This course introduces K–12 educators to 20 research-based instructional strategies designed to shift the cognitive work of learning from the teacher to the student. Participants explore how small, consistent changes in lesson structure can transform who is doing the thinking in the classroom and build a practical toolkit they can apply immediately across content areas in grades 2–12.
Strategies are released in pairs during Months 6 through 10 of the spring semester and intentionally build on one another, moving from establishing community and inquiry to active engagement routines, deeper collaboration, and ultimately full student ownership of classroom learning. Grounded in research on cognitive load theory and Chi and Wylie’s ICAP framework (Chi & Wylie, 2014), each strategy includes implementation guidance, troubleshooting support, and structured reflection tools.
Coursework is completed within Roster, an online professional learning community for teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators. In addition to strategy content, participants have access to live monthly learning sessions, one-on-one instructional coaching, and an active discussion community of educators implementing the same strategies in their own classrooms. Participants engage in structured self-reflection after each implementation, connect with colleagues through discussion forums, and receive individualized coaching support as they refine their practice.
The Spring course builds on the fall strategies and introduces 10 additional research-based strategies focused on engagement, inquiry, collaboration, reflection, and discussion. Teachers learn, plan, and implement each strategy in their classroom, reflect on student responses, participate in weekly discussions, and receive ongoing support through monthly live coaching sessions.
Spring strategies include: Would You Rather, Peer Podcast, Inquiry Cube, Give One/Get One, Popular Opinion, 4 Square, 3-2-1 Reflection, Exit Ticket, One Pagers, and Fishbowl Discussion.
PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.
Number of Units: 1.0 - 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Your Classroom Academy Participants.
黑料专区 – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information
The 黑料专区 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 黑料专区; 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
Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Step 2: Complete the Course Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)
Step 3: Register for University Credit After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.
If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.
Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to [email protected], including the course number in your message.
Step 5: Receive Your Transcript No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account.
Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
For detailed information regarding the 黑料专区 Credit Validation Program, please consult our
Need additional university credit or CEUs? Visit the to explore available credit options.
If you would like to purchase Continuing Education Units (CEUs) instead of USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit (GLEC), CEU participants will receive a Confirmation of Completion Letter documenting the CEUs earned, which can be downloaded and provided as a PDF for professional records. Click here to view the CEU option.
Prerequisites: Course: EDC-X764AA Fall Semester: Classroom Strategies for Student-Centered Instruction
Professional development courses offered by the 黑料专区鈥檚 Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
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.
High-quality, career-building courses to choose from
In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics
Career advancing certificates
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 goals.
The 黑料专区鈥檚 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.
Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.
Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.
Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.