Elementary Education Program - Course Sequence
Required During First Semester
- EDIP 501 Orientation to Technology in Education - 2 credits
- EDUC 500 Online Orientation - 0 credits
- EFND 500 Orientation/Professional Concerns - 0 credits
- UNIV LIB Information, Research, and Resources - 0 credits
FALL
- EFND 508 Teaching Reading in the Elementary Grades (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
- ETLC 542 Foundations in Education (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
- ETSP 551 Characteristics of Students with Disabilities (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
SPRING
- EFND 505 Teaching Reading & Language Arts Across the Curriculum (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
- EFND 506 Classroom Management & Instructional Strategies (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
- ETLC 541 Child & Adolescent Growth & Development (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
SUMMER
- ECUR 500 Curriculum Design & Assessment Techniques (+15 hour practicum) - 3 credits
- EFND 501 Teaching Math & Science in Elementary Schools - 3 credits
- EFND 504 Character Education - 3 credits
Electives (Applies to summer semester only)
- ETSL 540 Multi-Cultural Education - 3 credits
Final Semester
- EDIP 502 Applications of Technology for Teaching & Learning - 1 credit
- EFND 595 Field Experience/Student Teaching - 6 credits
- EFND 596 Field Experience Portfolio Seminar - 1 credit
Total credits - 40 (plus any additional content requirements for licensure)
Elementary Education Program - Course Descriptions
ECUR 500 Curriculum Design and Assessment Techniques (3) The purpose of this
experience is to provide the learner with research-based knowledge and skills necessary to identify exemplary curricula, appropriate assessment practices including familiarity with the VA SOL, and informative feedback mechanisms, as well as how to modify and/or design units for enhancement of a pre-existing curriculum. Proper selection and use of materials including media and computers will be explored. In addition, the learner will be able to guide fellow personnel in school-based curriculum design/redesign processes.
EDIP 501 Orientation to Technology in Education (2) Current issues and strategies related to technology research, learning theories, instructional design, product development, information access, and delivery issues for classroom teachers will be highlighted in this course.
EDIP 502 Application of Technology for Teaching & Learning (1) Application and integration of educational technology in the classroom by providing software training and content focused on technology skill development and curriculum integration, within the context of state and national standards. Prerequisites: EDIP 501 or approval of instructor.
EDUC 500 Online Orientation (0) Required during the first semester of enrollment in some programs; acclimates students to Blackboard, the platform off which online classes are launched.
EFND 500 Orientation/Professional Concerns (0) Required during the first semester of
enrollment. It includes a program overview and various guidelines and procedures.
EFND 501 Teaching Math and Science in Elementary Schools (3) This course is designed to aid future teachers in their understanding and integration of the knowledge, skills and processes to support learners. Participants will investigate various instructional and assessment techniques and, in particular, the end-of-grade VA SOL assessments in mathematics and science. This course includes classroom observation as a competency.
EFND 504 Character Education (3) Participants will study the foundations of ethics, ethical behavior, and moral decision-making. Development of these ethical and moral value systems and their impact on individual character growth, within the context of historical and contemporary psychological theories and scientifically-based research. Students will be required to analyze character education: historical and multi-cultural perspectives, its effectiveness and necessity. The course also includes many practical strategies and methodologies for supporting character development with an emphasis on the affirmation of the principles of truth, justice, and love.
EFND 505 Teaching Reading and Language Arts Across the Curriculum (3) This course examines the complex nature of language acquisition. It also addresses instruction in listening, speaking, reading, writing, including spelling and grammar, and the integration of these language modes across the curriculum. Special attention will be given to reading comprehension in narrative and expository texts. Other course topics include familiarity with VA SOL and attention to diversity in the classroom. This course includes as a competency a practicum experience.
EFND 506 Classroom Management & Instructional Strategies (3) This course is designed to provide the student with strategies to effectively provide instruction while managing the classroom. The relationship between classroom environment and student behavior will be addressed and effective intervention strategies will be presented. Various models, methods, and approaches for managing and modifying students' classroom behavior will be explored. The link between discipline and character development will also be addressed. The learner will also demonstrate understanding of effective instructional design principles – such as flexible groupings, collaborative learning, and methods for gifted and talented students as well as for those students with disabling conditions – for instructional improvement. This course includes a classroom observation as a competency and instructional strategies that focus on the VA SOL.
EFND 508 Teaching Reading in the Elementary Grades (3) This course addresses the nature of reading, stages of reading development, approaches to reading instruction, word identification strategies including explicit phonics, fluency development, and vocabulary and comprehension instruction. Other course topics include fostering independent reading using a variety of literature, evaluation including familiarity with the VA SOL, and attention to diversity in the classroom. This course includes as competencies a classroom observation and practicum experience.
EFND 595 Field Experience/Student Teaching (6) Placement for one semester in one or more elementary schools for supervised teaching experience thereby giving students the opportunity to bridge theory and practice.
EFND 596 Field Experience Portfolio Seminar (1) Electronic performance portfolios to document student learning and professional reflection. Taken concurrently with the Elementary PK-6 internship experience. Cross-listed with UED 496. Prerequisites: EDIP 501 or approval of instructor.
ETLC 541/GSAS 541 TL Child & Adolescent Growth & Development (3) Covers the physical, cognitive, cultural, social/emotional, spiritual, and psychological development of children and adolescents with an emphasis on knowing and understanding theories of human development to incorporate children’s individual differences and guide learning experiences. Considers individual differences (socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious, physical and mental) with the approximate timing and effects of age-related changes and at-risk factors such as attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, child abuse and family disruptions on normal development. Children are studied in the context of family, culture and community. Emphasizes the importance of partnership with families and communities in the teaching and learning process. Cross-listed with UED 441.
ETLC 542 Foundations of Education (3) Basic understanding of the foundations of education in the U.S. Covers the historical, philosophical and sociological development and organization of American education. A portion is devoted to education and the law, both federal and state, and to the legal status of teachers and students. Establishes a philosophical foundation of education and surveys various worldviews that affect education today. The students will examine contemporary issues in education and their own educational philosophies, attitudes and aptitudes for teaching and will build a commitment to professional growth and development through reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.
ETSL 540 Multi-Cultural Education (3) Overview of principles and practices for providing effective instructional programs for linguistically and culturally diverse student populations. Explores current issues in multi-cultural education, with an emphasis on the second language learner and TESOL curriculum development. Includes examination of socio-cultural variables in the instructional setting.
ETSP 551 Characteristics of Students with Disabilities (3) Discusses students who demonstrate patterns of behavior consistent with learning disabilities, mild mental retardation and emotional disorders, and the characteristics of students with hearing, vision and/or physical impairments. Survey the range of conditions, which contribute to students being eligible for special education services. Presents an overview of
identification, assessment, program options and intervention services. This course includes as competencies a classroom observation and practicum experience.
UNIV LIB Information Research & Resources (0) Teaches basic competencies in the use of computer and related information technology research and resources, including use of the library. Enroll in the course in the first semester. Required for graduation. Pass/No Pass.
*Fifteen-hour public school practicum. Students must complete a Practicum Request Form through Office of Field Experience in the School of Education.
