Building the Base: Secondary Science

1-2.5 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for WestEd Participants Only

This course is designed to develop the deep expertise secondary science teachers need to provide English Learners with equitable, high-quality opportunities to learn—especially amid the increasing demands of modern science education. Participants will explore the demographic, disciplinary, and design imperatives that shape science learning for English Learners and gain strategies to support students’ academic language development within the content area. Teachers will learn to identify and leverage cross-cutting concepts and scientific practices that span disciplines, support student agency through intentional language choices, and design lessons that foster meaningful, sustained participation for English Learners over time.

Course Details

Number of Units: 1 - 2.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please choose unit selection upon checkout.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for WestEd 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.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Understand the demographic, disciplinary, and design imperatives that accompany the learning of science for English Learners
  • Identify cross-cutting concepts and practices that connect science disciplines
  • Grow student agency over time by offering clear choices of language tied to broader overarching scientific practices
  • Design lessons that foster changes in English Learners’ participation over time

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.