MAT 500        Orientation to Professional Education

A general survey of the American education system and its place in American society.  Upon completion of this course, candidates will be able to demonstrate understanding of: 1) the foundation underlying the development and organization of public education, including its purposes, administrative organization, financial aspects, broad functions and operations, professional ethics, conduct, rights and responsibilities; and 2) the structure of the financial support of the Montana school systems.

MAT 530        Multicultural Education

Upon completion of this class, candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding and respect for a broad range of cultural expression, to incorporate that knowledge in a sensitive and humane manner to promote understanding among people of differing economic, social, cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, and religious backgrounds, and to develop a classroom social climate that values diversity.

MAT 544        Instructional Technology

The application of computer technology to instruction is emphasized.  Topics include:  teacher productivity elements, internet applications;  and the use of software for instruction.  Teacher productivity is emphasized, and applications are extended to assessment.  Sources and resources for instruction utilizing technology are applied.  Macintosh and IBM computers are used in this course.

MAT 561        Introduction to Exceptionalities

This course is a foundation course which introduces the student to the various exceptionalities and provides an opportunity to observe first-hand in the school setting the procedures and practices in the education of individuals with disabilities.  Various forms of diversity are studied along with how exceptionalities affect families.  The federal mandate to provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children and adolescents with disabilities is closely reviewed.

MAT 584        Coginitive Psychology Applied to Learning

Current development and cognitive theories are analyzed and their application to instruction is developed through an active learning environment.  Psychological principles of instruction are identified and applied to assessment, planning, and development of instruction.  Critical motivational concepts and the psychology of individual differences are also examined and applied to instruction.

MED 600        Educators as Researchers

The course emphasizes the role of a research consumer. Fundamental research designs are examined and applied to reading research studies. The role of the teacher as a researcher is examined and applied. Students plan and complete research component. The scholar will learn to apply research design and concepts in a classroom setting.

MAT 615        Assessment of Learning

The major purpose of this course is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of the use of assessment in understanding student achievement.  The course has been designed to familiarize students with the various purposes of assessment and the types of assessment used in school settings to document academic achievement.

MAT 625        Teaching Reading in the Content Area

Techniques and materials particularly suited to the instruction on the secondary level will be learned and examined.  Upon completion of this course students will demonstrate: 1) recognition of the need to plan instruction based on the reading and literacy strengths of individual learners rather than emphasizing weaknesses: 2) recognition of fluent integration of text information and reader knowledge;  and 3) use of reading strategies.

MED 645        The K-12 Curriculum

Current curriculum trends and applications are examined. Elements of developing curriculum are oriented to classroom learning and system wide curriculum development. Assessment of curriculum is analyzed and applications are developed. The scholar will learn to apply effective assessment concepts in a school setting.

MED 649        Current Issues in Education

Current and recent issues in learning and instruction are clarified and examined. The scholar will learn to analyze and apply relevant issues in a school setting.

MAT 670        Secondary Teaching Procedures

This course will emphasize best teaching practices employed in secondary and middle schools.  Areas covered include planning lessons, writing objectives, classroom management, discipline, instructional strategies, interdisciplinary methods, creating a positive and supportive classroom environment, and school curriculum including state standards.

MAT 682        Pre-professional  Integrative Experience

This course will provide the students with pre-professional experience in a school setting prior to the internship.  The initial portion of this class will consist of 24 hours of classroom instruction followed by 60 hours of school placement.  Once in a school, the student will assist the mentoring teacher with planning and instruction.  Through this experience the student will demonstrate knowledge of classroom activity, procedure, and the relationship of classroom structure in the school setting.  Professional development and professional ethics will be emphasized during this experience.

MAT 695        Secondary Internship

This experience will provide the intern direct daily contact with students in a teacher/pupil relationship under the guidance of a classroom teacher and a university supervisor.  Complete planning and management responsibilities will be carried out with mentoring teacher’s guidance.  The dispositions and professional responsibilities, of the professional teacher will be demonstrated during this experience.
Prerequisite:  Admission to the internship through application.