Arts and Humanities (K-5)

Course Description: This online course provides an introduction to the study of arts and humanities at the kindergarten to fifth-grade level. It covers key concepts, such as literature, music, art, and culture. You will learn about different techniques used in expressing creative ideas through visual media as well as how to apply a deeper understanding of symbolism and metaphor to areas such as storytelling and music. You will also gain an understanding of how cultures influence art forms around the world. Through interactive lectures, readings, discussions, videos,  and assignments you will develop your knowledge of arts and humanities while learning practical skills such as leading meaningful conversations around artwork, evaluating stories based on cultural perspectives, analyzing musical structure, comparing different visual styles between works of art, developing instructional strategies for making connections between subjects and fostering creativity in the classroom. This course is ideal for those who are new to teaching arts and humanities or are interested in pursuing a path involving more advanced topics in the subject. Course Objectives:

• Define key terms related to arts and humanities
• Analyze differences between artistic styles
• Evaluate stories based on cultural perspective
• Explain the musical structure
• Compare visual styles across works of art
• Develop strategies for reading aloud
• Lead meaningful conversations around the artwork
• Utilize storytelling to support instruction
• Examine the influence of culture on artistic expression
• Apply elements from multiple disciplines

Art to Enhance Learning

Course Description: This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits of incorporating art into learning. We will dive into the research that indicates arts inclusion increases science and math comprehension, how teachers can incorporate art into their classes, and how arts-based techniques can be used to engage students’ minds, bodies, and emotions in day-to-day learning experiences. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of teaching creativity alongside academics in the classroom setting and explore ways to use art as a “hook” in lessons without requiring any prior training. By the end of this course, you will understand why increased self-confidence and an improved ability to recall information are among the many reasons for introducing art in the classroom. Course Objectives:

• Explain why art can enhance learning across disciplines such as science and math
• Demonstrate various techniques for incorporating art into class activities & exercises
• Utilize arts-based strategies for engaging students’ minds, bodies & emotions
• Examine methods for the development of psychological resilience in adults through art
• Describe the advantages of teaching creativity alongside academic subjects
• Evaluate strategies for using art as a “hook” during instruction
• Identify opportunities for boosting self-confidence & understanding while teaching art
• Assess how art can help improve cognition & recall abilities when used as part of assessments or memory practice activities
• Analyze the evidence that suggests a substantial increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on student outcomes
• Investigate opportunities for promoting social-emotional development through creative expression & problem-solving with artistic works

Algebra I

Course Description: This online course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of algebra. It covers basic principles, including linear equations and functions, systems of equations, polynomials, inequalities, and exponents. You will learn about different techniques used in solving problems as well as how to develop a deeper understanding of numerical relationships. You will also gain an understanding of how to apply your knowledge of algebra to other areas such as trigonometry, calculus, and physics. Through interactive lectures, readings, discussions, videos, and assignments you will develop your knowledge of basic algebraic concepts while learning practical skills such as graphing equations, factoring polynomials, solving simultaneous equations, and analyzing data sets. This course is ideal for those who are new to studying algebra or are interested in pursuing a path involving more advanced topics in the subject. Course Objectives:

• Identify linear equations and functions
• Understand basic methods for solving systems
• Factor polynomials
• Determine roots of expressions
• Solve inequalities
• Handle operations with exponents
• Graph various kinds of equations
• Analyze data sets
• Construct solutions using mathematical models
• Apply algebraic methods for other areas

Classroom Accommodations and Modifications Course Description: This online course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the principles of accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities. Participants will explore topics such as evidence-based strategies, individualized education programs (IEPs), creating and using a variety of instructional strategies and assessment tools, implementing accommodations in the classroom, and effective communication between educators and parents. The course will also review strategies for adapting instruction to meet student needs while helping participants develop an understanding of how accommodation processes work. Course Objectives:

• Understand the role of evidence-based practices in promoting student success with disabilities
• Learn about components of individualized education programs (IEPs) relevant to accommodations and modifications
• Develop strategies for creating and utilizing a variety of instructional materials and assessments to meet individual student needs
• Explore tools for implementing appropriate accommodations that are tailored to student needs in the classroom setting
• Gain an understanding of best practices for working effectively with parents/guardians on behalf of students with disabilities
• Acquire skills for effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication around the provision of accommodations
• Understand the importance of developing strong relationships between educators, students, families
• Develop techniques for assessing student progress related to specific accommodations or adaptations in place
• Examine ways to address challenging behaviors associated with disability through thoughtful use of accommodation/modification services
• Discover resources available for additional support related to the implementation or evaluation of accommodations/modifications