Elementary Education: Multidisciplinary Studies

ECE 200 Infant and Toddler Care and Education 3 Credits

Focuses on nutritional and psychological influences on infant and toddler growth and development, including current research in infant development; childbirth; breast feeding; infant stimulation; intellectual development; attachment behavior; and infants in group care. Recognizing that there is increased demand for infant/toddler care, it is increasingly important to assure that America’s infants receive a safe, healthy, emotionally secure, and intellectually rich start in life. High quality care and education of very young children are based upon responsive and respectful relationships among all of the people in each child’s life.

ECE 332 Families, Community, and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3 Credits

This course addresses the role of parents of young children within the context of school, home and society, as well as the influence of culture, traditions and current issues in early childhood education. Students will explore the efficacy of parenting techniques and behaviors on child development in the early years, including cognitive growth, emotional and social well-being and physical health. Students will investigate strategies for fostering home-school partnerships that enhance child development and educational success, as well as the influence of community, culture and socio-economic status on families and schools throughout our world. In addition, this course addresses current issues and challenges in the early childhood profession including inclusion of children with special needs, advocacy for quality care and education for all young children, and any other subject that might arise - either from the lives of children and families, teachers’ professional development, or community agencies. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ECE 450 Language, Literacy, and Learning Across Domains in Early Childhood 3 Credits

This course focuses on development of language, the building of foundational literacy skills and the acquisition of knowledge during the early childhood years. It will provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of child development and growth. Students will have the opportunity to consider how various experiences and interactions influence learning during these vital years and the importance of creating an environment that fosters and nurtures diverse and equitable opportunities for children. The role of play in learning and the influence of social interaction with caring adults and peers will be discussed. Students will learn how to make curricular and teaching decisions based on knowledge of child development subject-specific content, curriculum content standards, and home and community cultures. Students will examine the role of language and literacy across the disciplines in early childhood. Developmental milestones in language acquisition and literacy development will be discussed and tools for screening young learners in these areas will be introduced. Students will gain an appreciation for the professional responsibility of early childhood educators, particularly with regard to understanding children’s home and family community, fostering learning across developmental domains, tracking progress, and intervening and/or seeking the support of specialists as warranted. Required: 6 hours per week field placement in a preschool classroom. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite: EDU 106 and EDU 206.

EDU 101 First Year and Transfer Education Seminar 1 Credits

First year/transfer seminar provides an engaging orientation to the undergraduate teacher education program at Rider University. During this course, students new to the Department of Teacher Education will explore their beliefs about teaching, learning and school. This focus will be broken into four areas of inquiry that include: (a) What knowledge is of “greatest worth” for educators? (b) What is the purpose of a policy and who gets to make the decisions? (c) What is a “safe” school? (d) What role do unions and professional communities play in the lives of educators and children?.

EDU 106 Contexts Of Schooling 3 Credits

Students in this field-based course will begin to examine aims, practices, and contemporary issues of schooling in their historical, sociological, philosophical, and futuristic contexts and from the perspectives of various multicultural constituencies-- students, parents, local community, wider economic community, government, and the profession. In doing so, they will begin to develop professional skills of observation, reflection, analysis, and argument. This course must be taken concurrently with EDU 206. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

EDU 206 Developmental Education Psychology 3 Credits

This field-based course focuses on: a) the cognitive, personality, social, creative, and moral development of children and adolescents; b) influential theories, concepts, and research findings of educational psychology; and c) the translation of psychological theory into classroom practices. This course must be taken concurrently with EDU 106. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

EDU 300 Methods for Teaching Social Studies 3 Credits

This course focuses on pedagogy, content knowledge, skills, and critical abilities affiliated with the field of academic study known collectively as the social studies. Students in this class will explore the components of this field of study, including: American history, world history, U.S. government and politics, comparative political systems, sociology, psychology, law, and anthropology. This course is intended for both preservice social studies educators and for students interested in supplementing their content knowledge in history, culture, politics, and economics.

EDU 310 Introduction to STEM Education 3 Credits

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in an educational context refers to teaching and learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This course aims to provide experience with teaching approaches that promote a more holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of STEM, encouraging preservice teachers to explore real-world problems and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it aims to introduce pre-service teachers to some of the best practices of STEM teaching and provide opportunities to practice these approaches.

EDU 320 Introduction to Linguistics and Psycholinguistics 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the properties of human languages and to their systematic study in the field of linguistics and psycholinguistics. Topics include the nature of human language as distinct from other communication systems; sound patterns (phonology), word-formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics) in the world’s languages; relations to cognition, communication, and social organization; dialect variation and language standardization; language learning by children and adults; and the nature and history of writing systems. Intended for any undergraduate and graduate interested in language or its use. It is assumed that students have had no prior course work or exposure to linguistics and will begin with the basic assumptions that are shared by those who study language from a variety of perspectives. Students analyze their own speech patterns, investigate different speech acts in different languages and develop a research project using a linguistic construct in order to apply it to the second language classroom. Students present this project in a poster format to the university community at the end of the semester. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required. NOTE: This course is cross-listed with FLE 320. Students cannot get credit for both FLE 320 and EDU 320.

EDU 358 Literacy and the Bilingual/Bicultural Child 3 Credits

Presents multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives on bilingual/bicultural children and their reading process. Strategies and materials for second language reading instruction are suggested and discussed.

EDU 420 Teaching a Second Language 3 Credits

This course focuses on interactive methods of teaching a new language as well as cross-cultural understanding. Students learn to plan using national and state standards for language instruction, organize activities, design and direct language learning tasks, and assess learning. Includes theoretical positions on communicative language learning and teaching, the use and evaluation of currently used materials, the design of new materials, and field experiences in the language to be taught. Students develop their professional portfolio, participate in an E-seminar, prepare a unit of study, and present lesson segments. Open to prospective world language teachers, ESL and bilingual teachers, as well as practicing teachers seeking certification. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required. *NOTE: This course is cross-listed as FLE 420. Students cannot get credit for both FLE 420 and EDU 420.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 with a minimum grade of C+ or EDU 106 with a minimum grade of TR and EDU 206 with a minimum grade of C+ or EDU 206 with a minimum grade of TR.

EDU 451 Special Topics in Education 1-6 Credits

Student teachers, graduate interns, Rider faculty, cooperating teachers, and building-level administrators will engage in collaborative study of a topic through reading, writing, discussion, observation, and reflection on their work in classrooms. Work in these seminars will help student teachers synthesize knowledge from their professional courses and all participants extend their understanding of a particular topic pertaining to teaching. Teacher research methods will be employed as participants analyze their own teaching through perspectives of the seminar topic. Topics will vary each semester. This course is dual-listed for undergraduate and graduate credit. Enrollment is limited to students concurrently enrolled in student teaching and to cooperating teachers and principals working with them.

EDU 460 Educating and Evaluating the Bilingual Child 3 Credits

An examination of the historical, legal, and pedagogical aspects of the education of language minority students. Considers the design of school programs for minority students including legal mandates, testing, staffing, and funding. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of bilingual students as they enter, develop and exit from special programs of study. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

EDU 465 Student Teaching and Seminar 12 Credits

A full-time program for seniors providing practical teaching experience in an accredited elementary or secondary school. Under the direct supervision of the cooperating teacher, student teachers are responsible for the planning of lessons and for teaching in their areas of specialization and for developing a high level of teaching competency. Supervisors from Rider observe the student teachers at work, confer with the cooperating teachers and student teachers, and evaluate the growth of the student teachers throughout the internship period. Special topics are considered in seminars held in conjunction with student teaching. These topics include school health and substance abuse, school law, teacher certification and placement, classroom management, mainstreaming, professionalism, and other topics deemed appropriate by the faculty and student teachers.

Prerequisite(s): 1. Satisfactory completion of junior-level professional courses; 2. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 prior to commencing the semester in which student teaching is to be completed; 3. All professional education courses, with the exception of those taken concurrently with student teaching, must be completed with a grade of “C+” or better; 4. A candidate for student teaching must be approved by the education division and the coordinator of student teaching. There is an additional fee for Student Teaching.

EDU 477 International Student Teaching 3 Credits

This course provides an immersion opportunity for student teachers to learn about the different cultures and the education system of other countries while living and teaching abroad. Students will explore topics such as global awareness, international curriculum, global educational issues, and pedagogy to support diverse student needs. Through seminar discussion, research, observation, reflection and practical experience, students will develop and share their understanding of diversity in an international setting to increase global awareness, inclusive practice, and professional skills to develop a culturally responsive classroom. A fee is required for this course.

Prerequisites: 3.25 GPA, letter of recommendation, successful completion of required PRAXIS exams, interview, essay, and successful completion of local student teaching. POI required.

ELD 128 Developing Mathematical Ideas for Elementary School Teachers 1 Credits

Prospective teachers will examine the mathematics content and curriculum that is taught in grades K-6, focusing upon the multi-layered aspects of the topics that successful elementary teachers need to understand profoundly in order to provide appropriate instruction. There will be a series of topics selected from those that have historically been especially difficult for teachers to thoroughly understand at the depth needed to teach effectively. Some of the topics may vary each semester.

ELD 307 Foundations of Early Literacy, K-3 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the development of literacy in young children, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through the early elementary grades. Students will learn what research has revealed about how young children develop the insights, skills, and conceptual knowledge that enable them to successfully learn to read and write. Students will learn to support young learners and prompt the development of foundational skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. In addition, the course examines the relationship between oral language and literacy and the role motivation and social contexts play in literacy learning. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 308 Fostering Literacy and Language Development Across Disciplines 3 Credits

Explores evidenced based practices for literacy instruction in grade 3-6. Students study foundational reading and writing skills alongside theories and practices of motivation and engagement to support literacy and language development and learning. Students learn assessment measures for identifying individual literacy learning needs and methods for organizing instruction that includes access to diverse texts and resources to support all learners. Threaded throughout the course is the importance of understanding and supporting the diverse linguistic, cultural and learning experiences of students and communities and the awareness of how children comprehend and construct text across multiple modalities. Disciplinary literacy strategies children access for success across content areas are studied. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206; ELD 307.

ELD 350 Early Adolescence 1 Credits

This course will focus on common dilemmas faced by young people as they move from childhood into adolescence. It will examine age-related differences between children and adolescents and consider ways to create stimulating environments that fit this developmental transition. Representations of adolescence in the media and in research will be compared, including common stereotypes.

ELD 355 Teaching in the Inclusive Middle School Classroom 1 Credits

This course will highlight the legal and ethical responsibilities of general education teachers in the middle school classroom. The special education process will be discussed and methods to address special needs in the classroom will be shared. Strategies to differentiate instruction and work collaboratively with school community members will help pre-service teachers develop and implement effective instruction that meets diverse needs in the middle school inclusive classroom.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206 and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

ELD 360 Structure and Culture of Middle School Classroom 1 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of those concepts critical to the understanding of the structure and culture of middle school education. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 374 Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Classrooms I 3 Credits

This course has been designed to help prepare preservice teachers to teach mathematics in elementary school classrooms, based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the National Council for the Teaching of Mathematics principles of best practices of teaching and learning mathematics. It is a learner-centered methods course that focuses on theories and models for effectively understanding and teaching mathematical concepts and skills required at the elementary school level. It further explores the idea of Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), including best practices in teaching mathematics. The course will focus on developing a conceptual understanding of the characteristics and properties of geometric objects, the role of representations and visualization in exploring geometric concepts, fostering spatial reasoning, and emphasizing the concepts of measurement and data literacy. Conceptual understanding and instructional strategies will be developed through hands-on experiences, exploration of mathematical models, and honing problem-solving skills.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 150.

ELD 375 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Classrooms 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for students from nursery to grade eight. In keeping with ACET, NAEYC, and NCTM Standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an integrated curriculum approach, discovery learning, hands-on experience, theme cycles, use of technology, and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experiences will consist of classroom observations and teaching individuals and/or small groups of students. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206, MTH 102 or MTH 105 or MTH 150 or MTH 210.

ELD 376 Methods of Teaching Science in Elementary Classrooms 3 Credits

This course focuses on methods and materials of instruction in science that are developmentally appropriate for students in preschool through grade six and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and NJSLS in Science. Emphasis is placed on an integrated approach to curriculum, with lesson and unit planning activities that incorporate hands-on experiences, inquiry and discovery learning, and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experience will consist of observation and analysis of classroom instruction and teaching lessons to individual and/or small groups of children. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): ELD 307 and ELD 375.

ELD 380 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in the Middle School 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for students in grades six through eight. In keeping with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an inquiry-based approach, hands-on experience, use of technology, and traditional and non-traditional assessment. Field experiences will consist of observations and teaching to individuals, small groups and whole classes of students. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 385 Teaching Science in the Middle School 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of sciences that is developmentally appropriate for students in grades six through eight. In keeping with the National Science Education Standards, emphasis is placed on planning for and implementing an inquiry-based approach, hands-on experiences, use of technology and traditional and non-traditional assessment strategies. Field experiences will consist of observations and teaching to individuals, small groups and whole classes of students. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 390 Teaching Social Studies in the Middle School 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of social studies that is developmentally appropriate for students in grades six through eight. Its focus will explore understanding of United States history, geography and civics from the perspective of the middle school. The course emphasizes the ten themes of social studies as developed by the National Council for the Social Studies. In addition to the facts, concepts and generalizations encompassed by the ten themes, the course works with academic, social, thinking and citizenship skills. The required, intensive field experience in a middle school promotes direct application of the concepts, skills and dispositions addressed in the course. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 395 Literacy Learning in the Middle School 3 Credits

This course focuses on the teaching of literacy that is developmentally appropriate for students in grades six through eight. It explores processes in reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing, relationships among the language arts and other subject areas, and the development of critical literacy and cognitive strategies. The intense field experience in a middle school promotes direct application of the concepts, skills and dispositions addressed in the course. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206.

ELD 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-6 Credits

Provides the student with an opportunity to study an area of personal interest. The outline for the study must be accepted by a sponsoring professor and approved by the student’s department and academic dean. The number of semester hour’s credit to be assigned is determined by the department.

SPE 201 Foundations in Special Education and Inclusive Practice 3 Credits

This course emphasizes the foundations of special education and introduces students to inclusive practice. Philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education and characteristics of students with disabilities will be examined. Students will learn the components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), how to adapt learning environments and curricular materials, as well as how to select and implement modifications for students with disabilities. Inclusive educational practices including communication, coteaching, and collaborative partnerships will be addressed through case studies and fieldwork. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 15 field hours in addition to regularly scheduled class hours.

Prerequisite(s): A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.

SPE 202 Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Low-Incidence Disabilities 3 Credits

This course is designed to examine the characteristics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and strategies to support their academic, communication, and social/behavioral growth, including the use of assistive technology and positive behavioral supports. Methods and strategies for ASD and other low incidence disabilities will be explored. Through active participation in class and field sites, students will become aware of the various social issues related to family, education, transition, community resources and work experiences of individuals with these disabilities. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 30 weekday field hours in addition to regularly scheduled class hours.

Prerequisite(s): A cumulative GPA of 2.75 and SPE 201.

SPE 210 Global Encounters 3 Credits

This course is an international learning experience focused on exploring educational opportunities in the United States and abroad. Students will study the history, policy and practice of special education in the United States and compare it with another country and culture first hand, through lectures, school visits and reflection. Current strategies and challenges of educators and families supporting individuals with disabilities will be examined. Through this cross-cultural experience, students will broaden perspectives and develop cultural awareness, knowledge, and understanding of diversity. This course is open to all students and disciplines. There are no prerequisites.

SPE 300 Inclusive Practices for General Education Teachers 3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce preservice general education teachers students to special education and the inclusive classroom. Students will explore current issues and practices in special education. Assignments and activities will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills to design and manage the instructional environment for diverse learners in inclusive and classroom setting. Attitudes and behaviors that influence children with special needs will be addressed. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 15 field hours in addition to regularly scheduled class hours. Prereqisite(s): EDU 106 and EDU 206. A cumulative gpa of 2.75 is required.

SPE 303 Assessment and Instruction for Students with Disabilities 3 Credits

This course will emphasize the relationship between assessment and instructional design and implementation. Coursework includes the evaluation, selection, development, and adaptation of standardized, normreferenced, and functional assessments, such as a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Ecological Assessment. Strategies to support literacy instruction for students with disabilities will be examined. Transition planning, program development, and agencies available to support students with disabilities and their families will be explored. This course requires a field experience in order to help students apply theory to practice.

Prerequisite(s): A cumulative GPA of 2.75 and SPE 201.

SPE 304 Assessment and Instruction in the Inclusive Classroom 3 Credits

This course will emphasize assessment, planning, and instructional design to maximize the learning of all students, including those with exceptional learning needs, in the inclusive classroom. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. Organization of learning environments and the collaborative process, including co-teaching models, will be utilized to design a long-term unit plan. This course requires a field experience in order to help students apply theory to practice.

Prerequisite(s): A cumulative GPA of 2.75 and SPE 201.

SPE 305 Assessment and Instruction for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders 3 Credits

Through this course, teacher candidates will learn both theories related to teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as best practices in the classroom related to academic instruction, as well as emotional, behavioral, and communicative interventions. This course also includes a field component, in which teacher candidates are expected to complete 10 hours of observation in a classroom with students with ASD. The course begins by examining the characteristics of the disability, causes, early warning signs, diagnostic procedures, and early intervention practices. Specific practices related to instruction and intervention as well as how to best structure a classroom for students will be examined. Teacher candidates will receive instruction in a variety of strategies and practices, even those that do not yet qualify as EBPs, as well as their theoretical underpinnings. Strategies for communicating effectively and efficiently with parents, as well as the most current and/or special issues in the field will also be discussed. Issues related to post-secondary transition will also be examined.

Prerequisites: A cumulative GPA of 2.75 and SPE 201.