Professional Studies Academy
An online, low-cost Response to Instruction (RtI) Certificate program ? Online and on-site courses for license renewal / continuing education? Yes, definitely, these options, which are offered through the Professional Studies Academy, serve the varied needs of time-challenged professionals who wish to hone their skills and advance their careers.
The RtI Certificate, also known as the 21st Century Interventions Certificate, is designed for teachers, school administrators, counselors, and social workers. The certificate program addresses requirements established by the federally-mandated Response to Instruction initiative. Certificate candidates who choose to pursue a Master of Education (M. S. Ed.) degree may apply up to 6 credit hours from the 21st Century Interventions program toward the master’s degree.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application.
What courses does the Professional Studies Academy offer for working, time-challenged professionals?
Licensure Renewal Courses: A variety of courses are offered at the University of Saint Francis Fort Wayne, Indiana campus. Limited number of seats available.
21st Century Interventions Certificate Courses: This tiered instructional and behavioral interventions program serves students with high academic and social needs. It requires proper identification of behaviors, data analysis, scientific and evidence-based instruction, and specific interventions to ensure that the at-risk behaviors do not impede student academic growth. Many districts and school personnel use the Response to Intervention model to support students of all ability levels. The 21st Century Certificate program consists of five fully online courses.
EDUC 650 - Strategies for High Ability and Gifted Students: Practices and Philosophies of Education and Instruction (ONLINE)
With recent changes to the High-Ability, Gifted and Talented expectations for classroom instruction and services, comes an array of questions and concerns by classroom teachers as they determine how best to support the growth of their students. This course provides for diverse experiences around methods and philosophies of education recommended for classroom use with High-Ability students. As course participants prepare themselves to face the challenges of urban and rural education, they will explore such concepts as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), creative problem solving, intervention techniques (RtI), alternative assessment, Discovery Learning, and additional models of teaching strategies. Case studies and scenarios will be analyzed and integrated in an effort to increase the depth of understanding required to work effectively with P-12 students of high-ability in all content areas.
EDUC 567 - Authentic Creative Assessment: Showing Student Growth through Data (ONLINE)
Participants learn to utilize alternative measures of non-traditional testing and assessment forums to show student growth. They plan for instruction using case studies and theory-based practices. Elements of Response to Intervention (RtI) are integrated to show how best to motivate and promote learning for all students. Participants share authentic assessment grading approaches, curriculum mapping, unpacking standards, and classroom management.
EDUC 575 - Leveraging Interventions into Practice (ONLINE)
Gaining new knowledge and enriching effective practices yield results only if one can transfer those understandings to students and colleagues. This requires support and tools of leadership transfer. Course participants consider elements of learning transfer. Course participants consider elements of learning transfer, how to effectively coach learners, and the ethical considerations of leadership to promote effective collaboration techniques. This course prepares participants to share their understandings related to the development of ESL/ELL, Special Ed/inclusion, or high-ability/GT students.
EDUC 645 - Reflective Tools of Intervention (ONLINE)
Through professional development and collaborative settings, we strengthen pedagogy to make better instructional decisions for the students we serve. Course participants learn how student work/artifacts can determine future instructional needs and goals. With such knowledge, participants better integrate instructional/organizational/conceptual strategies and interventions. Reflections and investigations of instructional methods reveal classroom options and considerations that promote extended learning for all students.
PSYC 549 - Behavioral Assessment and Intervention (ONLINE)
Introduction to the principles and procedures of behavior modification, including identification and description of behaviors, strengthening and weakening behaviors, collection of baseline data, and evaluation of behavioral programs. This course also examines classroom behavioral interventions
How much?
$750.00 per course. As this is a special rate, no additional discounts may be applied. All course materials provided.
Why should I do this?
Since the Indiana schools use RtI as the tool to support students of all ability levels, many school personnel are interested in better preparing themselves in the understanding and use of RtI. To address this interest, the University of Saint Francis offers a Response to Intervention Certificate program that will improve participants’ educational skills and marketability.
How many credits will apply toward a graduate degree?
The University of Saint Francis will accept a minimum of six credit hours from the RtI Certificate program toward a master's degree in Exceptional Needs or School Counseling in the School of Professional Studies. Courses qualifying for credit are determined by Program Directors.
If you have questions the School of Professional Studies Academy course offerings, please contact the Admissions Office at 260-399-8000 or toll free at 1-800-729-4732.