In this class, we will learn about performance improvement, an extension of instructional design in which practitioners assess needs and gaps in human performance in organizations using tools like root cause analysis, then design interventions to address the gaps and plan on-going evaluation for continuous improvement. These skills are commonly used in for-profit, government/military, and non-profit industries and is growing in education

Explores theories of creativity through study of creative people, the creative process, creative products, and creative "press" or those environmental conditions that support and facilitate creative production. Focuses on assessment of creativity, research related to creativity and its applications to education, environments conducive to the development of creativity, and heuristics designed to encourage creativity.

Teacher leaders are expert in the complexities of teaching and leveraging this expertise to other school reform domains' mentoring, coaching, advocacy, community outreach, etc. By collectively establishing a positive school culture, teacher leaders build on strong pedagogical and cultural knowledge using a variety of interpersonal, instructional, and political skills to improve student learning in schools.

Introduction to the study of exceptional children and adults. Extends principles of learning and intellectual, socio-cultural, emotional, and physical development to persons with disabilities. Includes gifted, autism, TBI, dyslexia, ADHD and other medical conditions; historical, ethical, and legal aspects; application of federal/state regulatory requirements; identification, education, and evaluation of students with disabilities.

Designed to accompany the teaching internship (i.e., student teaching). Focuses on special issues and concerns that grow out of that experience, including classroom management, parent-teacher conferences, and school-community relations. Seminar sections are aligned with specific program/endorsement areas and meet the guidelines for approved licensure programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This course is designed for current and future teachers seeking to learn how to instruct English learners. Students will explore the WIDA Essential Actions and ELD Standards, learn about various current and historical ESL instructional models, and will consider how the four language skills are taught within classrooms to ELs. Students will also learn about collaborative practice as ESL teachers working with grade-level or content-area teachers.

This course explores the meaning and concepts associated with the field of learning disabilities, including the psychological and behavioral characteristics of individuals with learning disabilities. Topics include specific causes, assessment, and treatment of learning disabilities and related disabilities. Educational, psychological, historical, and medical implications are addressed.

Designing Digital Art, Music, and Games provides an introduction to design and creativity through use of computers to create art and music. The course also serves as an introduction to computational thinking - the art of developing a solution in a form that can be implemented by a computer.

An introduction to the study of exceptional children & adults. Focuses on extending principles of learning and intellectual, socio-cultural, emotional, and physical development to persons with disabilities, as well as the gifted, autism, traumatic brain injury, ADD, and ADHD. Information on medical conditions which influence learning and development. Credit is not given for both EDIS 3020 and 5000. Master of Teaching students must take EDIS 5000

Designed for teachers, administrators, parents, and others who work to develop talent in diverse high potential learners. Investigates the social and emotional development and counseling issues of preK-12 learners, implications of similarities/differences between gifted and other students, characteristics of positive learning environments, and evidence-based strategies to support students in a variety of contexts.