Elementary Education

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The Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Elementary Education includes general education courses, courses from specific disciplines, professional education courses, and two areas of concentration to total 129 semester hours. A grade of “C” or better is required in all professional education courses graded on an “A” through “F” letter basis, and a grade of “S” is required in all professional education courses graded on a “S-U” letter basis.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Pre-Service Teaching Program

In addition to the Student Learning Outcomes for the Teacher Education Program, Student Learning Outcomes for the Pre-Service Teaching Program have also been identified. These outcomes will be utilized for both the elementary and secondary programs.

Pre-service teachers from the Teacher Education program of Dickinson State University will:

Knowledge Base
1.         Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter being taught. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I and V.)
2.         Express knowledge of learning theory through planning, teaching, and interaction with the students. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II and V.)
3.         Enhance the learning environment by incorporating the use of technological equipment into the classroom. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II and V.)

Application
4.         Communicate accurately and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, colleagues, and parents/community members. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II and III.)
5.         Organize a comprehensive instructional program through effective planning. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II and V.)
6.         Effectively instruct students as outlined by a lesson plan. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III and V.)
7.         Develop and utilize various evaluative strategies and instruments for determining student achievement and instructional efficacy. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, III and V.)
8.         Organize and manage a classroom for optimal teaching and learning. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV and V.)

Professional Standards
9.         Demonstrate attitudes, actions, and behaviors indicative of a professional educator. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III and V.)
10.       Exhibit a desire for professional growth and improvement of performance in the classroom. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III and V.)
11.       Demonstrate a valuing of student diversity in backgrounds, interests, experiences, and abilities. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III, IV and VI.)

Diversity and Inclusion
12.       Provide an instructional program that addresses diversity and multicultural education and accommodates the special needs of each student. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, III, IV and VI.)

Reflection
13.       Make professional decisions using a reflective approach. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II and V.)

General Education Requirements for the Major in Elementary Education

For accreditation and licensure requirements the following general education courses are required for a major in elementary education:

Communication and Technology ENGL 110 – College Composition I ENGL 120 – College Composition II COMM 110 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking *CSCI 101 – Introduction to Computers Natural Sciences *BIOL 230, 230L – Nature Study and Lab Math 103 – College Algebra Expressions of Human Civilization * ART 122 – Two-Dimensional Design * MUSC 110 – Foundations of Music **Select one course from the following: *ENGL 220 – Introduction to Literature *ENGL 241 – World Literature I *ENGL 242 – World Literature II *ENGL 262 – American Literature II Understanding Human Civilization *Select one course from the following: HIST 103 – U.S. to 1877 HIST 104 – U.S. Since 1877 *PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology * GEOG 121 – Physical Geography Health and Wellness HPER 100 – Concepts of Fitness and Wellness Total General Education Semester Hours *Consult with adviser regarding general education sequence ** Meet Group V requirements of Multicultural Studies

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3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 40

Elementary Education Major Courses

** EDUC 210 – Educational Technology EDUC 250 – Introduction to Education **ELED 298 – Pre-Professional Experience: Elementary ELED 238 – Children’s Literature PSYC 250 – Developmental Psychology PSYC 280 – Education of Exceptional Learners Elementary Methods Block (10) * ELED 281 – Reading for the Elementary Teacher * MATH 277 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (Fall) * MATH 290X – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (Spring) * ELED 300 – Elementary Curriculum and Language Arts * ELED 398B – Elementary Methods Block Field Experience (Note: Students completing the Elementary Methods Block in the Fall semester take the MATH 277 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers course as part of the Block requirements. Students completing the Elementary Methods Block in the Spring semester take the MATH 290X – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II course as part of the Block requirements. Both courses, however, are required for graduation.) * ELED 282 – Reading Across the Curriculum and Content Reading ELED 290A – Art Methods for Elementary Education * EDUC 300 – Teaching for Diversity MUSC 305 – Music Activities for Elementary Teachers * ELED 310 – Elementary Curriculum and Social Studies * ELED 390P – Teaching Physical Education and Health in the Elementary School * ELED 390S – Elementary Education Science Methods * EDUC 405 – Educational Psychology and Evaluation BIOL 230, 230L – Nature Study and Lab (4) (General Education requirement) SCNC 101, 101L – Physical Science and Lab * Thea 340 – Creative Dramatics Choose one of the following: Soc 110 – Introduction to Sociology HIST 211 – World Civilizations to 1500 HIST 212 – World Civilizations Since 1500 POLS 240 – Political Ideologies Professional Semester: *ELED 498A – Teaching in the Elementary School Total Semester Hours *Pre-requisite: Admission to Teacher Education **Must be taken in conjunction with EDUC 250 – Introduction to Education

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2 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 2 3 15 73

Two Areas of Concentration (Minimum of eight semester hours each)

A total of 16 semester hours in two areas of concentration with a minimum of eight hours in each. Required courses for the major or those courses used for general studies may not be counted in the areas of concentration. The list of acceptable areas of concentration includes: natural science, social science, computer science, mathematics, reading*, and kindergarten*. Other options may be available with the approval of the chair of the Department of Teacher Education. Coursework for the areas of concentration will be decided jointly by the students and their advisors.

In lieu of two areas of concentration, a student may select a minor from the following options: art, biology, chemistry, coaching, computer science, earth science, English, geography, history, mathematics, music - choral, music - instrumental, physical education, political science, psychology, science, social science, Spanish, or speech and theatre. A student intending to teach upper elementary or middle school is strongly encouraged to select a minor. Specific requirements for the minor are shown under that department in the catalog. A minor must total 24 semester hours minimum.

* These concentrations lead to special state endorsements and/or credentials. See description in next section.

Areas of Concentration

The areas of concentration in kindergarten and reading have specific course requirements as follows:

Requirements for the Area of Concentration in Kindergarten Education
A student must be majoring in elementary education and be admitted into Teacher Education to take the required courses in the kindergarten sequence. Students must complete the entire sequence to be recommended for state licensure in kindergarten.

ELED 398A – Pre-Professional Experience: Kindergarten ELED 321 – Kindergarten Curriculum, Methods, and Materials I ELED 322 – Kindergarten Curriculum, Methods, and Materials II ELED 498B – Teaching in the Elementary School Electives: HPER 210 – Community First Aid and CPR HPER 216 – Skill Themes and Movement Concepts for the Elementary School HPER 360 – Adapted Physical Education MUSC 139 – Piano Lessons COMM 211 – Oral Interpretation Soc 115 – Social Problems Soc 370 – The Family Total Semester Hours

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1 3 3 7 2 16

Requirements for the Area of Concentration in Reading
A student must be admitted into Teacher Education to take the required courses in the area of concentration in reading. The area of concentration in reading offers the coursework leading to a reading credential for grades 1-6. To obtain a reading credential, students make application to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction after graduation and attainment of their initial North Dakota teaching license for elementary teaching.

ELED 383 – Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Disabilities ELED 484 – Practicum in Reading Electives: PSYC 332 – Psychological Assessment PSYC 355 – Psychology of Learning COMM 211 – Oral Interpretation ENGL 210 – College Composition III ENGL 211 – Introduction to Creative Writing ENGL 232 – Mythology ENGL 315 – Structure and History of English Total Semester Hours

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3 2 3-11 8-16