Summer 2021 Open Enrollment Begins March 9th

Course Registration Form (pdf)

Contact Us

Have a question, need some information? Just contact us. We’re generally open Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm (EST).

Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
Theo Kalikow Education Center
186 High Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7502
fax 207-778-8134
TYY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711
gradstudies@maine.edu

M.A. in Counseling Psychology

  • PSY 555 Practicum

M.S.Ed in Early Childhood Education

M.S.Ed in Educational Leadership (Core)

M.S.Ed in Special Education (Core)

M.S.Ed in Mathematics Education (Core)

  • EMA 502

Administration

English Language Learning

Gifted and Talented Education

Math Intervention Specialist

Special Education Administration

Systems of Student Support

Special Education and SPARC

Course Descriptions

ECH 500 Early Childhood Education in Today’s World

Participants in this course will investigate the current field of inclusive early childhood care and education from the perspectives of leadership, advocacy, policy and research. This course serves as a foundation for the M.S. Ed. Program, as students develop goals for their professional growth. Using a socio-ecological model, the contexts of the environments that surround childhood in the 21st century will be identified and explored. Students will explore current issues in early childhood by reading and understanding research on a selected topic in early childhood.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Accepted in MS Ed in Early Childhood program, or permission of program Director
Instructor: Patty Williams
Format/Location: UMF Blended
Dates/Days/Times: May 10 – June 13, 2021
Face-to-face class on Saturday May 15th from 9:00am-3:00pm. Online synchronous class meetings on May 26th and June 9th from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Class Number: TBA


ECH 506 Language and Literacy in the Early Years

This course will concentrate on the development of literacy concepts in young children ages B-8 in informal and formal settings. Using a constructivist theoretical approach, the course will embed and integrate early literacy development across curriculum areas and throughout the daily environments of young children. Current research and national and state literacy standards on early literacy will be linked to philosophy and practice. This course fulfills 3 of the 6 credit requirements towards the language, literacy, and literature content area for the Maine state Birth-5 081 teaching certificate.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Accepted in MS Ed in Early Childhood program, or permission of program Director
Instructor: Kathryn Will
Format/Location: Online with synchronous class meetings.
Dates/Days/Times: May 31 – July 4, 2021.
Synchronous online meetings June 5th and 19th from 8:00am-10:00am.
Class Number: TBA

ECH 534 Advanced Program Administration and Leadership

Participants in this course will investigate the current field of early childhood care and education from the perspectives of leadership, advocacy, policy, and research within inclusive settings. Students will compare and contrast leadership models and styles, while delineating the differing roles and ethical responsibilities of leaders and managers. Building on their professional experiences in the field and previous coursework in program administration, this course will help students examine major components of administration including supervision and professional development of staff, relationships with families and the community, advocacy for the program and the field, professional accreditation, and applying research findings in the field.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Accepted in MS Ed in Early Childhood program, or permission of program Director
Instructor: Deborah Chase
Format/Location: UMF Blended
Dates/Days/Times: June 21 – July 25, 2021.
Online synchronous class meetings June 30th and July 14th from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Face-to-face class meeting on July 24th from 9:00am-3:00pm
Class Number: TBA


EDU 502 Second Language Acquisition

This course examines second language acquisition (SLA) theories and research as they apply to English Language Learner (ELL) teaching and learning. Key questions include: What is language? How are first and second languages learned? What are SLA theories and how do they compare to first language acquisition (FLA) theories? What are various disciplinary approaches to SLA research? What are key trends and findings in SLA research? How are SLA theories and research applicable to ELL materials, methods and practices?

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: TBA
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


EDU 514 Exploring Maine Through Children’s Literature

Using children’s literature as the foundation, PreK-8 educators will develop their understandings of place-based instruction situated within the context of Maine. As educators engage in experiential learning, they will link key scientific concepts to literature; connect with the natural world around them; consider its history and natural resources; and gain an understanding of techniques that can be used to bring learning to the outdoor environment.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: TBA
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


EDU 527 Using Data for Teaching/Learning in Support of All Students in Mathematics

Participants will examine data collection as a catalyst for systematic and continuous improvement in mathematical instruction and student learning. Data analysis will be used to set goals for each student, monitor student progress, and to design appropriate instructional strategies to address students’ learning needs. Through case studies, participants will critically examine and develop action plans for students. Data will be used to initiate conversations regarding access and equity to high quality instruction for all students.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Victoria Cohen
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


EDU 550 School Law for Administrators

This course is a survey of the legal bases of public education in the United States and of contemporary legal issues and cases affecting the practice of school administration. Although the primary objective is to acquaint the student with the legal principles governing public education in the nation and the State of Maine, special attention will be given to those topics of school law that are, or should be, of immediate concern to the practicing school administrator. These topics include: state laws affecting the administrator, student rights, teacher rights, teacher dismissal, collective bargaining, compulsory education, curriculum, tort liability, student records, employment discrimination, and special education. The student also will be afforded the opportunity to pursue and discuss topics and issues in school law, which are of particular interest or personal concern.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Paul Knowles
Format/Location: Online with synchronous class meetings.
Dates/Days/Times: May 15-July 16, 2021.
Online Synchronous class meetings Saturday, May 15th, June 12th, and July 10th from 8:30AM – 2:30PM.
Class Number: TBA


EDU 551 Changing Educational Organizations in a Diverse World

This course is about understanding schools as organizations and how to change them to improve learning for all. It draws on literature about organizational behavior, culture, change, leadership, learning organizations and professional learning communities. It is designed to promote critical thinking about and planful action toward creating schools that are true learning organizations. The course begins with an overview of diverse models of organizations and moves to a focused examination of culture and its impact on organizational behavior. Frameworks for understanding organizational change and resistance to change are then explored, followed by critical examination of leadership capabilities and skills necessary to lead successful school change efforts, including shared vision, inquiry-based use of data, and broad-based involvement and collaboration.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Mary Callan and Sally Beaulieu
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


EDU 583 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment I: Development and Planning for Digital Age Learners

This course focuses on current research and best practice in the area of curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment techniques. Participants will learn about a range of planning models that will inspire the creativity and innovation necessary to provide rich and powerful learning experiences and environments for every student. This course motivates participants to support colleagues in engaging students authentically in their own learning. An integral part of this course will be the development of a critical stance related to current practices in the design of curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Accepted in M.S. Ed. in Educational Leadership program or permission of instructor

(Section 001)
Instructor: Meredith Swallow
Format/Location: Online with synchronous class meetings.
Dates/Days/Times: June 28 – August 6, 2021.
Online synchronous class meetings on Tuesdays, June 29th, July 13th, and July 27th from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Class Number: TBA

(Section 002)
Instructor: Meredith Swallow
Format/Location: Online with synchronous class meetings.
Dates/Days/Times: June 28 – August 6, 2021.
Online synchronous class meetings on Tuesday, June 29th, and Wednesdays July 14th, and July 28th from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Class Number: TBA


EDU 585 Cultivating Ethical Leadership

This course is designed to cultivate ethical leaders at the classroom, school, and district level who are prepared to influence system transformation. Using student-generated and case study scenarios participants will engage in reflective practice to develop their ethical leadership capacity. Participants will collect data; reflect on the role of local context; and the importance of building relationships with a variety of stakeholders to advocate for student learning.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)EDU 584 or permission of instructor
Instructor: Monique Poulin
Format/Location: Online with synchronous class meetings.
Dates/Days/Times: June 28 – August 6, 2021.
Online Synchronous class meetings TBA.
Class Number: TBA


SED 504 Collaborative Partnerships Among Individuals with Disabilities, Families, and Professionals

This course focuses on collaboration and teaming strategies among individuals with disabilities, their families, general and special educators, school psychologists, paraprofessionals, and other related service providers in inclusive school and community settings. Assignments and activities require application of teaming and collaboration skills. Participants will also conduct research on collaborative interactions in school and community-based services. Course projects involve co-teaching, staff development, and problem-solving situations.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: TBA
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


SED 505 Universal Design

This course introduces students to the concept of universal design for learning (UDL) and instructional technologies that provide educators with effective ways to create flexible methods, materials, and assessments to reach diverse learners. A focus will be on how to support students with a range of abilities to access the general education curriculum across content areas.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Hillary Gold-Thwaitfowles
Format/Location: Online
Dates/Days/Times: May 17 – July 2, 2021
Class Number: TBA


SED 506 Assessment in Special Education

This course examines assessment practices for children and youth from 3-20 years and provides a variety of hands-on experiences in using various assessment approaches including observations, curriculum-based measurement, and standardized instruments. This course includes opportunities to construct and use both formative and summative assessments, emphasizing the links between pre-assessment, program planning and instruction, and monitoring progress. Each student will work with a focus child or youth in their area of specialization to gain practice in constructing, evaluating, and implementing informal assessments, evaluating formal assessments and interpreting assessment information for other educators and parents. Each student will build skills and knowledge in increasing cultural competence related to assessment practices. During this course, we also will explore a variety of current issues including universal design, test accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: TBA
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


EDU 582 Research Methods in Education

This course is designed to introduce educators to different methodological frameworks in educational research and become more familiar with a range of research designs and practices. Participants will select an area of inquiry and begin an in-depth analysis of the research on this topic

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Accepted in MS Ed in Educational Leadership or Special Education program, or permission of Director of Graduate Programs in Education

Instructor: TBA
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


SED 507 Curriculum and Instructional Programming for Students with Disabilities

Students will explore basic principles of curriculum development and instructional programming for students with disabilities. Students will focus on how to develop clear instructional goals and objectives for Individual Education Plans and then how to construct daily instructional programs to accomplish these goals and objectives. Students will explore current theory and practice regarding direct instruction as it applies to teaching reading and related skills.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Heidi O’Leary
Format/Location: Online
Dates/Days/Times: June 21 – August 20, 2021
Class Number: TBA


SED 511 Mathematics Instruction for Students with Disabilities

This course, for practicing teachers, focuses on methods and strategies for introducing mathematical concepts to children and youth with disabilities, preschool through high school. Issues of concern, major curriculum thrusts, such as the Common Core State Standards, Maine Early Childhood Learning Guidelines, promising practices, methods to differentiate instruction, linking instruction and assessment, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology are addressed in this course. Approaches for children of different age levels from preschool through secondary are included. Students will select course projects appropriate for the setting or grade level in which they work.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Kathryn Desjardins
Format/Location: Online
Dates/Days/Times: June 21 – August 2, 2021
Class Number: TBA


SED 518 Special Education Law 

This course will provide prospective and practicing educators and school administrators with a working knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and regulations related to students with disabilities. Laws and regulations pertaining to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Maine special education regulations, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act will be discussed. Major course topics include Special Education eligibility and IEP development, student discipline, and curriculum access. The historical significance and practical application of laws affecting students with disabilities in school will be emphasized. In particular, the focus of the course will be on making effective educational decisions for students with disabilities.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Brian Cavanaugh
Format/Location: Online
Dates/Days/Times: June 21-July 30, 2021
Class Number: TBA


SED 519 Assistive Technology

This course introduces students to assistive technology (AT). Course participants will investigate the use of assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities. A range of technology will be examined from “low tech” devices that are inexpensive or easily modified to “high tech” devices that are expensive. Evaluation approaches, determination of appropriate uses of assistive technology, and funding will be explored. Methods and strategies for implementing assistive technology with students who require varying levels of support across settings and ages will be a primary focus.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Hillary Gold-Thwaitfowles
Format/Location: Online
Dates/Days/Times: July 5 – August 20, 2021
Class Number: TBA


SED 533 Teaching Critical and Creative Thinking in Gifted Programs and Classroom Settings

This course prepares teachers to increase the levels of critical and creative thinking in their classroom teaching. Topics include critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem solving in education in regular classrooms, arts or music classrooms, and in the education of gifted students. Participants will learn about assessment of critical thinking and creativity; social and cultural practices which facilitate or inhibit critical and creative thinking; and classroom practices which stimulate or inhibit critical and creative thinking in students and in teachers. Specific research-based classroom strategies will be taught.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Instructor: Leigh Ann Fish
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA


SED 598 Inclusive Education Reform: a Social Justice Approach to School and Systemwide Reform

This course will explore how educators (teachers and administrators) can establish an inclusive vision and advocate to create a school or systemwide plan for equitable and excellent learning for all students. We will examine historical, legal, practical and theoretical perspectives on the culture and systems of special education and inclusive schooling. Students will study the research, issues, and outcomes from school leaders and educational researchers committed to advancing equity, social justice, and inclusive school reform. By the end of the course, students will have a deep historical, theoretical, and ethical understanding of inclusive school reform, as well as experience with practical tools, analysis, and applications to seek, create, and sustain equitable schools, especially for marginalized students.

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Enrollment in Graduate Certificate in Special Education Administration, or Master’s in Special Education, or Permission of Instructor
Instructor: Kate MacLeod
Format/Location: Online with synchronous class meetings.
Dates/Days/Times: June 21 – August, 2021

Online synchronous class meetings meetings on Wednesdays June 23rd, July 7th, July 21st, August 4th, and August 18th from 9:30am- 11:30am.
Class Number: TBA


SED 599 Advanced Inclusive Education: Gaining Access to Inclusive Education and Community

Term: Varies This course will explore the collaborative and instructional methods necessary for implementing inclusive education for students with disabilities. Students will learn practices and processes for inclusive teaming and co-teaching, strategies for empowering and including families and peers in support for students with disabilities, processes for creating inclusive schedules, instructional methods 55 and adaptation tools for supporting students with disabilities in the general education setting, writing and implementing inclusive IEPs, and techniques for developing positive and inclusive behavior supports. Students will also have the opportunity to learn from practicing educators, inclusion facilitators and directors of special education and be guided on how to advocate for, maintain, and expand inclusive practices and programs

Prerequisites: (All students must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.) Students will have completed at least 9 of 15 credits from the following UMF courses: SED 518 Special Education Law, SED 598 Inclusive Reform, SED 551 Advanced Intervention Methods, SED 505 Universal Design for Learning and Curriculum Access, EDU 551 Changing Educational Organizations in a Diverse World
Instructor: TBA
Format/Location: TBA
Dates/Days/Times: TBA
Class Number: TBA

Contact Us

Have a question, need some information? Just contact us. We’re generally open Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm (EST).

Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
Theo Kalikow Education Center
186 High Street
Farmington, Maine 04938
tel 207-778-7502
fax 207-778-8134
TYY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711
gradstudies@maine.edu

Mailing address:
Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
111 South Street
Farmington, Maine 04938