Degree Requirements for a BS in Elementary Education with PK-4 and PK-12 Special Education Certification

Core Course: A study of models, techniques, and skills of teaching and learning through observation and analysis of the inclusive, regular, and diverse classroom and related settings. Topics include management, motivation, and instruction and The Danielson Model. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisite: Limited to Education majors. (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide best instructional practices-development and implementation of teaching strategies across all content areas (English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies) for students with mild/moderate disabilities at the secondary level. This course will integrate approaches for instruction, classroom management, accommodations and modifications of curriculum, along with the development of Individualized Education Program as it relates to the secondary level of education and transition form school to community. The will also provide discussion on life skills curriculum, social skills and transition from school to community. Prerequisites: EDU-0280. (3 credits)

An introductory course designed to make students aware of the diversity of the field of Psychology and the ways in which human behavior can be studied. Goals, methods, and applications of the science of psychology in learning, language, thinking, perception, and the emotions are investigated. Prerequisite for all psychology courses. Offered fall and spring semesters. (3 credits)

A study of the development of the individual from infancy to old age with special emphasis on childhood. Prerequisite: PSY-0100. Offered fall and spring semesters. (3 credits)

Sed egestas, ante et vulputate volutpat, eros pede semper est, vitae luctus metus libero eu augue. Morbi purus libero, faucibus adipiscing, commodo quis, gravida id, est. Sed lectus. Praesent elementum hendrerit tortor. Sed semper lorem at felis. Vestibulum volutpat, lacus a ultrices sagittis, mi neque euismod dui, eu pulvinar nunc sapien ornare nisl. Phasellus pede arcu, dapibus eu, fermentum et, dapibus sed, urna.

An overview of current program models and learning theories in early childhood education, with emphasis given to how social, cultural, and political issues impact practice. A key component of this course is developing in students and understanding of how child development relates to effective early childhood education. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors. (3 credits)

A consideration of literature for children and adolescents as a communication between authors, adult readers, and child readers. Prerequisites: None. (3 credits)

This is a required course for Education majors enrolled in the special education certification track. It will provide students with a thorough understanding of the manifestations of learning disabilities affecting student performance and achievement in reading and language arts. Strong emphasis will be placed on techniques using differentiation of instruction for the LD student and on effective instructional interventions for both individuals and the entire class. Appropriate use of assessment tools will also be a key component of the course. Students will do a minimum of 10 hours of classroom observation in appropriate special education settings as a part of this course. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU 0201 and EDU 0280. (3 credits)

This course is a required course for Education majors enrolled in the Special Education certification track. It will provide students with a thorough understanding of the manifestations of learning disabilities affecting student performance and achievement in Mathematics. Strong emphasis will be placed on techniques using differentiation of instruction for the LD student and on effective instructional interventions for both individuals and the entire class. Appropriate use of assessment tools will also be a key component of the course. Students will do a minimum of 10 hours of classroom observation in appropriate special education settings as a part of this course. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 and EDU-0280. (3 credits)

This is a required course for Education students who are pursuing K-12 certification in Special Education. The course provides a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills necessary in order to understand and work effectively with children at all levels of the autism spectrum from pervasive developmental disorder to Asperger’s syndrome. The course will include significant opportunities for supervised observation in area programs serving autistic children. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU 0201 (3 credits)

This as an upper level course specifically intended for students who are in the later stages of preparation for certification as special education teachers. The course has two primary components: classroom sessions devoted to relevant areas in special education (e. g. student assessment, IEP creation and implementation, etc.) and participation in a true practicum with regularly scheduled time in a special education class during the entire semester. Prerequisites; limited to Education majors; EDU0201 and EDU-0280. (3 credits)

A study of methods of teaching the arts in the elementary school in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. This course integrates fine art, music, dance, and drama. Inclusionary topics are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201; lab fee. (3 credits)

Study of methods of teaching elementary school health, safety, and physical education and their relationship to the classroom and to the development of the whole child in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201. (1.5 credits)

A lecture and hands-on approach to understanding the computer and its application in the classroom. No prior computer knowledge or skill is necessary. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU0201 (1.5 credits)

This course will include an examination of the various forms of group testing, both standardized and classroom. Students will also learn how to read and interpret test results and how to apply that knowledge to classroom and individual instruction. Basic statistical concepts such as median, mode, standard deviation, etc. will be covered, as will the ways in which statistics may be used appropriately and ethically in the educational setting. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisite: EDU 0201 (3 credits)

A study of the principles of human learning and cognition as applied to the educational context. Consideration of effective instructional techniques and current research. Prerequisite: PSY-0200. Offered spring semester.

There are three primary foci: students will learn about the role, both educational and social, of the school in modern society, the fundamentals and diversity of family structure in America today, and the dynamics of family/school interaction. In addition, they will learn about the myriad social service resources available to support schools and children in America. Emphasis will be placed on ways in which teachers and schools can foster community partnerships which benefit students and their families. Prerequisites: None (3 credits)

A course designed to acquaint the student with the basic concepts and principles of elementary and middle grades curriculum. Emphasis is on methods, planning for diversity, inclusion, and differentiation of instruction. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: Limited to Education majors; EDU 0201. (3 credits)

An introductory survey of philosophical approaches to contemporary moral and social problems. Emphasis will be on theories about how we ought to act and about goals, rights and responsibilities appropriate to human beings. Topics may include capital punishment, equality and discrimination, economic justice, globalization, and terrorism, among others. Offered every year. (3 credits)

This course will provide students with a foundation in the organization and management of an effective classroom. Students will learn how to create and maintain a positive learning environment at every level, as well as specific techniques for managing a variety of student behavioral issues. Issues of respect, cultural diversity, and appropriate behavioral expectations will also be covered. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors. (3 credits)

This is an introductory survey course. Students will learn about the development of special education in the United States. Key laws (e.g. 94-142 and ADA/504) as well as major litigation will be covered in detail. In addition, students will be introduced to the various categories of disability. Students will learn introductory material about educational accommodation for these disabilities and will learn how to write an IEP. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 (3 credits)

This course will build on the learnings acquired in the Special Education foundation course described above. The various disabilities will be covered in greater detail with heavy emphasis on accommodating instruction and the classroom environment to the needs of disabled students. A significant portion of the course will also be devoted to strategies for providing appropriate enrichment in the regular classroom to students identified as gifted and talented. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201 and EDU-0280. (3 credits)

This is a basic course intended to provide students with the fundamentals of providing effective classroom instruction to students who are not native English speakers. It will examine the controversy over bilingual education vs., English for Speakers of other Languages (ESL). Students will acquire an understanding of immersion instruction, the various levels of resource room instruction, and how the classroom teacher can support such programs. Significant time will also be devoted to exploring cultural diversity and ways for the classroom teacher to foster a classroom environment which is both respectful and inclusive Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201." (3 credits)

An introduction to American Sign Language, covering the relationship between manual and oral language systems, the implications of deafness on communication, and the philosophy of total communication. Offered as needed. (3 credits)

A continued study of American Sign Language that emphasizes conversational skills and deaf culture. Prerequisite: ASL-0150. Offered as needed. (3 credits)