EDAD.5200 Issues and Trends in Curriculum and Instruction
This course examines contextual issues and current trends school and district leaders should consider when implementing local, state and/or nationally adopted standards and curriculums. Standards and curriculums will be examined by evaluating the structure and content of the curriculum, the effectiveness of the delivery system, its overall alignment with the school system's learning priorities, and the corresponding teacher professional development. Effective instructional design that supports differentiation, integrates learning and child development theories, and proven "best practices" will be emphasized. The course seeks to instill a mindset that instructional leaders must come from a base of teaching excellence. An action research project will provide a valuable learning opportunity to apply research-based practices to support an identified school or classroom-based need.