Courses Offered

EDU 101: PRAXIS-I Mathematics Content Preparation- Part I

This course is the first in a two-course sequence offered to prepare teachers and paraprofessionals for the PRAXIS-I and/or PARAPRO mathematics examination. The course focuses on conceptual and procedural knowledge, as well as representations of quantitative information. Course topics range from concepts and applications in arithmetic to basic statistics and basic probability. Test taking strategies will be emphasized, as well as making connections.

EDU 102: PRAXIS-I Mathematics Content Preparation- Part II

This course is the second in a two-course sequence offered to prepare teachers and paraprofessionals for the PRAXIS-I and/or PARAPRO mathematics examination. The course focuses on elements of basic algebra, systems of measurement, informal geometry and measurement, and formal mathematical reasoning. Test-taking strategies will be emphasized, as well as making connections between different concepts covered in this course. One hour per week will be set aside to review concepts learned in EDU 101.

EDU 103: English for Paraprofessionals and Practicing Teachers

This course begins with an introduction to test preparation and test-taking strategies for paraprofessionals and practicing teachers. Students analyze, discuss, and compose expository and persuasive essays. This course also focuses on vocabulary development to improve reading and comprehension skills.

EDU 104: English for Practicing Teachers

This course has been developed in response to Maryland’s certification requirements. Teachers are required to pass assessment tests that measure reading and writing skills. This course is designed to prepare students for the Praxis examination. Individuals seeking certification in Maryland in instructional areas must take the Praxis examination and meet minimum requirements for state licensure. Participants will be able to perform the objectives assessed in the Praxis examination. Thus, this course is designed to meet students’ specific area needs and help improve their chances of achieving higher scores.

EDU 150: Becoming a Professional in Education

This is the first course in a professional education program and is designed to help students seriously examine whether education is an appropriate profession for them to pursue. Students will have an opportunity through direct observation and class discussions to examine characteristics of schools, classroom life, school curriculum, and the complexities of school systems. Students will also be introduced to the process of becoming certified to teach in the State of Maryland and begin to prepare for and pass the PRAXIS exam. Students will begin to develop their professional portfolios that are required for completion of the A.A. degree program.

EDU 200: Introduction to Education

EDU 200 is an introduction to the complex world of education and teaching. The profession is examined from various perspectives, with the focus on the extensive requirements for success, including knowledge, skills, hard work, commitment, and talent. Attention is given to the historical, philosophical, political, and legal foundations of education in America. Students have opportunity through direct observation and class discussions to examine characteristics of students, the complexities of the classroom life, and the school curriculum. An examination of current themes and issues enables participants to understand the importance of extending equal educational opportunity to all students. With a fuller understanding of the role of education in America, participants are guided toward selecting careers in education.

EDU 215: Developmental Process and the Acquisition of Reading Competency

This course explains the process of language development, including the impact of phonemic awareness and how the brain responds to reading instruction. Students will learn about the latest brain research and the relationship and role of each component of language acquisition to reading development. Students will discuss the interactive nature of the reading process and analyze the effects of phonemic awareness and phonics on developing readers. Finally, students will analyze the essential connection of language development, reading acquisition, and writing.

EDU 220: Instruction of Reading Competency

This course focuses on the varied theories, research, and methodologies of teaching reading. Students will learn how to apply these theories, strategies and practices of reading using a balanced program of phonics, semantics, and syntactics. This course will prepare future teachers to promote critical literacy necessary in today’s and tomorrow’s diverse and complex schools. Students of the course are provided with hands-on knowledge to successfully guide their students towards critical literacy.

EDU 225: Effective Assessment and the Teaching of Reading

This course shows students a variety of assessment techniques, processes, and instruments that can be used to guide instruction in reading. Class participants will learn about diagnostic teaching techniques in the areas of literacy. Students will learn how to use data from state and local assessments to make educational decisions. Students will also learn effective methods of reporting assessment results to all the relevant stakeholders such as parents, school personnel and the community.