MEC - Professional Development

Courses:

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

CASES AND CONCEPTS IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
3 credits	EDLM 9010
A case study approach to problems, issues, and situations encountered in school administration, utilizing current managerial concepts and strategies leading to the exploration of alternative solutions to, and methods of, dealing with them. Emphasis is on reflective thinking and incorporation of pertinent research.
Mary Waight	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Wednesdays, Jan. 14 - Mar. 25	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
3 credits	EDLM 8005
This introductory course is designed to provide an overview of school leadership focusing on the philosophical foundations of education; the psychological traditions of learning processess; the legal parameters of the school as an institution within the society; the cultural environment of urban, suburban, and rural educational settings; and educational trends as indicated by current research and pertinent literature.
Diane Bemis	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 28	8:00am - 4:30pm
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THE PRINCIPAL: ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
3 credits	EDLM 9000
This course addresses the principles of effective leadership of schools, via the role of the principal, at the various leves or education. The focus is on the development of human, conceptual, and technical skills required of the school principal. Among these skills are decision-making, communicating, planning and implementing, organizing, staffing and recruitment, scheduling, public relations, evaluating, supervision, contract management, community relations, and other skills necessary to the position. The course is not designed to give one answer for all situations but rather the emphasis will be to enable class members to become knowledgeable of the many aspects of the principalship; and, therefore, to become clear, comprehensive thinkers, learners, role models, problem solvers, and leaders. Course assignments reflect the level of interest of the participants (elementary, middle, and high school.
Kristan Rodriguez	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 24	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE
3 credits	EDLM 8030
This course examines the financial and administrative aspects related to budgeting, accounting and financing at the local, state and federal levels. The student will acquire knowledge and skills in both resource acquisition and strategies for locating alternative revenue sources. Students will learn to allocate these resources efficiently and effectively.
James Picone	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Thursdays, Jan. 15 - Mar. 26	4:00pm - 7:45pm
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EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE

CURRENT TRENDS IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
3 credits	EXSS 6001
This course will investigate trends in health and physical education, with a focus on wellness instruction. A literature review of various curriculum constructs will be made pertaining to each field of study. The purpose of this course is for the learner to objectively evaluate the content, scope and sequence of these school-based programs using standards-based criteria reference and to promote essential change in the subject areas of health and physical education. National standards, state standards, curriculum frameworks, and school curriculums will be critically examined. This course will enable the learner to identify school district areas of need for curriculum redevelopment and to revise instruction.
Anthony Catalano	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Saturdays, Mar. 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4, May 2	8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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LEGAL ISSUES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
3 credits	EXSS 6000
In the areas of physical education and athletics, the words negligence, liability, and discrimination are legal terms we should be familiar with and understand. Today, litigation is abound in our society. There is an ongoing need to be educated in the areas of school-related safety and civil rights. This course will provide vital insights into the legal responsibility associated with physical education and athletics. Administrators, educators and coaches must be proactive to protect the well-being and individual rights of all students/athletes. Current school issues, policies and practices in the areas of physical education and athletics will be researched and discussed.
Anthony Catalano	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 28	8:00 am - 4:30 pm
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M.Ed. ELEMENTARY

ADVANCED SEMINAR IN REFLECTIVE PRACTICE AND ACTION RESEARCH*
3 credits	EDLM 8000
This work is the culminating work for candidates in the M.Ed. education programs who are seeking or already possess a professional license. It provides the candidate with the opportunity to implement, at an advanced level, educational concepts and practices gained through earlier courses and the course(s) being taken simultaneously through an action research project, (final course in M.Ed. Elementary Program).
Ronald Colbert	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica, Tewksbury PC Lab
Mondays, Jan. 12 - Mar. 30	4:00pm - 7:45pm
**Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC only), $15 Blackboard user fee. Students must register with the Merrimack Education Center no later than two weeks prior to the first class in order that access to Blackboard is established. < back >

ADVANCED SEMINAR IN CHILD-CENTERED ISSUES* ONLINE COURSE
3 credits	EDUC 8600
This specialized course in the Elementary Education program provides students with the opportunity to explore, discuss, and reflect upon a variety of child-centered issues. Background information for discussions will include child development research results concerning environments which support and enhance optimum development. Topics will include, but not be limited to, multi-cultural/multi-ethnic education, family-teacher partnerships, self-esteem research, mainstreaming, cognitive styles and creativity, the educator’s role with abused children, and educating from student strengths and interests. Online course mandatory meeting Jan. 26.
Ronald Colbert	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica, Tewksbury PC Lab
Monday, Jan. 26	4:00pm - 7:45pm
**Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC only), $15 Blackboard user fee. Students must register with the Merrimack Education Center no later than two weeks prior to the first class in order that access to Blackboard is established. < back >

ADVANCED STRATEGIES AND APPROACHES FOR TEACHING CRITICAL THINKING IN THE CONTENT AREAS*

3 credits EDUC 8650

This specialized seminar is an integrating course embracing all content area subjects in an elementary school curriculum. In particular, it will introduce candidates to the nature and scope of Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts in the elementary school. Candidates will investigate a variety of content models and curriculum programs while they explore theoretical foundations, practical applications, and current issues in the content areas. Strategies and modern techniques for effectively working with diverse populations of children and youth, including computer application in the various content areas, will be researched and emphasized. Candidates will demonstrate competencies by developing and demonstrating techniques and activities which illustrate how concepts and practices are learned in each module and how they relate to the needs of children and youth.

Margi Lanzoni

40 Linnell Circle, Billerica

*Fridays, Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6

*Saturdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7

4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

*Please note special scheduling
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CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND CURRICULUM FOR MULTI-NEEDS POPULATIONS
3 credits	EDUC 7228
This core course is designed to encourage candidates to think about the history and foundations of curriculum practice and issues related to diverse student populations. Particular emphasis will be placed upon: (a) rethinking personal assumptions, (b) considering alternative perspectives, (c) investigating current and emerging educational theories, practices, and issues, (d) designing and organizing curriculum and selecting teaching strategies which effectively create a learning environment that meets the diverse needs of students; and, (e) meeting the needs of children of poverty, children with special needs, and children of minority ethnic groups.
Daniel Leclerc	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 24	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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EDUCATIONAL GAMES: A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO LEARNING MATERIALS
3 credits	EDUC 6139
Both students and teachers enjoy educational games to infuse and reinforce educational strategies such as critical thinking, cooperative learning and outcome assessment. Whole class games - Jeopardy, Concentration, Wheel of Fortune, Bingo, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Smart Toss - will be featured. Hands-on sessions will give participants an opportunity to construct these games for any discipline. Games integrate Framework content and foster thinking skills. Pre-K-12.
Elizabeth Luz	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Fridays, Mar. 13, 20, 27 Saturdays, Mar. 14, 21, 28	4:00pm - 9:00pm 8:00am - 4:30pm
*Please note special scheduling < back >

LITERACY IN ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION*
3 credits	EDUC 8400
This specialized course in literacy education examines research and literature related to literacy development. Specific attention is focused on language development, reading/writing process, and on literature-based instruction. Classroom strategies and curriculum adaptations that enhance the learning and motivation of diverse learners, including those which integrate the Fine Arts, are presented, implemented, and appraised.
Claire Grant	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Mondays, Jan. 12 - Mar. 30	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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PLAY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATON: THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE
3 credits	EDUC 7190
This course is designed for early childhood educators and students of early childhood education who are interested in investigating play, the most important means that young children have in growing cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically, linguistically and kinesthetically. Theories of play, methods to enhance development through play and effective approaches to support young children’s play, as well as materials and resources, are explored.
Nancy Tyler Higgins	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Mondays, Jan. 12 - Mar. 30	4:00pm - 7:45pm
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QUALITATIVE READING ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS*
3 credits	EDUC 8200
This core course focuses on reading assessment through use of informal procedures, such as miscue analysis, metacognitive assessments, schemata assessments, informal reading inventories, and other teacher-initiated and designed assessment procedures. Additionally, the course emphasis is on teacher decision making and instructional planning based on qualitative analysis of reading and study strategies. *Prerequisite: Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Education
Gail Cahill	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Fridays, Apr. 3, May 1, 15 Saturdays, Apr. 4, May 2, 16	4:00pm - 9:00pm 8:00am - 4:30pm
*Please note special scheduling < back >

M.Ed. SECONDARY

ADVANCED METHODS OF TEACHING AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL*
3 credits	SEED 8000 BIOL 8000, ENGL 8000, ESCI 8000, HIST 8000, SCED 8000
Combines academic study with clinical practice and supervision. Theories and topics studied and demonstrated include learning styles, critical thinking, computer applications, and inclusive learning environments. Emphasis is placed on integrating culturally or linguistically diverse students and those with special needs. Interdisciplinary course development and implementation, student assessment, including portfolio assessment and writing, are studied for utilization across the curriculum.
Kevin O'Malley	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Mondays, Jan 12 - Mar. 30	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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CURRICULUM AND TECHNOLOGY
3 credits	SEED 8250 BIOL 8250, ENGL 8250, ESCI 8250, HIST 8250, SCED 8250
This course looks at integration of educational technology in the classroom, and its relationship to learning theories. MAC and IBM computer hardware, and interfaces for classroom inquiry including video and microscope cameras, digital image capture, scanners, and computer projection panels are examined. Students learn similarities between standard software programs available for writing, computation, and data analysis. It includes a survey of software for studies, ranging from Encyclopedias on CD-ROM to programs that are specific to the study of various topics in science, art literature, math, and, language. The class explores the use of the Internet as a classroom resource, the hardware and software necessary to get online, search engines, browsers, URLs, online journals, education web sites, online interest groups, and how to design a web page.
Daniel Leclerc	Tewksbury PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Thursdays, Jan. 15 - Mar. 26	4:00pm - 7:45pm
**Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC only), $15 Blackboard user fee. Students must register with the Merrimack Education Center no later than two weeks prior to the first class in order that access to Blackboard is established. < back >

INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING IN THE ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE*
3 credits	SEED 7015 BIOL 7015, ENGL 7015, ESCI 7015, HIST 7015, SCED 7015
This initial-level graduate course focuses on relating the curriculum frameworks in a discipline to the design of meaningful activities which require the application of critical thinking skills in engaging classroom instruction and student assignments. A broad range of contemporary issues facing teachers will be studied. Students will become familiar with differentiated and interdisciplinary instruction. In addition to using a basic textbook, the Internet will be a major source of content for the design of secondary-level student activities.
Michele Zide	Tewksbury PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Wednesdays, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 4, Apr. 8, 15	4:00pm - 7:45pm
**Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC only), $15 Blackboard user fee. Students must register with the Merrimack Education Center no later than two weeks prior to the first class in order that access to Blackboard is established. < back >

PROCESS WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM*
3 credits	ENGL 8076
Writing across the curriculum provides learners with the opportunity to investigate their own thinking as they go beyond the surface level of text or subject matter to arrive at meaningful connections and insights. Students investigate creative approaches to introduce current research journals into such areas as portfolios, audience, persona, and assessment. Working independently and in cooperative learning groups, participants immerse themselves in the reading/writing/thinking process, create their own portfolios, design mini-lessons, conduct research, and share their learning and thinking.
Margery Kimpton	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Wednesdays, Jan. 14 - Mar. 25	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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M.Ed. ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY
(please contact advisor for approval)

LITERATURE IN THE CLASSROOM: READERS, TEXT AND TEACHERS

3 credits ENGL 8070

This course examines the place of literature in today's middle and secondary school classroom. Using the Standards for the English Language Arts (NCTE and IRA) and the Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks as guides, we consider the choice of classic and contemporary literature for the whole class and individual reading, strategies for creating responsive and reflective readers of literature, and means of assessing student performance. The impact of new media and electronic technology on our thinking about literature, literature instruction, and the way people read is explored. Other topics include the application of multiple intelligence theory to the study of literature, the fostering of aesthetic experience of literature, ways of weaving women's literature and multicultural literature into the curriculum, and the teaching of Shakespeare. We experiment with and evaluate a variety of teaching approaches to engage students in active and critical response to literature. Class participants have the opportunity to develop teaching materials for use in their own classrooms.

Margery Kimpton

40 Linnell Circle, Billerica

Tuesdays, Jan. 13- Mar. 24

4:00pm - 7:45pm

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATOURS: ON-SITE EXPLORATION - RESOURCES FOR GENERATING WRITING ACTIVITIES ALIGNED WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS COMMON CORE OF LEARNING
3 credits	PDEV 6273
This course will offer participants the opportunity to visit historic sites and museums in order to gather creative ideas for constructing frameworks-oriented curriculum for all subjects and grade levels. A particular advantage of this class is that it will give teachers a working knowledge of each site with the assistance of the educational director in charge of school programs. Each day’s itinerary will generate lessons that call for inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and skillful writing. Our visits include the MIT Museum, the Longfellow House and its Brattle Street neighborhood including the Mt. Auburn Cemetery; Walden Pond with Thoreau impersonator and scholar, Richard Smith; Orchard House, The old Manse, and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery; the Fruitlands Museums; the Peabody-Essex Museum, the Stephen Phillips House; the Salem Customs House and the Friendship Cargo Ship.
Joanne Byrnes/Rita Dubin/Mary May	*Chelmsford High School
Saturdays, Mar. 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4 Tuesday, Apr. 7	8:00am - 4:30pm 4:00pm - 7:30pm
*Please note location and special scheduling < back >

EXCITING STUDENTS ABOUT SCIENCE USING SIMPLE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES (GRADES K-4) NEW
3 credits	PDMT 6000 level
Do you have science phobia? This course is designed to provide participants with simple hands-on science activities that can excite young minds about the sciences. You can make science fun while still meeting Massachusetts Science and Technology Framework standards. Participants will incorporate activities into lessons to be used during the semester and reflect upon the changes in attitudes for students and teacher as a result of implementation of these simple hands-on activities.
Kathleen Burnham	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Mondays, Jan 12 - Mar. 30	4:00pm - 7:45pm
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GRANT WRITING FOR EDUCATORS
3 credits	PDEV 6158
Rapid advances in technology, imperative social issues and a broadening world market are but a few of the changes that drive and shape education and shrink the education dollar. The opportunity to seek alternative funding sources becomes critical as school budgets are being stretched to their limits. Until recently, grant making has been underutilized in the educational arena. Yet, creative approaches to traditional funding sources open many doors for innovative ideas to be initiated and fulfilled.
Donna Georges	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 24	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm
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HOW TO REACH THE HARD TO TEACH: AN INSIDE LOOK AT SOME COMMON LEARNING DISORDERS
3 credits	PDEV 6615
This course is designed to provide both the inclusion teacher and the special educator with the basic tools and strategies to uncover and understand the causes and symptoms of some common learning disorders with a focus on the needs of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and, Depression. Participants will be presented with an overview of neurological characteristics that interfere with student performance, and offer some research based teaching strategies that support proactive, healthy, and productive learning environments.
Julie Kiricoples	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
*Saturdays, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 4	8:00am - 4:30pm
*Please note special scheduling < back >

IEP TEAM FACILITATION
3 credits	PDEV 6408
This course will focus on developing the skills vital for the effective management of IEP Team meetings and consensus building as well as provide participants with a review of the changes to IDEA relative to IEP Team participation. Participants will investigate new techniques and strategies with regard to planning and managing effective meetings, group dynamics and communication, managing difficult conversations, resolving conflicts and negotiation.
Carol Fredette	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 24	4:00pm - 7:45pm
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INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES IN TECHNOLOGY: “USING WEBLOGS AS TEACHING TOOLS”
3 credits	PDMT 6298
Weblogs and Blogging have enormous consequences and potential for educators. They promote media literacy; invite participation and encourage critical thinking, improve writing skills and facilitate evaluation. Blogs are one of the new Web tools that should be utilized by teachers of all content areas. The course is designed in such a way that each teacher will experience the richness of the Blogging world as a teaching tool, along with its many learning possibilities for their students. A portion of the course sessions will be held online at a virtual professional development community.
Eric Groves	Tewksbury PC Lab, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Tuesdays, Jan 13, Feb. 3, 24, Mar. 10, 24 *Jan 20, 27, Feb. 10, Mar. 3, 17	4:00 pm - 7:45 pm ONLINE SESSIONS
*Please note special scheduling < back >

INTEGRATING WEB 2.0 TOOLS IN THE CLASSROOM
3 credits	PDMT 6100
The internet is changing. The “new” internet is referred to as Web 2.0 or the Read/Write Web. There are now a multitude of web-based tools available that can allow people, to write online documents, and share information with others through social software like blogs and wikis and use video to support teaching. These tools can positively impact teaching and learning and the implications are significant. This course is designed to provide teachers with an overview of new internet technology tools (Web 2.0 tools, including Blogs, Podcasting, Wikis, RSS Skype, YouTube, TeacherTube, and more). This course will support differentiated instruction models of learning and can be applied to all grade levels and content areas (language arts, social studies, science, math, world language, music, special education, library/study skills, etc).
Eric Groves	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Saturdays, Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 28	8:00am - 4:30pm
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INTEGRATING WEB 2.0 TOOLS IN THE CLASSROOM
3 credits	PDMT 6100
The internet is changing. The “new” internet is referred to as Web 2.0 or the Read/Write Web. There are now a multitude of web-based tools available that can allow people, to write online documents, and share information with others through social software like blogs and wikis and use video to support teaching. These tools can positively impact teaching and learning and the implications are significant. This course is designed to provide teachers with an overview of new internet technology tools (Web 2.0 tools, including Blogs, Podcasting, Wikis, RSS Skype, YouTube, TeacherTube, and more). This course will support differentiated instruction models of learning and can be applied to all grade levels and content areas (language arts, social studies, science, math, world language, music, special education, library/study skills, etc).
Mary Marotta	*Nashoba Regional High School, Bolton, Room 222
Fridays, Mar. 20, Apr. 10 Saturdays, Mar. 21, Apr. 11 Sundays, Mar. 22, Apr. 12	4:00pm - 9:00pm 8:00am - 4:30pm ONLINE
*Please note location and special scheduling < back >

INTEGRATION OF HANDMADE BOOKS ACROSS ALL CONTENT AREAS K-12
3 credits	PDMT 6027
This course looks at the integration of handmade books in the classroom and its relationship to learning theories. Hands-on sessions will give participants an opportunity to construct these books for any discipline or grade level. In addition, participants will obtain an insiders view of the children’s book publishing process. Hand-crafted books integrate Framework content and foster critical thinking skills. Participants should have resources for their own content areas on hand in order to produce usable book prototypes.
Elizabeth Luz	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Fridays, Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6 Saturdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7	4:00pm - 9:00pm 8:00am - 4:30pm
*Please note special scheduling < back >

INTRODUCTION TO THE EARTH SYSTEM
3 credits	PDMT 6000 level
This course is designed for middle/high school teachers but, elementary teachers may benefit as well. This course gets participants to think about what the Earth system is, how it functions to create the physical world around us and how the nature sequence of learning opportunities improve students’ understanding of earth system science.
TBA	ONLINE
Jan. 28 - May 13 Jan. 28 (mandatory)	ONLINE 5:00pm, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
** Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC only), $15 Blackboard user fee. Students must register with the Merrimack Education Center no later than two weeks prior to the first class in order that access to Blackboard is established. < back >

PLANTS AND ANIMALS
3 credits	PDMT 6000 level
This is the second course in the Life Science Series and intended for elementary school teachers. It focuses on teaching and learning about how the structures and function of plants and animals help them meet their needs as living things.
TBA	ONLINE
Jan. 27 - May 13 Jan. 27 (mandatory)	ONLINE 5:00pm, 40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
** Blackboard Hybrid Course (FSC only), $15 Blackboard user fee. Students must register with the Merrimack Education Center no later than two weeks prior to the first class in order that access to Blackboard is established. < back >

PUPPET POWER IN THE CLASSROOM: UNLOCKING DOORS TO THE MIND
3 credits	PDMT 6175
This course will provide an overview of puppetry in education and how it can stimulate learning and provide a unique way to assess understanding of literature, social studies, multi cultural issues, and interpersonal relations. Teachers will learn how to construct a variety of puppets/masks, how to use them in an expressive way, and how to use them effectively in the inclusion classroom. Applicable for grades K-12, including special needs, bi-lingual and ESL.
Judith O'Hare	40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Fridays, Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6 Saturdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7	4:00pm - 9:00pm 8:00am - 4:30pm
*Please note special scheduling < back >