Course Overview

The goal of effective classroom management is the accommodation of learning so all students exhibit growth.  The reality, however, is that there are always factors and situations that interfere with that goal.  Even the most experienced and dedicated educators must remain vigilant to knowing how to respond to the diverse challenges of today's students.

This course, designed as a follow-up practicum, affords educators with the opportunity to build on the pre-requisite understandings and strategies and thus to expand management expertise to a more sophisticated level.  The framework integrates theory and practice as educators research, evaluate, and apply diagnostic, prevention, and intervention strategies to challenges they are experiencing in their professional practice.   The ultimate goal is for these educators to be increasingly informed as advocates who are positioned to provide support for the diverse learning needs of all students within the most encouraging and least restrictive environment. The research component of the course affords the opportunity to investigate the literature and ground management decisions in a greater body of knowledge.  The coaching component affords each participant with the opportunity to gain insight from the collaborative support of instructors and professional peers.

The instructional component augments and clarifies understandings explored in the pre-requisite course.  The application component affords the opportunity to design specific action plans for short-circuiting and re-directing inappropriate behavior and thus for reinforcing a management framework that is focused on accommodating student learning. The scope of the class sessions is defined by the needs and goals of participants.   The curriculum is built around the specific challenges participants bring to the course experience.  Thus, the curriculum is personalized and negotiated within the parameters of the learning outcomes, course topics, and rubric descriptors.

Learner Outcomes

The learner outcomes of this course are designed to conform to standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education.  To view the standards applicable please click State Standards.

As a result of this course, participants will be able to:

•    Create and defend an integrated diagnostic, prevention, and intervention plan that exhibits specific accommodations for redirecting inappropriate behavior patterns, supporting the plan with reference to the literature.

•     Integrate augmented understanding of the basic principles and strategies of Responsibility Education into one's professional practice so as to support the diverse needs of students.

•    Facilitate the resolution of conflicts within a variety of frameworks, demonstrating effective prevention, intervention, problem-solving, and communication skills.

•    Create an action plan that exhibits augmented classroom management understandings and applications relative to identified challenges.