1805: Professions in Education (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-11)

Do you want to make a difference in the lives children? In this course you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of careers in education. You will examine the historical, theoretical, psychological, and social foundations of education. This course will provide the framework for a career in education.

5124: Office Productivity Suite (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-12)

This course is designed to help students master beginning skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet software, and the proper creation and application of professional presentations. Students will learn file management, how to save and find files, use a network, and share files with others for collaboration. Students will learn the software skills needed in Microsoft and Google to be effective in school and the workplace. Advanced projects combining all of Microsoft Office and Google software will be included in the course.

1806: Human Growth and Development (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite:  Professions in Education or Introduction to Public Services

In this course you will gain an understanding of the areas and stages of human growth and development. The course provides an examination of the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social components of human growth and development from birth through adolescence. You will learn to meet the needs of children and promote optimum growth and development in the prenatal, infancy, toddler, preschool and school-age stages.

2407: Psychology (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12)

This course is designed to assist students in gaining an appreciation of psychology as the science of studying and understanding human behavior. Major units of study will include: the development of philosophies and methods used to gain insights into behavior, a study of the brain and nervous system, human psychological development, psychological processes and disorders.

2411: Sociology (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12)

Sociology, the study of human behavior in groups, is designed to acquaint the student with the types of groups we form, how we function in these groups and how we deal with social problems resulting from the interaction within and between these groups. These topics are analyzed through sociological perspectives in order to evaluate various interpretations and explain why people behave the way they do.

2406: Psychology - Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit 

This online college course, through Missouri Western State University, covers general information about psychology in everyday life, designed to correct misconduct and to give the students a better understanding of self and others. 

2412: Sociology - Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit

This online college course, through Missouri Western State University, covers basic sociological concepts and theories. Major topics included in this course are culture, society, societal interaction, crime, race/ethnicity, class, gender, the family, education, religion, medicine, the economy, politics and cross-cultural comparisons.

1811: Pathways to Teaching Profession I (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Human Growth and Development

You have been sitting in a classroom for almost twelve years. Now it is time to see what it is like to be on the other side of the desk! This course explores a variety of aspects from the teaching profession. Areas of study include classroom culture, assessments, educational philosophies, classroom strategies and ethical issues in teaching. Classroom observations and visitations at various levels, from elementary to secondary, complete this look at education.

9425: Educational Psychology - Online Dual Credit (0.5 Credit SOC, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit     

This online college course, through Missouri Western State University, covers principles of general psychology applied to the total educational process. Special emphasis is given to the principles of growth and development, learning theories, readiness and maturity, individual differences and emotional learning. 

1529: Public Speaking/College Speech (0.5 credit ELE, Gr. 10-12, weighted) College Credit Available

This course is designed to improve students' public speaking skills in real-world communication situations. The class challenges students to become more effective speakers and listeners in a variety of communication tasks. Students will participate in group discussions, research, listening exercises, and prepare various speeches individually, and learn to both give and receive constructive criticism.

1812: Pathways to Teaching Profession II - 2 credits in 1 semester (1 credit PAR and 1 credit ENG, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Pathways to Teaching Profession I. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to on-site experiences, no carpooling is allowed per district policy.

This course is for students interested in teaching careers as well as those students who want to expand their knowledge of educational professions. Areas of study will expand upon units previously covered in Pathways to Teaching Profession I and their real world applications. This course includes on-site experiences with current Independence School District classroom teachers and students, ranging from elementary to the secondary setting.