Science Education, Secondary Biology

The Secondary Biology course offers a comprehensive understanding of biological principles and processes, starting from the fundamental cellular structures and functions to the complexities of ecosystem dynamics. Students will delve into key topics such as genetics, evolution, and ecological interactions, gaining insights into the diversity of life and the interconnectedness of biological systems. The course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling learners to analyze biological phenomena and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will engage in hands-on activities, scenarios, and case studies to deepen their understanding. Additionally, the course highlights the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems, fostering an appreciation for conservation and sustainability. By the end of the course, learners will be well-prepared to address various biological challenges and pursue further studies or careers in the field of biology education.

General Secondary Methods prepares students for secondary teaching by equipping them with essential instructional skills and knowledge tailored to adolescent learners. Students will explore how adolescent development influences learning, how secondary school settings influence instructional choices, and how to implement effective teaching strategies in these environments. Through a blend of theory and practical application, students will create and assess lesson plans, focusing on differentiated instruction, formative and summative assessments, and the integration of technology, including AI tools, to promote affective learning in diverse secondary education settings.

The course "Laboratory Safety" aims at equipping learners with essential safety knowledge and skills for various learning environments, including laboratories, classrooms, and field settings. Learners in this course will deeply understand safety protocols, legal responsibilities, and effective teaching strategies for safety in educational settings.

D842 Technology and Ethics: A Look at Emerging Trends and Society explores the intersection of ethical thinking and technological innovations. A foundational introduction to ethical frameworks is applied to emerging trends in technology including artificial intelligence, social media, and other forms of digital media. This course examines the impact of technology on our understanding of self as well as the individual’s role in interacting with others in a globalized society. Through careful analysis and application, students gain the ability to recognize ethical actions within the context of current and newly evolving technological landscapes. Through the application of ethical frameworks, students gain the ability to evaluate actions taken within the context of current and newly evolving technological landscapes. This course has no prerequisites.

Learner Development and the Science of Learning provides WGU students with a deep understanding of the science behind learning processes. This course covers a broad spectrum of topics pertaining to the science of learning, including cognitive development, learning theories, neuroscience in education, and the impact of developmental milestones on learning. Students will explore how these concepts apply to learning environments and educational levels, from early childhood through adolescence. The course emphasizes evidence-based practices and the practical application of learning science principles, equipping students with strategies to enhance learning outcomes and learner engagement. This course aims to empower educators to create more effective, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences for all learners. Candidates will evaluate science learning theories in classrooms.

Establishing Positive and Engaging Learning Environments teaches educators how to foster supportive and productive classroom climates. This course delves into the key elements that contribute to creating and maintaining a positive learning atmosphere, such as effective communication, classroom norms and routines, and positive behavior supports. Emphasizing the importance of a safe and inclusive environment, the course explores methods to promote student engagement, collaboration, and mutual respect among learners. It also addresses the role of mental well-being in learning, exploring trauma-informed and restorative practices. These factors are also addressed in relation to online and hybrid learning environments. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications including case studies, Establishing Positive and Engaging Learning Environments teaches learners how to develop and sustain environments that not only enhance academic performance but also support the holistic development of students. Candidates will apply theoretical concepts to analyze a classroom environment.

Practices for Inclusive Classrooms empowers educators to create more inclusive and effective learning environments. This course focuses on the principles and strategies of personalized learning, emphasizing the need to value and support the unique needs, interests, and abilities of each learner. The course provides a foundation for learner characteristics of learners with exceptionalities and other unique learning needs. This course helps candidates develop skills for partnering with parents and families, to advocate for all learners with exceptionalities, including those impacted by provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Multitiered systems of support are addressed to prepare candidates for their future classrooms as they seek to select appropriate instructional practices and interventions to best serve their learners. These factors are also addressed in relation to online and hybrid learning environments.

The Education Professional prepares WGU students to excel in the exciting and impactful profession of being an educator. Additionally, the course addresses the importance of continuous professional development and ethical considerations in teaching through the School of Education (SOE) Professional Dispositions and Ethics. Upon completion of the course, WGU students will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to continue their professional journey of becoming effective, inspiring, and adaptive educators, capable of making a significant impact in the lives of their students and the broader educational community. Students will also start a research-based professional portfolio. (This is not a transferable course.)

Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Meaningful Learning is a dynamic course designed for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of instructional planning and the execution of educational strategies that foster meaningful learning experiences. This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging and standards-aligned lessons that meet the needs of all learners. This course also covers a range of high-leverage instructional practices to increase student learning, engagement, and achievement. Participants will learn to utilize assessments to inform instruction, adapt teaching to accommodate all learners, and incorporate technology to enhance learning. Candidates will reflect on research-based instructional practices.

Monitoring Student Learning Through Assessment enhances students’ skills in evaluating learner progress and educational outcomes. This course provides an in-depth exploration of various assessment techniques, including formative and summative assessments, standardized tests, benchmark assessments, progress monitoring, and alternative assessment strategies. This course teaches students to design effective assessment tools, interpret data to inform instruction, and provide meaningful feedback to learners. This course also provides a foundation of data analysis that supports educators’ need to understand data and present data to stakeholders. It also explores online and digital assessment tools. This course requires students to design an assessment based on evidence-based practices.

Technology for Instruction and Online Pedagogy is an innovative course designed to equip educators with the skills to effectively integrate technology in their teaching practices. The course also covers best practices for online pedagogy, assessment and feedback, collaborative learning, and the use of multimedia and interactive elements to enhance learning experiences. With a focus on practical application, educators will leave the course ready to create and facilitate compelling, high-quality online learning experiences that meet the needs of today’s learners. This course also provides a foundation for supporting digital literacy in K-12 education. In addition, this course prepares candidates to use technology to improve professional productivity and effectiveness in areas like data analysis and data representations. Candidates will apply evidence-based practices to adapt instruction to meet student needs.

This course focuses on equipping secondary science educators with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively teach science through a three-dimensional approach, integrating science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Participants will explore general considerations for science instruction, including inquiry-based learning, hands-on activities, and assessment strategies. By building on foundational knowledge in Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering, educators will enhance their ability to engage students in meaningful and authentic scientific learning experiences.

Advanced Clinical provides aspiring educators with real-world classroom experience. This course emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, offering candidates the unique opportunity to observe and participate in classroom environments under the guidance of experienced mentors. The curriculum includes demonstrating reflective practice, classroom engagement techniques, instructional strategies, and effective communication skills with students and colleagues through a pedagogical performance assessment. Through this immersive experience, candidates not only observe the daily responsibilities of a teacher, but also start to develop their own teaching style and philosophy, laying a solid foundation for their future careers in education. This course is taken immediately prior to Student Teaching I as part of an engaging and intensive clinical experience.

Education Portfolio is an innovative course designed to guide candidates in the creation and development of a comprehensive professional portfolio, specifically tailored for educators. This course emphasizes the importance of documenting and reflecting upon one's educational philosophy, teaching experiences, and professional achievements. Candidates learn how to effectively showcase their skills in curriculum design, classroom management, student assessment, and educational technology. The course also covers strategies for integrating evidence of student learning and feedback into the portfolio. Candidates create a polished and dynamic portfolio that not only highlights their unique educational journey, but also serves as a powerful tool for career advancement and lifelong learning in the field of education.

Early Clinical Experiences is a pivotal course designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills. This course offers aspiring educators an immersive experience in real classroom settings under the mentorship of experienced teachers. Candidates engage in a range of activities, including observation, to develop a deeper understanding of classroom dynamics, student engagement, and effective instructional strategies. Emphasizing reflective practice, the course encourages participants to analyze their experiences, integrate feedback, and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. This experiential learning approach equips future teachers with the confidence and competence necessary to foster a positive and impactful learning environment for their students.

Three Dimensional Science and Engineering focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of science and engineering pedagogical knowledge. This course is the first of three science teaching methods courses and provides a robust foundation in integrating disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices in phenomena-based curriculum and instruction. Candidates will delve into planning learning experiences, designing instructional strategies, and utilizing phenomena-based teaching to promote engagement and understanding. Reflective practices, such as evaluating observed teaching, analyzing personal teaching methods, and reviewing course content, are emphasized to foster continuous improvement. The course will be assessed via an integrated performance assessment task, requiring candidates to demonstrate their instructional skills.

Secondary Disciplinary Literacy is a cutting-edge course designed for candidates seeking to enhance their literacy skills within specific secondary academic disciplines. The course examines the distinct literacy needs of various secondary content areas, focusing on how reading, writing, speaking, and listening function differently in each discipline. Candidates will explore specialized language structures and text features relevant to each field and develop strategies to help students master these complexities. The curriculum integrates the science of reading to support critical engagement with and production of disciplinary texts, while also incorporating technology and digital literacy to aid students in accessing and interpreting discipline-specific information. The course combines research-based evidence with practical, structured literacy activities to equip educators with the skills necessary to improve student achievement and understanding across all subjects. This course is a required component in SCED programs and will be assessed through a performance assessment task for both undergraduate and graduate versions.

Student Teaching I is the first part of a two-part series and is a mandatory course for all candidates seeking initial licensure. This course provides a supervised classroom experience in a real-world setting, allowing candidates to demonstrate and reflect upon professional ethics and dispositions, collaborate with experienced teachers, and implement instructional strategies rooted in students' learning and developmental patterns. Building on the responsibilities and skills developed in Advanced Clinical, candidates will receive ongoing feedback through observations and evaluations. Feedback will encourage candidates to reflect on their commitment to professional practices as educators, analyze and adjust teaching methods, and explore new teaching materials and methods that are culturally relevant. Additionally, the course features synchronous learning sessions that delve into communication and collaboration, accepting feedback, creating positive learning environments, and technology and online learning. Candidates must attend the required synchronous learning sessions in addition to their classroom placement.

Student Teaching II is the final part of a two-part series and is a mandatory course for all candidates seeking initial licensure. The course offers a supervised classroom experience in a real-world setting, allowing candidates to demonstrate professional ethics and dispositions, collaborate with experienced teachers, and implement instructional strategies. Building on the responsibilities and skills developed in Student Teaching I, candidates receive ongoing feedback through observations and a final evaluation. This evaluation assesses activities' relevance and cultural engagement, the effectiveness of teaching each student, the ability to analyze and adjust teaching methods, and the willingness to explore new materials and methods. Successful completion of Student Teaching II is a crucial step in the licensure process, as it determines eligibility for licensure as a professional educator. Additionally, the course features synchronous learning sessions that delve into professional development topics such as professional growth opportunities, ethical decision making, and self-care. Candidates must attend the required synchronous learning sessions in addition to their classroom placement.

Secondary Literacy Methods & Interventions utilizes MTSS to equip educators with evidence-based strategies to address adolescents' reading challenges through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Model. Candidates learn to identify, monitor, and provide differentiated instruction, integrating screening tools and progress monitoring to enhance comprehension. The course emphasizes the development of personalized intervention plans while utilizing reading assessments for informed instructional decisions. By completion, candidates compile intervention strategies supporting learners across MTSS tiers, fostering inclusive environments for academic success.