Course Descriptions
Educational Psychology
EPY 201
Development and Implementation of IEPs
3 credits
Assessment procedures that provide information that enable teachers to make decisions regarding appropriate instruction for the children they serve are learned and applied. Informal and formal assessments used in identifying exceptionalities are analyzed. The formally evaluated strengths and weaknesses are developed into an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Standardized and informal test results are evaluated and analyzed in relation to student achievement, curriculum development, and instructional improvement. Special emphasis is given to individually administered achievement instruments in relation to intelligence test measures.Prerequisite(s): PSY 333
EPY 304
Advising and Mentoring in the Middle School
3 credits
The focus of this middle level course is the exploration of middle level counseling and mentoring models that are congruent with culturally responsive and appropriate interaction between teacher and student. Included are overviews of: young adolescent development, implications of diversity on young adolescent development, trauma-informed middle school classrooms, home-school communications, parent involvement, and community resources. The importance of solid and positive relationships between teachers and students is emphasized throughout this course.
Prerequisite(s): EDU 102, EDU 203, and PSY 332
EPY 316
Educating Preschoolers with Special Needs
3 credits
The field of early childhood is growing and changing. For children who are exceptional, this is a significant time for learning. This class will provide the student with information about preschoolers with a variety of disabilities and strategies to plan for these children as they are included in the regular classroom. This class will investigate methods of instruction utilizing a theme approach to learning and developmentally appropriate practice. This class will provide information about the law, inclusion, assessment, theories, individual planning, partnering with parents, and specific learning disabilities.
Prerequisite(s): EDU 102, ECE 105, PSY 101, PSY 330, PSY 333, and PSY 336
EPY 317
Assessment of Young Children
3 credits
This course focuses on the appropriate assessments and an understanding of the assessments when planning and effectively implementing educational services and programs for children ages three to five years old with various learning needs. Students will gain an understanding of appropriate strategies for assessing, recording results, rating systems, and the use of multiple assessment tools. Strategies will be learned and students will gain on understanding about accommodations and modifications for young children with disabilities. Students will be competent with the use of assessment strategies to describe a child’s educational and learning strengths as well as instructional needs.
Prerequisite(s): EDU 102, ECE 105, PSY 101, PSY 330, PSY 333, and PSY 336
EPY 402
Learning Differences and Assessment of Exceptional Children
3 credits
This course will provide students with a variety of teaching strategies that enhance teaching and learning in an inclusive, multi-cultural classroom including students with exceptionalities. Students will explore ways to better understand how context and culture affect teaching and learning, and will acquire strategies to support learning for students whose first language is not English as well as for children of special needs. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of how student learning is influenced by factors such as: poverty, prior learning, race, language of origin, culture, gender, health, family structure, religion, and community.Prerequisite(s): EDU 102, ECE 105 or EDU 203, and PSY 333