Online Courses Summer 2020

Online professional development courses for educators are convenient and self-paced. Course information and links are provided to you directly by the instructor once you are registered. In some cases, you must enroll in the course through the organization and register for credits through Boise State separately. Please note that regardless of how quickly you complete the course, transcripts for these courses will be posted at the end of the semester.

College of Education

Supervision and Evaluation using the Idaho Framework for Teacher Evaluations – 1 Credit

Dates: 05/13/2020 – 08/15/2020
Days/Time: Varies/Online
This course will focus on the critical role of effective instructional supervision and evaluation in Idaho. Uses a variety of interactive exercises to assist in the development of practical skills for supervision and evaluation, as well as examine current issues and best practices. Participants will develop competency in Idaho’s Framework for Teacher Evaluations. Supervision and evaluation strategies, skills, and techniques, as well as requirements under Idaho laws, rules, and policies will be explored. Course meets re-certification requirements under Idaho Code.

Supervision and Evaluation using the Idaho Framework for Teacher Evaluations – 2 Credit

Supervision and Evaluation using the Idaho Framework for Teacher Evaluations – 3 Credit

Idaho Comprehensive Literacy

Idaho Comprehensive Literacy (Session 1, July)

Dates: 06/01/20 – 07/05/20
Times: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $350 course fee + $180 for 3 PD credits

This course is designed to meet the intent of Idaho Code § 33-1207A and will provide practical application of the Literacy Standards and Idaho’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Educators will identify best practices in instruction and assessment of reading. Current research in brain-compatible teaching/learning and learning theories as applied to reading will be examined. Participants will learn how language is acquired, develop lessons in explicit and embedded phonics and phonemic awareness. They will also develop lessons in comprehension and vocabulary development. In addition, practicing educators will identify correlations between district adopted texts and the Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Web-sites relevant to literacy-development and the implications of technology will be explored.

Please note that you must both enroll in the course and register for credits through Boise State.

Enroll in Idaho Comprehensive Literacy (Session 1, July)

Idaho Comprehensive Literacy (Session 2, August)

Dates: 06/01/20 – 08/10/20
Times: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $350 course fee + $180 for 3 PD credits

Please note that you must both enroll in the course and register for credits through Boise State.

Enroll in Idaho Comprehensive Literacy (Session 2, August)

Lee Pesky Learning Center

Building Resilient and Self-Regulated Learners

Dates: 06/02/20 – 07/31/20
Times: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $100 course fee + $60 for 1 PD credits

This online course provides you with a working knowledge of the construct of self-regulation, how it impacts learning, and what you can do in your classroom to support your students’ self-regulation development.

What is Self-Regulation?
Self-regulation is the ability to control our thoughts, feelings and behavior in pursuit of a goal, and it is extremely important in the learning process. In fact, self-regulation is better than early academic skills as a predictor of students’ school success.

Are self-regulation and resilience teachable?
Students have varying levels of self-regulation and resilience – like so many attributes, they exist along a continuum. Students with self-regulation deficits, or students who experience unstable or chaotic home lives for a host of reasons, will struggle with resilience and self-regulation. The good news is that these skills can be taught and learned!

Lee Pesky Learning Center’s Self-Regulated Learner Framework
A group of education researchers, psychologists, social workers and education specialists worked together to develop a research-based framework of self-regulated learning. Our framework posits that self-regulated learners are connected, self-aware, self-determined, strategic and resilient.

What will I learn in this course?
We’ve put together an engaging, self-paced online workshop that will provide you with a working understanding of self-regulation and the five components of this framework. Then, working through a series of hands-on activities, you’ll have the opportunity to learn new ‘low-lift’ strategies you can use in your classroom immediately. The course is appropriate for all grade levels.

Please note that you must both enroll in the course and register for credits through Boise State.

Online Courses

Using Project Based Learning to Meet the CCS

Dates: 05/18/2020 to 08/10/2020
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $330

As we prepare the 21st Century Students for the 21st Century workforce, we need to arm them with the ability to problem solve and think critically. Project Based Learning is one method for improving critical thinking skills in our students. PBL prepares students for the problem-solving activities the 21st Century workplace will demand. Teachers will focus on best practices related to PBL and how to increase critical thinking skills and performance. This course is appropriate for all K-12 teachers.

How to Improve Parent Teacher Communication

Dates: 05/18/20 to 08/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 2
Cost: $220

This course will address an ongoing question that many educators voice every year- How do I increase communication with my students’ parents? Every teacher can relate to spending their prep periods, lunch periods and time after the school day trying to get in touch with a parent. The frustration that can build up can leave educators feeling helpless. This course will introduce participants to a couple of highly effective methods for increasing parent contact.

In today’s world of APPR, parent teacher communication is a must. Many districts’ plans are assessing educators on such factors as communication skills with parents. By learning a few techniques you can increase the levels of communication and save yourself valuable time as well! Participants will research the impact of communication on addressing poor behavior and performance, as well as reinforcing achievement, improvement and positive behavior. This course will address online communication tools including teacher blogs, Remind101 and email distribution lists. Participants will also analyze how increased reliance on technology and social media is playing a role in the current trend of the “flipped classroom.” This course is appropriate for all grade level/subject teachers.

Integrating Technology Into Your Classroom

Dates: 05/18/20 to 08/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3 credits
Cost: $330

This course will allow educators to build a repertoire of tools for integrating technology into the classroom. Utilizing technology in your content area is more than letting students “use computers” or going to a computer lab. This course will allow educators to explore online tools and other strategies for integrating technology into their daily lesson plans. Course participants will research and develop classroom strategies for surrounding blended learning, flipped classroom, QR Codes, instructional games, TED Talks and lesson plans, Khan Academy, instructional videos, and utilizing mobile devices in the classroom. Teachers will also explore technology options for communicating with parents.

ADHD and Learning Disabilities: Classroom Interventions and Instructional Strategies

Dates: 05/18/20 to 08/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3 credits
Cost: $330

There is no teacher that hasn’t come across a student in their class with ADHD or a Learning Disability. This course will allow teachers to examine current research geared at helping all teachers work effectively with students with ADHD and learning disabilities. Teachers will understand the impact of ADHD on a student’s performance, the difference between male and female students with ADHD and be made aware of basic instructional strategies to implement in their classrooms.

Data Driven Instruction

Dates: 05/18/20 to 08/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $330

Data driven instruction is a precise and calculated approach to improve student comprehension throughout the school year. Implementing and utilizing data to drive instruction is perceived to be an overwhelming task. This course will help educator use data analysis to improve student learning. The use of data and student learning objectives (SLOs) are at the heart of data driven instruction. Participants will analyze data, focus on increasing rigor in the classroom, types of assessment, and the building blocks to successful data driven instruction implementation. This course is appropriate for all K-12 educators.

Approaches for Changing Student Behavior Using PBIS

Dates: 5/18/20 to 8/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $330

The barriers that occur to learning can not be single-handedly removed. Unfortunately, one such barrier occurs when behaviors are disrupting the learning community. The climate of each school community is different. Therefore, a “one size fits all” approach is not as effective as interventions based on the needs of each school. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture and needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success. A system focused on creating school-wide, classroom and individual supports improves academic and behavioral results. This course will assist teachers in creating a support system for their classroom that will help to increase behavioral and academic results. This course is appropriate for all regular and special education teachers.

Differentiated Instruction for ELLs

Dates: 5/18/20 to 8/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 2
Cost: $220

English Language Learners (ELLs) need to have access to K-12 curriculum and be able to achieve the same level of success as their english speaking counterparts. This course prepares teachers to effectively understand ELLs’ backgrounds and to differentiate their instructional approach. By providing the skills to differentiate their instruction through multiple modalities, this course gives a practical, classroom ready application of new learning to improve instructional practice. This course is appropriate for both regular and special education teachers.

Advancing ELL Family-School Relationships

Dates: 05/18/20 to 08/10/20
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $330

English Language Learners are the fastest growing group of students that today’s schools services. This course will assist teachers in developing strategies and skills to understand ELL students’ backgrounds and how to establish and grow strong family relationships. Teachers will develop classroom skills to use in their classrooms and improve instructional outcomes. Teachers will examine belief systems and research based practices for serving diverse cultures and languages in the classroom. Teachers taking this course will analyze and implement methods for ensuring a positive classroom culture and climate.

A Classroom Brand and Identity

Dates: 06/09/2020 to 07/31/2020
Days/Time: Self-paced
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $330

Technology has become ubiquitous in today’s classroom. With all of these innovations in technology, it’s important to take time to reflect on how to most effectively use our time with the most appropriate tools for learning. We will explore ideas for parent communication, update classroom websites with engaging reinforcement & enrichment activities, and explore how to utilize QR Codes in the classroom. By utilizing professional Twitter accounts, students will have the latest educational updates and ideas from the gurus in education. This class will allow you to apply technology to any discipline of education to make your teaching even more engaging. This course will also explore how under-served communities will not have the opportunities to access some of the materials presented. Each educator will have the opportunity to create student resources, collaborate with their peers, and exchange ideas and best practices.

Project Learning Tree

PLT for PreK-2nd Grades

Dates: 07/01/2020 to 07/31/2020
Days/Time: Varies
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1

In this online class, you will engage with proven standards-aligned hands-on PLT activities that foster young learners’ wonder and curiosity about the natural world as you safely take them outdoors to learn and bring nature into the classroom. In addition, PLT’s early childhood materials teach reading, writing, science & STEM, music and movement, and important skills. The PLT materials have been honored with Learning Magazine Teachers Choice Awards. The class will include synchronous intro and exit sessions, with most work done asynchronously.

Please note that you must both enroll in the course and register for credits through Boise State.

PLT for K-8th Grades

Dates: 06/26/2020 to 07/24/2020
Days/Time: Varies
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1

In this online class, you will engage with proven standards-aligned PLT hands-on activities that help elementary and middle school learners explore, discover, communicate and build critical thinking skills. Each activity is tailored to specific grade levels and learning objectives. The materials provide educators the tools they need to bring the environment into their classrooms — and their students into the environment. The class will include synchronous intro and exit sessions, with most work done asynchronously.

Please note that you must both enroll in the course and register for credits through Boise State.