Online Course - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many credits can I get for taking this course?
A: All participants who successfully complete
the course will receive a certificate of completion documenting
30 professional development hours. In addition, 3 CEUs (Continuing
Education Units) can be obtained from St. Mary’s College
for an additional fee of $75. While CEUs do not carry academic
credit and cannot be applied toward a degree program, they are
accepted by most school districts as a record of ongoing education
and are often used as part of the criteria for promotion and salary
increases.
Q: How long will it take to complete this course? Are there specific
beginning and ending dates?
A: It will take the average person 30 hours to complete all the
course work. There are no specific start or stop dates (except for
New York Public School teachers). The course is asynchronous, so
you may register at any time and complete the course work at your
convenience. However, we do require that you complete the course
within 90 days of registering.
Q: What kind of technology do I need to access the course?
A: All you need to take this course is a
computer with high speed internet access and the latest version
of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Links are provided
on the course site to download the most up-to-date versions of
these free plug ins. If you
want to take handwritten notes, rather than typed notes, for any
part of the course you will also need access to a scanner in order
to scan and upload notes back into the course.
Q: Are there any additional materials or
fees required to take this course?
A: There are no additional materials or fees
once you register for the course. All readings, video lessons,
and materials will be downloadable within the course. However,
we highly recommend that you purchase Rick Smith’s book, “Conscious
Classroom Management.” Click
Here to learn more about the book. The course is in part designed
around the book and while all the required readings from the book
will be downloadable within the course itself, these will only be
short excerpts. The book in its entirety is an excellent resource
for on-going support once you have completed the course. If
you wish to purchase a book, you can click on the “Pricing & Ordering” button
to the left.
Also, please note that if
you wish to apply for an optional 3 CEUs once you have completed
the course, there is an additional cost of $75 paid directly to
St. Mary’s
College.
Q: Does the course promote a specific system of classroom management?
A: No, there is no specific management system being promoted. Rather,
the strategies shared are relevant and useful on their own or for
enhancing an existing system.
Q: What if I am not able to complete the course within 90 days of
registering? Or what if I start the course and decide it is not for
me? Can I get my money back?
A: In general, a refund can be made, minus a small processing fee,
if you contact us within 72 hours of registering. If it has been
more than 72 hours, contact us as soon as you can and we will work
with you to try to resolve the situation.
Q: Is this course better for new or experienced teachers? For elementary
or secondary teachers? For regular ed, special ed, or alternative
ed teachers?
A: This course will be equally
relevant and useful for teaches in their first year as for teachers
in their 40th year. While some information will be validating, rather
than new, for veteran teachers, there will be many new ideas and
innovative take-away strategies for all.
The course is not grade or content specific and the strategies will
work for all kids of any ages, in any content areas, regardless of
motivation, disability, maturity, or language barriers.
Q: Do I need to be in the classroom right now to take this course?
A: No, you do not need to be in the classroom right now. However,
you do need at least a few weeks of classroom teaching experience,
even if it is just student teaching or long-term substitute teaching.
Many of the questions in the course require you to reflect on your
experiences in the classroom. Thus, you must have at least a little.
If you don’t start student teaching for another
couple of months we recommend you hold off until you’ve been
in the classroom 4-6 weeks before taking this course. In the meantime,
we encourage you to read the book, “Conscious Classroom Management,” which
will be a tremendous help as you prepare to begin your student teaching.
* If you are an employee
of New York City DOE, this information does not apply to you. Please
refer to the Pricing
and Ordering page or contact ASPDP for accurate
and detailed information about course credit and refunds.
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