B.S. in Teacher Education/Interdisciplinary Studies – Pre-K-6

Provides learners with research-based knowledge and skills necessary to analyze exemplary curricula and appropriate assessment practices including familiarity with the Virginia Standards of Learning, informative feedback mechanisms, and school system implementation. Students consider proper selection and use of materials including media and computers while evaluating the process and implementation of school-based curriculum design, as well as the linkage between assessment data and instructional design. Cross-listed with ECUR 500.

Examines the complex nature of language acquisition.  Addresses instruction in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including spelling and grammar, and the integration of these language modes across the curriculum. Special attention is given to reading comprehension in narrative and expository texts. Other related subject matter includes familiarity with Virginia Standards of Learning and attention to diversity within the classroom.  Cross-listed with EFND 505.

Provides students with strategies to provide instruction effectively while managing the classroom. Addresses the relationship between classroom environment and student behavior.  Presents effective intervention strategies and highlights the link between discipline and character development, while exploring various models, methods, and approaches for managing and modifying students' classroom behavior.  Explores instructional design principles that emphasize the Virginia Standards of Learning – 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.  Cross-listed with EFND 506.

Addresses the nature of reading, stages of reading development, approaches to reading instruction, and word identification strategies including explicit phonics, fluency development, and vocabulary, as well as comprehension instruction. Other course topics include fostering independent reading using a variety of literature, evaluation including familiarity with the Virginia Standards of Learning, and diversity within the classroom.  Cross-listed with EFND 508.

Explores 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 neglect, and family disruptions on normal development.  Analyzes children within 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 UEC 441 and ETLC 541.

Study of the foundations of education in the U.S. Explores the historical, philosophical, and sociological development and organization of American education. A portion of the course 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. Contemporary issues in education are examined, such as class management, as well as reflection of personal educational philosophies, attitudes, and aptitudes for teaching. Professional growth and a commitment to life-long learning are emphasized. Cross-listed with ETLC 542.

Learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, 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. Cross-listed with EELM 551.

An observation and participation practicum taking place in a public or private school for at least 45 hours under the supervision of Regent faculty. Students will complete reflective journals and coursework demonstrating an understanding of the roles of teachers. (Middle school placement for secondary licensure candidates.)

Additional In-depth participation and micro-teaching practices in public or private school settings for at least 45 hours under supervision of Regent Faculty. Instruction and follow-up will occur. Prerequisite: UED 480A Practicum I. (High school placement for secondary licensure candidates).

One semester (500-hour) supervised student teaching field placement experience in an appropriate classroom setting. Cross-listed with EFND 595.

Use of electronic performance portfolios to document student learning and professional reflection (Taken concurrently with the Elementary Pk-6 internship experience.) Prerequisite: UIS 350.  Cross-listed with EFND 596.

Introduction to current issues in education and various facets of the Elementary educator’s role.  The course includes an observation of PreK-6 classes to assist students in evaluating their qualifications and motivation for teaching.  Students distinguish required state and national assessments as well as competencies necessary for licensure in Virginia.  Includes supervised field placement.  Prerequisite for upper level UIS and UED courses.  Pass/No Pass.

Ethics, ethical behavior, and moral decision-making. Explores the development of 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.  Examines practical strategies and methodologies for supporting character development with an emphasis on the affirmation of the principles of truth, justice, and love.  Cross-listed with EFND 504.

Study of the English language and its structure including grammatical accuracy, usage, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.

Presents selected topics in geometry relevant to the content identified in the Virginia Standards of Learning. Students explore topics such as geometric figures and their properties and relationships; application of the Pythagorean Theorem; deductive axiomatic methods of proof; perimeter, area and volume of two- and three-dimensional figures; and constructions, coordinate, and transformational geometry.

Technology integration with a macro-level framework: planning, implementation and evaluation. Virginia technology standards introduced Issues regarding usefulness and effectiveness of technology integration in education.

Presents the knowledge, skills and processes for physical science instruction in the elementary grades. Explores the competencies and skills necessary for a solid foundation in the areas of scientific investigation; reasoning and logic; force, matter and energy; interrelationships in Earth/space systems; and Earth patterns such as cycles and change. This course also addresses the perspectives of creationism (e.g. intelligent design) and evolution.

Presents selected topics in algebra relevant to the content identified in the Virginia Standards of Learning as well as arithmetic and geometric sequences and series; algebraic functions; trigonometric functions; transformations among graphical, tabular and symbolic forms of functions; and inductive reasoning.

Expansive study of content taught in UIS 360 regarding the development of scientific inquiry, experimental design, and research.  Includes the selecting appropriate experimental materials and the application of technology within the context of technical, social, and ethical issues.