Online Ed.D. in Secondary Education

This course provides a basic review of descriptive and inferential statistics and how these techniques are used with research methods appropriate for educational research. Students will become proficient in computer analysis of data sets, designing and evaluating research designs and techniques, and having the skills to understand primary research.

An intermediate research course focusing on quantitative methods including ANOVA, MANOVA, regression analysis, non-parametric statistics including chi-square, and introductory clinical trial design in a practice setting. (Pre-requisite CD 901 or approved Quantiative Research Methods course) Prerequisite(s): CD 901

Comparisons and critiques of the major forms of qualitative research methodology and assessment of credibility, trustworthiness, reliability, and validity of studies that use qualitative designs.

The student will compare and critique the major forms of qualitative research methodology data collection and analysis of the various qualitative designs.

Begin developing the dissertation by posing questions and reviewing existing content to find a specific issue or problem to address.

Build skills for designing the research for your dissertation, hone your proposal and begin developing the first chapters of your dissertation.

With advisor approval, enter the main phase of research for your proposed topic and continue producing chapters for the dissertation.

Analyze your data, complete writing and revisions and prepare for oral defense of your dissertation.

A study of the origin and development of the English language from its beginning to the present. Emphasis will be placed upon viewing the English language as a mixture of social history, literature and grammar as well as emphasizing its global impact in the modern world.

This course focuses on the many strands of language arts, creative and effective approaches to the Language Arts and will also include a linguistic analysis of language with implications for curriculum and instruction or the young adolescent. It is designed to use research and integrate language arts within content area curriculum.

This course provides an advanced examination of the major theories, research traditions, and pedagogical frameworks that shape the teaching of writing in middle and secondary grades. Students explore historical and contemporary paradigms—including rhetorical theory, process writing, genre theory, sociocultural and critical theories, multiliteracies, digital writing studies, and translingual perspectives—to understand how writing develops and how writing instruction can be designed to support all learners. The course emphasizes scholarly analysis, research-based instructional decision-making, and reflective leadership in writing program design. Students will engage with foundational texts, conduct theoretical critiques, and apply conceptual frameworks to instructional and curricular challenges in the teaching of writing.

This course concentrates on improving the teaching and learning practices of literary analysis through the use of multimedia literature including but not limited to text, film, television programs, theatre and videos. Emphasis will be placed upon the interpretation of literature between different mediums of middle grades and secondary literature within the language arts curriculum.

Students will explore and research current issues and trends related to the instruction of English Language Arts at the middle grades or high school level. Students will address how teachers and educational leaders need to be informed and respond to existing issues and trends that are essential to providing effective ELA instruction necessary for student success.

A survey of basic practical topics of arithmetic along with some elementary concepts of algebra and geometry. The Georgia Performance Standards for grades 4 8 is the basis for the course content.

Provides experienced teachers the opportunity to develop and implement innovative and effective practice in the teaching of mathematics to middle grades learners. Alternative techniques for the assessment of mathematical abilities will also be addressed.

This course explores the cognitive, developmental, and sociocultural processes that shape how individuals learn mathematics. Emphasis is placed on theoretical perspectives of mathematical cognition, reasoning, and the role of affective factors, such as motivation, identity, and anxiety in mathematical learning.

This seminar engages students in advanced inquiry of critical issues and emerging perspectives in mathematics education. Topics may include, but are not limited to, historical and philosophical foundations, policy influences, teacher leadership, curricular innovation, reform initiatives, and approaches to research methodologies that inform and guide mathematics education.

This course explores the theories, practices, and complexities of instructional leadership in the unique developmental context of the adolescent learning environment. Emphasis is placed on leading equitable and responsive instruction, fostering professional learning communities, mentoring teachers, and using data and research to drive continuous improvement. Students examine leadership through the lenses of adolescent development, school culture, curriculum innovation and collaborative reform.

Curricular integration of the concepts and principles of math and science as presented in the Georgia Performance Standards for grades 4-8. This course will present the inherent relationships that exist between these two disciplines and the advantages of establishing curricular connections between them.

This course will address the teaching of science as it relates to science, technology, and society issues. It provides the opportunity to investigate case studies in middle grades science teaching as well as research innovative strategies and write a grant proposal.

A study of interrelationships of organisms with their physical and biotic environment. Special emphasis is directed towards man’s role in the ecosystem. This material is presented in such a manner that the practicing teacher can incorporate it appropriately in the middle grades science curriculum.

This course is designed to develop foundation in the nature of science as a discipline and to further grow and foster the doctoral level research skills expected of a science educator. During the course students will break down the research process and develop the competency to find and use in their classrooms the most up to date scientific information from their field, to distinguish valid scientific arguments from others, and how to relate that type of critical thinking to their own students. Embedded in this course are techniques for including literacy education based on science subject matter into any science course.

This course will examine topics faced by those who are in or aspire to leadership positions in science education. This will include examining and creating science budgets, planning science centered events such as science fairs and science field trips, as well as developing and leading science centered professional development.

Curricular integration of the concepts and principles of math and science as presented in the Georgia Performance Standards for grades 4-8. This course will present the inherent relationships that exist between these two disciplines and the advantages of establishing curricular connections between them.