Degree Requirements for a BS in Elementary Education with PK-4 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)

An examination of current educational research as it applies to all learners in the K-12 classroom. Topics include; learning styles, formative and summative assessment, inclusion, motivation, and strategies of effective instruction. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: None. (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)

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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)

An exploration of methods used to promote early literacy, reading, and writing to children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Emphasis is also placed on the various ways in which children actually learn to read. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201.

A field-based approach to applying mathematical principles and content, methods, and theories of instruction and authentic assessment to students with or without disabilities in the N-4 classroom. This course covers the Pennsylvania Academic Standards as well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU 0201. (3 credits)

An introduction to the materials, activities, and experiences of teaching science to elementary children with or without disabilities in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards including accommodation for children with physical disabilities. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU 0201. (3 credits)

Emphasizes methods and materials appropriate for teaching social studies and citizenship to elementary school children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Competencies for the inclusive classroom are addressed. Prerequisites: limited to Education majors; EDU-0201. (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. (3 credits)

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)