A Guide to Harvards Online Certificate Programs

A Guide to Harvard's Online Certificate Programs Harvard Extension School students can choose from more than 100 online courses taught by Harvards distinguished faculty. As you would expect, these classes are challenging and require a significant time commitment. The majority of extension school professors are Harvard affiliates, but some teachers come from other universities as well as businesses. No special requirements are needed to enroll in Harvard Extension Schools online courses. All courses have an open-enrollment policy. As Harvard explains, A certificate demonstrates to employers that you have acquired a certain body of knowledge in a field. The courses for each certificate give you the opportunity to gain a currently relevant background for a field or profession. And the educational quality of the Harvard Extension School is widely recognized by employers. Harvard Extension School Certificates Harvards online program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a  regional accreditor. Students can take Harvard’s online courses individually or enroll in a degree or certificate program. In order to earn a certificate, new students must take five classes. There are no other admissions or capstone requirements. Students desiring no on-campus work may earn a Certificate in Environmental Management, a Certificate in Applied Sciences, a Citation in East Asian Studies, or a Citation in Web Technologies and Applications completely online. Other programs have mandatory residencies. A bachelors degree may be completed by taking four on-campus courses in addition to online work. Masters programs with limited residencies include  liberal arts, management, biotechnology, environmental management, and information technology. Open Admissions Individual classes at Harvard Extension School have an open-admissions policy. Certificate courses are conducted at the graduate level, so most students have already completed their undergraduate education. In order to complete the courses, students should also be proficient in English. By enrolling in the courses themselves, students will be able to determine if the level of coursework is appropriate for their experience. Costs Harvard Extension School tuition averages approximately $2,000 per course, as of May 2017. Although this price is more expensive than some online programs, many students feel they are receiving an Ivy League education for the price of a state-funded school. Federal financial aid is not available for students enrolled in degree or certificate programs through the extension program. Something to Consider Although the extension school is part of the university, earning a certificate from Harvard does not make you a Harvard alum. As Harvard explains, Most Extension School graduate degrees require 10 to 12 courses. With only five courses and no admissions requirements, certificates offer a quicker path to a professional development credential... Since the on-campus and online certificates are not degree programs, certificate awardees do not participate in Commencement or receive alumni status. Interested students may also want to look at other prestigious colleges offering certificate programs, including eCornell, Stanford, and UMassOnline. Experts generally recommend that students take online classes due to their relevance and their potential for advancement in a particular field, rather than their association with an Ivy League institution. However, some career counselors argue that a certificate from a prestigious school can help make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Physical Education for Special Needs Students

Physical Education for Special Needs Students The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  states that physical education is a required service for children and youth between the ages of 3 and 21 who qualify for special education services because of a specific disability or developmental delay. The term special education refers to specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents (FAPE), to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the classroom and instruction in physical education. The specially-designed program will be outlined in the childs Individual Education Program/Plan (IEP). Therefore, physical education services, specially designed if necessary, must be made available to every child with a disability receiving FAPE. Physical education for a special needs child will develop: Fundamental motor skills and patternsSkills in aquatics and danceIndividual and group games and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports) One of the fundamental concepts in the IDEA, Least Restrictive Environment, is designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive as much instruction and as much general education curriculum with their typical peers as possible. Physical education teachers will need to adapt instructional strategies and activity areas to meet the needs of students with IEPs.   Physical Education Adaptions for Students with IEPs Adaptations may include narrowing the expectations of students according to their needs.  The demand for performance and participation will naturally be adapted to the students ability to participate. The childs special educator will consult with the physical education teacher and classroom support staff to decide if the physical education program requires mild, moderate or limited participation. Remember that you will be adapting, modifying, and changing the activity and or equipment to meet the needs of the special needs students. Adaptations may also include larger balls, bats, assistance, using different body parts, or providing more rest time. The goal should be for the child to benefit from the physical education instruction by experiencing success and learning physical activities that will build the foundation for life-long physical activity.   In some cases, a special instructor with special training may participate with the general education physical educator.  Adaptive P.E. needs to be designated as an SDI (specially designed instruction, or service) in the IEP, and the adaptive P.E. teacher will also evaluate the student and the students needs.  Those specific needs will be addressed in IEP goals as well as SDIs, so the specific needs of the child are addressed.   Suggestions for Physical Education Teachers Consult with parents and specialized support staff.Do not require students to do activities they are not capable of.Dont have student selections for teams and games that will leave the special needs child the last to be selected.Whenever possible, create tasks that the child with a handicap is capable of performing, this helps self-respect.There are a wealth of resources online and with associations concerned with exceptional children. Search out these resources. Remember, When Working Towards Inclusion,  Consider: How can I change this activity to suit the student?How can I adapt this activity?How can I modify this activity?How will I assess the physical activity?Can I involve a teachers assistant or parent volunteer?How will I ensure the rest of the class involves the student with a handicap? Think in terms of action, time, assistance, equipment, boundaries, distance, etc.