MLE-Middle Level Education   MLE300 The Middle School, an Overview Students examine how the unique developmental characteristics of the 10-14 year old young adolescent influences the philosophy and ideologies of middle level education and builds the foundation for the middle level schooling process. Emphasis is placed on the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, (PIESS) Plus (gender, cultural, moral, socio¡ economic) development of the young adolescent and the implications on living and learning. The class examines the developmental response to middle level best practices as it prepares the middle level educator for the multifaceted role as a facilitator, guide, collaborator, and advisor. Prerequisite: must be taken before MLE302, but can be concurrently with MLE302. 5 quarter hours   MLE302 Middle School Curriculum The emerging adolescents and how their unique developmental characteristics impact middle level curriculum is expanded. Curriculum approaches appropriate for middle level students based on knowledge of the unique developmental characteristics of young adolescents is enhanced. Practical aspects of parallel, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, integrated, core, student inquiry, and integrative curricula for middle-level classroom are examined as students develop strategies for teaching and learning in diverse classrooms.   The course also addresses the essential role of the arts and involves students in a variety of arts, mass media - technological experiences. Alternative assessments are examined as students develop strategies to apply and evaluate national, state, and local standards effectively. Collaborative partnerships among teachers, students, parents, and community are explored. Prerequisite: MLE300 or consent of instructor, but can be taken concurrently with MLE300. 5 quarter hours   MLE500 The Middle School: An Overview This introductory course provides an interactive classroom experience which models and examines the history and philosophy in middle level education with an emphasis on the development of the 10-14 year-olds' unique schooling needs. Emphasis is placed on the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, (PIESS) Plus (gender, cultural, moral, socio - economic) development of the young adolescent and the implications on living and learning. The class examines relationships between the developmental characteristics of young adolescents, young adolescent culture, and middle level educational best practices, and prepares the middle level educator for the multifaceted role as a facilitator, guide, collaborator, and advisor. 3 semester hours   MLE502 Middle School Curriculum This course explores curricula approaches appropriate for middle-level students. Practical aspects of parallel, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, integrated, core, student inquiry, and integrative curricula for middle-level classroom are examined. Students develop strategies for teaching and learning in diverse classrooms. The course also addresses the essential role of the arts and other special classes and involves students in a variety of arts, mass media - technological experiences.   Alternative assessments are examined. Students develop strategies to assess curriculum programs and student learning, with respect to national, state, and local standards and evaluate effectiveness of curricula approaches, using information from students, parents, and community. Prerequisite: MLE500. 3 semester hours   MLE506 Middle Level Coherent Curriculum I In this course students study curricular models appropriate for young adolescents. The practical aspects of discipline based, parallel, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and integrative curriculum for the middle level classroom are examined. Students develop lesson plans and units in teacher teams based on young adolescent issues and questions. Content skills, learning strategies, National Middle School Association standards, and middle level state standards are integrated to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students will examine published materials and analyze the components of effective materials. Emphasis is at the classroom and team level, as students develop strategies for differentiating instruction and assessment in diverse classrooms. 3 semester hours   MLE508 Middle Level Coherent Curriculum II In this course students develop strategies to assess curriculum programs and students' learning, within their school settings, and with respect to national, state and local standards. Students develop skills to evaluate effectiveness of curriculum approaches using information from students, parents, and community. Alternative means of assessment are investigated as appropriate aspects of middle school curriculum that address the needs of diverse learners and special needs learners. Students examine the larger context of middle level curriculum and the articulations between middle level and the elementary and high school levels in districts. Prerequisite: MLE 506 3 semester hours   MLE510 Issues of Equity and Cultural Diversity in Middle Level Education In this course students are challenged to examine their own views of culturally diverse populations and their perceptions of gender and special needs students as they develop and assess curriculum and work with young adolescent students. Students explore laws and regulations of equity, current, historical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, and physiological influences that young adolescents, men/women, boys/girls, and diverse populations experience. Curricular materials and programs are examined to determine if bias is evident or implied. Students create a philosophy of non-violent curriculum with their young adolescent students so each middle level student can recognize harassment, effectively respond and help create a safe learning environment. 3 semester hours   MLE512 Teaching Media/Technology Popular Cultural Literacy for Middle Level Students This course provides an in-depth study of the essential role of media/technology and popular cultural literacy for middle school students. The course helps to inform middle level teachers of resources available and involves the students in a variety of media and technological experiences and research of popular culture. This course provides a historical perspective of the status of children in society and the impact of media and technology on the young adolescent. Students develop skills for exploring popular culture and teaching media literacy, critical thinking and consumer education that engage students in proactive media consumerism consistent with middle level goals. 3 semester hours   MLE514 Connecting Middle Level Schools with Families and Communities III In this course students examine the collaboration of families, teachers, community resources and middle level students in the meaningful education of young adolescents. Students learn about the resources in their schools and their communities and how they need to work together to assist students and families. Students conduct research, interviews, and field experiences that contribute to an understanding of building strong communities for young adolescents. Students volunteer twenty hours in an identified community agency that works with the young adolescent population. 3 semester hours   MLE516 Integrative Arts at the Middle Level This course highlights the essential role of the arts for middle school students and informs prospective middle level teachers of resources available to integrate arts experiences into their classrooms. The course will provide opportunities to investigate local arts organizations and curriculum projects that have been successful in middle schools. Students will actively experience art activities that are appropriate for middle level students and which are consistent with middle level curriculum goals. 2 semester hours   MLE524 Advocacy/Advisory Skills for the Middle Level Teacher This course is designed to assist students in developing practical advocacy skills that address the needs of young adolescents (PIESS+) to be implemented in all middle level classrooms. Students examine current research concerning needs of young adolescents and also explore successful programs and strategies that enhance meeting the diverse needs of young adolescents. Students develop strategies and skills in facilitating advocacy programs that promote life-skills which promote positive health practices, problem-solving techniques and effective communication skills with their classmates, families, teachers and friends. Students implement strategies in their own classrooms, analyze the results, and share their findings. 2 semester hours   | ACE | ACL | AHA | AHC | AHE | AHG | APL | CCD | CCL | CIC | CIG | CIH | CIL | CIN | CIS | CIT | CIW | CSI | DEE | ECE | EDL | ELE | EPD | EPS | ESL | ESR | FND | HSA | HSC | HSD | HSG | HSM | HSP | HSS | IDS | INT | LAA | LAE | LAH | LAM | LAN | LAP | LAS | LAT | LAU | MBA | MGT | MHA | MHE | MLE | RLD | RLL | RLR | RLW | SCE | SEC | SPE | TIE |