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PRISM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

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The American School: An In Depth Study
(EDPW 533)
An examination of salient contemporary issues concerning the American School viewed alternately from an historical, philosophical, and social science perspective. Each semester a new issue will be analyzed such as: the education of minorities, school desegregation, the problems of the urban school, the social class structure and the school, educational alternatives, curriculum and instructional innovations, and access to higher education.

Collegial Supervision
(EDLM 9020)
The nature and function of supervision as it relates to both the teacher and the supervisor are studied. Also presented is a contemporary view of the concept of supervision from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The role of the "supervisor" is discussed as it has evolved from the traditional model to the instructional leadership model - a model that embraces collegiality and professional development. Included are strategies and processes related to a variety of supervisory models, e.g.: clinical supervision, mentoring, differentiated supervision, cooperative development, and self-directed development. Emphasis is on studying ways in which the planning, organization, and evaluation of instruction may be effectively improved through the cooperative participation of school personnel.

Community Relations
(EDLM 8000)
Students learn communication techniques and acquire knowledge about political structures and regulations for improving a school and/or community. Individuals develop strategies for relations within their own community, utilizing specific goal-setting techniques. A review of current literature promotes an awareness of the diverse publics involved and suggests methods for dealing with and influencing perceptions about schools and their educational goals. A pre-practicum experience is included as an activity of this course.

The Contemporary Educational Leader (Capstone)
(EDLM 9600)
This core course explores the significant issues and relevant research affecting individual and systemic education leadership. Candidates will actively investigate such topics of contemporary concern as diversity, reform movements, the profession of teaching, the power of leadership, creative curricular, innovative learning environments, the promise and potential of new educational technologies, equity in funding and financial megatrends. The course will provide master teachers, administrators, and staff developers with new insights into the key ideas and critical components of proactive leadership.

Cooperative Learning Strategies
(EDPW 534)
This course will give information about what cooperative learning is and how it can be used effectively and successfully in a classroom at the elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. The focus is to gain an understanding of the strengths and the weakness of this method and improve individual critical thinking on the implementation of this method. Students will identify how cooperative learning can be promoted, what cooperative learning's potential is for changing how learning takes place, how children interact with one another, and how individual educators can become more reflective about implementing cooperative learning.

Curriculum Leadership and Evaluation
(EDLM 8040)
This course is designed for administrators who must become knowledgeable about curriculum development and program evaluation. The role of the administrator as a decision-maker and as an instructional leader is explored. Emphasis is placed on program development and evaluation, which reflects the various cultural and ethnic minority groups students represent. Additionally, practical applications of programs as well as the application of evaluation models and techniques are investigated. Prepracticum responsibilities are a part of this course.

Developing Math Materials for Classroom Use
(MTH 511)
Participants will explore the use of manipulatives and activity based hands-on learning relating to the K-8 Mathematics curriculum. The Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks will be reviewed as well as the NCTM Standards. Grade level objectives will be explored and lessons investigated during concrete examples to achieve mathematical learning. Manipulatives will include: Base Ten Blocks, Unifix Cubes, Pattern Blocks, color Tiles, Tangrams, Geoboards and others as time permits and the needs of participants are met. Additional classroom strategies will also be investigated.

Developing Curriculum for the Inclusionary Class Setting in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies Instructor
(EDPW 527)
Participants will explore the world of the inclusion class setting using hands-on activities. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their inclusion class lessons with the use of software applications and the Internet Sites. This new found knowledge will be utilized to develop new and exciting lessons that will create new and interesting opportunities for all their students. You will review specific reading from the Internet and will write a research paper that will assist in your understanding of how inclusionary classes work. This course is open to all levels of learners. Course assignments reflect the level of interest of the participants and the courses that they are teaching and want to enhance.

Differentiated Instruction for the Math Classroom
This course is designed to assist teachers K-12 in making curriculum and instruction the best possible fit for diverse learners. Participants will explore the key principles of differentiating or adapting curriculum and instruction in response to the varied readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles of all students. Participants, working in groups, will design a math unit which involves a balance between content and competencies and which includes various pedagogical options to maximize durable learning. This course will address the need to differentiate while still ensuring that all students work with essential and powerful math concepts and principles. "In order to be treated fairly and equally, children have to be treated differently." Melvin Konner

Differentiating Instruction: Ways of Teaching…Ways of Knowing
(EDPW 534)
This course will enhance the participants' understanding of how to better meet the needs of different learners. Participants will examine the characteristics of a differentiated classroom? learn how to frame instruction around concepts and essential understandings? identify techniques for differentiating content, process, and product? and explore how to differentiate on the basis of students' readiness, interest, and learning profile. Participants will also reflect on their beliefs and practices relative to differentiation, read and analyze examples of differentiated learning activities, and design a differentiated activity.

Dynamics of Planned Change
(EDLM 9100)
A study of planned changed, essentially aimed at education, which includes review and analysis of sociological and psychological factors inherent in the change process. Such topics as organizational behavior, intervention theory, inter-group relations, and management techniques among others are reviewed. The course schedule includes a series of multi-hour sessions mixing lecture, simulation, problem solving and discussion of the four major components of the course: Organizations; Planned Change; Strategic Planning; and Managing Change. All topics are considered in the light of the overall objective of changing/improving schools with an eye toward improving the education of children and, consequently, improving their lives. The course also includes a full day (eight hour) strategic planning session in which students will participate in a planning retreat simulation.

Education for Social and Political Change
This course defines the links among economic, social and political organizations and systems of education. The course provides an understanding of key issues and areas of tension essential to becoming an effective agent of change in education with particular attention to communities and individuals who are outside spheres of power.

Educational Reform: The Role of Technology
Ed Reform has changed many things for educators and students. This course is designed to provide teachers with a formal introduction to the issues that address instructional technology, the MA Instructional Technology Frameworks and the National Instructional Technology Standards for teachers and students. Students will also be exposed to technology skills and resources for meeting the needs of their students in the classroom via the integration of Internet resources, Microsoft Office techniques and its usage with the ultimate goal of enhancing student achievement.

Environmental Science K-12
School-age children need to participate in productive, hands-on activities that will encourage them to understand the natural environment and conservation. Learn how to build connections between educational concepts, interactive experiences, and real-world applications. Conservation efforts are necessary to the sustainability of our world. We need to start the learning curve now!!! Share your joy of teaching science.

Food for Thought
Striking a healthy, balanced lifestyle is challenging. Traditional diet programs have been ineffective at reducing obesity. As both numbers of people dieting and obesity prevalence continue to rise in the United States, nutrition-based education needs to be emphasized for current and future generations. We will explore principles of normal nutrition, dieting, "fad" diet programs, exercise, physical education, school lunch programs, obesity, weight control, energy balance, nutrient digestion and absorption, recommended nutrient intakes, analysis of food labels, and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood to adulthood. Emphasis will be given to the basic food constituents and their pathways within the body. Consideration will also be given to school nutrition, family, and community needs.

Foundations of Educational Administration
(EDLM 8005)
This introductory course is designed to provide an overview of school leadership focusing on the philosophical foundations of education; the psychological traditions of learning process; the legal parameters of the school as an institution within the society; the cultural environment of urban, suburban, and rural educational settings; and educational trends as indicated by current research and pertinent literature.

Foundations of Reading: Language, Literacy and Child Development
This course focuses on major contributions to our understanding of reading processes from the field of psychology, linguistics, and sociology. Child and adolescent development will be emphasized as content for literacy development and appropriate instruction.

Health is Academic
People everywhere are trying to improve themselves. You can make a difference and help them get or stay healthy. This course introduces basic concepts of nutrition, exercise, disease, physical health, and mental health. Principles of nutrient digestion and absorption, function of nutrients, nutritional needs, diet modification, eating disorders, disease prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, cardiovascular health, sports, physical education, weight training, injury prevention, advertisements, and the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and tobacco use will be discussed. We will aim to introduce foods, exercises, and lifestyle changes that suit individual needs. This information will help them lead a healthy life that they enjoy. Practical classroom applications of these principles are emphasized.

Human Resources and Personnel Administration
(EDLM 8010)
This course focuses on establishing the rationale and organizational structure that supports effective human resource administration. Among those topics included in this course are staff selection, teacher induction, teacher tenure, promotion and dismissal, salary scheduling, policy making, relations with professional and non-professional personnel, and employee welfare. Emphasis is placed on the interpersonal dynamics of the educational enterprise as it relates to human resource management. Additionally, there is an exploration of issues involving, affirmative action, and concerns about the under-representation of minorities in teaching and administration.

Integrating Math, Science and Literature
(EDPW 529)
Participants will become familiar with strategies and methodologies necessary to present hands-on activities involving the integration of mathematics, science and literature to their students. The NCTM Standards, NSTA Curriculum Guidelines, Project PALMS, Project 2081 of AAAS and the National Research Council's Standards will be explored, as well as the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Participants will become involved in learning and experience the excitement and the curiosity that only activity-based hands-on lessons can create in the individual learner.

Integrating Technology in the Reading Classroom
This focus of this course is integrating technology throughout the PreK-12 Reading program. Strategies and resources for using multimedia equipment, software, and the Internet in reading and content area classrooms are explored. Some basic knowledge of computers and reading instruction is expected.

Issues and Trends in Cultural Diversity
This course is designed to help students use a knowledge of the concepts and meanings of culture in developing their perceptions of cultural similarities and differences. Special emphasis is given to cultural discontinuities and diversity, acculturation process, minority issues, and interethnic communication. Discussions and research are directed toward developing sensitivities toward implementing multicultural education programs and activities.

Law for the Educator
(EDLM 8020)
Constitutional and statutory provisions governing a public school system are examined on local, state and national levels. A thorough review will be made concerning the legal parameters surrounding the local level of the educational system and federal and state guidelines generated to meet the needs of diverse student populations in compliance with current judicial decisions and state legislation. The impact of precedent-setting cases will be a major focus of this course.

Legal Aspects of School Administration
This course provides students with the fundamentals of school law necessary for educational leaders in today's schools. The course includes references to school laws guiding the rights and responsibilities of students, staff and administration. Laws/regulations and court decisions related to free speech, due process, equal rights, and school discipline will be studied. In addition, IDEA (special education) and No Child Left Behind will be examined in depth.

Linking Health and Learning
Striking a healthy, balanced lifestyle is challenging. Traditional diet programs have been ineffective at reducing obesity. As both numbers of people dieting and obesity prevalence continue to rise in the United States, nutrition-based education needs to be emphasized for current and future generations. We will explore principles of normal nutrition, dieting, "fad" diet programs, exercise, physical education, school lunch programs, obesity, weight control, energy balance, nutrient digestion and absorption, recommended nutrient intakes, analysis of food labels, and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood to adulthood. Emphasis will be given to the basic food constituents and their pathways within the body. Consideration will also be given to school nutrition, family, and community needs.

Math Across the Curriculum
(MTH 501)
Participants will have the opportunity to understand the methodologies necessary to teach math at all levels. Participants will explore the internet, complete reading assignments, and hands-on activities. The participants will have the opportunity to use this new found knowledge to develop new and exciting lesson/s that can be used in your classes the next day. Participants will read and review specific readings from the internet and other resources that will allow them to have a better understanding of how to teach math across the curriculum. Participants will complete independent research and write a research paper, utilizing resources stated in course assignments. Course assignments will reflect the level of students you are teaching.

Mathematics for All Learners
Mathematics Educators will explore appropriate strategies to use in regular classrooms containing a variety of learners. Strategies for effectively instructing students with learning disabilities, second language learners, and gifted and talented populations will be presented. The Mathematics Framework will be reviewed and lessons and ideas will be developed and presented to help teachers develop quality supplemental activities and ideas to aid in the teaching and understanding of Mathematics. Web sites will be explored and focus groups formed by grade levels that will aid the participant in attaining ideas that work in the classroom.

Multi-Cultural Issues in Counseling
This course explores issues related to ethnicity, race, class, gender, and physical differences as they affect counselors, clients, and the counseling relationships. Students are expected to engage in the learning process from a personal as well as intellectual perspective. 15 pre-practicum hours will be required.

Multiple Intelligences Based Middle and High School Science Classes
Children are born scientists and have a natural curiosity to learn. At some point in school, some of our students lose this innate, inquisitive drive. Many students fear taking risks and being wrong. We will explore IMPACTING every student through coursework, inquiry-based activities, and project-based assignments. Using Howard Gardner's identified intelligence profiles, you will set a purpose for learning and correlate current national, state, and school reforms/standards to lesson objectives. Lessons including a greater variety of multiple intelligences produce a higher level of motivation in most students. You will enrich science literacy and your curriculum with higher order thinking objectives and multiple intelligence, instructional strategies. Students will possess skills to make connections and relate what they know to the world around them.

Partnerships for Families: An Inter-professional Approach
Prerequisites: Intended for working professionals and for graduate students with permission of the instructor. "Helping professionals" - educators, social workers and nurses - will share perspectives and learn new ways of working effectively with children and their families in school settings. Drawing on the knowledge bases and resources of each field and using a family-centered approach, participants will increase understanding of family processes, cultural contexts and strategies for promoting professional-family partnerships.

A Practicum in Educational Leadership and Management
(EDLM 9110/9220)
The culminating course in the Master's Degree program consists of an internship experience under the direct supervision of a principal and/or director. The graduate student is obliged to work in a school setting performing the kinds of responsibilities and duties for which he/she is preparing, ie.e. principal - supervisor/director. The practicum can be arranged for full-time or part-time. Students must discuss proposed arrangements with their advisor early in their program. during the practicum, students meet with their college advisor and are visited at their practicum site. This practicum consists of a minimum of 400 clock hours earned at the practicum site.

The Principal: Organization and Administration of the Elementary, Middle and Secondary School
(EDLM 9000)
This course addresses the principles of effective leadership of school, via the role of the principal at various levels of education. The focus is on the development of human, conceptual, and technical skills required of a school principal. Among these skills are decision-making, communication, planning, and implementing, organizing, staffing and recruitment, scheduling, public relations, evaluating, supervision, contract management, community relations, and other skills necessary to the position. The course is not designed to give one answer for all situations, but rather the emphasis will be to enable class members to become knowledgeable of many aspects of the principalship and therefore to become clear, comprehensive thinkers, learners, role models, problem solvers, and leaders. Course assignments reflect the level of interest of the participants (elementary, middle, high school).

Project Based Learning K-12
(EDPW 536)
This course examines the educational research and theories in the area of teaching, learning, and human development and how it can be applied to educational practices in classrooms. The focus of the course is on project-based learning and includes the teacher's role and responsibilities in learning, the motivational strategies that support an effective learning environment, and the design of authentic learning experiences. Project-based learning is a philosophy and a practice; it is what we, as educators, believe about education and how we act on those beliefs in the classroom. Participants will explore techniques that encourage students to engage in complex, real-world problem solving that is academically rigorous and relevant to the students' lives. State frameworks will be integrated into projects reviewed and developed by the participants.

Public School Finance
(EDLM 8030)
This course addresses the fiscal and allocated functions of school administration. Students develop the skills and knowledge related to budgeting, accounting, and financing at the local, state, and federal levels. Resource acquisition and development of strategies for locating alternative revenue sources and subsequently, allocating these resources efficiently and effectively are skills the student acquires.

Reading and Writing in the Classroom
This course examines research-based theories, practices and programs for teaching reading and writing in the classroom, with an emphasis on skill areas and comprehension. Designed for the experienced teachers, the course will also focus on how reading and writing are used in academic disciplines and the relationship between reading and writing. Requires a 25- hour pre-practicum field experience.

The School Counselor in the Classroom: Transitioning Students from School to Career
This course is provided to counselors who are preparing various levels of students to transition from school to career. Participants will develop lessons that can be implemented individually, or in a group setting, that are consistent with the national and state models of comprehensive school counseling programs across the country. Participants will have the opportunity to design a PowerPoint presentation, develop a web site, and use technology to facilitate school to career planning to all level of learners. This course is open to anyone who is interested in enhancing their presentations with techniques that will bring boundless learning to their students. Course assignments will reflect the level of students that they are teaching and work with.

Science in the Elementary School
The goals of this course are to increase the scientific background of teachers, to improve the teachers' performance as a scientist in the classroom, to increase application of recent research in cognitive growth to science teaching, particularly that of Piaget and Bruner, to increase and improve inquiry procedures in the classroom and to establish a framework for innovative science programs. Each session will be divided, first, to present new topics and second, to develop materials, teaching strategies and background information for classes to be taught.

School Financial and Personnel Management
This is a course in school finance and personnel management, including the following: budget development and control, administration of student support services and facilities, employee contract management and collective bargaining, and technology to facilitate financial and personnel management.

Seminar: Research in Educational Leadership
(EDLM 8050)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the current research in Educational Administration and to teach the student how to evaluate the pertinence of this research to educational problems and issues. Students identify and use; research sources and undertake projects that prepare them to address educational issues in an informed and lucid manner. Pre-practicum responsibilities are a part of this course. This course may be taken in use with the practicum EDLM 9110-9220.

Technology As A Catalyst for Change in Education
This online course is designed for school administrators or aspiring administrators. It will feature Shared Reflections, Online Research, Readings, and Projects to deal with the following Contemporary Issues Challenging our schools today:

Emphasis will be placed on the importance of building collaborative relationships necessary for bringing about deep-rooted school change.

Participants will need an email account and access to Microsoft Office Applications (Word & PowerPoint.)

Technology in the 21ST Century Classroom
(EDU788)
Through discussion, use of latest hardware and software, laboratory experience and site visits, students explore computer based, multimedia and communications technologies that enhance curriculum and instructional practice. Course emphasizes changes in teaching-learning processes and assessment and incorporates new theoretical methodological and technological models. Beginners and newly initiated computer users urged to register. This is a non-intimidating course.

Using Manipulatives to Enhance Mathematical Learning
Participants will review the Curriculum Framework for Mathematics and develop an understanding on how manipulatives can enhance the understanding of algorithms for students as well as number sense and the core topics of the framework. Manipulatives reviewed will be Base Ten Blocks, Uinfix Cubes, Color Tiles, Pattern Blocks, Geoboards, Tangrams, Attribute Blocks, Two-Color Counters, Links, Cuisenaire Rods, and various games and activities. The course is designed for each participant to extend the ideas and lessons presented into their own classroom. It is intended that by using the ideas in the course that each participant will become more comfortable with manipulatives and have them become an integral part of every mathematics class.

Violence Against Children
This course will examine the complex issues of child violence and victimization. Current theory and practice will be highlighted. The intervention process will be identified including the legal, medical and human service responses as they relate to schools. The protective function of schools will be explored. Particular emphasis will be placed on investigating the impact of various forms of violence on the teaching/learning environment. Program strategies for each level of the prevention continuum will be identified.

The Vocational Classroom: Preparing the Adolescent to Transition From School to Career in the 21 Century
(EDPW 537)
This course is provided to vocational instructors who are preparing various levels of students in their vocational shops with the ability to transition from school to career in the 21st Century. Participants will develop lessons plans that can be implemented in their related class setting, that are consistent with the national and state models of vocational programs across the country. Participants will have the opportunity to design a PowerPoint presentation, develop a web site, and use technology to facilitate school to career planning for the high school student. This course is open to anyone who is interested in enhancing their class room presentations with up-dated techniques that will bring boundless learning to their students. Completed course assignments will reflect the levels of students that they are teaching and working with.

Weaving Technology Into Your Classroom
(CSC 507)
Participants will explore the world of technology and the use of course- ware using hands-on activities. The course will survey the power of interactive learning systems by reviewing lessons in several disciplines that use technology to enhance learning. Software applications and Internet Sites will be integrated into exploratory lessons created and shared by the participants. Programs will be reviewed that will allow the participants to experience the world of technology and computer applications as students in the learning process. Programs, such as Inspiration, Microsoft Publisher, Print Shop and Microsoft PowerPoint will be explored as well as Web Design and Web Quests. Participants will view research-based programs that have enhanced the learning process. No computer experience is necessary. Participants must have access to the internet to complete assignments and have access to Microsoft Programs above.

WEB QUEST Adventure
(CSC 501)
Participants will explore the concept of web quests and integrate their use within their curriculum using the Standards of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in subjects of the participants choice pre k-12. Make learning an adventure by motivating your students to discover new ideas, think critically and share strategies to solve problems and answer questions. Analyzes web-based quests on-line and adapt them to your own style and grade level. Participants will develop their own Web Quests and share them with their on-line colleagues. No computer experience necessary. Participants must have access to the internet to complete assignments and have access to Microsoft Word.

Writing Across the Curriculum
(RDG 507)
Participants will have the opportunity to understand the methodologies necessary to teach writing across the curriculum. Participants will be become familiar with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Teachers will have the opportunity to develop PowerPoint Presentations, a Web Page and develop lessons for their classes. Participates in this course will find that these hand-on activities will bring boundless learning to their students and make their classrooms exciting and interesting. This is a course that is opening to all levels of learners. Course assignments reflect the level of interest of the participant's and the courses that they are teaching and want to enhance with writing across the curriculum.

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