This course seeks to explore and analyze contrasting strategies for the instruction and assessment of elementary school students as well as to examine the infusion of technology and software applications into student instruction and assessment. Students will research and compare and contrast curriculum standards for Kentucky and other states. New and innovative practices for effective and appropriate classroom, school-wide, and district policies will also be examined. Attention will focus on reducing the achievement gap between sub-populations. Required for all elementary majors. 3 semester hours.