Middle Level Education Minor

T&L 339. Educational Technology. 3 Credits.

Students will demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts and operations that not only support classroom curriculum but provide an avenue for continuing professional development. Students will learn to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. The class will help students understand the social, ethical, legal and human issues that surround the use of technology in PK-12 schools. F,S,SS.

T&L 341. Foundations of Middle Level Education. 2 Credits.

This course promotes understanding the needs of early adolescent students and of the interdisciplinary, collaborative teaching approaches associated with the middle school philosophy. The course addresses the components of organization. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F.

T&L 350. Development and Education of the Adolescent. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction in the junior/middle and high schools. Topics covered will be transition from childhood to adolescence, including cognitive development, self-concept, physiological changes, social needs and values, and values and attitudes of adolescents. This course will provide an understanding of the wide range of differences in developmental patterns of children and the influences of economic, sociological and psychological factors in development. An additional 10 hour field experience is required for the course. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F.

T&L 409. Reading in the Content Areas. 3 Credits.

This course emphasizes instructional strategies for reading and writing, as well as the use of varied texts, in the content area classroom. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. S.

T&L 433. Multicultural Education. 3 Credits.

This course takes an anthropological view of multicultural education. In this course, we will learn how to serve students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We will discuss how students' needs should be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity, language, and culture that students bring to class must be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. The activities and materials presented in this course will teach you how to be respectful of diversity (gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, race, language, and culture). Through class activities, readings, discussions, guest speakers and reflection, you will better understand the needs and perspectives of culturally diverse classrooms and it prepares you to teach about cultural diversity. This class examines several cultures including Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, as well as populations making up our New American community members who have arrived as refugees. It also explores diversity that exists aside from race and culture. This course will assist you in gaining deeper insight into your own backgrounds and belief systems and how it impacts your views and perspectives on working and interacting with individuals who come from a different cultural background. Note: This course requires you to complete 10 hours of field experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S,SS.