Best Practices in Instruction: Spiraling for Success

2 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for DoDEA Participants Only

This course is designed to reinforce and extend the past two years of CCR learning in elementary schools, while also providing new teachers an opportunity to catch up on any missed content. Its primary goal is to help educators apply key objectives directly to their classroom practice, ensuring that best practices are not only remembered but consistently implemented.

The course emphasizes a spiraled approach, integrating both knowledge and application so that learning builds over time. Participants will engage in face-to-face instruction, guided opportunities for classroom application, structured reflection, and embedded coaching with the instructor to deepen understanding and strengthen practice.

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for DoDEA Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

  • U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
  • International addresses: 3–4 weeks

 

Prerequisites: None. This course provides an opportunity for participants to build on established best instructional practices or to catch up on prior learning they may have missed.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Implement student-centered learning environment best practices from the prior two years of back-to-school learning

  • Create and execute lessons that exemplify the DoDEA instruction framework through the lens of HQIP

  • Apply directives and progress monitoring in practice and analyze results using CODE

  • Develop core intervention groups and collect progress monitoring data to be analyzed

  • Collaborate with specialists within a productive teaming structure

  • Reflect on progress to identify strengths and areas for growth

  • Engage in coaching cycles throughout each module

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.