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Provides students with an understanding of historical, philosophical, economic, and sociological issues in American education, their effect on student achievement, and the impact of social change on existing institutions. Includes the development of instruction based on assessment data including the use, construction, interpretation, and analysis of valid assessments. A 30-hour observation/participation experience is required in an appropriate prek-6, 6-8, or 6-12 grade level. Prerequisites: graduate standing.

This course is designed to give a thorough overview of human development from birth through adolescence and to develop an understanding of what impact physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development may have on the student, the learning environment, and instructional decisions. This course provides an advanced overview of current research and theory in human growth and development and their applications to the classroom. Throughout the course, issues of diversity as it applies to economic, social, racial, ethnic, and religious characteristics will be explored; developmental issues related to giftedness or disability and the impact of family disruptions, child abuse, and substance abuse will be addressed within the context of each topic.

This course addresses the connections between language and culture both in terms of the ways in which language may encode aspects of culture similarly or differently as well as how cultural assumptions are often made based on linguistic differences across cultures. Readings and discussions also address the effects of culture on intercultural communication.