Sixth-Year Degree in SEAL

This course is the first course addressing social and emotional learning (SEL). In completing this foundational course, students will establish an understanding of the history of the field of emotion science, the current SEL research, and related foundations of neuroscience. Looking through the lens of 21st-century societal context and challenges in education, as developing "emotion scientists and practitioners", students will integrate learnings to explore and develop their personal SEL skill set and competencies, as well as examine potential applications of foundational learning to SEL problems of practice in their own contexts.

This course is designed to prepare students to think critically about how key elements of social justice - fairness, equity, excellence for all - intersect with public education. Students analyze the effectiveness of efforts to improve access to high quality schooling and academic outcomes for all students. Using a Social Justice lens, students examine case studies and initiatives at the school, district and state/federal policy level. They develop action plans that advance fairness and equity of opportunity for all students, focusing on the opportunity and achievement gaps between historically privileged and underserved populations.

This course is designed to support candidates, regardless of their literacy background, to become Literacy Leaders for their schools and districts. Through lectures, reading, research, group work, and practice opportunities, students will develop (1) a foundation in the science of reading instruction grounded in the Modified Cognitive Model of Reading and the "Simple View" situated in the Gradual Release of Responsibility Framework, (2) assessment literacy to inform instruction and monitor progress, (3) fluency with differences between content area literacy and disciplinary literacy, (4) an understanding of principles of andragogy, (5) strategies for supporting at-risk and EL students, and (6) a resource file to support parents and the community in supporting their engagement in literacy.

This course prepares students to be professionals and leaders within an inclusive educational system. Students learn about federal legislation for the education of individuals with disabilities, and examine the relationship between legislation and special education procedures. Students also build a foundation of knowledge related to practices that support children with disabilities in public schools. The course particularly focuses on critical contemporary issues, including the following: least restrictive environment, data-based decision-making, evidence-based practices, and collaboration with families. 

Educational leaders are tasked with improving the teaching and learning in content areas in which they may not have formal training. This course provides educational leaders with the knowledge base needed to effectively lead mathematics instruction and improve student outcomes in numeracy in K-12 schools and districts.  From understanding research-based approaches and cognitive theory, learning progressions, and Response to Intervention, candidates will develop the understandings and capacities that can lead to improved student learning.