10 courses for Inclusion Specialist (30 credits)

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Required Core Course:

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Educational Research and Evaluation (3)​

This course engages students further in understanding and examining the theories, methods, and paradigmatic frames of educational research through a biblical lens. It prepares students to read and critique qualitative and quantitative educational research and learn how to use data appropriately to support educational and organizational decision-making.

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Pathways to Inclusion: Re-examining Beliefs about Learners (3)​

In any learning community, educators must be prepared to create a learning community that meets the needs of students with a variety of differences in ability, gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and more. Through this course, participants will examine the needs of learners with differences in school contexts, and re-examine commonly held beliefs and practices about identity and difference with the goal of developing inclusive learning communities. The course will specifically focus on linguistic differences, language development, and literacy as they support or impede the inclusion of all learners in educational contexts.

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Flexible Core Courses: Choose 2 from 3

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Framing Questions, Global Forces, Constraining Structures (3)​

This course will examine key issues surrounding the nature of a good society, the ways in which the global community affects education, and how schooling gets structured by politics and economics. It will use the faith-based frames of justice and hope in connection with shalom and the kingdom of God to investigate formal education in light of its political, economic, social, and religious contexts. Students will investigate foundational questions around teaching, learning, curriculum, and language as well as structural issues of social class, gender, ability, and race.

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Leading Educational Communities: Communication (3)

This course prepares professional educators to understand and analyze discourse as it shapes educational activity. Teaching and learning communications are shaped and made meaningful by culture, language, mode and circumstance; as well as ideology and power. The ability to analyze communication as discursive prepares participants to examine educational activity settings, assess them for equitable participation, and design them for more effective and just educational practice.

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Reshaping Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (3)​

The dynamic relationship between curriculum as content and as process, between what is to be learned and the instructional practices used to organize and mediate it for students, is at the heart of educational practice. This course focuses on the theory and practice of curriculum and pedagogy, examined in terms of both the perspectives that shape them and the ways in which they serve or fail to serve all learners. Issues addressed include the concept, purpose, and social context of curriculum; the historical perspectives that influence current and future directions; the relationship between curriculum and instruction; and the issues and practices related to assessment and instructional technology.

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Concentration-specific Courses: 

 

Designing Instruction for Successful Learning (3)​

This course will explore critical strategies for successful inclusive teaching practices that support all learners. Educators will refine their understanding of culturally responsive educational design as they research accessible curricular programs and evidence-based practices for successful learning. Emphasis will be placed on locating and evaluating the quality of instructional programs or practices, planning with Universal Design for Learning, and exploring faith-based perspectives to promote inclusion. An ongoing curricular design project will allow educators to develop units or professional learning opportunities informed by inclusive programs and practices.   

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Foundations of Special and Inclusive Education (3)​

This course explores the historical, legal, and policy foundations of special education and inclusive schooling. Emphasis is placed on special education policy and its role in shaping inclusive practices from early childhood to post-secondary education. Candidates will gain expertise in collaborative decision-making, special education referrals, eligibility determination, and the provision of services to students with disability. Coursework encourages reflection on the intersection of Christian values with educational policy. Through case study, students will evaluate existing practices and programs and formulate an advocacy-driven improvement plan for inclusive education.

 

Building and Sustaining Inclusive Culture (3)​

This course will prepare educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to build and sustain inclusive school culture. Course content and assignments emphasize ways to develop inclusive and culturally responsive programs and practices that support social inclusion and belonging. Educators will explore inclusive educational frameworks along with current social, emotional, and behavioral interventions. An ongoing inquiry project will allow educators to analyze and evaluate programs and practices shaping social inclusion and belonging in an educational setting. The inquiry project will culminate in the development of an action plan to promote inclusive culture.

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Free Elective Courses:

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Students are required to take three approved elective courses, which include "Specialized Literature Survey." The purpose of these elective courses is to meet the diverse needs of students. They have to consult with their advisors, who will provide recommendations for selecting three elective courses that begin with the code EDUC, tailored to the levels and study purposes of their future professional development. Each elective course carries 45 to 60 hours of teaching and learning activities. 

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Specialized Literature Survey (3)​

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their chosen area of study and to specialize their focus through an extended program of reading, guided by an instructor. Students will negotiate with their instructor a program of 2,000 pages of reading (or equivalent) in their chosen area and evidence of engagement with this literature through written and oral reports.

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Remark

The course list will vary based on applicants' chosen concentrations, interests, levels of study, and future professional development goals. Upon admission, each applicant will have the opportunity to meet with their advisor to discuss a personalized course plan tailored to their specific needs and aspirations, while ensuring alignment with the overall course structure.

 

Please note that the course structure and offerings may be subject to revision by Lumina College and Calvin University without prior notice. For the most current information, we encourage you to contact us.