Foundational Framework: Effective Classroom Strategies: Spring Semester

Course Available
2 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for Your Classroom Academy Participants Only

This spring semester, Your Classroom Academy continues to empower educators with essential skills to create engaging, student-centered classrooms. Through practical, research-based strategies, teachers will learn to foster collaboration, deepen student comprehension, and maintain a strong classroom community.

We will revisit the importance of community by offering fresh strategies to strengthen positive relationships with students as the school year progresses. Educators will explore techniques designed to support student comprehension and critical thinking during reading. This includes a focus on the Three-Read Technique and other active reading strategies that help students process complex texts, identify key ideas, and connect their learning to broader contexts.

Participants will also delve into collaborative structures such as Jigsaw and One-Pagers, which enable students to synthesize and share their learning in meaningful ways. These strategies promote ownership of learning, enhance peer-to-peer engagement, and support diverse learners.

Course Details

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

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Your Classroom Academy 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.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

1. Enroll in this course:

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

2. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.

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

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X716Y – 2026 Participants 01 Jan 202601 Jun 2026 2 $158

Foundational Framework: Effective Classroom Strategies: Spring Semester

01 Jan 202601 Jun 2026
2
$158
Credit Validation
Online Self-Paced

Audience: K-12 teachers 

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open: January 1, 2026 – June 15, 2026 (11:59pm PT)

What You Will Learn

  • Develop proficiency in implementing nearly 15 research-based classroom strategies designed to enhance rigor, engagement, and student outcomes
  • Assess the effectiveness of strategies in your classroom through guided reflections, deepening your ability to adapt and refine your teaching practices
  • Explore how foundational strategies improve specific student skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving
  • Discover effective collaborative structures that encourage critical thinking and student ownership of learning
  • Utilize tools to make reading more engaging and accessible for all learners

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

600+

High-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

Career advancing certificates

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.