TEC Teacher Licensure Program Course List, 2012-2013

CREDITS:  Courses and modules may be taken for credit at Framingham State College at an additional cost.  Courses are three credits each. Modules 1 and 2 combined equal three credits and modules 3 and 4 also equal 3 credits. Registration is completed at the first session of each class. Participants should come prepared with their credit card numbers or a check.

Orientation Session
June 16, 4:00 - 7:30

COURSE 1

There's Got to be a Better Way: A Practical Approach to Classroom Management, DATES TBA
Westwood High School

This course is designed to support teachers, both new and experienced, in developing a practical, effective and low-stress approach to classroom management. The course focuses on a classroom management system with four components: classroom structure, limit-setting, responsibility training and back-up systems. Through course readings, reflective writing, class discussion, and simulations, participants will examine their current management practices, break current “high cost” and ineffective strategies, and establish a proactive, positive classroom setting that maximizes time on learning and minimizes classroom disruptions. Participants will walk away from this course with a specific plan to implement in their classrooms.

COURSE 2

Facilitating Learning; July 30 - August 3, 8:15-4:00
TEC

This course will provide participants with a range of strategies they can use to promote student learning. It is intended primarily for secondary teachers in the early stages of their careers, and in particular, for those in the TEC Teacher Licensure Program. More experienced teachers may find it valuable in expanding their repertoire and in matching strategies to the varied needs of students. The basic text is “Studying Skillful Teaching” by Saphier and Gower, but it will be supplemented by materials from Dimensions of Learning.

MODULE 1

Curriculum; September 14-15 & October 12-13

In this module, students will clarify their own philosophy of teaching and examine the latest developments in their fields. These understandings, as well as knowledge of the MA Curriculum Frameworks, will serve as the basis for learning how to plan and develop curriculum. Students will use the Understanding by Design model to write curriculum units. They will also explore what some common processes are used by school districts to evaluate and revise curricula.

MODULE 2

Assessment; November 2-3 & December 7-8

Planning the assessment part of a lesson or unit is one of the first steps when developing a lesson or unit plan. Without accurate and manageable assessment a teacher can never know if students actually achieve the learning outcomes. The kind of assessment a teacher uses will vary with the nature of the lesson and with the amount of rigor needed to determine if learning goals are achieved. This module will focus on understanding the importance of sound assessment for all lessons in all subject matter areas, and on specific assessment strategies which are generally applicable regardless of the lesson or unit of study.

MODULE 3

Adolescent Psychology; January 11-12 & February 8-9, Snow Date: March 23

The content of this module includes all aspects of adolescent development, learning theories, and teaching strategies to engage the adolescent learner. Students will learn about the following theorists, including how their views influence curriculum, learning and classroom atmosphere:  Piaget, Kohlberg, Erikson, and Gardner.  They will explore some of the challenges  that adolescents face (anxiety, depression, self-injury, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, bullying, etc.),  as well  as underlying  social, cultural, economic, and familial pressures.

MODULE 4

Special Education; March 1-2 & April 5-6, Snow Date: March 23

This course will provide the student with a thorough knowledge of the facts, research and application of special education.  It will provide the teachers with an overview of the laws governing special education.  Teachers will be given specific information on the areas of disability covered under federal and state guidelines, and instructional strategies to address specific learning problems.  Using a case study approach the students will experience the special education process from evaluation to development and implementation of individual education plans.  They will be exposed to the most recent research in effective special education instruction and delivery of service and explore current issues in special education instruction and the special education laws.