2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog -

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The School of Education and Human Development comprises research institutes, undergraduate and graduate programs and community service centers that concern the areas of teacher education, dispute resolution, counseling, liberal studies and lifelong learning.

The teacher education programs fall under the auspices of the Department of Literacy, Language and Learning and represent SMU’s commitment to the professional development of educators through innovative and research-based undergraduate, graduate and professional development programs. The undergraduate curriculum prepares students for initial teacher certification. Graduate programs focus on early childhood education, literacy and language acquisition, learning theory, and giftedness and include a doctoral degree, Master’s degrees and graduate-level certifications. A variety of enrichment opportunities serve the professional development needs of practicing educators.

The school also includes two institutes whose research efforts involve the study of education – the Institute for Reading Research and the Gifted Students Institute. One of the most productive literacy research centers in the nation, the Institute for Reading Research performs research concerning reading and reading disabilities, language acquisition, and teaching and learning. The Gifted Students Institute was founded on the premise that “giftedness” is a resource that should be nurtured for the benefit of all.

The Human Development programs represent a broad, interdisciplinary area whose central purpose is the promotion of personal enrichment and achievement of potential. The Dispute Resolution and Counseling programs draw on social and behavioral science theories to teach the communication skills necessary for the resolution of personal and interpersonal conflicts. To broaden students’ perspectives, insights and understandings of the world, the Master of Liberal Studies, Informal Courses and Youth Programs expose students to the ideas and events that constitute the human experience. At the heart of all of the Human Development programs is the core belief that people can continue to grow both personally and professionally throughout their lives.

The programs within the School of Education and Human Development complement discipline offerings throughout the University. Students in the school’s graduate programs take coursework within Dedman College, Meadows School of the Arts and the School of Engineering. The new programs in Human Development particularly complement and draw from the areas of anthropology, psychology and sociology in Dedman College.

Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/education.

Department of Literacy, Language and Learning

Associate Professor Jill H. Allor, Department Chair
Professors: Patricia Mathes; Associate Professors: Deborah Diffily, JoAnn Lan, William Pulte, Ken Springer; Assistant Professors: Caroline Kethley, Hector Rivera, Paige Ware; Senior Lecturers: Lee Alvoid, Kathy Hargrove, Barbara Morganfield; Lecturers: Abigail Bartoshesky, Gail Hartin, Janis Sayers.

Home to undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate programs for both aspiring and practicing educators, the Department of Literacy, Language and Learning offers students a comprehensive curriculum of theory, research, cross-disciplinary studies and practicum. Undergraduate programs of study assist students in obtaining credentials for teaching in elementary, secondary or all-level (grades K-12) settings. At the graduate level, a student may pursue a Ph.D., a Master of Education (M.Ed.), a Master of Education with Certification (M.Ed.), a Master in Bilingual Education (M.B.E.), or a Master of Music in Music Education (M.M.), as well as other credentials in areas such as gifted education, reading, mathematics, science, technology, bilingual education, English as a Second Language and learning therapy. For information regarding any of SMU’s teacher education opportunities, contact the Office of Teacher Education, Southern Methodist University, 415 Clements, P.O. Box 750455, Dallas, TX 75275-0455; 214-768-1311; or visit www.smu.edu/teacher_education.

Undergraduate Teacher Certification

Kathy Hargrove, Director

The Office for Teacher Certification offers courses that lead to teaching certification at the elementary and secondary levels. Undergraduate students pursue an approved academic major in Dedman College, Meadows School of the Arts or School of Engineering while seeking Texas teacher certification through the Office for Teacher Certification in Early Childhood-Grade 4 (EC-4), Middle School (grades 4-8), or High School (grades 8-12). Music education students work toward an all-level (grades K-12) certificate. Those who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree may also obtain teacher certification credentials through the post-baccalaureate program, which essentially mirrors the undergraduate program.

Each student in a certification program has an education faculty adviser who directs his/her program of study. The education faculty is committed to mentoring and supporting student learning. Students are expected to maintain high levels of performance and to develop habits of reflection as they acquire knowledge and skills of practice.

The program of study includes 24 credit hours of coursework and six hours of student teaching/internship experience in all three certification programs: Early Childhood-Grade 4 (EC-4), Middle School (Grades 4-8) and High School (Grades 8-12). (See the list of courses below.) Students who complete the 30 credit hours required for teacher certification preparation can declare a minor in elementary teaching or secondary teaching.

Requirements for Admission to Teacher Education Programs. Students apply for formal admission to the program, submitting a transcript, essay, recommendation, character and fitness affidavit, and appropriate THEA or other test scores. Students must complete at least 45 hours of academic work with a G.P.A. of at least 2.50 and maintain grades of C or better and a minimum G.P.A. of at least 2.75 in a teaching field (e.g., English, mathematics, etc.). In addition, students must have attained a grade of C- or better in the following areas of the General Education Curriculum: Written English, Mathematical Sciences, Science and Technology, and History. Applicants also interview with members of the faculty. Students may register for up to seven hours of EDU coursework prior to formal admission. EDU 2350 (Educational Psychology) is a prerequisite for undergraduates enrolling in the certification program. Students complete the Personal Character and Professional Fitness Statement when they apply. A personal/criminal background check may be required prior to field experience and admission to student teaching. Applications for admission to Teacher Education may be obtained from the departmental office in 415 Clements Hall.

Required Courses. All of the courses in the program of study are based on the Texas standards for beginning teachers. The classroom-based coursework can be completed in two regular terms, such as fall and spring. Professors model learning experiences that are considered best practice for all learners in these courses. Students are expected to work collaboratively in small groups, complete simulated teacher tasks, pose questions for class inquiry, and use multiple resources to answer questions.

Field Experience. The teacher education program includes extensive field experience to help students prepare for careers in teaching. Background checks are required by most school districts prior to field experiences. The student progresses from observational activities in classrooms to teaching and learning practice sessions with individual students and small groups in early field experiences. Then the student assumes responsibility for an entire classroom in a carefully managed student teaching experience. SMU students receive mentoring from faculty noted for their exemplary records as both master teachers and scholars. Exemplary teachers from inner city to suburban settings also act as coaches during the field experience. Part of the field experience comes in the form of either a one-term student teaching experience or a two-term internship. During the one-term experience, students work full-time for 15 weeks in an assigned classroom with a master teacher in the Dallas Indpendent School District. During this student-teaching term, the six-term-hour student-teaching experience is regarded as “full-time” enrollment status at SMU for insurance purposes. Students receiving financial aid should meet with financial aid counselors prior to the student-teaching term to determine aid status. Student teaching ensures that graduates of the SMU teacher education program are better able to enter the teaching profession ready to meet the dynamic learning needs of today’s youth.

Interview and Student Teaching Review. Prior to assignment to student teaching, candidates are reviewed by the faculty to determine whether adequate progress has been made in order to assume responsibility for school-age students. Such factors as academic performance, maturity and a demonstrated sense of responsibility are among the factors considered. Students must have a 3.0 G.P.A. in all education courses before beginning student teaching.

Recommendation for Certification. Before the Office for Teacher Certification will recommend a student for certification, all requirements – 24 hours of coursework, six hours of a satisfactory student teaching or internship experience, and passing scores on two TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) – must be fulfilled. For Early Childhood-Grade 4, the two TExES tests include the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (EC-Grade 4) test and the Early Childhood-Grade 4 Generalist test. Students preparing for teaching in secondary schools must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES test for Grades 4-8 or Grades 8-12 and a TExES test in their content area.

TExES Preparation Seminar. The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) requires that persons seeking teacher certification take and pass the state-mandated TExES tests in the desired area(s) of certification. The SMU Office for Teacher Certification requires all students to take and satisfactorily complete the SMU TExES Preparation Seminar. In the rare instance where a student does not pass the TExES test, a faculty mentor may be assigned to help develop an individual plan of supplemental study to complement a second taking of the TExES Preparation Seminar.

EDUCATION COURSES

Early Childhood-Grade 4 Courses

EDU 2350. Educational Psychology.Application of psychological research and theory in educational settings. Topics include the learning process, individual differences among learners, motivation, the assessment of academic abilities, and successful classroom practice. (Prerequisite for all undergraduates.)

EDU 5121. Field Experience I.Field experiences coordinated with Early Childhood-Grade 4 courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken in first term of program.)

EDU 5122. Field Experience II. Field experiences coordinated with Early Childhood-Grade 4 courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken midway through program.)

EDU 5123. Field Experience III. Field experiences coordinated with Early Childhood-Grade 4 courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken in term prior to student teaching.)

EDU 5318. Formative/Summative Assessment. Explanation and practice of formal and informal assessment strategies and how assessment outcomes should inform instruction and be shared with families.

EDU 5327. Integrating Teaching and Learning.Review of the nature and design of educational activities: theory, research and practice of lesson planning for active learning that meets the needs of individual students.

EDU 5331. EC-4 Content Area Studies.Exploration of science, social studies, art, music, drama and physical education content for pre-kindergarten through 4th-grade students and effective teaching strategies for each content area.

EDU 5349. Student and Professional Development.Examination of issues facing teachers in establishing and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment; study of professional aspects of teaching, including ethics and professional growth.

EDU 5355. EC-4 Mathematics.Evaluation of mathematics learning materials and teaching methods focusing on knowledge and skills required for pre-kindergarten through 4th-grade students.

EDU 5357. Emergent Literacy.Examination of principles of literacy learning in young children and predictable stages of oral language, writing and reading development.

EDU 5358. Conventional Literacy. Introduction of theories, practices and materials for teaching reading/writing in primary grades.

EDU 5363/5364. Student Teaching.Requirement of a 15-week assignment in an elementary school that has a diverse student population; a weekly seminar meets on campus. (Six hours of credit.)

EDU 5385/5386. Internship I and II. Internship requirement of service as teacher of record in Early Childhood-Grade 4. (Six hours’ credit, two terms of supervision.)

Middle (Grades 4-8) and High School (Grades 8-12)

Courses and Certification Areas

EDU 5124. Field experience I. Beginning field experiences coordinated with MS/HS courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken in first term of program.)

EDU 5125. Field Experience II. Intermediate field experiences coordinated with MS/HS courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken midway in program.)

EDU 5126. Field Experience III. Advanced field experiences coordinated with MS/HS courses. Class meets on a school campus. (Usually taken term prior to student teaching.)

EDU 5315. MS/HS Formative and Summative Assessment. Examination of various formal and informal assessment methods and strategies specific to their content areas and levels of certification.

EDU 5335. Adolescent Development and Cognition. Focus on adolescent growth and development from an educational perspective. Emphasis is placed on the cognitive basis of changes in learning, motivation, academic performance, self-identity, morality and social relationships that take place during adolescence.

EDU 5336/5337. Integrating Teaching and Learning.Emphasis on unit and lesson planning with focus on alignment of objectives, assessment and class activities. Students examine methods for incorporating theory into practice, teaching for higher-level learning, student-centered instructions, TAKS and the role of the teacher in the learning process.

EDU 5348. Inclusive Classrooms in Urban and Multicultural Environments. Study of diversity, multicultural concepts and inclusion, and exploration of issues, policies and professional practice relevant to teaching in urban schools.

EDU 5366/5367. Creating Successful Classrooms. Examination of current research promoting student-centered teaching and constructivist practices, including a variety of effective teaching and learning practices.

EDU 5368/5369. Establishing the Learning Environment. Examination of issues facing teachers in establishing and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment; study of professional aspects of teaching including ethics and professional growth.

EDU 5371. Content Area Methods. Identification of teaching strategies specific to content areas and levels of certification; examination of current research promoting literacy instruction, such as ways to integrate reading, writing and oral language.

EDU 5373/5374. Student Teaching. Requirement of a 15-week assignment in a middle/high school that has a diverse student population; a weekly seminar meets on campus. (Six hours of credit.)

EDU 5375/5376. Internship I and II. Internship requirement of service as teacher of record in any of grades 4 through 12. (Six hours credit, two terms of supervision.)

Elective Education Courses
(Do not meet state requirements for teacher certification)

EDU 1110. Oracle. Oracle is a one-term, one-credit-hour course that counts as a University free elective. Designed to improve reading and learning efficiency, Oracle is directed to first-year through graduate students who want to acquire advanced reading and learning techniques. Its content is developed from the educational theories and techniques on which both learning and teaching are based.

EDU 1305. Public Speaking and Communication. Public Speaking and Communication is a basic course that acquaints students with principles of successful public speaking and provides activities that lead to the development of good speaking, listening and organizational skills.

EDU 2101. Practicum Leadership. A unique leadership experience that gives students a laboratory for assessing learned concepts and skills about leadership. Course content includes discussions on empowerment, public speaking, ethics and citizenship.

EDU 2102 Practicum Leadership. One-hour credit for a minimum of 15 clock hours practicum either on campus or in the community. Prerequisite: must have completed EDU 2101.

EDU 2355. Literacy and Society (Elementary and Secondary Sections). A structured service learning opportunity that fosters academic growth, citizenship, leadership and civic responsibility. Readings and course activities relate to the relationship between literacy and society. Throughout the term, students tutor either local elementary or secondary school students, as well as complete related assignments. All literacy classes require field experiences in local schools.

EDU 3301. The Art and Science of Parenting. An examination of the literature pertaining to parenting. Students consider how parental beliefs, attitudes and expectations affect the manner in which parents interact with their children.

EDU 4300. Foundations of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Development and analysis of lesson plans in all content areas using TESOL competencies, emphasizing language concepts, acquisition, teaching and assessment strategies, and the role of culture in language acquisition.

EDU 5310. Civic Leadership. Individual and community transformation, resulting from civic leadership, will be examined in the classroom and experientially though a required community-service component occurring outside the classroom.

EDU 5343 (CCPA 5301). Leadership Theories and Practices. Examination of the theories and skills necessary for the development of effective leadership. It includes opportunities for evaluating leaders and leadership behavior in a variety of contexts.

Additional Information

For further information regarding SMU’s teacher preparation opportunities, contact the Office of Teacher Education, Southern Methodist University, 415 Clements, P.O. Box 750455, Dallas, TX 75275-0455; 214-768-1311; or visit www.smu.edu/teacher_education.

Institutes

The Institute for Reading Research

Professor Patricia Mathes, Texas Instruments Foundation
Endowed Chair for Reading Research and Director

Established in 2002, the Institute for Reading Research is dedicated to the promotion of reading skills through research in the areas of reading acquisition and progress in children at-risk for failing to learn to read, children with mild to moderate mental retardation, and children who are either bilingual or who speak Spanish exclusively in the early primary grades. In service to this mission, the institute conducts and disseminates cutting-edge research related to reading and reading disabilities, language acquisition, and teaching and learning. It provides leadership on a local and national level through the publication of research manuscripts, curricula and coursework packages, and through the delivery of staff development workshops. It provides leadership training to future educators, researchers and statisticians through applied experiences in the execution of large-scale, field-based research while also being committed to the delivery of programs and activities that serve the reading enhancement needs of the community at large.

The institute was made possible, in part, through the support of the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation, which endowed the faculty chair and directorship of the institute, a position presently held by Dr. Patricia Mathes. The TI Foundation has long been active in creating and funding programs that address the needs of academically at-risk children at the most critical points in their education.

In its first two years of operation, the institute and its collaborating faculty sought and received nearly $10 million in external funding for various research studies. The initial funding allowed for the creation of a data center designed for the management and analyses of large sample size (n) studies through the application of leading-edge technology. Likewise, the institute has quickly gained national recognition as members of its faculty disseminate findings at national venues and collaborate with “sister” research centers, including the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR), the Texas Center for Reading and Language Arts (CARS), the Texas Center for Academic and Reading Skills (TCLRA), and the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES).

Gifted Students Institute

Associate Dean and Senior Lecturer Katherine Hargrove, Director

Dedicated to the support of the cognitive and affective development of gifted youth, the Gifted Students Institute offers a range of programs and services for educators and gifted youth and their families.

The institute offers the Distinguished Lecture Series, which comprises one-day sessions that integrate theory and practice and which are delivered by guest speakers from the SMU faculty and public and private learning institutions throughout the country. The institute developed and administers the school’s Gifted Education certification program for educators. Serving pre-college gifted students, the institute offers the Talented and Gifted (TAG) and College Experience programs.

Service Centers

The Diagnostic Center for Dyslexia and Related Disorders

The Learning Therapy program administers The Diagnostic Center for Dyslexia and Related Disorders, which was established in response to a community need for services that evaluate individuals for learning disorders related to reading acquisition and comprehension. Dyslexia is involved in most disorders of this type, which include developmental spelling disability, developmental auditory imperception, dysgraphia and dysphasia. The center is dedicated to providing comprehensive initial and follow-up evaluation services and appropriate medical, psychological and educational referrals and recommendations to children, adolescents and adults who are at risk for dyslexia.

Comprehensive initial evaluation services are available to individuals who exhibit symptoms of dyslexia. Based on the evaluation results, the center helps these clients secure appropriate remediation and/or accommodations (e.g., a time-modified SAT or ACT) and provides medical and psychological referrals if warranted.

Re-evaluation services are available to individuals who have previously been diagnosed with dyslexia but require a follow-up evaluation and diagnosis in order to continue receiving remediation and/or accommodations. Again, the center provides clients with appropriate recommendations and assistance in securing accommodations.

Mediation Clinic

Mediation Services are available to parties involved in a dispute. Alumni and current students of the Dispute Resolution Program who have completed at least 200 training hours serve as volunteer mediators.

Parties may use SMU Mediation Services either before or after a lawsuit is filed. Parties may contact SMU directly to arrange a mediation, or if a lawsuit has been filed, a judge may order mediation and appoint SMU Mediation Services. Parties have an equal say in the mediation process and the settlement terms. The mediator has no authority to impose a settlement, and there is no determination of guilt or innocence in this process. Both sides are able to exchange information, express expectations and propose solutions for reaching a resolution.

The mediator facilitates this process by helping the parties communicate clearly and appropriately. Most mediated settlements are completed in one meeting, saving time and expense. Legal or other representation is permitted in the mediation, but is not required. An agreement reached in mediation can be binding to both parties. If no agreement is reached, the lawsuit continues or is filed. However, the mediation process is strictly confidential and settlement discussions cannot be used as evidence in any future court proceeding. Both parties pay a minimal fee.

Lifelong Learning Programs

Informal Courses. These courses of varying lengths address different cultural, scholarly, personal, and professional topics. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/informal.

Creative Writing Workshops. Creative writing instructors, noted authors, and publishers lead noncredit writing workshops. Selected participants are invited to submit manuscripts for review by New York literary agents, editors, and publishing houses. Additional information is available at www.creativewriting.smu.edu.

International Languages. Noncredit language-conversation courses typically include Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/informal.

Graduate Test Preparation. Study courses for the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT are offered throughout the year. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/testprep.

Certificate Program in Financial Planning. SMU offers a certification in this fast-growing professional field. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/cpfp.

College Experience (offered through the Gifted Students Institute) allows a small and carefully chosen group of highly motivated and academically able high school students to get a head start on college and a taste of campus life through SMU credit opportunities available during the summer; www.smu.edu/ce.

Talented and Gifted (TAG) (offered through the Gifted Students Institute) provides intellectual challenges and cultural and social learning experiences to academically accelerated students completing the seventh, eighth, or ninth grade. TAG is a summer opportunity that offers both credit and noncredit courses; www.smu.edu/tag.

Academic Enhancement offers a variety of workshops for students ages 5 through 18. Workshop topics include study skills, reading, test preparation, math/science, vocabulary, and writing. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/read.

Summer Youth Program offers one- and two-week special-interest enrichment workshops throughout the summer in the areas of technology, computers, multimedia, writing, art, math, science, literature, gaming, the Internet, study skills, leadership, and social skills. Additional information is available at www.smu.edu/SummerYouth.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT