Education for Certified Teachers MA: Early Childhood Specialist P-3 (2nd NJ Certificate)

EDUC6584 This course will focus on how technology can be used in the classroom to address the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Students will learn how to use applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel to support classroom instruction. The Internet will be explored as a tool. Students will explore how instructional technology can be integrated into classroom curriculum to support state and national standards.

EDUC6702 Students will study and analyze the historic and philosophic roots of contemporary curriculum theory and development. New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and alignment will be addressed in this course, and the implication on New Jersey Administrative Code requirements on program, assessment and graduation requirements.

EDUC6703 Students will study and analyze the various models of supervision and evaluation with a special emphasis on the development of the skills necessary to promote effective instruction of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in the classroom. Formative and summative staff evaluation strategies as well as effective coaching and mentoring techniques necessary for success in a diverse school community will be investigated. The implication of the New Jersey Administration Code requirements on professional behavior, SLO'S, SGP'S PARCC testing, and schoolwide improvement of program and state assessment of pupil performance will be reviewed.

EDUC6704 Students will examine current research on educational change and collaborative strategies for increasing communication and engaging stakeholders in the change process. A primary focus of the course is to provide students with the skills needed in assessing the school culture, developing a vision and plan for school improvement. The course will focus on several change models and strategies, strategic planning, and the communication of the change process within the learning community.

EDUC6718 This course focuses on basic measurement concepts, the role of measurement in education, construction of teacher-made tests and other classroom assessments, interpretation of standardized tests and fundamental descriptive statistics for evaluating student performance, school improvement efforts, and various designs for process and outcome evaluation of curricula. In addition, the course will provide a comprehensive understanding of the purposes and the logic of various testing programs, including classroom testing,state and national testing programs. Data analysis of New Jersey Statewide Tests that measure student performance will be used to assist in developing skills in data-based decision making that lead to the construction of school improvement plans and determining school goals for professional development and instructional emphasis.

EDUC6740 Introduction to the student with disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders. Overview of normal growth and development as a basis to identify developmental delays and learning differences. Characteristics of different disabilities and their effects on how children learn. Review of federal, state and local regulations and their effects on local policies, procedures and placement. Transition planning, resources and assistive technology to enhance the performance of students with disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders.

EDUC6818 Recent research and findings in language development and literacy and its application in elementary education will be the focus of this course. Literacy skills in reading and language arts across grade levels for students with varying abilities and cultural and linguistic backgrounds will be included.

EDUC6851 This course is designed to foster the understanding of the development and learning of children birth through age eight. It examines the current information concerning the development of the child through the various stages of childhood. Educators will gain knowledge base on the growth, development and learning of children ages birth through eight years old. We will explore the crucial role that communities, families and teachers play in the lives of young children. Students will engage in observations of children at various ages to gain a deeper knowledge of the integration of theory of child development into practice.

EDUC6852 This course examines the current literature on developmentally appropriate curriculum, classroom management and assessment for the Pre K through 3rd grade classrooms.

EDUC6853 This course examines the current research on parent, school and community influences on children's lives. It addresses effective family engagement activities in classrooms, schools and community. Educators will gain more knowledge and skills to work collaboratively to work with families. Contemporary issues of bullying, diverse family lifestyles, social media and children with differing abilities will be explored.

EDUC7675 This course reviews research methodologies in early childhood education. The student will choose a research topic and write a written report in approved format under the guidance of a mentor. It will be a culminating research project in the area of early childhood education.