Complex Classrooms
Program Overview
Student needs in K-12 classrooms have become increasingly complex over the last decade. The term complex classrooms “is a broad term, increasingly being used to describe diversity in classrooms” (CASS, 2023, p. 5). The diversity of needs in an inclusive classroom, may include social emotional needs, learning gaps, mental health concerns, trauma backgrounds and issues of school readiness (CASS, 2023, p. 17-18). This certificate provides school professionals with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address behavioural challenges in a complex classroom.
Program Details
In-person residency and online courses held in both an asynchronous environment (D2L) and a synchronous (real-time) environment (Zoom) which allows instructors to virtually meet and talk with students and experience a live exchange of ideas, hear class presentations and do group work with access to a whiteboard. For additional information regarding online delivery, refer to the eLearn website.
In this certificate, students will learn and apply:
- Theoretical knowledge of diverse student behaviours in K-12 classrooms
- Strategies for meeting the diverse behavioural needs, identities and experiences of students in K-12 classrooms
- Research based practices and practical strategies to address behavioural challenges
- Methods of gathering assessment data to inform intervention
- Positive classroom climate strategies
- Strategies for working with a community of allied professionals and families
This certificate would be of interest to teachers, administrators and other educators working with K-12 students in classrooms. Principals and teachers consistently mention the topic of complex classrooms as being an area of need. The ATA (2024) and CASS (2023) have identified complex classrooms as an area of concern.
A registration package will be sent to new students after they have been admitted. Registration for the summer term will be available in late winter. Fall and Winter registration opens in the spring. Your Graduate Program Administrator will send more information about registration to you.
Fee details are available through the University Calendar. An explanation of fees is available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies' website.
The University of Calgary offers multiple ways to meet the cost of your education. Please refer to the Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries page to learn more about options available to students. For additional information, please contact Student Financial Support.
Please refer to Admission Requirements for Master's Programs.
Program Schedule & Course Descriptions
- Program begins each July (summer term 1)
- Outlines are normally available 1-2 weeks prior to the start of term in D2L
- 3 units per course
Term 1 - Summer
An Introduction to Complex Classrooms
In this course students will be introduced to the complex nature of current classrooms. A review of students with diversity, characteristics, needs and challenges will be explored along with strategies. Students will be introduced to evidence-based tiers of intervention and classroom-based strategies.
Key ideas and topics:
- Emotional Regulation
- Behavioral Concerns
- Concerns Related to ESL
- Learning Disabilities
- Systemic Factors
Registration info:
TBA
Term 2 - Fall
Behaviour Assessment and Intervention
In this course, students will learn how to conduct a functional behavioural assessment in their classroom using observation and interviewing. Students will create a behavioral support plan for their classroom.
Key ideas and topics:
- Understanding Behavioral Principles
- Functional Behavioural Assessment
- Conducting Observations and Interviews in Your Classroom
- Interpreting Data
- Preparing Behavioral Support Plans
- Small Group Interventions
- Working with IPPs and LSPs
- Progress Monitoring
Registration info:
TBA
Term 3 - Winter
Fostering a Positive Classroom Climate
In this course, students will explore the concept of classroom flow and learn how to create safe and engaging environments. Students will learn how to address minor, medium and major disruptions in classroom flow which can result in classroom disruptions and learning loss.
Key ideas and topics:
- Classroom Culture
- Creating Safe Spaces in Classrooms
- Nurturing Classroom Flow
- Minor, Medium and Major Disruptions in Classroom Flow
- Teacher Self-Regulation
- Managing Student on Student Conflict
- Integrating Social-Emotional Learning
Registration info:
TBA
Term 4 - Spring
Developing a Community of Support
In this course, students will learn how to create positive school relationships with parents from diverse educational backgrounds and cultures. Students will learn how to extend classroom-based strategies into the home environment by working with families. Students will explore the role of allied professionals including (psychologists, speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists).
Key ideas and topic
- Understanding the Diverse Educational Experiences of Parents
- Meeting with Parents to Discuss Concerns
- Getting Support from Parents
- Collaborating on Behavioural Supports
- School Wide Interventions
- Exploring Existing Supports
- Working with Allied Professionals
Registration info:
TBA
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