Graduate Courses

Online continuing education courses for professional educators

Online Continuing Education CoursesGraduate Courses and CEUs

Randolph College’s partnership with Virtual Education Software, inc. (VESi) allows us to provide online graduate education courses that are convenient, relevant, and affordable. Intended for educators and others who hold a baccalaureate degree, these Randolph College VESi courses are offered as either Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Graduate Credit Hours.

Professional educators may also choose to pursue a Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree through Randolph College’s 1-year online program.

Registration

Step 1: Submit the VESi Graduate Application for Admission. (do not use the standard Randolph College application)

Step 2: Once accepted, you will receive a code to access the registration system.

Cost

Courses taken for graduate credit cost $435 for 2 credits and $499 for 3 credits. All courses taken as CEUs cost $195 for the course. Payment for these courses is made when registering through the VESi application site.

Insofar as these courses are not offered as part of a degree program by Randolph College, Title IV federal financial aid is not available.

Licensure

We recommend that you check with your school district and/or state licensing agency to verify that these course offerings will meet your district and/or state requirements for salary advancement and/or state certificate re-licensure. You can find more information about course licensure determination here.

Available Courses

This course is designed to give the learner a new perspective on student behavior and effective tools to facilitate positive student change. Taught by Mick R. Jackson MS/ED, this course provides a developmental framework to help the learner understand what students are trying to communicate through the “language” of their behavior. Topics covered include behavioral techniques and intervention strategies that remediate disruptive behaviors, reduce power struggles while increasing classroom control, reduce educator workload, and help prevent burnout. After successfully completing this course, the educator and his/her students will be better equipped to find and implement creative, effective solutions to behavioral problems.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

This course helps teachers build genuine bonds between themselves and their students and between students and their classmates, to create “kindred classhomes” with a foundation of acceptance, respect, and shared purpose. For many of our students, our classrooms may be a safe, nurturing refuge…the eye of the hurricane they experience as life. This course will help you develop strategies, rituals, and environmental design skills to create these safe havens of learning: kindred classhomes where students and teachers work together in synergistic ways that benefit all members of the school family. Students will learn how to differentiate for classroom management and discipline similarly to differentiating for students’ diverse academic needs. One size does not fit all, but all sizes can fit together.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to give you a new perspective on serving the needs of young children and their families. In this course you will learn what is meant by family-centered services as it applies to diverse systems of care, gain an understanding of family diversity, and explore the major stress factors facing families today. We will discuss the theoretical basis for family-centered services, as well as reflect on current research and best practice. Family-Centered Services will also examine the role of early childhood educators and explore ways to build partnerships with parents and create communities of care—for the benefit of our children, and ultimately society as a whole.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course explores observation and assessment instruments, as well as recommended practices and available resources for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Content includes an emphasis on observing young children and assessing their early childhood learning environments.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45 4.5

This course is designed to give you a new perspective on planning and implementing developmentally appropriate programs for young children from birth through age eight. In this course you will learn what is meant by curriculum, assessment, evaluation, and program planning as these terms apply to early childhood education. We will discuss several historical perspectives and theories on child development and examine best practice for early childhood education. We will also examine key concepts and specific activities for teaching various curricular content areas, including language and literacy, mathematics and science, and the expressive arts.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

This course explores contemporary best practice and perspectives on early childhood development. Content includes patterns and sequences of typical development for children from birth to six years. Emphasis is on individual differences, cultural influences, and the impact of developmental delay and disability during infancy, toddlerhood, and the preschool years. Discussion will also include instructional technology (IT) and assistive technology (AT) applications for this population.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Evaluation & Assessment of ESL Students was written to help teachers understand concepts and terms related to evaluating and assessing students whose first language is not English. This course discusses what is a high-quality assessment and the scope of assessments including initial placement, annual assessments, and exit assessments. This course ends with a discussion of classroom assessments including accommodations for those who need language assistance.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Language Acquisition was written to help teachers understand concepts and terms related to educating students whose first language is not English. This course discusses developmental theories and how they apply to English language learners. The focus of this course is on the process of second language acquisition and the role of the classroom teacher. Included in this course is information about the legal obligations of schools and teachers to provide services and about the types of programs schools might provide. Included is information on communicating with parents/guardians.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Methods & Materials was written to help teachers understand concepts and terms related to educating students whose first language is not English. This course discusses how to apply instructional methods in creating lessons; how to create a motivating and caring learning environment; how to integrate teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills; how to differentiate instruction for English language learners; and how to identify culturally appropriate curriculum and instructional resources.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Harassment, Bullying & Cyber-Intimidation in Schools will discuss definitions and the personal, social, and legal ramifications associated with sexual harassment, bullying, and cyber-intimidation. The course will address what we know about these troubling areas. We will then explore preventative strategies as well as how school staff can address these issues when they occur. A clear understanding of what constitutes harassment and the harmful effects of harassment on people and institutions is essential to providing a safe and inclusive school environment for all.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to further develop the conceptual and technical skills required by teachers to help them identify their educational goals and implement meaningful instructional strategies for effective learning by students with special needs. The focus of the course is on assessment for instructional programming and will outline procedures for designing or selecting, administering, and interpreting a variety of informal assessment measures typically used in schools. The presentation of assessment information in an acceptable format to parents and teachers is also addressed.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to help educators achieve a better understanding of infant and toddler mental health, child development, and strategies that can be used to promote positive relationships with children and their families. This course provides information that will help the learner understand and identify his or her role as a child care provider, educator, and early childhood professional. Infant & Toddler Mental Health provides research-based information on child development, attachment, temperament, and curriculum. This course also lists resources for both teachers and parents who would like more help or information about infant and toddler mental health.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course discusses why writing is important and why teachers should include writing as often as possible in all content areas. The course also includes practical applications for assessing and teaching writing, including teaching students how to self-assess their own writing. The first chapter of this course discusses why teaching writing is important and give you an introduction to the Six Traits of Writing Model. Through chapters 2, 3, and 4 we will discuss the elements of the Six Traits of Writing Model. Throughout those elements we will look at practical ways to use this model in your classroom.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to expand your methodology for teaching Mathematics. The course will explore an innovative teaching model that incorporates strategies for teaching concepts constructively and contextually. The goal is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts of various math topics and to explore the principles of teaching those concepts to learners. This course will focus on the topics of number sense, basic operations, and fractions.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

This course is designed to help classroom teachers, school counselors, and other educational personnel gain strategies to reach and teach students who have been affected by stress, trauma, and/or violence. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of stress and trauma and explore how stress, violence, and trauma affect a student’s learning, cognitive brain development, and social-emotional development. The short- and long-term consequences of being exposed to stress, trauma, or violence, as well as the social and family causes, will be reviewed. The dynamics of domestic violence and community violence are also discussed, as is the educator’s role in the intervention and prevention of violence.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

Try DI! is designed to provide you an opportunity to learn about an instructional framework, Differentiated Instruction (DI), aimed at creating supportive learning environments for diverse learning populations. Students will be presented a method for self-assessment of the extent to which their current instructional approach reflects the perspective, principles, and practices of the DI approach. The course reflects an approach that aligns the principles of DI with the practices of DI. The concept of a “theory of action” will also be provided within a DI context. The course has also been designed to introduce students to a range of strategies associated with a DI approach. Strategies included in this course have been selected on the basis that they are effective in the widest possible range of educational K-12 settings. This course follows Why DI?: An Introduction to Differentiated Instruction, which addressed the What, Why, and Who of a classroom that reflects a DI approach. The focus of Try DI!: Planning & Preparing a Differentiated Instruction Program is on the When, Where, and How of the DI approach.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

The purpose of this course is to improve your knowledge of science and the scientific process. This is the first course in a three-course series. [Note: It is recommended that the Reading Fundamentals courses be taken sequentially; however, it is not mandatory that all three courses be taken.]
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

The purpose of this course is to improve your knowledge of science and the scientific process. This is the first course in a three-course series. [Note: It is recommended that the Reading Fundamentals courses be taken sequentially; however, it is not mandatory that all three courses be taken.]
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

Designed to lay the foundation for effective reading instruction, this course will teach you about the elements of effective instruction and the importance of reading instruction.[Note: It is recommended that the Reading Fundamentals courses be taken sequentially; however, it is not mandatory that all three courses be taken.]
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

This course includes topics on violence, aggression in the classroom, youth gangs, aggression in sports and on television, how drugs and alcohol play a role in aggression and violence, and “hot spots” that tend to breed aggression and violence. It is designed to help school personnel become more aware of the causes of aggression and ways to evaluate it and intervene before it turns to violence in the schools. The course also discusses aggression in our communities through driving, dating, sports, television, and music, and how these issues are dealt with in modern society.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

This course is an interactive computer-based instruction course, designed to give you an understanding of the framework of and need for creating supportive learning environments for diverse learning populations. In this course you will learn what is meant by Differentiated Instruction (DI) and the common myths associated with creating the differentiated classroom. We will discuss the legal, theoretical, and pedagogical foundations in the field of education that support the utilization of differentiated instructional practices and principles. We will reflect on best practices and national trends in the design of the educational setting to meet the needs of a diverse learning population. Why DI?: An Introduction to Differentiated Instruction will also provide connections to a variety of concepts, variables, and resources that will assist practitioners in aligning their own professional practices with those found in the differentiated classroom.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Geared primarily for professionals (e.g., regular or special educators, instructional assistants, school psychologists, counselors) serving children and youths presenting behavior problems in the school or community, this course focuses on cognitive and cognitive-behavioral interventions (often lumped together under the rubric “social skills”) with an emphasis on teaching students how to change and manage their own behavior. Since previous knowledge and understanding of traditional behavioral (operant) concepts and strategies is required, it is strongly recommended that you take an introductory behavior management course to learn the basic terms and concepts of behavior management prior to taking this advanced course.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

Designed to help the learner identify and effectively teach students affected by child abuse and/or neglect, this course covers how to recognize the signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and physical and emotional neglect in students. It also discusses the specific factors that exist in families who abuse or neglect their children. A major emphasis in this course is on helping the participant understand the special learning needs of abused or neglected children and how to meet those needs in the regular classroom. Working with parents and community agencies is also emphasized.

[Note: This course meets the child abuse and neglect educational requirement in most states. It is the responsibility of the student to verify the course content with his or her specific state professional licensing agency to ensure proper credit.]
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to help the learner gain a more comprehensive understanding of alcohol, drugs, and their influences in the classroom. It provides a contextual framework for understanding what students may be experiencing either through their own substance use or as a result of the substance use of persons close to them and provides a basic historical perspective of substance use along with the biological, psychological, and social factors that comprise the disease of addiction. Upon course completion, the learner will better understand the complex dynamics that contribute to this biological and social phenomenon.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

ELL: Linguistics was written to help teachers understand concepts and terms related to educating students whose first language is not English. This course discusses how to understand theoretical foundations of linguistics and how to apply the knowledge and skills in linguistics in ELL classrooms and content classrooms.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Violence in Schools is designed to give you a better understanding of school violence and increase your interventions strategies. Violence in Schools provides a foundational understanding of violence and the motivational purposes behind aggression. The correlation with and impact of the media, community and family upon violence will be investigated. The course teaches identification and intervention approaches for working with out-of-control behaviors. In addition, each student will receive information on available national resources for both parents and teachers. This course will help each person to increase his or her understanding of violence, the motivations behind the use of violence and specific strategies to minimize the occurrence of violence in a school and community.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to expand your methodology for teaching Mathematics. The course will explore an innovative teaching model that incorporates strategies for teaching concepts constructively and contextually. The goal is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts of various math topics and to explore the principles of teaching those concepts to learners. This course will focus on the topics of number sense, basic operations, and fractions.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

Reading & Writing in Content Area offers instruction in teaching reading and writing in various subject matter fields at the secondary level. The material stresses the skills of vocabulary building, comprehension, and writing, as well as methods for motivating adolescents to read and write. The course also provides information on recognizing reading difficulties, assessing textbooks, and the integration of reading strategies within a content area. The strategies taught are aligned with the Praxis Reading Across the Curriculum test guide and the Reading in the Content Area national standards.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course will help the learner achieve a better understanding of ADHD and intervention strategies to facilitate positive student change. Taught by Mick R. Jackson MS/ED, this course covers the history of the disorder, accepted methods to assess and identify students with the disorder, and various methods, medications, and strategies that are currently used to treat it. For situations in which services beyond what can be provided in the classroom are required, the referral process for getting help for the student will be addressed. Reference materials include a list of resources for both teachers and parents who would like more help or information about ADD or ADHD.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course describes Autism and Asperger’s Disorder, including characteristics of these disorders, associated learning styles, communication weaknesses, and various intervention strategies. The course helps the learner understand why individuals with Autism spectrum disorders behave the way they do, and what you can do to enhance more appropriate behavior. This course also lists resources for educators, related service personnel, and parents who want more help or information on Autism and Asperger’s Disorder.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

This course is designed to help special and general educators gain a better understanding of inclusion, one of the current educational reform movements that advocates educating students with disabilities in the general education classrooms. Upon course completion, the learner will be able to define key concepts and terms, identify and describe federal legislature and court cases, and list and describe the federal definition of students entitled to special services. This course will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of educators in providing special services to students educated in inclusive classrooms.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

RTI is a process schools can and should use to help students who are struggling with academics or behavior. Even though RTI is primarily linked to special education and the early identification of learning problems, RTI is not just for students in special education. RTI is for all students and is based on the premise that a student might be struggling due to instruction or the curriculum in the past, or in the current classroom. Every teacher will have students who are struggling and whether it’s short term or long term, RTI is a valuable tool.
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

This course provides information on the history of exceptional students in relation to education, current law, and accepted methods for referral, assessment, and identification. It covers major program models and methods of differentiating instruction to meet the rate and level of learning of those students identified. The course gives the learner an understanding of ways to meet the affective needs of the gifted and talented student in the regular classroom and lists resources for teachers and parents who would like more information about the talented and gifted.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

Designed to give the learner the knowledge, tools, and dispositions to effectively facilitate a diverse classroom, this course teaches how to understand and identify differences in approaches to learning and performance, including different learning styles and ways in which students demonstrate learning. An emphasis in this course is on understanding how students’ learning is influenced by individual experiences, talents, disabilities, gender, language, culture, and family and community values. The learner is challenged to apply knowledge of the richness of contributions from our diverse society to the teaching field.
Graduate Credit Hours: 2
Contact Hours: 30
Continuing Education Credits: 3

Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Classroom Teacher, provides an introduction to the field of Learning Disabilities for special education teachers, general classroom teachers, integration teachers and related professionals, especially those working in the areas of language, psychology and counseling
Graduate Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Continuing Education Credits: 4.5

Get Started

Apply now to register for online graduate courses in education with Randolph College and VESi.