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WELCOME, EDUCATORS!

KDS provides online programs for Graduate Credit and Professional Development to educators across the country.

Each earns teachers 1 Graduate Credit from Adams State College's Teacher Education Program, accredited by TEAC (Teacher Education Accreditation Council) and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Ask your district for opportunities to apply these credits towards advancement on the salary scale, to meet your MA/BA +15, +30, +45, +54, +60 or to meet your License Recertification or Continuing Education needs. Or use the credits towards your education degree (ex. Master’s of Education, Elective courses).

Cost: $150 Course Fee to KDS, + $45 Application Fee to Adams State College

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STEPS TO COMPLETE THE COURSEWORK

STEP 1: Choose the KDS online course you would like to take.

STEP 2: Select the ADD TO CART button.

STEP 3: Select CHECKOUT once you have selected all the courses you would like to take. (If you have any questions contact us at info@kdsi.org or 800-728-0032.)

STEP 4: If you are a new student select "New Customer, Click Here" if you are a returning student enter your Username, Password, and School # and click SUBMIT.

STEP 5: Please download the registration document, fill it out, and send, or fax it to KDS.

STEP 6: Once you pay for the course(s) selected, you will automatically be enrolled and will receive your login information via email within 10 minutes. If you do not receive this email please contact KDS immediately.

STEP 7: You will have on-demand access to complete this course at your own pace over the course of 2 months.

STEP 8: Once you complete the online lectures, pre- and post-assessments, and objectives, you must write a final paper (approximately 3 pages in length).

STEP 9: Once you complete the final paper please email it to finalexam@kdsi.org

STEP 10: Once you have completed the final paper, please go to the website

COURSES OFFERED

T3 TI-Nspire
PURCHASE|SHOW DESCRIPTION |PRINT SYLLABUS

This course will provide participants with an understanding of using the TI-Nspire handheld and computer software in their classrooms. The power and potential of TI-Nspire's key mathematical and pedagogical features enables students to understand and learn Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus in a more tangible environment through viewing their equations and implementing their work. Participants will explore the pedagogical implications of the document model as a tool for presentation, curriculum delivery, problem solving and recording students' thought processes. They will be expected to discuss the implications of having students create and use their own documents, along with the value of exploration and investigation using pre-made documents. This course will explore assessment opportunities teachers can use in the classroom for their students provided by the new tools built into the TI-Nspire to encourage the building of a community of educators.
Beginning with TI-Nspire – Introduction to Graphing		Vince Doty
Introduction to Geometry, Lists and Spreadsheets, Medians		Vince Doty
Relationship between Circumference and Diameter of a Circle		Vince Doty
Points, Lines, Slopes		Ruth Casey
Tale of Tape, Box Volume Problem		Vince Doty

Character Education, Part 1: Community and Cultural Change
PURCHASE|SHOW DESCRIPTION |PRINT SYLLABUS

Cultural changes in the family structure, the shifting role of parents, and the glorification of violence, drugs, and gang activity in popular culture have all contributed to changes in the behavior dynamics that impact schools, classrooms, and teachers. Students’ feelings, emotions, perceptions, and self-esteem or the “affective” dimension are intertwined with the ability to learn; consequently, the increase in negative social behaviors on campus such as bullying not only negatively influence social interactions but impact students’ ability to acquire new skills and knowledge. This session also focuses on the need to build adult teams (internally and externally) to implement and sustain a “character” focus that takes into consideration the federal, state, and local mandates of 21st Century educators. Participants will be given guidelines for building a classroom, school, and community that focus on character development and making “character” education a central part of the teaching and learning process, resulting in improved human relationships among teachers and students. Participants discover the avenues to create a moral community in the classroom and identify the role that they play in the process of fostering positive student character traits. This course can be taken alone or with Character Education, Part 2 for additional course credits.
Session 1: Character: An Initiative with Far-Reaching Consequences		Clifton Taulbert
Session 2: Why the Character Focus: The Cultural Shift - A Society in Change		Clifton Taulbert
Session 3: The Cultural Shift: Impact Upon the Classroom		Clifton Taulbert
Session 5: The Role of the Teacher in the Midst of Change		Clifton Taulbert
Session 7: The Role of the "Affective" Dimension of the Learning Process		Clifton Taulbert
Session 8: Character Education on Campus		Clifton Taulbert
Session 9: The Federal Government in Schools		Clifton Taulbert
Session 10: The Power of Community - Building and Sustaining		Clifton Taulbert

Character Education, Part 2: Positive Role Models and Proactive Educators
PURCHASE|SHOW DESCRIPTION |PRINT SYLLABUS

This course encourages participants to create an environment that is conducive to learning by encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their actions and by creating a positive moral climate for solving conflicts. Students emulate behaviors they see and hear; therefore, establishing positive role models at home, within the community, and in the classroom is fundamental to establishing a positive character development program. Participants are given strategies for identifying at risk students and developing a school-wide character education program that leverages community involvement from businesses, faith communities, parents, and coaches to support moral character development. Participants will explore the role of leadership in creating the desired “community” to impact student behavior and will be introduced to the concept of “igniting” leadership at all levels to create an environment where positive relationships are treasured. The eight habits of the heart are introduced including Nurturing Attitude, Responsibility, Dependability, Friendship, Brotherhood, High Expectations, Courage, and Hope, and participants will explore the dynamics of these timeless and universal principles as lived out by ordinary people during the 20th Century and their relationship to building the “affective” dimension of 21st Century classrooms. This course can be taken alone or with Character Education, Part 1 for additional course credits.
Session 13: Building Partnerships - Beyond the School		Clifton Taulbert
Session 14: The Athletic Coach - A Character Development Asset		Clifton Taulbert
Session 15: Adult Behaviors Matter - Your People Will Do What They See You Do		Clifton Taulbert
Session 16: Empowering Your Intent - Personal Leadership		Clifton Taulbert
Session 17: Empowering Your Intent - Timeless Habits 1		Clifton Taulbert
Session 18: Empowering Your Intent - Timeless Habits 2		Clifton Taulbert
Session 19: Empowering Your Intent - Timeless Habits 3		Clifton Taulbert
Session 20: The Proactive Educator - Knowledgeable and Committed		Clifton Taulbert

Challenging Gifted Students Using the SCG Model, Part I
PURCHASE|SHOW DESCRIPTION |PRINT SYLLABUS

This course will cover an in-depth set of topics that describe the School-wide Cluster Grouping Model to educators. The SCGM is a method for providing full-time gifted services without major budget implications. Implementing these strategies has the potential to raise achievement for all students. With the SCGM, all students are purposely placed into classrooms based on their abilities and potential. The course will cover effective evaluation of the gifted cluster program. Participants will learn to identify gifted students and learn how to implement the SCGM in the classroom. Participants will learn the responsibility of the SCGM and the training necessary to become an SCGM teacher. Participants will be introduced to certain relevant terms such as cluster variations, cluster grouping, twice exceptional gifted students, and non-productive gifted students. There will also be video of classroom demonstrations in which participants will learn the name card game, various use of questioning, and other differentiated instruction techniques.
Description of the SCGM to Educators		Susan Winebrenner
Description of the SCGM to Parents		Dina Brulles
Teaching Strategies for Students in the Primary Grades		Dina Brulles
Demonstrations in Primary Classrooms		Dina Brulles
Teaching Strategies for Students in the Intermediate Grades		Susan Winebrenner
Demonstrations in Intermediate Classrooms		Dina Brulles
Demonstrations in Middle School Classrooms		Dina Brulles
Using Effective Questioning Strategies		Susan Winebrenner

Challenging Gifted Students Using the SCG Model, Part II
PURCHASE|SHOW DESCRIPTION |PRINT SYLLABUS

This is the second course in the School-wide Cluster Grouping Model. This course will cover the meaning and use of effective extension menus. Participant will gain further insight about the name card method and research, which support SCGM theories. The course will also provide additional demonstrations of teaching techniques for gifted cluster teachers and training for gifted specialists and mentors. Participants will be introduced to all aspects of gifted cluster meetings for teachers, and the methods for monitoring progress in the SCGM will be identified. Participants will be given the guidelines for creating a database for tracking the growth of gifted students. The course will offer an in-depth insight to professional development and curriculum differentiation and address the needs of special population students.
Training for Gifted Specialists and Mentors		Dina Brulles
Creating and Using Effective Extension Menus		Susan Winebrenner
Gifted Cluster Teacher Meeting		Dina Brulles
Evaluating the SCGM		Dina Brulles
Special Populations		Susan Winebrenner
Additional Demonstrations of Teaching Strategies		Dina Brulles
Research Supporting the SCGM		Susan Winebrenner
Wrapping Up the SCGM		Susan Winebrenner

Teaching in a Mixed Ability Classroom
PURCHASE|SHOW DESCRIPTION |PRINT SYLLABUS


Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom: Part 1		Susan Winebrenner
Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom: Part 2		Susan Winebrenner
Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom: Part 3		Susan Winebrenner
Teaching Kids with Learning Difficulties in the Regular Classroom: Part 1		Susan Winebrenner
Teaching Kids with Learning Difficulties in the Regular Classroom: Part 2		Susan Winebrenner