EDTE320P

This course provides elementary (TK-6) teacher candidates an overview of key dimensions of curriculum and instruction theory and practice in mathematics and science in accordance with State and National STEM Standards. Using pertinent contributions from research in learning theory, motivation, social‐emotional learning, individual differences, candidates will be provided with opportunities to observe, teach and self-reflect on student learning in culturally diverse and inclusive dual language settings. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating understanding of content-specific pedagogical practices including reasoning, questioning, modeling, developing arguments, and communicating conclusions. Candidates will learn to build equitable learning environments through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), to plan inclusive lessons and units using backward design process, to construct formative and summative assessments, to use appropriate digital tools, and to provide for accommodations and/or modifications to promote student access to the curriculum. They learn how to plan, develop, implement and assess standards-aligned content instruction in the primary and target language. Candidates are prepared to employ a variety of instructional and assessment strategies, appropriate to student language proficiency levels, that foster higher-order thinking skills. Candidates acquire knowledge of bilingual instructional models, instructional strategies and materials to appropriately apply them to their instructional and assessment practices. They select and use a variety of strategies for developing students’ content-area knowledge and skills in bilingual education settings including language and grade-level content objectives in lesson, providing linguistic scaffolding and activating background knowledge and experiences. They learn how to evaluate, select, use and adapt state-board adopted and state-board approved materials, as well as other supplemental instructional materials in the primary and target language. This course will model practices of blended learning (also known as hybrid learning) that allows students to integrate face-to-face learning with technology-based, digital instruction. Learning takes place in settings (or in a combination of settings) that include the classroom, home, or mobile environments and gives students an element of control over the time and the pace of their learning. A portion of our classroom activities will include blended/digital learning and will adhere to the ISTE Standards. This course will be taught 50% in English and 50% in Spanish, with class sessions and presentations conducted in Spanish.