Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions for Graduate Education

GE500

Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education

Examination of the historical and philosophical foundations of education in our socially and culturally diverse country; introduction to thoughts of influential educators and the principles and ideas underlying educational policies; development of personal philosophy of education through identification of ideologies behind educational systems, curricula, and goals.

GE502

Psychological Foundations of Learning

Processes, conditions, and techniques associated with learning in early elementary, elementary, early adolescent, and late adolescent stages of development; human development and learning theories along with their applications; the learning environment, the nature of knowledge, motivational patterns, effective study, intelligence, personality, mental health, moral integrity, and communication.

GE505

Research in Education

Survey of the basic concepts, procedures, and language of social science research: problem formulation, research design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation. Development of the student's ability to appraise published research. The use of data-based research in administrative decision-making.

GE510

Principles of Curriculum Development

Principles, organizations, and procedures in the design and implementation of the curriculum grades K-12, roles and processes in curriculum change for teachers, supervisors, and administrators. The impact of philosophy, social forces, human development theory, and the nature of learning on curriculum design, and exploration of history of curriculum in American public schools (K-12). Development of research-based curriculum criteria to aid in the development and analysis of curriculum. The role of curriculum leader as a communicator to the school and community.

GE511

Principles and Problems of School Administration

Theories of leadership behavior: the changing role of the administrator, the role of school personnel in administration, school and community relationships, budget-planning responsibilities, master schedule construction, relationships with staff and students, problem-solving techniques, use of data-based research in administrative decision-making, educational leader as communicator to faculty, staff, students, and community; school administrator as manager of implementation of NJCCCS; educational leader as human resource manager.

GE512

Assessment of Student Ability and Achievement

Student assessment at each level; modern tests and trends in testing; psychological and achievement tests; the evaluation of the learner, including the physically challenged and disadvantaged child; various factors that affect test scores, use of statistical analysis in measuring assessment and in making administrative decisions; communication of achievement to students, faculty, and community.

GE513

Fundamentals of Supervision: Elementary and Secondary

The supervisor's role as an educational leader/ consultant; objectives and techniques of instructional supervision; organizational theory; state-mandated rules for evaluation of teachers and administrators; an analysis of evaluative instruments; the supervisor as curriculum manager; role of NJCCCS in curriculum, supervision and professional development; supervisor in role as communicator to faculty and staff.

GE514

School Finance

A study of the role of the local, state, and federal government in the financing of public education; the history of school finance in the United States; preparing school budgets; analyzing cost-quality instruments; the role of the school budget in the broader community; the role of the NJCCCS in school finance; communication of the implications of the budget to the school and the community.

GE516

School Law

A study of the legal framework in which public education operates; principles of school governance; landmark court cases; students’ and teachers’ rights and responsibilities; principles of the Bill of Rights; federal and state laws affecting education and schools; school laws relating to the state department of education, school district and local board of education; school safety and security.

GE528

Internship in Administration and Supervision

Internship arranged to give students on-the-job training. Supervision provided by college staff in conjunction with the superintendent of the school district and building principal or supervisor. Log of activities required, including participation in activities such as human resource management, staff supervision, communication with faculty, students, and community, school budgeting, and curricular/assessment activities centered around New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

GE540

Fundamentals of Methodology

An analysis of effective teaching skills, classroom management techniques, successful motivational strategies, objectives, lesson plans, and innovative methods.

GE547

Student Teaching

Supervised classroom teaching experience on the elementary or secondary level, including seminar meetings and conferences scheduled prior to and during the student teaching term.

GE548

Teaching Internship, I

Supervised classroom teaching experience, including seminars and conferences designed for those who begin teaching without having completed student teaching.

GE549

Teaching Internship, II

Supervised classroom teaching experience, including seminars and conferences designed for those who begin teaching without having completed student teaching.

GE555

Computers in Curriculum Design & Evaluation

Application of computer in curriculum design, including areas such as instructional technology, research, communication with school community, and study skills; use of the internet in formulating inter-disciplinary learning units to meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in all areas. The evaluation of the use of technology in school curriculum.

GE570

Foundations of the Reading Curriculum

The nature of the reading process: material and techniques used in readiness, language experience, work analysis, basic text, comprehension, content area, study skills, and speed reading. Introduction to research-based models of reading instruction and curriculum development; analysis of New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards in language arts & literacy; teaching reading across all areas of the curriculum.

GE571

Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Learning Disabilities

Theory and practice in identification, evaluation, and remediation of learning disabilities; understanding the role of the child study team; development of IEP; introduction to legislation supporting students with disabilities; summary of research on the human brain related to learning disabilities; formal and informal stages of referring students for learning evaluation.

GE574

Diagnosis of Children with Reading Problems

Techniques for diagnosing elementary and high school students with reading difficulties; causes of reading problems; evaluation of frequently used tests and inventories including group and individual, survey and diagnostic, formal and informal; communication of results to parents and colleagues; case study analysis of students with reading disabilities.

GE576

Remediation of Children with Reading Problems

Remediation of elementary and high school students with reading difficulties; interpretation of frequently used tests and inventories including group and individual, survey and diagnostic, formal and informal; techniques of remedial and corrective treatment of reading disorders; evaluation of materials used in remediation; development of an IEP for reading.

GE578

Supervision of Reading Programs

Administering and supervising reading programs; initiating programs; conducting in-service training; developing a budget; conducting an evaluation of K-12 programs and personnel; research-based models for effective reading instruction; textbook selection; faculty development in areas of reading related to New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

GE579

Supervised Practicum in Reading

Field experience: the opportunity for students to gain practical knowledge and experience in the fields of developmental and remedial reading instruction; development of a case study in diagnosis and remediation of reading problems; work is supervised by a licensed reading specialist.

GE593

Durant Seminar

Survey of theory and current critical sources relating to the field of study of the Durant Scholar.

GE596

Curriculum Development Using Resources of the Metropolis

Utilizing the rich environment of the metropolis to fulfill the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards; creation of inter-disciplinary curriculum model using experience derived from field work in the metropolis; evaluation of curriculum integrating the resources of the metropolis; using art, architecture, music, drama, museums, consulates, and the churches of the metropolis as curriculum resources in the classroom.

GE599

Independent Study

Study of a selected topic in depth utilizing field-based or data-based educational research. Prerequisite: Approval of the Director.

GE614

Overview of Educational Disabilities and Foundations for Specialized Instruction

This course provides an overview and introduction to educational disabilities and special education. Characteristics and prevalence of a wide range of disabilities will be explored. Students will consider contemporary instructional approaches used for specialized populations.

GE615

Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities

This course provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to provide instruction that is both individualized and aligned with core course expectations. Multi-sensory and multiple intelligence learning theories will be explored. Instructional emphasis will be provided toward teacher techniques that assist their students in the development of their own strategies and skills with the ultimate goal of independent living.

GE616

Effective Classroom Management and Behavioral Intervention

This course will explore and consider behavior management theories and techniques. Recognition of behavior difficulties, consideration of behavior assessment devices and application of behavior management systems applicable to whole class and individual students will be provided.

GE617

Assisting Students with Special Needs in the General Education Class

Techniques and considerations to facilitate learning for all students will be explored. Examination of inclusionary learning theories such as differentiated instruction and universal instructional design will be emphasized. Course content will include adaptation of the learning environment, developing supports for special needs students using a collaborative approach and knowledge of in-class support methods.

GE618

Assessment Techniques for Students with Disabilites

Students will be introduced to the use of assessment based decision making. Applications of assessment toward special education eligibility, informed instruction, and behavior management will occur. Background, procedures and application of both functional and formal standardized testing will be examined. Students will gain familiarity with testing most frequently utilized for special needs populations.

GE631

Behavior Analysis I

Focus on behavioral principles and procedures associated with the acquisition of new behavior and modification of existing behavior. Includes reinforcement, punishment, extinction, discrimination, drawing generalization, shaping, classical conditioning, conditioned reinforcement, and schedules of reinforcement application of these principles or developmental disabilities, academic skills and optimal behaviors.

GE632

Behavior Analysis II

Focus on complex behavioral principles and issues surrounding the application of behavioral principles in the analysis and modification of behavior. Student will learn to identify behavior and environment relations that constitute behavioral deficits or excesses.

GE633

Behavior Analysis III

Course focuses on behavioral research and methodology to evaluate interventions based on single-subject experimental decisions. Different behavior assessment and behavior intervention strategies will be examined.

GE635

Research Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis

This course will guide the student through the process of reviewing and analyzing data from a variety of sources, discussing various types of research designs, understanding the role of descriptive and inferential statistics, and the development and implementation of a thorough research project. Students will survey basic concepts, procedures and terminology used in educational research. The ethical and legal aspects of conducting educational research and smapling techniques will be explored. The course is specifically designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge to interpret, evaluate, and apply research as it relates to special education and applied behavior analysis.

GE652

Curriculum Development for Students with Disabilities

Students will gain knowledge in regard to curriculum design, curricular adaptations, material selection and other pertinent instructional planning considerations for student with disabilities in both integrated and segregated settings. Appropriate focus and emphasis will be provided on the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers, New Jersey Core Course Proficiencies, and standards recommended by national and state associations specializing in special education instruction.

GE653

Assistive Technology - Uses and Applications

Students will be introduced to the wide variety of assistive technology and will examine its usefulness and utility for students with disabilities. Consideration of assistive technology applications toward content instruction, student response, enhancement of classroom management, provision of social intervention and transition services will occur.

GE654

Strategies for School, Home and Community Relationships

This course is designed for heighten sensitivity to the needs of families of children with disabilities and develop techniques educators can utilize to assist families. Emphasis will be devoted to effective home-school team building and the identification and utilization of community resources that assist in meeting family based needs.

GE655

Special Education and School Law

This class will examine legislation and case law concerned with the education of students with disabilities. Consideration will be given to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Section 504 of the 1973 Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and relevant state legislation. Students will be provided with mandated requirements in the identification, evaluation, placement and instruction of students with disabilities.