
This is a field-based course that provides the opportunity to apply the theories and methods learned regarding teaching practices, educational goals, and trends in educational assessment. Students will analyze instructional practices as they relate to teaching and learning as is appropriate for age/grade level and professional specialization. Prerequisite: This course is only available to those students who have successfully completed the equivalent of Methods of Teaching Secondary Education at another higher education institution but who have not completed 15 hours of field experience as part of that course.
