Master of Science in Education (EDM) Course Descriptions


EDM 500 Research for the Professional Educator (3 SH)
Core Course
This course is designed to meet the needs of professional educators in becoming informed consumers of educational research. The fundamentals of research design, basic statistics and the evaluation of research are studied. Students will understand the complexity of educational research and learn to conduct research in a school setting. Successful completion of the course requires submission and approval of a proposal to satisfy one of the research project options – action research, applied research or research portfolio. Reading concentration/ Endorsement candidates must complete their research project in the area of literacy.

EDM 501 Contemporary Issues in American Education (3 SH)
Core Course
Utilizing philosophical, historical, political, economic and sociological frameworks, students will examine the critical issues confronting American Education. Issues focus upon the nature of problems, probable consequences and alternative solutions. The complex role of schools in American society is examined. Among the major ideas studied are school reform, professionalism, school finance, curriculum and instructional issues.

EDM 502 Psychology Applied to Teaching (3 SH)
Core Course
This course analyzes a number of teachinglearning models derived from the psychological theories of major authorities in the areas of human development and learning. These include learning environments designed to emphasize the behavioral, intellectual, social and personal aspects of human learning. Students may analyze these models to evaluate their usefulness in various learning situations.

EDM 505 Inclusive Strategies for Regular Classrooms (3 SH)
Elective
This course prepares teachers to work with students who are typically developing, at-risk, gifted and have mild/moderate disabilities requiring special educational needs in a regular classroom. Teachers develop methods and strategies of integrating special needs students in regular learning environments.

EMD 511 Adolescent Literature (3 SH)
Elective
This curriculum embodies the exploration of physiological, psychological and social issues unique to adolescents and the utilization of trade books across the curricula to meet their academic and personal needs. It entails the wide and critical reading books intended for an audience of adolescents, becoming familiar with selection/review sources and developing creative, relevant curriculum and instruction.

EDM 512 Critical Analysis of Children’s Literature (3 SH)
Elective
As an advanced study of book evaluation, literary criticism, children’s book publishing, awards and
current trends in the field, this course requires extensive critical reading. It is designed to improve the ability to discern quality books and illustrations, to acquire a literary canon and apply it across genres. Exposure to the scholarship of literary critics and employment of criteria established by their body of work will be required.

EDM 513 Contemporary Reading Theory (3 SH)
Required for the Reading Endorsement and elective for other programs
This course provides for the study of reading methodology both in terms of an historical approach and contemporary programs. Literature n teaching reading is used as the basis for discussion and activity dealing with the philosophy, skills, techniques and materials of the effective reading program.

EDM 514 Advanced Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems (3 SH)
Required for the Reading Endorsement and elective for other programs
This course analyzes difficulties experienced by children in reading situations. Emphasis is placed primarily on qualitative assessment tools that can be used for the classroom or clinic. Appropriate corrective measures are discussed and demonstrated. Students are required to diagnose, plan and begin to remediate a disabled reader.

EDM 515 Reading Practicum (3 SH)
Required for the Reading Endorsement and elective for other programs
This course involves in-depth studies of specialized  reading disabilities and individual research. Each student will spend the term working with a disabled reader to diagnose, plan and execute remedial procedures. A case study is developed based on these activities.

EDM 516 Reading in the Content Area (3 SH)
Required for the Reading Endorsement and elective for other programs
This course covers practical reading and study skills techniques for subject area teachers. Topics such as readability formulas, directed reading activity, grouping in the classroom, vocabulary building, comprehension levels, questioning, following directions, rate of reading and study guides are covered. A review of the various reading programs significant for the high school level is included.

EDM 517 Models of Effective Teaching (3 SH)
Core Course
This course surveys and evaluates the literature on effective teaching. Students investigate research on effective teaching, summarize findings and evaluate the usefulness of findings to classroom situations. In addition, students will investigate more recent innovations in teaching. Among those topics studied will be Constructivism, Cooperative Learning, Mastery Learning and Mastery Teaching. Students will demonstrate their ability to teach using a variety of models and strategies.

EDM 520 Phonetic Approaches to Reading (3 SH)
Required for the Reading Endorsement and elective for other programs
The purpose of this course is to provide educators with knowledge and practical applications of phonics instruction. This course, will cover lettersound correspondences, segmenting processes and morphology. Further, auditory discrimination, dialect, accent, syllabication and diacritical markings will be examined. Spelling, vocabulary development and the appropriate placement of vocabulary in text (grammar) will be featured in this course.

EDM 523 Fundamentals of Curriculum (3 SH)
Core Course
In this course teachers will learn the elements of curriculum theory, design and evaluation. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the role of the teacher in curriculum development. Curriculum models will be examined and assessed with particular emphasis on philosophy, goals and underlying rationale. Students will make curriculum proposals to improve current practices and processes.

EDM 525 Issues in Early Childhood Education (3 SH)
Elective
A study of the historical and contemporary theories of early childhood cognitive and affective development and the implications for educators. It entails consideration of current trends and practices in early childhood education, as well as the societal factors that have redefined early childhood programs. Emphasis on scholarly research as a means substantiating curriculum and
instruction is mandated.

EDM 528 Classroom Management (3 SH)
Elective
A study of contemporary classroom management; a consideration of : (1) teacher behaviors and classroom organizational factors that lead to an orderly and effective teaching/learning environment; (2) development of classroom settings that foster student responsibility, respect for others and self-regulation; and (3) management techniques that are developmentally appropriate to the grade level(s) in question.

EDM 535 Educational Research Seminar I (3 SH)
Prerequisite: EDM 500
Students will receive additional guidance and formal instruction to advance the development of their selected research project option. Depending upon the selected research project option, this may include a more refined and comprehensive treatment of the review of literature and methodology or further development of the knowledge-base strands of the conceptual framework.

EDM 542 Introduction to Individuals with Mild to Moderate Educational Needs (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course is a study of historical and current definitions, characteristics and needs of students
with mild/moderate exceptional learning needs and how they change through their lifespan. Focus is on academic, behavioral and social assessment and interventions based on current research and practices in various settings, including resource and inclusive, co-teaching models. Included will be activities in reviewing Evaluation Team Reports and Individual Education Plans.

EDM 543 Understanding Autism (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course will examine the educational and social needs of students who have autism spectrum disorders. Content will focus on the etiology of autism, assessment and education placement options, characteristics of learners with autism spectrum disorders and interventions and instruction. Review of the Individual Education Plan for these students will be included.

EDM 544 Special Education Law (3 SH)
Elective
With the movement of inclusive education of most children into regular education classes, knowledge in special education law is essential for all professional educators. Since federal legislation and subsequent case law have given disabled students special rights, knowledge of the legalities of special education is important. This course will include a brief legal history of special education, definitions, federal legislation (IDEA, ADA, 504, etc.) and the legal implications of placement, evaluation related services, liability, discrimination and discipline.

EDM 545 School Law (3 SH)
Required for the Reading Endorsement and elective for other programs
This course is basic school law related to teaching and school administration. Legal and ethical
principles stemming from statutory, judicial and common law relevant to curriculum, contracts, personnel administration, liability and finance will be covered.

EDM 547 Classroom Management and Behavioral Intervention (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course emphasizes applied behavioral techniques to maximize learning, reduce behavioral problems and increase pupil-and-teacher rapport for students with mild/moderate educational needs. Course content and activities focus on the study of student needs and behaviors with identification of selected management methods. Management techniques are demonstrated and reviewed in class.

EDM 548 Collaboration and Partnerships (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course focuses on research and productive strategies for establishing successful collaborative relationships with families, educators and other professionals. It fosters sensitivity to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse families and cultures. Significance is placed on partnerships and networking with other professionals, paraprofessionals and families as team members — designing, implementing and evaluating appropriate educational experiences.

EDM 549 Curriculum and Materials for Mild to Moderate Special Needs (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course will review curriculum theory and development for programs for exceptional learners. It will address appropriate teaching strategies, curriculum sequences and materials selection, adaptation and evaluation most effective and efficient for classroom use.

EDM 552 Exceptional Child in the Classroom (3 SH)
Elective
This is a study of the nature and needs of exceptional students including giftedness, mental retardation, learning disabilities, communications disorders, hearing and visual impairments, behavior problems and multiple and severe disabilities. Issues of mainstreaming, inclusion, pullout programs and other strategies used to effectively deal with the challenges of exceptional students in the classroom will be addressed.

EDM 553 Issues in Content Instruction (3 SH)
Elective
This course is a survey, analysis and evaluation of the relevant issues in the teaching of mathematics, social studies, reading/language arts and science. Emphasis is placed on the recommendations of learned societies relative to each content area. Strategies for instruction will be examined to determine their effectiveness in the classroom. Students will examine instruction in reference to the
Ohio Academic Content Standards and the Ohio Model Curricula.

EDM 554 Teaching Critical Thinking (3 SH)
Elective
Strategies and processes for teaching thinking skills will be studied. Topics include brain research and thinking, strategies for thinking, creative thinking, thinking frames and problem solving.

EDM 555 Assessment for Instruction for Mild to Moderate Special Needs (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course will focus on the administration and interpretation of formal and informal assessment
instruments for students with mild/moderate exceptional learning needs. The course will emphasize the direct link between assessment and the design of appropriate instruction. It will address the relationship between the assessment issues and instructional objectives and the Individual Education Plan.

EDM 556 Assessment-based Curriculum and Instruction for Mild to Moderate Special Needs (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
The focus of this course is on the development and utilization of appropriate assessment-based curriculum and instruction for students with mild/ moderate exceptional learning needs. Participants will develop an understanding of the relationships among assessment issues, learning environments and instructional practices employed in the continuum of learning environments for students with exceptional learning needs.

EDM 557 Life Skills and Transition Planning (3 SH)
Required for Special Education and elective for other programs
This course will explore the appropriate curriculum, instructional techniques, methods and materials
for the development of vocational, career and functional living skills in students with mild/ moderate exceptional learning needs. Students will study the legal mandates for transition planning and service provision as well as the application of this information to agency, school and work settings, including transitions at early childhood, elementary and middle school.

EDM 558 Computer Uses in Education (3 SH)
Elective
This course focuses on practical applications of computer skills for novice and experienced participants. Beginning with word processing, data bases, spreadsheets and graphics. Participants will progress to slide show presentations, certificates of achievement, record keeping, test forms, the
creation of a gradebook and additional forms. Searches on the Internet will be demonstrated and participants will have hands-on experience using the Internet.

EDM 565 Educational Research Seminar II (2 SH)
Prerequisite: EDM 535
Educational Research II is the candidate’s culminating research experience. Depending upon the selected research project option, this may include the analysis of data and conclusions/ recommendations or the comprehensive treatment (understanding and application) of all seven strands of the conceptual framework. Each candidate will be assigned to a graduate faculty research project advisor with expertise in the candidate’s chosen area of research. Successful completion of this course will include a presentation of the research project to a predetermined audience.

EDM 570 Special Topic: Multicultural Perspectives in Education (3 SH)
Elective
This course is designed to assist teachers in understanding perspectives of other cultures and their impact on the education of students with diverse ethnicity and culture both within the United States and in other nations. The history, philosophy and sociological aspects of education are studied as a reflection of the American culture and other cultures.

EDM 570 Special Topic: Supervision of Instruction (3 SH)
Elective
This course is designed to help teachers grow professionally as they mentor new teachers and preservice teachers. It will enable them to assess the process of teaching and learning, using appropriate assessment tools that lead to improvement of the process. Teachers will learn mentoring skills to assist entry-year teachers and pre-service teachers understand classroom environments where effective teaching and learning occur. Teachers will review criteria for organizing content knowledge, creating environments for student learning, teaching for student learning and encouraging professionalism in novice teachers.