Elementary Education Major

This comprehensive program offers you all the courses and experiences required for certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 48 other states as a teacher of pre-school through 4th grade, along with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

One of the best features is a unique opportunity for all students to spend time actually observing in classrooms as early as their freshman year. Add to that the fact that our faculty all have current, “real-world” experience in their fields, and our small classes, and you have a very special place to explore your dream – and make it come true.

Secondary Education Concentration

This comprehensive program offers you all the courses and experiences required for certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 48 other states as a teacher in grades 5-12.

Effective January 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will implement new certification standards. Students graduating before that time must complete 72 credits and will, upon satisfactory completion of all elements of the Education Program as described herein, be eligible for certification to teach grades K-6.  (Additional information in 2013 Certification Standards tab.)

Major Requirements for a B.S. in Elementary Education

Students are required to complete a minimum of 125 to 126 credits to graduate, 72 of which are education courses.

General Education Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Elementary Education students are able, with the prior approval of the Director of Teacher Education, to apply nine credits, three courses, of their Education requirements towards the General Education curriculum.

Required Courses

Required Supporting Courses

General Education Courses not part of the Education Major = 56 to 57 credits (including 9 credits in education courses, see above)
Student Teaching = 6 credits

Total = 125 to 126 credits (actual credits, counting the 9 – see above – only once)

**Denotes a course that can fulfill General Education requirements.

Requirements for Secondary Education Certification

Students seeking Secondary Education Certification may choose Studio Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, History/Social Studies, French, Italian, Mathematics, or Spanish as a major. Students should arrange their course schedule with their major mentor and the Director of Teacher Education, who serves as a second mentor, such that all required coursework is completed prior to student teaching.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate. Requirements for individual majors will vary. Please review carefully the requirements for the chosen major as stated elsewhere in the catalogue.

General Education Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Students may apply six credits of the courses required in Education or their major subject towards General Education requirements.

Required Courses 36 to 45 credits

Students seeking Secondary Education Certification may choose Studio Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, History/Social Studies, French, Italian, Mathematics, or Spanish as their major. Please see individual majors for requirements.

Students wishing to pursue Italian or Mathematics are currently required to take all courses past the 100-level at Villanova University.

Education Requirements 33 credits

The following courses are required for certification at the 5-8 or secondary level in the Undergraduate College.

Additional Requirements 6 credits

Gen. Ed. = 56 to 57 (2 courses in Education count towards GE requirements)
Major = varies
Student Teaching/Seminar = 6 credits

Total = varies with subject area major

**denotes a course which may be cross-listed with another department

Required Supporting Courses

Note:

Students must also demonstrate background in Psychology and related fields. This is NOT a major. It is a supplemental certification program.

Dual Degree Program in Education

A dual degree program allowing students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in education is planned at Rosemont College. However, due to regulations changing in the State of Pennsylvania the program is currently under revisions. Please check with the Director of Teacher Education for up-to-date information.

Note: All education courses include a specific emphasis on working with culturally diverse students, special needs students, and gifted students, as well as with regular education students.

EDU-0200 Development of Education in U.S.
Core Course: A study of the historical and sociological development of the American system of education and an exploration of current issues in educational theory and practice. 3 credits.

EDU-0201 Observation and Analysis of Teaching and Learning in the Contemporary Classroom
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 effective instruction. Contemporary issues in education which relate directly to classroom instruction are also covered in greater depth. Note: This course also includes 60 hours of observation in elementary classrooms. 3 credits.

EDU-0220 Effective Teaching Strategies in the K-12 Classroom
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. Prerequisite: EDU-0200 or EDU-0201 (may also be taken concurrently with one or both of those courses). 3 credits.

EDU-0230 The School, the Family, and the Community
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. This course is cross listed with SOC-0215. 3 credits.

EDU-0240 Topics in Learning: Individual Difference in Teaching and Learning
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. Prerequisite: EDU-0200 or EDU-0201 (may also be taken concurrently with one or both of those courses). 3 credits.

EDU-0250 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
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. Prerequisite: EDU-0200 or EDU-0201 (may also be taken concurrently with one or both of those courses). 3 credits.

EDU-0260 Children's Literature
A survey of literature for children and adolescents as a communication between authors, adult readers, and child readers. All levels of children’s literature are covered from read-aloud and alphabet books through selections for young adults. Specific connections are drawn between this literature and elementary classroom instruction, so that students acquire the ability to integrate such books with day to day instruction. No prerequisite. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

EDU-0270 Classroom and Behavior Management
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. Prerequisites: EDU-0201, EDU-0240, and PSY-0200. 3 credits.

EDU-0280 Fundamentals of Special Education
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: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, EDU-0240, and PSY-0200. 3 credits.

EDU-0320 Linguistics of Communication
A study of various means of communication: e.g., body language, oral and written language, and sign language. This course is cross-listed with COM-0320. No prerequisite. 3 credits.

EDU-0340 Teaching Foreign Languages in the Contemporary Classroom
Investigation of various theories of effective classroom instruction utilizing emergent technologies and methods. Prerequisite: FLL-0302 or permission of instructor. Cross listed with FLL-0340. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

EDU-0350 Principles and Practices of Secondary Education
This is a study of the history of secondary education and an assessment of current practices, classroom management, academic diversity, and adolescent behavior, both typical and atypical. Emphasis will be placed on development of the skills necessary to teach Culturally Diverse Students, Regular Education Students, Special Needs Students, and Gifted Students. Prerequisite: EDU-0200. 3 credits.

EDU-0355 Principles and Practices of Working with English Language Learners
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: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, EDU-0240, and EDU-0230. 3 credits.

EDU-0360 Methods Clinic: Secondary Science
This course is intended to prepare pre-service secondary science students in the development of instructional strategies based upon an understanding of adolescent behavior and PA Academic Standards. Students will be placed in a secondary classroom where they will study issues related to teaching pedagogy, classroom managements, and safety. Prerequisites: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, and EDU-0350. 3 credits.

EDU-0361 Methods Clinic: Secondary English
This course is designed to introduce pre-service secondary English students to instructional processes, strategies, assessment practices, and classroom management. Prerequisite: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, and EDU-0350. 3 credits.

EDU-0362 Methods Clinic: Secondary Mathematics
This course is designed to assist pre-service secondary mathematic students in the development of instructional strategies. Emphasis will be placed on current research and best practices that impact student learning and classroom instruction. Students will develop unit and lesson plans highlighting NCTM Standards and PA Academic Standards. Prerequisite: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, and EDU-0350. 3 credits.

EDU-0363 Methods Clinic: Secondary Social Studies
This course introduces pre-service secondary social studies and/or History students to instructional strategies based upon an understanding of adolescent behavior and PA Academic standards. Prerequisites: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, and EDU 0350. 3 credits.

EDU-0380 Working with Disabled and Gifted Students in an Inclusion Program
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: EDU-0200, EDU-0201, EDU-0240, EDU-0280, and PSY-0200. 3 credits.

EDU-0385 Educational Assessment and Statistics
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. This course cross lists with MAT-0385. Prerequisites: all required 200-level Education major courses, as well as MAT-115 and PSY-0100. Offered in the spring semester. 3 credits

EDU-0395 Teaching Physical Education in Elementary Schools
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. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 1.5 credits.

EDU-0403 Teaching Science in Elementary School
An introduction to the materials, activities, and experiences of teaching science to elementary children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Emphasis is on hands-on science instruction and the scientific method. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0404 Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools
Emphasizes methods and materials appropriate for teaching social studies and citizenship to elementary school children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0405 Teaching the Arts in Elementary School
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. Lab fee. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0420 Teaching Reading and Language Arts in PreK-4 Classrooms
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. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0421 Teaching Reading and Language Arts in 5-8 Classrooms
This course is a continuation of EDU-0420. The two courses are offered in sequence. Instructional decision-making processes related to methods and materials used in reading and language arts instruction. Formulation of lesson plans, effective instructional techniques, and assessment on RELA skills for children with and without disabilities are also included, as is the integration of RELA across the curriculum. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0425 Teaching Mathematics in PreK-4 Classrooms
A field-based approach to applying mathematical principles and content, methods, and theories of instruction and authentic assessment to students in the preK-4 classroom. This course covers the Pennsylvania Academic Standards as well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0426 Teaching Mathematics in 5-8 Classrooms
This course is a continuation of EDU-0425. The two courses are offered in sequence. Covers concepts and methods of teaching mathematics to upper elementary/middle 5-8 classroom students. This course covers the Pennsylvania Academic Standards as well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0427 Technology in the Curriculum
Note: EDU-0280 and EDU-0380 may substitute for this course
A lecture and hands-on approach to understanding the computer and its application in the classroom. No prior computer knowledge or skill is necessary. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 1.5 credits.

EDU-0435 Deafness and Related Disabilities in Educational Settings
A study of the historical and current developments in the education of students with disabilities, and the resources and legal requirements that apply to the services offered them in the education setting. Includes research, readings, and visits with deaf students and adults to help the future teacher to recognize, evaluate, and develop strategies to enable the deaf student to function effectively in the classroom. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses, and at least on semester of ASL or demonstrated fluency preferred. 3 credits.

EDU-0445 Reading in the Content Areas
A general framework of concepts in reading in secondary school content subjects and specialized instructional strategies, techniques, and hierarchies of skills for enhancing reading comprehension within student's major teaching. Prerequisite: all required 200-level and 300-level education courses. 3 credits.

EDU-0450 Independent Study
Offered as needed. No prerequisite. 1 to 3 credits.

EDU-0455 Student Teaching and Seminar
Directed classroom participation. Teaching completed in suburban or urban schools; conferences and/or seminars with supervising teacher and college faculty member. The seminar also includes exploration of current issues in American education and their relevance for the classroom teacher. Professional conduct and ethical standards are emphasized as well. No prerequisite. 6 credits.

EDU-0493 Art Methods K Through 12
This is a course for students seeking teacher certification in art. It is a workshop course in a variety of media, as well as specific emphasis on Art curriculum at every grade level. The development of appropriate and effective lesson planning skills is also stressed. Students build on their observation of diverse student populations in area schools. This course cross lists with ARS-0493. Prerequisite: ARS-0101. 3 credits.

Effective January 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will implement new certification standards. Students graduating before that time must complete 72 credits and will, upon satisfactory completion of all elements of the Education Program as described herein, be eligible for certification to teach grades K-6.

Students graduating in January 2013 or later are required to complete 66 credits and will upon satisfactory completion of all elements of the Education Program as described herein, be eligible for certification to teach grades Pre-K-4.

Current undergraduate majors that offer teacher certification at the 5-8 or high school level are: Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, French, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, and Spanish. Students must complete all requirements for the subject area major and take a series of education courses (known as a concentration) to prepare them to teach at the middle and/or secondary level. Certification is available for either grades 5-8 or 9-12. The certification in Art is for grades K-12. Students choosing any of these subject areas will receive a baccalaureate degree in the subject area they choose and be eligible to apply for the specified certification.

The College reserves the right to change any requirements at any time in order to comply with state regulations. Starting in September 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Education embarked on a multi-year program of changes to the guidelines for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. Any student entering the College in 2006 and after is required to meet the standards set by PDE for their graduation year.

Eligibility for Acceptance

It is strongly recommended that students interested in education express that interest by the end of the first semester of their first year in order to receive proper advising by the Director of Teacher Education. Because of the significant credit requirements of these programs, students may declare a major as early as their first semester.

After earning 42 credits, including at least one course in writing, English literature, and one of the two college-level math courses (must be at or above the level of College Algebra, MAT-0110) as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and at least two required Education courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.80, a student may apply for formal acceptance into the Certification Program (as distinguished from simply declaring one’s major). Rosemont will consider applications from students who have the reasonable expectation of obtaining a 3.000 GPA during their junior year.

Please note:

Students who do not achieve a minimum GPA of 3.000 or higher upon graduation cannot apply for certification under the guidelines established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students who do not qualify for formal admission to the Certification Program may continue in the Education major. However, they are required to sign a document indicating that they are aware that, absent meeting ALL certification requirements, they will not be eligible for employment as a teacher in the public schools of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Additional criteria for acceptance include the following: an interview with the Director of Teacher Education, and all appropriate mandated clearances including Act 34 child abuse clearances.

All students seeking certification must take and pass all sections of the PRAXIS test required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for certification in their chosen area prior to applying for certification.

Students aspiring to teach in the elementary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are strongly encouraged to complete 18 credits in Catholic theology or religious education.

Student Teaching Eligibility

All students in the Teacher Education Program must complete professional courses and student teaching during either semester (fall or spring) of their senior year. To be eligible for this semester, the student must:

­Complete the prerequisite professional courses with a 3.000 average; earned a minimum grade of B- or higher in all required education courses; has documented and approved field experience which meets the state mandated minimum number of hours; and has all current clearances, including Act 34 child abuse clearances.

The College reserves the right to change any of the above requirements at any time to comply with state regulations or with college degree requirements. The college further reserves the right to remove a student from a student teaching placement for unsatisfactory or unprofessional performance.