Middle Grades Curriculum and Methods – EDUC 676

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

An overview of the current issues and trends in the field of middle grades teaching and curriculum.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to provide a knowledge base concerning issues and trends in the field of middle grades teaching, specifically in the area of curriculum. Candidates should have a sound knowledge base of middle grades curriculum terminology and issues, a plan to effectively implement and assess middle grades curriculum, and should begin to develop a network with other educators in the field to discuss and make recommendations concerning instructional and curricular issues at the middle grades level.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

There will be 4 Discussions throughout this course. The candidate is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each forum. Each thread is to be 300 words (except for Discussion: Lesson Plan Instructional Design) and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150 words.

Middle School Needs Analysis

The candidate will complete a chart that depicts the different developmental, cognitive, social, etc., needs for middle grades students. Then, the candidate will address strategies to meet the needs in each.

Lesson Plans (2)

The candidate will complete 2 Lesson Plans in this course. The candidate will construct the first lesson plan addressing how to teach listening skills within his/her content area. The candidate will construct the second lesson plan incorporating course information regarding inclusion, grouping, and gifted populations within his/her discipline and reflect on how needs are met for each.

Restructuring the Curriculum

The candidate will write a 4–5-page paper in current APA format that focuses on evaluating and restructuring a middle school curriculum. The paper must cite 3–5 references in addition to the class textbooks and the Bible.

Assessment of Learning

The candidate will create a chart comparing traditional and authentic assessments. He/she will give 5 examples of each type of assessment and include the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Management Plan

The candidate will create a management plan for promoting a positive middle school environment, outlining specific strategies. There must be a citation for each strategy from at least 2 sources.

Community Involvement Plan

The candidate will develop a plan to engage parents and caregivers in the students’ educational experience. He/she will address obstacles including cultural considerations, diversity, and incorporating his/her biblical perspective. The candidate must include 1 example of how to implement ongoing communication with caretakers, include 5 ways parents can be involved in student learning, and write up a parent teacher conference plan. Additionally, he/she must suggest 3 topics for a parent-education presentation for middle school grades. The plan must include at least 2 scholarly references.