Scope and Sequence

The scope and sequence of the program is designed to ensure that students develop their skills and knowledge in a logical and meaningful way. In the first year of the program, students focus primarily on their general education certification/licensure to ensure that they build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of effective teaching. During the second year of the program, students focus on their special education coursework. Students will be provided with a detailed course schedule at the beginning of each term.

Year One: Student Growth and Achievement and Content Methods Courses
In the first year of the program, students are enrolled in both student growth and achievement and content methods courses.

Student Growth and Achievement Courses
Student growth and achievement courses represent the knowledge and skills all great teachers must have regardless of the grades or subjects that they teach. These classes encompass three of the four elements of effective teaching: self and other people, classroom culture, and teaching cycle. In student growth and achievement courses, students also create and follow their pathways for student growth and achievement. Finally, some student growth and achievement courses provide the opportunity to select elective topics within a course. Elective modules within a course address a variety of teaching knowledge and skills, such as teacher-organization skills or launching restorative justice practices with PK–12 students.

Content Methods Courses
Content methods coursework comprises the knowledge and skills necessary to teach a particular grade or subject. Content methods coursework is taught in grade- and/or subject-specific groups led by a faculty member with that particular area of teaching expertise and experience.

Year Two: Teaching Exceptional Learners Courses (Weekly Class Sessions)
During the second year of the program, the scope and sequence is designed to ensure that students develop specialized skills and knowledge around designing and implementing specialized instruction in a logical and meaningful way. For this reason, most coursework is taught in weekly sessions by a Relay faculty member. Weekly sessions build on prior knowledge and establish the foundation for increasing rigor and complexity across the year. Additional sessions may be taught on Saturdays by full-time and/or adjunct instructors.