Educators and psychologists know that learning is significantly affected by factors such as stress, anxiety, self-image, cultural expectations and societal expectations. The increasing number of students diverse backgrounds in today’s classrooms introduces a tremendous diversity of lived experience which influences how students learn. 

In today’s public schools, the majority of teachers, 80% are white, and the majority of learners are students of color. This fact alone suggests a strong potential for a cultural and communication gap between teachers and their students. Research findings confirm that black students face significant challenges to their learning as a result of unconscious bias and lack of cultural awareness on the part of teachers. It is well documented that black students, particularly boys, are more likely to be on the receiving end of disciplinary action, more likely to be suspended from school, and are at greater risk of failing than are other students. It is also well documented that black children are perceived to be older than white children of the same age and are more likely, as a result, to have expectations for behavior that are developmentally inappropriate. These factors, along with micro-aggressions that are common, and sometimes racially motivated aggression by peers render the learning environment for black students fraught with challenges that may be unseen or unrecognized by educators.

In this course, we will examine the factors that come together to create unique challenges to black students in the classroom and explore ways in which teachers can minimize those challenges and support school success for all students.

CEUs/ILUs: 1.6

Length (in hours): 16

Data Analysis is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace.  Companies have vast amounts of data, but it is rare to have someone with the ability to analyze that data to see trends and make predictions. Add a whole new skill set to your portfolio, and make a big difference in the success of your organization by acquiring data analysis skills. 

Begin with getting a basic understanding of how to analyze data in a business setting. Then learn how many of your business decisions involve comparing groups for differences. You will know the statistics behind these group differences and relationships. Finally, you will find out how to perform inquiries that will be useful to your business or organization and have the skill necessary to communicate these results through graphs and text that your fellow employees will understand. Whether your business is home-based or a large company, this certificate will take you to the next level where important decision-making is concerned.

Students need to have Microsoft Excel to complete this certificate. 

This Certificate must be taken in the following order:

• Introduction
• Intermediate
• Advanced  

CEUs/ILUs: 4.8

Length (in hours): 48

Offered 4 times/year, call for dates.

Write and edit better starting today. Gain confidence in your writing. Improve your communication skills. This course will reinforce the rules you learned in school and teach you some you didn't.   

Good grammar doesn't make good writing, but good writing demands good grammar. Whether you're a student or a professional, a career changer or a job seeker, Effective Grammar will equip you to write more effectively from day one.   You'll learn it all—from grammar basics to more advanced concepts like parallelism and agreement to the finer points of capitalization and punctuation. After completing this certificate, you'll be a master of commas, complete sentences, common sense writing, and more.   

Put an end to grammar mistakes that detract from your work. The grammar knowledge you'll gain will contribute to whatever kind of writing you produce. Everything you learn will elevate your communication skills and help you present polished, professional writing every time.

CEUs/ILUs: 3.2

Length (in hours): 32

This is a two-month program with quarterly start dates.