Elementary Education (K-6) Major, BS

Program Description

The Elementary Education [ELE] program has revised its Program to Study to:

1) streamline the required hours for the major

2) strengthen the mathmatics content of its candidates for the classroom and certification purposes

3) reflect the amended NCDPI requirememts and the University’s goal to identify the program’s foundational, breath, and depth courses. The revision also includes five Breath Areas [Literacy, Special Education, Forms of Alternative Communication, STEM/STEAM, and Urban Studies].  

Student Learning Outcomes

The elementary teacher education candidate will:

• Demonstrate leadership in the classroom, school and the profession by meeting the needs of individual students, demonstrating high ethical standards, and promoting professional growth.
• Exhibit sensitivity toward diversity in parents, schools, communities and in the world by accommodating individual differences among learners and advocating for the social justice of all students.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant content taught and the interconnectedness of disciplines.
• Facilitate learning by using a variety of instructional methods, integrating technology in instruction, and using critical-thinking and problem solving skills.
• Reflect on own practices by analyzing and assessing instruction, student learning and progress.
• Utilize clear and effective Standard English when speaking and writing.

Major Requirements

The program provides a carefully planned sequence of classroom and field experiences that will result in the development of competent teachers for grades K-6. The curriculum is organized to include the general education core curriculum, professional studies, specialty area courses and a second course of study in one of the following areas: English as a Second Language, Math/Science/Technology, and Special Education. The course sequence for these areas is denoted in the program paradigms by the use of the term “second course of study.” Students are required to complete a minimum of 121 units. Elementary education majors should complete the general education curriculum and obtain admission into Teacher Education during the first two years of enrollment.

Program Summary

Total Number of Semester Hours………………………………….. 120-123 semester hours

General Education Requirements…………………………………… 45 semester hours

                                                                                 15  semester hours of Second Course of Study

Elementary Education Professional Core…………………………60  semester hours

BS in Elementary Education Program of Study

Pre-requisites

• MAT 1325 - Principles of Math I Credits: 3 hrs
• MAT 1326 - Principles of Math II Credits: 3 hrs

Foundation Courses

Requirements for the Major

• EDU 2322 - Promoting Social Justice through Education Credits: 3 hrs
• EDU 2334 - Education, Culture, and Society Credits: 3 hrs
• EDU 3311 - Child and Adolescent Development Credits: 3 hrs or
• BKE 2320 - Child Development Credits: 3 hrs
• EDU 3315 - Curriculum, Instructional Planning, Assessment Credits: 3 hrs
• ELE 2301 - Math in Today’s Elementary Classroom Credits: 3 hours

Total Credit Hours: 15

Breadth Courses

Requirements for the Major

• EDU 4339 - Integrating Media and Technology in P-12 Settings Credits: 3 hrs.
• EDU 3338 - Psychological Foundations of Education Credits: 3 hrs
• RED 3361 - Teaching Reading in the Elementary School Credits: 3 hrs
• SPE 3300 - Exceptional Children in the General Education Classroom Credits: 3 hrs

Breadth Areas & Courses

Elementary Education majors must also complete 9 hours within one of the breadth area foci listed below.

Literacy

• ENG 3346 - Children’s Literature Credits: 3 hrs
• RED 4311 - Reading Diagnosis and Correction Credits: 3 hrs
• RED 4362 - Methods and Materials in Reading Instruction Middle Grades Credits: 3 hrs
• BKE 3329 - Early Language And Literacy Credits: 3 hrs
• SPE 3325 - Methods of Enhancing Reading Skills for Student with Exceptional Needs Credits: 3 hrs  [spring]

Special Education

• SPE 3340 - Characteristics of Students with Behavior Disorders Credits: 3 hrs  [fall]
• SPE 3320 - Characteristics of Students with High Incidence Credits: 3 hrs  [fall]
• SPE 3315 - Behavior and Classroom Management Credits: 3 hrs  [fall]
• SPE 3305 - Methods of Teaching Math to Students with Special Needs Credits: 3 hrs

•  [spring]

• SPE 3325 - Methods of Enhancing Reading Skills for Student with Exceptional Needs Credits: 3 hrs

•  [spring]

STEM/STEAM

• MAT 3326 - Geometry Credits: 3 hrs

•  and

• MAT 2337 - Discrete Mathematics Credits: 3 hrs
• MUS 3342 - Technology in Music Credits: 3 hrs.
• PHS 1303 - Introduction to Planetary Science Credits: 3 hrs
• PHS 1307 - Environmental Science Credits: 3 hrs

Forms of Alternative Communication

• SPE 3323 - Language and Communication Disorders Credits: 3 hrs [spring]

• and 

• ALS 3301 - ESL Grammar for Teachers Credits: 3 hrs
• RHS 2302 - American Sign Language I Credits: 3 hrs

• and

• ALS 3300 - Cultural Aspects of Teaching and Learning ESL Credits: 3 hrs
• RHS 2303 - American Sign Language II Credits: 3 hrs

•  and

• ALS 3308 - Literacy Strategies for ESL Learners Credits: 3 hrs
• RHS 3305 - American Sign Language III Credits: 3 hrs

•  and

• ESL 4301 - Effective Teaching Methods in ESL Credits: 3 hrs

Urban Studies

• EDU 2301 - Advancing the Academic Success of Black Males Credits: 3 hrs

• and

•  [fall]

• EDU 2308 - Advancing the Academic and Social Success of Black Girls Credits: 3 hrs

• [spring]

• JUS 4330 - Social Justice Credits: 3 hrs
• SOC 4317 - Urban Communities Credits: 3 hrs
• SOC 4364 - Race and Culture Credits: 3 hrs

Total Credit Hours: 21

Depth Courses

Requirements for the Major

• ELE 4332 - Methods/Assessment Teaching Language Art/Social Studies Credits: 3 hrs
• ELE 4335 - Methods and Assessment in Teaching Mathematics Credits: 3 hrs
• ELE 4336 - Classroom Management and Preclinical Credits: 3 hrs
• ELE 4341 - Methods & Assessment of Teaching Science Credits: 3 hrs
• RED 4312 - Reading, Assessment, and Remediation Credits: 3 hrs
• EDU 4333 - Student Teaching Seminar Credits: 3 hrs
• EDU 4981 - Observation, Student Teaching, and Practicum Credits: 9 hrs

Total Credit Hours: 27

Specialized Admission Requirements for the Major

Requirements for Pre-Majors:

Advisor’s Tools for Elementary Education Pre-Majors

1. Sample Program of Study
2. Elementary Concentration

Sample Program of Study

The following courses are recommended for the completion of the required program of study in eight semesters.

Freshman:

• MAT 1325 - Principles of Math I  or MAT 1313 - Pre-Calculus II  
• MAT 1326 - Principles of Math II  or MAT 2326 - Elementary Statistics    
• SPH 2341 - Fundamentals of Speech  or any SPH course

Sophomore:

• EDU 2334 - Education, Culture, and Society   
• EDU 2322 - Promoting Social Justice through Education     
• Complete 15 hours of the second course of study (SCS) for the completion of the required program of study in eight semesters. (see SCS below)
• Take Praxis Core exam and successfully pass to be admitted into the education program.   

Elementary Education Second Course of Study (SCS)

General Admission Requirements for the Major

• Be admitted to the Elementary Education Program by the end of the sophomore year. Make formal application for admission to the program during the second semester of the sophomore year.
• Pass Praxis Core, an essay test, and an interview conducted by departmental faculty members.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and at least a grade of C in all basic academic courses (English and Mathematics) to qualify for admission to the Elementary Teacher Education Program and student teaching.
• Sign a Disposition Statement.
• Present the approved program health form completed and signed by a private physician.
• Present acceptable ratings on personal and professional characteristics as determined by the character reference form and from interviews in the specific department.
• Complete admission to teacher education as it is a prerequisite for Methods Block courses, all other 4000 level courses and any other courses listed in the catalog.

Progression Requirements

Candidates must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5 and at least a grade of C in all major academic courses.

All 4000 level education courses require admission into Teacher Education and completion of the requirements listed in admissions requirements. All 4000 level courses must be approved by an Elementary Education Program Advisor.

Elementary Education majors will complete a minimum of 16-24 hours of professional development activities, 40-60 hours of field experience prior to the Elementary Education Pre-clinical Practicum, 60-90 hours of the Elementary Education Pre-clinical Practicum and Student Teaching.

Candidates must take the North Carolina Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum test during student teaching. Taking North Carolina Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum testis required for graduation. Passing the North Carolina Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum testis required for North Carolina teaching licensure.

Elementary Education majors are required to complete a Senior Project Portfolio as a requirement of graduation and recommendation for certification. The following are directives for the Senior Project Portfolio submission.

• Complete and electronically store evidences/artifacts from the emerging and developing course assignments.
• Take the Methods Block courses for the Elementary Education Pre-clinical Practicum during the fall semester of the senior year. Complete evidences for the Senior Project Portfolio.
• The Elementary Education Pre-clinical Practicum is completed the semester before the Student Teaching clinical experience. The Pre-clinical semester and the student teaching semesters are required to be completed consecutively.
• Complete two Elementary North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards’ Evidences in the Methods Block courses.
• Complete two Elementary North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards’ Evidences during the Student Teaching Experience.
• Complete EDU 4333 - Student Teaching Seminar  assignments for the Senior Project Portfolio.
• Electronically submit the Elementary Education Senior Project Portfolio in the appropriate assessment system.

Second Course of Study Requirements

All students must choose a second course of study (18 hours) from the following: English as a Second Language, Math/Science/Technology, or Special Education. See list of course requirements above.

Major Courses