ADE Approved Local Courses

The Arkansas Educational Television Network and the Arkansas Department of Education provides to the Arkansas educators the following 35 courses for no charge to you.

Instructional Strategies

INST180: Differentiated Instruction for Middle School Students (Grades 6-8):
Meet the needs of all your middle school students with techniques to differentiate content, activities, and assessments. Discover methods for pre-assessment and strategies for tiered activities. Throughout the course you'll work on your final project: a differentiated instructional unit that meets your local standards of learning.

INST335: Constructing a Learning � Centered Environment (Grades K-12):
This course uses a constructivist teaching model so you can experience this approach firsthand. You will have the opportunity to examine your role as a teacher and that of your students in the legacy model, while reflecting on how these roles may differ from your initial perceptions. You'll become familiar with the principles of constructivism including student-centered, inquiry-based learning, and problem-based learning.

INST125: Building Critical Thinking Skills for Online Research (Grades K-12):
Put 21st century skills into practice as you help students get the most from their online research by encouraging their critical-thinking and information literacy skills. Explore different information search process models and strengthen your own online research skills. Create an Internet-based model for teaching your students where to find information, how to evaluate it, and how to apply it to their tasks.

INST315: Teaching for Multiple Intelligences (Grades K-12):
Discover the advantages of teaching methods that engage multiple intelligences and explore ways to implement them. You will also learn to teach and assess students differently based on their individual intellectual styles.

Instructional Technology

TECH325: Searching and Researching on the Internet (Grades K-12):
This course surveys the tools and background needed to use the Internet successfully as a research tool in the classroom. Practice different methods of Internet research and learn to apply them effectively and efficiently. Review the ethical and legal issues that may arise when using these new tools in the classroom. Use your new skills and knowledge to search the Internet for appropriate lesson materials to help you build a resource library.

TECH180: Communicate and Collaborate Online (Grades K-12):
Explore tools for Internet-based communication and collaboration, such as e-mail, chat and discussion boards, newsgroups and listservs, and video conferencing. Examine collaborative projects that can be done in the classroom using these tools. Design a lesson plan for a collaborative project.

TECH340: Evaluating and Organizing Internet Resources and Content (Grades K-12):
Explore methods of evaluating the different types of material available on the Internet and learn how to judge if it is appropriate for use in their classrooms. Examine some of the social and ethical issues that arise when using the Internet. Critically evaluate the content of several Web sites.

INST130: Utilizing Technology in Creating Problem Based Curriculum (Grades K-12):
When teachers help them to develop problem solving skills, students have the freedom, confidence, skills, and imagination to develop and structure their own learning experiences. Learners need to learn how to state problems, pose questions, find answers, and ultimately to see learning as a continuous interaction with their world. The use of technology can facilitate and enhance this process.

Mathematics

MATH410: Seeing Math�: Linear Functions (Grades 6-12):
Discover a fresh approach to teaching linear functions through the use of real-world problems that generate varied approaches and solutions. Learn how multiple representations and solutions strengthen students' understanding of functions, equations, and problem solving.

MATH430: Seeing Math�: Proportional Reasoning (Grades 6-12):
Discover techniques to successfully guide your students through the critical transition from elementary mathematics and computing to the more complex, proportional thinking of algebra. Adapt problems from your curriculum to different learning styles using graphing, multimedia technology, and other strategies. You will also become familiar with assessment techniques that distinguish between true proportional reasoning and the appearance of understanding.

MATH445: Seeing Math�: Quadratic Equations (Grades 6-12):
Move beyond tried-and-true quadratic equation teaching techniques and look at the big picture: what the results reveal, how to interpret them within the context of a problem, and how to find related information. Manipulate the three symbolic forms of a quadratic function in order to inspect and predict shape, orientation, and location, and connect graphic and symbolic representations.

MATH435: Seeing Math�: Quadratic Functions (Grades 6-12):
Learn high-impact modeling and problem-solving techniques to teach quadratic functions. Learn how to use multiple representations - tables, graphs, and symbolic expressions - as powerful tools to model physical situations and predict patterns.

MATH415: Seeing Math�: Transformations of Linear Functions (Grades 6-12):
Learn how to help students grasp the symbolic representations of functions, while representing families of linear functions in multiple formats. Observe and discuss videos of students to gain insight into student thinking and explore strategies to address their misconceptions. Acquire interactive software and activities to use in the classroom that demonstrate the link between symbolic forms of linear functions and graphical forms.

MATH440: Seeing Math�: Transformations of Quadratic Functions (Grades 6-12):
Work with families of quadratic functions to help your students understand what makes a function quadratic. Explore the information conveyed by polynomials, vertex and root forms, and assist students in shifting between object and process viewpoints. As a final project, you'll create a lesson plan or action plan applying the strategies learned.

MATH165: Enabling Students with Special Needs to Succeed in Math Class (Grades 4-8):
Make mathematics accessible and understandable for all students, including those with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates equity so that, whenever possible, students with disabilities learn in the same classrooms and with the same curricula as their peers. In this course, you will learn how to adapt your own curricula and work with special needs teachers to help your students succeed in the classroom. As your final task, you will develop a plan that builds accessibility strategies into your daily teachings.

MATH425: Seeing Math�: Systems of Linear Equations (Grades 6-12):
Uncover each step in the solution process as you learn ways to help your students master the skills they need to answer questions like these: "What does it mean to solve a system of linear equations?" and "What do all of the procedures used to solve such systems have in common?"

MATH226: Ready to Teach Fractions: Part 1 (Grades 4-6):
Unlock the mysteries surrounding children's struggle with fractions. Through the work of the Rational Number Project (RNP), you will begin to view fraction number sense as an extension of whole number sense, and become familiar with the Lesh Translation Model, while reviewing learning theory. Explore how using manipulatives to help children develop mental images of fractions (rather than algorithms) boosts understanding. As the cornerstone of this course, the practical and research-based RNP fraction curriculum will be made available for classroom implementation.

MATH231: Ready to Teach Fractions: Part 2 (Grades 4-6):
Build on the understanding you gained in Ready to Teach Fractions Part 1, the prerequisite course focused on developing meaning for fractions and working with concrete models for equivalent fractions. In Part 2, you'll learn more about the Rational Number Project (RNP) philosophy for addition, subtraction, multiplications, and division concretely and meaningfully. As the cornerstone of this course, the curriculum will provide you with instructional activities to help students operate with fractions involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ready to Teach Fractions Part 2 is an ideal "next step" to help students overcome the fear of fractions.

MATH270: Developing Algebraic Thinking in Grades 3- 5 (Grades 3-5):
Help your 3rd- to 5th-graders think algebraically by learning strategies for incorporating algebra in your classroom. Explore the algebraic content in your current teachings and develop a connection between algebra and mathematics.

MATH236: Patterns and Relations: Algebra Concepts for Grades 1 -5 (Grades 1-5):
Teach your students how algebra connects to patterns and relationships, by incorporating manipulatives, technology, problem-solving activities, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards into your algebra curriculum.

MATH126: Ahead of the Curve: Exponential and Other Functions for Grades 6-8 (Grades 6-8):
Help middle school students function with functions. Study strategies for teaching exponential functions and growth, and solve a range of mathematical problems to understand the underlying mathematics of functions. Collaborate with peers online to find ways to recognize and address students' misconceptions. Create a lesson plan that prepares students for the type of function problems they will encounter in your curriculum.

MATH150: Making Comparisons with Data Analysis for Grades 6- 8 (Grades 6-8):
Get the inside track on what data analysis concepts your middle schoolers understand and where they are likely to struggle. Discover concepts that are integral to making comparisons, including distribution and measures of spread, measures of center, graphic representation and interpretation, and communication of data-based conclusions. For your final assignment, you'll design a sequential two-lesson unit that incorporates the instructional practices explored in this course.

MATH455: Seeing Math�: Data Analysis (Grades 6-12):
What do the measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode) tell you about the data? Teach your students how to answer that question and encourage them to look beyond calculations and individual data points. Explain how the measures are related to the whole set and see the data as an aggregate; help students perform higher-order statistical thinking.

Reading/ Language Arts

RDLA135: Teaching Reading in Mathematics (Grades 3-12):
Effective reading skills are critical for student achievement in mathematics. Learn and share strategies to help struggling students sort ideas, understand text organization, connect text to mathematical concepts and operations, and tackle challenging reading content. This course aligns with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Communication Standards.

RDLA150: An Introduction to Underlying Principles and Research for Effective Literacy Instruction (Grades K-8):
Meet NCLB's requirements for research-based literacy and reading instruction by analyzing in-depth studies of the use of phonemic awareness, phonics, and word recognition to develop the skills required for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and fluency, and gain independence.

RDLA340: Teaching Reading Across the Content Areas (Grades 3-12):
You can master new strategies to address students' needs in various grade levels. From exploring environments that promote effective learning to examining the skills students need to read content material successfully, this course will introduce you to essential techniques that support more independent reading and learning. You'll identify opportunities for your students to access prior knowledge, set a purpose or target for reading, organize and summarize ideas, take notes, and reflect on their discoveries with satisfaction.

RDLA192: Teaching Narrative and Expository Text Comprehension (Grades 6-8):
Learn proven comprehension assessment techniques that will enable you to plan appropriate instruction for your 4th- to 6th-graders. Develop narrative and expository text lesson plans that use a collaborative teaching approach for direct comprehension instruction. Modified from RDLA190: includes additional coursework and/or readings for greater depth (eligible for 3 credit hours).

RDLA130: Teaching Reading in Science (Grades 3-12):
Help students unravel the mysteries and complexities of scientific concepts by training them to approach science texts in new ways. Learn effective strategies to help your students arrange ideas, understand text organization, set goals for reading, make meaningful connections, and persevere through challenging materials.

RDLA230: Teaching Writing in Mathematics (Grades 6-12):
Integrating writing into mathematics presents both challenges and opportunities. Discover the tools you need to make it work. Use a mathography lesson to gain insight into your students' attitudes and learn how to help your students organize and communicate mathematical concepts, and interact with others using prior knowledge and experiences. Then, develop a plan of action for implementing writing in a mathematics program.

RDLA225: Teaching Writing in Science (Grades 6-12):
Learn to assess your students' understanding of science concepts by integrating writing instruction into your curriculum. Help your students engage in persuasive writing tasks, and develop an instructional plan over the length of the course for using writing effectively in your classroom. Put your plan into action and gain insight from the experience.

RDLA220: Teaching Writing Across the Content Areas (Grades 6-12):
You can bring writing into your classroom in all content areas with a practical plan developed through your work in this course. Covering the research basis for writing across the curriculum, the course will also help you teach students effective writing processes, including finding the time to write. You'll learn sound techniques for evaluating writing skills and discover proven ways to promote writing to students.

RDLA376: Supporting ELLs: Reading Fluency in Grades 2 � 5 (Grades 2-5):
Reading fluency strategies are an important tool in teaching students to read, especially (ELLs) who may be struggling readers. This course will explore what reading fluency is and the importance of reading fluency to the literacy development of ELLs. Learners will have the opportunity to implement a reading fluency assessment and then use the results for the basis of a discussion on how reading fluency assessment informs instruction. Learners will also complete a course project where they develop a Fluency Action Plan specifically designed for English language learners. The action plan incorporates various reading fluency instructional strategies, integrates technology, and lists a variety of relevant resources.

Science

SCIE120: Scientific Inquiry and Field Work: Discovering with Technology (Grades 6-8):
Inquiring young minds can tackle problem solving successfully. Keep your students engaged by incorporating current technology into your science curriculum. Visit Web sites that enable students to collect and analyze data using online equipment and learn high-tech strategies that allow them to record and analyze information, investigate the results, and share their findings. Then, design a unit plan for an ecosystem field trip that incorporates what you've learned.

SCIE125: Fostering Cooperative Learning, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking in Elementary Science (Grades 1-4):
Learn to meet national science standards by helping students develop the skills necessary to analyze ideas, think critically, and communicate clearly. Create lessons and activities that support collaboration, inquiry, and critical thinking.

SCIE130: Fostering Collaboration, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking in Middle School Science (Grades K-12):
Science can engage and encourage students to think critically and logically. In this course, you will learn to integrate technology into the classroom to encourage students to ask questions, collaborate with others, and explore and evaluate data. Discover software and Web activities designed to help your students organize and consolidate their thinking, communicate their ideas clearly, and analyze and evaluate the ideas of others.

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