EDU5001 Issues in Education 3 credits
An overview of the critical issues that have and are affecting public and private education. The instructor will select from the following: American pluralism/multiculturalism and the common school ideal, demographic shifts and their effects on education, outreach and evangelism, marketing the school, choice proposals and vouchers, economic issues, competition for students, high‐stakes testing and assessment, standards‐based education, and others. The focus of the course will be to help teachers and principals understand the research related to these issues and be knowledgeable and reflective on their effects on Christian education.
EDU5002 The School as a Learning Community 3 credits
A study of the relationship of a school’s philosophy to its practice and how it affects curriculum and instruction. The role of staff development, strategic planning, internal and external relationships, group dynamics, team building, and managing change as these relate to curriculum, instruction, and leadership style in the school will be discussed.
EDU5003 Curriculum Design & Implementation 3 credits
An exploration of the school leader’s role in collaboratively developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum to achieve a comprehensive and coordinated plan of instruction throughout the school.
EDU5004 Family Issues in Education 3 credits
Explores issues such as cultural influences on families, demographic changes in families, divorce and its effects on learning, child abuse and neglect, understanding family systems, generation theory and young parents, school/home partnership, family ministry, crisis intervention, and reaching out to non‐member families.
EDU5005 Foundations of Educational Research 3 credits
Understanding quantitative and qualitative research and the critical analysis and application of such research to educational issues. Includes such topics as measurement theory, research designs, sampling, appropriate statistical analyses, developing research problems and hypotheses, and the use of variables in research. Prerequisite for EDU5011 Classroom Research.
EDU5006 Foundations of Ministry 3 credits
Discusses the theological foundations of church and ministry and how these principles apply to the work of teachers and school leaders. Topics include biblical authority in a changing world, the Great Commission of church and school, understanding and articulating the Christian worldview, leadership and servanthood in the church, shared ministry in church and school, and preparation for service in the church. Through this course participants will develop a personal philosophy of the practice of ministry.
EDU5010 Diversity Issues in Education 3 credits
Issues and approaches to educating a diverse American society by exploring culture, values, and bias as they relate to schools and classrooms.
EDU5011 Classroom Research 3 credits
Development of skills for planning and completing a systematic action research inquiry into classroom practice, including analysis of practice, review of relevant literature, plans for change, implementation of the action research, and evaluation. Students will acquire a foundational knowledge for conducting action research.
EDU5101 A Balanced Approach to Reading Instruction 3 credits
The theory and best practices of teaching reading. Emphasis is on the organization of a research-based, developmental reading curriculum. Topics include current teaching strategies, emergent literacy, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, study skills development, balanced instruction, national and state standards, and assessment.
EDU5102 Integrating the Language Arts 3 credits
Curricular and methodological issues of language arts based on current research. Uses national and state language arts standards to examine best practices for language arts instruction. Emphasis on the integration of the language arts components: reading, listening, speaking, viewing, and visual representation.
EDU5103 Improving Instruction in Mathematics and Science 3 credits
The teacher’s guiding role in inquiry teaching and problem solving: the current science and mathematics curriculum; resources for teaching mathematics and science; state and national standard-based curriculum and instruction.
EDU5104 Enhancing Curriculum with Technology 3 credits
Teachers will develop an understanding of the variety of ways curriculum content and instruction can be improved using teaching and learning strategies including technology in language arts and reading, mathematics, science, and social studies.
EDU5105 Improving Instructional Methodology 3 credits
Equips participants to lead staff development initiatives within elementary schools. Attention is given to research on effective teaching practices, brain research and its impact on instruction, multiple intelligence theory, learning styles, differentiated instruction, and practical approaches for presenting these practices to teachers.
EDU5106 Assessment of Learning and Instruction 3 credits
The design and application of appropriate learning assessment strategies that consider the pedagogical intent; state, federal, and subject standards; and the diversity of the students. Teaching theory and practice will be viewed in the context of student learning assessment.
EDU5107 Cognitive Psychology 3 credits
The study of how information is acquired, processed, and stored (how the mind works) with implications for teaching and learning.
EDU5109 Designing Classroom Instruction 3 credits
Constructing curriculum at the classroom level by creating units of instruction that align standards and desired outcomes with instruction and assessment, so that the needs of all learners are met.
EDU5110 High Impact Instruction 3 credits
Explores research-proven teaching strategies to increase student engagement and retention of course knowledge at all levels, using the work of Marzano and others. Participants identify and use effective instructional strategies to build a cohesive unit for any grade level or content area.
EDU5301 Educational Leadership 3 credits
An overview of school leadership in Lutheran elementary schools, including such topics as the biblical model of servant leadership, leadership aptitudes, personal leadership profile, team leadership and its application in the congregational setting, and the role of principal and pastor in relation to the Lutheran elementary school.
EDU5302 Supervision of Instruction 3 credits
Examines supervisory theory and provides a framework for matching supervisory approach to teacher need, preference, and career stage. Techniques for effective observation and collection of meaningful data are presented and practiced. The distinction between formative and summative evaluation and the need for both are emphasized. Students are equipped to apply developmental philosophy to supervisory relationships.
EDU5304 School Law 3 credits
Provides insights into how law intersects with learning. Constitutional, statutory, and case law are studied and applied to school and classroom.
EDU5305 Issues in School Administration 3 credits
A survey of school administration issues with opportunities for practical application and reflection.
EDU5306 Introduction to School Administration 3 credits
A job-embedded application of key leadership elements for novice principals.
EDU5308 Leading the School Community 3 credits
Understanding the school’s role in assisting parents and the principal’s role in building collaborative partnerships with families around a shared vision of student learning, school climate, and school culture. Fosters communication skills necessary to represent the school among families, the congregation, and the community.
EDU5904 Coaching in Complex Situations 1 credit
Analyze case studies and solutions to address challenging situations facing beginning teachers, using research-based techniques and an understanding of human dynamics.
EDU5905 Using Data to Inform Instruction 2 credits
Apply tools and strategies to help beginning teachers analyze student needs, plan for differentiated instruction, and ensure equitable learning outcomes.
EDU5906 Designing Effective Instruction 1 credit
Develop the ability to provide meaningful feedback to improve beginning teachers’ lesson plans and instruction.
EDU5907 Conditions for Equitable Instruction 1 credit
Produce a framework for teaching for equitable outcomes and for mentoring beginning teachers from an equity perspective, within the context of Professional Teaching Standards through a uniquely Christian worldview. Address inequities regarding race, language, and culture in the classroom and school.
EDU5908 Understanding, Supporting, and Facilitating a Professional Development Plan 2 credits
Synthesize the research, theory, and writing, as well as teacher and administrator standards behind a professional development plan, in order to be a resource in your school or district and assist new teachers in writing a professional development plan.
EDU6999 Continued Graduate Study 0 credit
Maintains active status for students not enrolled in coursework.
EDU9506 Licensure Seminar 1 credit
An overview of the internship capstone, professional portfolio, state teaching standards, and code of ethics. Intended for students seeking the master’s degree and Minnesota post-baccalaureate licensure.
SPE5201 Educating the Exceptional Learner 3 credits
Study of legislation, current issues, instruction, and resources as they apply to the needs and characteristics of exceptional learners, ages birth to 21.
SPE5202 Diagnosis and Assessment of Students with Special Needs 3 credits
Administration and interpretation of standardized instruments used in the identification of students with disabilities.
SPE5203 Transition Planning and Collaboration in Special Education 3 credits
Facilitating effective planning for transitions (preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and postsecondary/adult) and collaboration with parents and professionals.
SPE5204 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties 3 credits
Explores causes, diagnosis and assessment, prevention and correction of reading difficulties, as well as intervention practices useful to the classroom teacher and reading specialist.
SPE5205 Communication Disabilities 3 credits
Historical and current issues related to education of individuals who have communication disabilities, including the deaf or hard of hearing, with implications for classroom teaching and mainstreaming.
SPE5206 Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities 3 credits
A survey in the field of learning disabilities designed for educators and administrators. Addresses the theoretical foundation and the practical issues in the field of learning disabilities. Topics include the following: characteristics of children with learning disabilities, assessment of specific learning disabilities, strategies that help children with learning disabilities, and contributions from other disciplines.
EDU5309 Leadership for Change 3 credits
Creating a culture of learning and achievement that reflects Christ’s love for all. Identifies contemporary issues facing schools, including diversity and equity issues. Explores data-driven decision making and professional learning communities. Examines the dynamics of change in organizations and individuals, and how to lovingly implement needed reform.
EDU5310 School Business Administration 3 credits
Introduces skills, strategies, and technology used in school planning, budgeting, reporting, marketing, communication, recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
EDU5311 The Principalship 3 credits
Reviews the role and responsibilities of the principal as policymaker and facilitator, especially in areas of health and safety, human relations, student and enrollment management, and other duties. Develops skills in leading meetings, setting agendas, and communicating effectively.
EDU5321 Early Childhood Director as Leader 3 credits
Reviews the role and responsibilities of the early childhood director as facilitator for areas of health and safety, human relations, student and enrollment management, and other duties. Develops skills in leading meetings, setting agendas, and communicating effectively.
EDU5322 Development of Young Children 3 credits
Understanding the social, emotional, and physical development of young children, and its application to developmentally appropriate learning environments.
EDU5323 Early Childhood Curriculum 3 credits
An exploration of the director’s role in understanding theory, evaluating curriculum, and implementing a cohesive instructional approach throughout the center.
EDU5324 Legal and Ethical Issues in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
Describes the legal and ethical issues surrounding early childhood education in general, and Lutheran early childhood ministries in particular. Focuses on both responding to and influencing the political arena for the benefit of children and their families.
EDU5901 Instructional Mentoring 1 credit
Establishes how to create professional growth environments for beginning teachers, grounded in the language and protocols of continuous improvement and problem solving to enrich student learning.
EDU5902 Instructional Mentoring in an Online Environment 2 credits
Prepares instructional mentors and coaches to create and foster online learning communities for beginning teachers through the e-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS) system. Participants learn to use research-based mentoring language, instructional mentoring protocols, and classroom observations to promote continuous improvement and problem solving in beginning teachers.
EDU5903 Observation and Conferencing 1 credit
Develops ways to collect observation data in relation to teaching standards and to critique the ways in which data can be shared with the beginning teacher to improve their instructional practice and consequently student achievement.
SPE5207 Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities 3 credits
Provides teachers of emotionally/behaviorally disordered students with an understanding of and practice with techniques derived from ecological, behavioral, and educational models for classroom interventions, as these models are interpreted and understood from a scriptural viewpoint.
SPE5208 Teaching Reading and Mathematics to Students with Disabilities 3 credits
Addresses the cognitive needs of reading and mathematics underachievers through an exploration of pedagogy, research, materials, and practices related to reading and math instruction. Applying skills in real contexts using practices such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS), progress monitoring, Database Individualization (DBI), and designing differentiated unit plans for literacy and mathematics.
SPE5209 Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders 3 credits
Identification and instructional supports for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD).
SPE5211 Foundations of Special Education 3 credits
An introductory course to expose students to a variety of disabling conditions in children. While varying disabilities exist, the course will focus on the variability as described in current Special Education guides found in IDEIA (2004).
SPE5213 The IEP Process and Professional Practice 3 credits
Roles and responsibilities of the special education teacher in planning and delivering instruction.