Degree Requirements
This degree option allows students without teaching credentials to prepare for initial teacher license while also preparing for Minnesota English as a Second Language licensure.
| Standards of Effective Practice |
23 cr. |
| ESL Courses |
27 cr. |
| Master's Completion Courses |
5 cr. |
| Total |
55 cr. |
Standards of Effective Practice: 23 cr.
Students may take ESL560 or ESL570.
EDUC511 Educational Measurement and Assessment: 5-12 (2 cr.)
The purpose of this course is to help students understand and apply assessment theory to real-world situations. Appropriate practices for the construction, analysis, and interpretation of teacher-made and standardized assessment instruments are examined. Methods of monitoring student progress, evaluating student work, and grading are practiced through a variety of student activities.
EDUC515 Foundations of Education (2 cr.)
This course emphasizes historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education. Students examine connections between theory and practice on topics within these contexts. Topics include today's students, teachers, school systems, teacher effectiveness, current issues, school reform, and professionalism. Throughout the course an emphasis is placed on communication skills and reflective practice in teaching.
EDUC517 Learning, Development, and Exceptionality (3 cr.)
This course examines the concept of learning through the cognitive, social-emotional, moral, and physical development stages of learners. Principles of teaching and learning are developed in the context of learning theory, teacher effectiveness, learner differences, and building a positive classroom climate. Students engage in the central question: What do highly effective teacher leaders know, think, and do with respect to learning, development, and learner differences?
EDUC525 Curriculum and Instruction: Grades 5-12 (4 cr.)
This course prepares 5-12 pre-service teachers to incorporate current research-based instructional strategies and learn how to effectively build a positive classroom climate at the middle/high school level. Students learn to effectively incorporate standards into unit development, design daily lesson plans that align with standards, and construct assignments that support diverse learners. An emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate practices and meeting the diverse needs of learners. Middle and secondary school philosophy, classroom management, motivation, and student developmental differences are examined.
EDUC534 Technology in the Classroom: 5-12 (2 cr.)
This course is designed to prepare future teachers to utilize 21st century technology tools in and out of the classroom to improve student learning opportunities. Pre-service teachers learn how to engage with the current technologies for instruction, identify multimedia tools to support student learning, and become familiar with tools of technology that can be used to communicate effectively with parents and students.
EDUC565 Human Relations, Cultural Diversity, and American Indian Culture (2 cr.)
This course provides a general introduction to human relations, cultural diversity, and Indian cultures as these concepts relate to teaching and learning in the K-12 classroom. Emphasis is placed on providing the students with additional knowledge, expertise or skills in creating a classroom learning climate conducive to supporting differences in cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender backgrounds. Special emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding of Minnesota and Wisconsin Indigenous cultures.
EDUC570 Professional Capstone/Portfolio (2 cr.)
This course provides teacher education candidates completing the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) with mentoring in a largely self-directed experience. The experience is designed to assist teacher education candidates in integrating their professional identity along program-based dimensions of theory and practice. Reflection and consolidation of personal understanding is accomplished through planning, instructing and engaging students, assessing student learning, and critical reflection of student learning and teaching. This course also addresses professionalism and continued professional development for teachers.
ESL560 Student Teaching (6 cr.)
While working closely with a cooperating teacher, the student begins to assume the role of teacher in an actual classroom setting, gradually becoming fully responsible for planning, organizing, and teaching lessons, maintaining a conducive learning environment, and becoming acquainted with school routines and practices. The pre-service teacher is expected to demonstrate development of professional dispositions of a well-organized, effective, and reflective instructor. Teacher candidates student teach for a semester in an area school. Mastery of the Minnesota State Standards of Effective Practice is expected by the end of student teaching.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Create learning experiences utilizing central ESL concepts, tools, of inquiry to make English language learning meaningful for learners.
- Apply knowledge of how students learn and develop in order to provide learning opportunities that support a student's intellectual, social, and personal development.
- Create instructional opportunities that are adapted for learners of diverse backgrounds and exceptionalities.
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
- Facilitate learning environments the encourage learners' positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom through effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication.
- Plan and manage instruction based upon knowledge of the English language and language learning principles, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
- Utilize formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of learners.
- Reflect on effects of choices and actions on others, including learners, parents, and other professionals in the learning community.
- Interact with stakeholders to support student learning and well-being.
ESL570 International Student Teaching (6 cr.)
While working closely with a cooperating teacher, the student begins to assume the role of teacher in an actual classroom setting, gradually becoming fully responsible for planning, organizing, and teaching lessons, maintaining a conducive learning environment, and becoming acquainted with school routines and practices. The pre-service teacher is expected to demonstrate development of professional dispositions of a well-organized, effective, and reflective instructor. Teacher candidates student teach for a semester in a school located outside of the United States. Mastery of the Minnesota State Standards of Effective Practice is expected by the end of student teaching.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Create learning experiences utilizing central ESL concepts, tools, of inquiry to make English language learning meaningful for learners.
- Apply knowledge of how students learn and develop in order to provide learning opportunities that support a student's intellectual, social, and personal development.
- Create instructional opportunities that are adapted for learners of diverse backgrounds and exceptionalities.
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
- Facilitate learning environments the encourage learners' positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom through effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication.
- Plan and manage instruction based upon knowledge of the English language and language learning principles, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
- Utilize formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of learners.
- Reflect on effects of choices and actions on others, including learners, parents, and other professionals in the learning community.
- Interact with stakeholders to support student learning and well-being.
ESL Courses: 27 cr.
ESL600 Foundations of Language and Literacy Development (1-3 cr.)
This course explores the theoretical and scientific underpinnings of literacy development as a basis for developing effective K-12 reading programs. Major topics include knowledge of the relationships between spoken and written language, the historical evolution of English, processes of reading, motivational aspects, stages of reading, spelling, and writing development, and major historical and current instructional approaches and programs for literacy development. Qualitative and quantitative research regarding literacy acquisition and applications to designing balanced reading programs are addressed. This course is also an applied introduction to the study of linguistics as it relates to the teaching of English to non-native speakers. It is divided into language as a system (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics), the social factors affecting language acquisition and development, and the relationship of learning English to that of learning other languages.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Evaluate how limited English proficiency affects learning. C1, SMU2, (K)
- Analyze the differences between literacy development in the first language and the second language, and the implications for teaching second language learners. E1, SMU4, (K)
- Apply basic linguistic concepts. G1, SMU6, (K, A)
- Outline the features of English including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. G2, SMU6, (K, A)
- Relate knowledge of English to other languages. G3, SMU6, (K)
- Summarize the history and development of the English language. G4, SMU6, (K, A)
- Apply educational principles relevant to the physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development of children, preadolescents, and adolescents. K1, SMU9, (K, A)
ESL601 Second Language Acquisition (3 cr.)
This course addresses major topics of second language acquisition, including the processes of first and second language acquisition; the similarities and differences among child, adolescent, and adult language acquisition; the developmental progression of students with limited English proficiency; and methods, techniques, and program models for second language instruction.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Analyze the processes of first and second language acquisition. H2, SMU7, (K, A)
- Compare the similarities and differences among child, adolescent, and adult language acquisition. H1, SMU7, (K, A)
- Assess the developmental progression of students within the range of individual variation of students with limited English proficiency in a given learning context. B3, SMU1, (K, A)
- Evaluate how limited English proficiency affects learning. C1, SMU2 (K, A)
- Integrate both language learning and subject matter content for student success in an academic setting. C2, SMU2 (K)
- Create and apply strategies for second language instruction. SMU1
ESL602 Language and Culture (3 cr.)
This course focuses on the concepts and skills needed to develop cultural understanding of and communication with speakers of other languages. The impact of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, regional, and gender differences in the classroom is examined. Various strategies to involve non-English speaking families in the school community are considered.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Evaluate how limited English proficiency affects learning.
- Analyze differing cultural practices and how these differences may affect the way students learn.
- Design communication strategies with parents within the larger sociocultural framework of which the school is a part.
- Identify how the student's environment, including family circumstances, community systems, and health and economic conditions, may influence learning.
- Relate knowledge of English to knowledge of other languages.
- Characterize the cultural and social differences reflected in the United States' cultural pluralism.
- Interpret the sociolinguistic dynamics of the cultures of the United States.
- Analyze how cultural, linguistic, ethnic, regional, and gender differences affect communication in the classroom.
- Connect students' schooling experiences with everyday life, the workplace, and further educational opportunities.
- Involve representatives of business, industry, and community organizations as active partners in creating educational opportunities.
ESL603 Reading Instruction for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners (1-3 cr.)
This course focuses on the concepts and skills needed to develop literacy programs for students who differ in how they acquire literacy because of language, learning, and/or cultural differences. Three major strands are featured: (1) selection and teaching of literature that reflects the diversity of American classrooms and promotes global understanding; (2) fostering literacy in children who come from non-mainstream cultures; and (3) literacy for English Language Learners (ELL/ESL) and for those with special learning characteristics. Gender differences in literacy acquisition are also explored.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Analyze the differences between literacy development in the first language and the second language, and the implications for teaching second language learners. E1, SMU4, (K, A)
- Design strategies to develop communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as an important contributor to academic success across the curriculum. E2, SMU4, (K)
- Outline the features of English, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. G2, SMU6, (K)
- Relate knowledge of English to other languages. G3, SMU6, (KA)
- Analyze how cultural, linguistic, ethnic, regional, and gender differences affect communication in the classroom. I3, SMU8, (K)
ESL605 Reflective Language Teaching (3 cr.)
This course focuses on the development and practice of competencies for teaching in the elementary and secondary classroom. The three areas of emphasis are 1- planning, implementing, and evaluating learning in the school environment; 2- critical reflection, monitoring, and adjustment of professional practice; and 3- observation and understanding of administrative and instructional policies and procedures.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Reflect on language learning and teaching experiences and their influence on personal teaching philosophy. A (K, A)
- Adopt appropriate learning materials and adapt teaching strategies to meet the second language needs of students with limited English proficiency in a school setting. B2, SMU1, (K, A)
- Plan with other professionals to improve the quality of educational services provided to students with limited English proficiency. D4, SMU3, (K, A)
- Incorporate communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as an important contributor to academic success across the curriculum. E2, (K, A)
- Use a variety of communication techniques, verbal, nonverbal, and multimedia, and other technology-based resources that enhance student learning. E3, SMU4, (K, A)
- Apply educational principles relevant to the physical, social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development of children, preadolescents, and adolescents. J1, (K, A)
- Apply the research base for and the best practices of kindergarten and primary, intermediate, and middle level and high school education. J2, SMU9, (K, A)
- Apply the standards of effective practice in teaching students through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences with kindergarten and primary, intermediate, and middle level and high school students within a range of educational programming models. J8, SMU9, (K, A)
ESL606 Methods Instruction for English Language Learners (3 cr.)
This course covers historical, recent, and innovative methods, theories, and models of instruction for English language learners. Instructional design approaches for listening, speaking, reading, and writing consider culture, language and educational backgrounds, individual differences, and English level. Emphasis is on teaching English through academic content and collaboration with mainstream staff.
Upon completion of the course students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Use multiple forms of instructional approaches to address different learning styles, background experiences, and performance modes of English language learners (ELLs). B1, SMU1, (K, A)
- Adopt appropriate learning materials and adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of ELLs in a K-12 school setting. B2, SMU1, (K)
- Plan with other professionals to improve the quality of educational services provided to ELLs. D4, SMU3, (K)
- Compare the differences between literacy development in the first language and the second language, and the implications of these differences when teaching ELLs. E1, SMU4, (K)
- Design strategies to develop communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as important factors in academic success across the curriculum. E2, SMU4, (K)
- Apply a variety of communication techniques when teaching and use verbal, nonverbal, multimedia, and other technology-based resources that enhance student learning. E3, SMU4, (K)
- Develop curriculum goals and purposes based on the central concepts of ESL. J3, SMU9, (K)
- Apply instructional strategies and materials to achieve student understanding and learning. J3, SMU9, (K)
- Align district, school, and department mission and goals in program planning. J4, SMU9, (K, A)
- Formulate plans to involve representatives of business, industry, and community organizations as active partners in creating educational opportunities. J4, SMU9, (K)
- Apply the standards of effective practice in teaching students through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences with kindergarten and primary, intermediate, and middle level and high school students within a range of educational programming models. J8, SMU9, (K)
- Evaluate research on English language learning.
ESL607 School and Community Collaborations for English Language Learners (3 cr.)
This course includes a clinical experience for application of best practices for K-12 education for English language learners, including content-based methodologies, communication skills in curricular and co-curricular learning experiences, and involvement of the community as active partners in creating educational opportunities and programs.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Connect both language learning and subject matter content as essential to student success in an academic setting.
- Design strategies to develop communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as important factors in academic success across the curriculum.
- Apply the research base for and the best practices of kindergarten and primary, intermediate, and middle level and high school education.
- Develop curriculum goals and purposes based on the central concepts of English as a second language and know how to apply instructional strategies and materials for achieving student understanding.
- Formulate plans to involve representatives of business, industry, and community organizations as active partners in creating educational opportunities.
- Create co-curricular and extracurricular activities in the teaching and learning process.
- Apply the standards of effective practice in teaching students through a variety of early and ongoing clinical experiences with kindergarten and primary, intermediate, and middle level and high school students within a range of educational programming models.
ESL608 Writing Instruction (3 cr.)
This course focuses on the concepts and skills needed to develop strong writing programs for students who differ in how they acquire literacy because of language and/or cultural differences. Major topics include exploring the history of the English language; strengthening students' use of academic language (including grammar, usage, mechanics, style); writing for varying purposes and audiences across content areas; deepening the understanding of the role of technology in writing; and formal and informal assessment of writing.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Understand a variety of methods, techniques, and program models suitable for second language instruction with diverse learners, including adapting existing materials to meet the needs of the students with limited English proficiency.
- Demonstrate an understanding of communication instruction in the second language context and the importance of developing communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing across the curriculum.
- Understand and use formal and informal second language assessment techniques to determine appropriate placement and to evaluate the progress of students with limited English proficiency.
- Understand the contributions of general and applied linguistics to second language education.
ESL620 International Perspectives and Principles of Second Language Teaching (3 cr.)
This course focuses on international perspectives of English language teaching, the ways the English language has been impacted by modern globalization, and principles of English language instruction in worldwide contexts. Major topics include sociocultural and sociolinguistic issues and pedagogical implications, the impact of global perspectives of English as an international language, World Englishes, and underlying implications of trends in international beliefs about English language teaching.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of using multiple forms of instructional approaches to address different learning styles, background experiences, and performance modes of English learners. (B1)
- Articulate how cultural practices may differ and how these differences may affect the way students learn. (D1)
- Describe how the students' environment, including family circumstances, community systems, and health and economic conditions, may influence learning. (D3)
- Explain the limitations of using traditional assessment procedures in the identification and placement of English learners in academic programs, including gifted and special education programs. (F2)
- Apply formal and informal second language assessment tools, including item and test construction methods appropriate for English learners. (F1, F3)
- Consider basic linguistic concepts and features of English, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics as they relate to the second language classroom. (G1, G2)
- Relate knowledge of the English language and its history and development to other languages. (G3, G4)
- Articulate how cultural and social differences are reflected through cultural pluralism in the United States. (I1)
- Identify specific examples of how cultural, linguistic, ethnic, regional, and gender differences affect communication in the classroom. (I3)
Master's Completion Courses: 5 cr.
ESL614 Contemporary Immigrant Literature (1 cr.)
This course explores contemporary writings about and by immigrants adjusting to life in American society. Common themes include struggles with dual identities, feelings of helplessness and re-entry to childhood, homesickness, experiences with prejudice, and difficulties with learning English and gaining employment. Genres include contemporary fiction, memoir, ethnographic studies, picture books, film media, and journalistic accounts.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Analyze the unique needs of individuals immigrating to the United States, particularly those without English language fluency and transferable job skills.
- Compare and contrast the integration experiences of people immigrating from different cultural and economic groups.
- Develop a framework for assessing the assimilation status of adult English learners and their needs for themselves and their children.
ESL617 Researching Critical Issues of English Language Learners (2 cr.)
In this course ESL master's degree candidates integrate their knowledge of current practices and policies in education of English learners with an understanding of historical and contemporary underlying immigration issues in American society. Candidates choose a topic of interest to research in depth to demonstrate their ability to evaluate the role of schools as organizations within the larger community and the political context for integration of English learners in American society. This course includes an overview of research topics, including data collection, analysis, research ethics, as well as a focus on the following methodologies: action research, narrative inquiry, survey research, case studies, ethnographies, and discourse analysis.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Synthesize current policies regarding services to English learners with knowledge of past and current trends.
- Demonstrate the value of critical thinking and self-directed learning.
- Develop research questions or hypotheses related to policies that impact services to English learners.
- Create a written research proposal.
- Write a literature review investigating a particular ESL topic.
- Use APA style correctly.
ESL618 Research Paper and Presentation (2 cr.)
This course involves continued instruction on the fundamentals of ESL research-writing and further exploration of the student's individual research topic. Each student develops the ESL 617 research proposal into a full-length 3-chapter thesis proposal, and delivers and defends an oral presentation on the thesis proposal.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:
- Organize an academic research paper.
- Investigate a particular ESL topic, using appropriate research methodology and data collection techniques.
- Produce a final draft of an academic thesis proposal.
- Deliver an oral presentation on thesis proposal.
- Defend methodological choices on thesis proposal.
