Based on the belief that language is an essential foundation for learning, this course addresses the typical processes of language acquisition in mono- and multilingual learners. Participants will examine theories of language acquisition and the role that caregivers and educators play in the development of language. In addition, participants will analyze historical, political, educational, social, and emotional factors that influence the socially constructed hierarchies of language varieties. A significant part of the course will be devoted to students who learn English as an additional language. Participants will learn how to use assessment of mono- and multilingual learners to identify appropriate instructional practices for social and academic language use in a range of educational settings. Course participants will also learn about ways of collaborating with families, colleagues, specialists, administrators, and interpreters.

Science for Teachers focuses on developing a science way of thinking and doing in PreK-6th grade classrooms. Each session deepens an understanding that doing science requires direct sensory encounters with the physical world. By experiencing first-hand investigations of physical and biological materials and related phenomena, participants create a range of representations that can uncover existing patterns and concepts. Discussions, readings, and reflective writings deepen and broaden work done with physical materials. Participants will reflect on their own learning as they work to construct meaningful science experiences that respond to the developmental levels of their students and affirm students’ cultural, linguistic, and learning diversity. The course explores evidence-based ways of making sense of the world that support the integration of science inquiry across the curriculum.

This course provides participants with an overview of mathematics learning for children grades N-6. Participants deepen their own mathematical knowledge while furthering their understanding of effective mathematics instruction. In each session, participants do math together and use these experiences to investigate the development of mathematical thinking and to reflect on their own learning. Participants explore the essential elements of a constructivist mathematics classroom in which collaboration is core to building concepts and skills. Designing a classroom where deep mathematical understanding is the primary goal requires explorations of attitudes and beliefs as well as practices and expectations. This course addresses the moral imperative that all students are capable of learning math. It focuses on creating inclusive environments for learners with developmental variations. The course also focuses on creating mathematical experiences that support students for whom English is a new language. Participants discuss classroom management strategies for grouping and individualizing instruction.

This course examines the role of literature in children’s lives. Participants develop criteria for selecting literature for children, considering factors including but not limited to child development, aesthetics, language, and culture, as well as children’s interests and curiosities. Through active engagement with books, artifacts, and ideas, participants gain an understanding of the role of literature in language development in children’s primary and new languages. Participants will examine ways to use literature from a wide range of genres and perspectives for reading aloud, honoring and stimulating children’s storytelling, and for deepening learning across content areas.

In this course, participants will explore the teacher’s and the larger school’s roles in constructing caring, collaborative, and reciprocal relationships with children and families.  Participants will critically examine their own experiences, identities, and assumptions as they develop skills and dispositions to work with a broad range of families and communities. The course will support participants in developing their skills in communication, advocacy, and collaboration as they learn to partner with families to support children’s positive identity development along with their social, emotional, language, and learning abilities and needs.

This course focuses on understanding, teaching, and meeting the needs of children with variations in emotional, social and behavioral development. Participants will critically examine the construct of children’s emotional and behavioral disorders and approaches to intervention from historical, socio-political, mental health, and legal perspectives. There is an emphasis on  understanding the intersection of these issues with the race, class, language, and gender of teachers and children. Participants will develop an in-depth case study of a child applying an inquiry orientation to the Functional Behavior Assessment-Behavior Intervention Plan. Participants will collect and analyze data from observations, interviews and other sources, and make recommendations to support ongoing social and behavioral development. Prerequisite: EDUC 803.

This course covers many of the human resource challenges faced by museum leaders, such as recruitment and hiring, ongoing professional development, team building, conflict resolution, and internal communications. It will also address theories of leadership and approaches to developing a personal leadership style. For Museum Leadership students only.

The Independent Study is an original work that you initiate, often growing out of a meaningful course assignment or an idea, question, or experience rooted in a fieldwork or work setting. Students work with a faculty mentor who has expertise in the particular area of study. The Independent Study usually includes two semesters of research and writing, and is most closely aligned with a traditional master’s thesis. Independent Studies are made accessible to the public though the Bank Street Library's online catalogue.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS REGISTERING FOR INDEPENDENT STUDIES In order to register for Independent Studies (IS500) you must have already secured a faculty mentor who has reviewed your IS proposal and has committed to serve as your IS mentor. By registering for the IS500, you are attesting to having secured a mentor, and you are agreeing to follow all applicable IS directives and guidelines as stated in A Guide to the Integrative Master’s Project.

In addition to registering through myBSC for IS500, please fill out the Independent Study Mentor Form, located on the website schedule (https://graduate.bankstreet.edu/academics/graduate-course-schedule/) indicating which faculty member has consented to mentor you.

In this third course in the Kerlin STEM Institute, participants will generate a STEM curriculum that builds on the content and processes from EDUC 850 and EDUC 851. Participants will document how a study begins, potential investigations, and conclusion of the study using the orientations and approaches developed in the first two courses. The curriculum will consist of a series of lessons that build on each other, are integrated across the curriculum of the Early Childhood classroom, and that include ongoing opportunities for formative assessment of students’ learning. Participants’ STEM curriculum will respond to the developmental levels of their students and affirm students’ cultural, linguistic, and learning diversity. Prerequisite: EDUC 851. For Kerlin STEM Institute fellows only.

This course is designed to increase participants’ awareness and understanding of the educational, social, cultural, linguistic and developmental implications of disability from historical, legal, and socio-political perspectives. The course will critically examine state and federal special education and disability laws and regulations and their implementation across a range of settings including their intersection with issues of race, class, language and gender. There is an emphasis on understanding how disability is socially constructed at the levels of family, community, school, and the larger society.  Participants apply an understanding of developmental variations to analyze and create accessible learning experiences for children. Prerequisite: EDUC 500 or permission of instructor. This course is only for students in the Early Childhood Advanced Standing Program.

Early Childhood Practicum I and II is a year-long course that provides graduate students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice as they work with a child and family.  Practicum I focuses on: 1) observation as the foundation of early childhood assessment and 2) culturally sustaining, family-based practice. Participants learn to observe and record children’s behavior in home, school, and community settings. Through regular observations, participants construct a respectful and increasingly complex understanding of the child within his/her sociocultural context.  Special emphasis is placed on recognizing the strengths of the child and family.  Participants develop greater awareness of their own perspectives and the ways their personal experiences affect what they notice and how they interpret their observations. Participants begin to integrate adult development, family systems theory, and cultural/linguistic diversity as a basis for developing relationships with the child’s family. This work provides a foundation for Practicum II. Prerequisite: EDUC 803. This course is only for students in the Early Childhood Advanced Standing Program.