Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education

Contact Info
ChairSecretaryLocationDepartment Phone
Dr. Linda ZaneDebbie Reep104 McKay Education Building724-738-2042

Department Web Site URL
Department Fact Sheet URL

The Rock Difference

The Department of Elementary/Early Childhood Education’s mission statement is aligned with and reflective of the College mission, but is designed to specify the particular goals of the program. The goal of the Elementary Education/Early Childhood Department is to equip our graduates to meet the professional challenges of classrooms and school communities for the 21st century.

The Department of Elementary Education/Early Childhood offers an undergraduate certification program in Early Childhood Education (PK-4). Prospective early childhood teachers take balanced course work that provides a broad educational experience. Included are rock studies courses as well as both professional and elementary/ early childhood education courses. Students (in this certification area) are required to complete field observation hours within course context with young children in a diverse setting. This early experience is followed by numerous field experiences in early childhood and elementary classrooms at the sophomore and junior year as well as student teaching during the senior year. Students are offered the opportunity to complete part of their student teaching in an international or urban setting. The primary objective of the elementary/early childhood education program is to develop competent, caring and effective state-of-the-art teachers, prepared to teach each child to high standards.

Multiple Certification Programs

While not required, it is strongly recommended that students complete a second area of certification, a minor, or an area of concentration in addition to elementary education. Our students have completed additional certifications in early childhood education, special education, environmental education and modern languages. Students have also minored in many areas including dance, history, math and Spanish. Students seeking multiple certifications should declare their intent as early as possible in their academic career and recognize that this may require additional credits beyond those required for the baccalaureate degree. Students seeking multiple certifications may expect to complete student teaching experiences in each of the certification areas. We also offer a Letter of Completion for teaching online and an international concentration. Specific requirements for additional certification, minors, and areas of concentration are available from advisers and the Department of Elementary Education/Early Childhood office, room 104 McKay Education Building. Students are encouraged to work closely with their academic adviser in choosing and declaring these other options.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Persons possessing a bachelor’s degree may apply for admission to the post-baccalaureate program leading to early childhood education certification. This program is designed for those who have completed degree requirements in a non-education major or who desire a second certification after graduation.

The post-baccalaureate program includes up to 80 credits of coursework for non-licensed applications, with an accelerated program for middle-level or special education certified applicants and a required practicum. The practicum must be completed in an elementary/early childhood classroom under the supervision of a university faculty member, even if the student is certified in another area.

Faculty

Monique Alexander
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
M.Ed., Teacher's College of Columbia University
B.A., Bucknell University

Michelle Amodei
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ed.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.S., Duquesne University
B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Kendra Bailey
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood

Richard Cavett
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
B.S., Westminster College
M.S., University of Dayton

Carmine Decarlo
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
M.S., Edinboro University
B.A., Mercyhurst College

Jessica Goodwin
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood

Denise Hanby
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood

Rose Heilman-Houser
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ed.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.A., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
B.A., Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Laura Kelley
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
M.A., Marian University
B.A., DePauw University

Elizabeth LaGamba
Assistant Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ed.D., University of Pittsburgh
M.Ed., Slippery Rock University
B.A., John Carroll University

Enoh Nkana
Assistant Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., Andrews University
M.Ed., Southern Adventist University
B.A., Southern Adventist University

Amy Orville
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
B.S., Grove City College
M.A., Malone University

Diane Papa
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
B.S., Slippery Rock University

James Preston
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ed.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.Ed., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
B.Ed., Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Kara Ratai
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
B.S., Westminster College
M.Ed., University of Pittsburgh

Robert Snyder
Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
M.Ed., Slippery Rock University
B.S., Slippery Rock University

Laura Strong
Instructor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
D.Ed., Indiana University
M.A., Indiana University
B.A., Cameron University

Sara Tours
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., Florida State University
M.S., Florida State University
B.S., Florida State University

Mary Walsh
Associate Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
B.A., Mercyhurst College
M.S. Youngstown State University
Ph.D., Kent State University

Deborah Wells
Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., Arizona State University
M.Ed., Auburn University
B.S., Auburn University
B.A., Auburn University

Hye Ryung Won
Assistant Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ph.D., Florida State University
M.Ed., The University of Texas at Austin
M.Ed., Chung-Ang University
B.Ed., Korea National Open University

Linda Zane
Professor
Elementary Ed/Early Childhood
Ed.D., Duquesne University
M.A., University of Pittsburgh
B.S., University of Pittsburgh

Courses

ELEC 100 -  Early Childhood Education Theory & Practice  

This course is designed to introduce students to early childhood education with emphasis on historical and contemporary perspectives, theories, practice and current trends and developments. Early childhood environments for children from birth through nine years of age will be studies and various curricula materials will be reviewed. Examination of the student's personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field is addressed throughout the course (COE assessment of dispositions). Students will be exposed to children within a variety of early childhood settings via videotaped observations of children and classrooms.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Thematic Thread(s): Transfer Thread Completion Course

ELEC 139 -  Foundations of Academic Discovery  

Foundations of Academic Discovery serves as the entry point to the Rock Integrated Studies Program. With its strong faculty-student interaction, the course promotes intellectual inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and academic excellence. Through varied content, the course introduces students to academic discourse and information literacy while exploring topics such as diversity and inclusion and global awareness. This course will set students along the path to becoming engaged with issues and scholarship important to a 21st century education while they learn about themselves and their place in the world.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall Terms

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Freshman 1 or Freshman 2.
Enrollment limited to students with the ROCK STUDIES 2 STUDENT or ROCK STUDIES STUDENT attributes.

ELEC 190 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

ELEC 195 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

ELEC 198 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

ELEC 200 -  Child Development Typical  

This course will provide a critical overview of key aspects of child development (physical, psychosocial, and cognitive) from theories and research that span conception to the early school years (birth to age 9).  Important contexts that shape children's development will also be a major focus of this course, such as family, school, community, socioeconomic, and policy influences.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Thematic Thread(s): Cultural Literacy & Community Building, Transfer Thread Completion Course

ELEC 230 -  Field-Based Child Development Typical  

Candidates will connect theory to practice in this course.  Both typical and atypical child development will be studied in-depth through observations in a variety of education and education-related settings for children birth through grade four.

Prerequisites: ELEC 100D and ELEC 200D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 237 and ELEC 281

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1 or Freshman 2 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students in the College of Education college.

ELEC 237 -  ELL Strategies and Practice for Early Childhood Education  

This course will focus on the development of competencies and skills needed to effectively teach students whose first language is not English so that teacher candidates can accommodate and adapt instruction and assessments for Pre-K through Grade 4 English Language Learners (ELLs)  In addition, this course is designed to provide pre-service early childhood educators with the scientific study of psycholinguistic phenomena in the study of language acquisition, to understand development of typical and atypical oral language in young children from birth to age 9, and to understand cultural and familial influences on language and literacy.

Prerequisites: ELEC 100D and ELEC 200D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 230 and ELEC 281

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1 or Freshman 2 may not enroll.

ELEC 238 -  Literacy Practices for the Emergent Learner, PK-1  

Through a blend of theory and practice, this course explores research-based instruction for the emergent literacy learner (PreK-grade 1), including the relationship between language development and literacy, instructional activities to help children become competent users of oral language, reading and writing processes, creation of a literate environment, and cultural and familial influences on language and literacy.

Prerequisites: ELEC 100D and ELEC 200D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 285

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

ELEC 281 -  Family and Community Diversity and Partnerships  

This course is designed to acquaint the teacher candidate in early childhood education to the theories, practices, skills, and knowledge of home, school, and community relationships, building towards home and school partnerships.  The focus of this course is developing a thorough understanding of diverse contexts and ethnicities that helps educators of young children strengthen the bonds between home, school and community.

Prerequisites: ELEC 100D and ELEC 200D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 230 and ELEC 237

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

ELEC 285 -  Integrating Creative Expression through the Arts  

This course will identify basic elements, principals, related concepts, and vocabulary of the creative and performing arts.  The creative arts exist as vehicles through which we can communicate the very essence of expressive language.  Students will be introduced to various media, lesson planning, and ways of integrating the arts into planning academic and multicultural curricula for PreK-4 classrooms.  This course will serve as a foundation for integrating arts across the curriculum.

Prerequisites: ELEC 100D and ELEC 200D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 238

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

ELEC 290 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

ELEC 295 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

ELEC 298 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

ELEC 301 -  Math/Science Teaching Lab  

Provides students with a myriad of opportunities to: identify and develop basic teaching skills, design and implement math and science lessons for peers and school-aged children, and reflect/analyze lessons in light of science and math education research findings. Throughout the course, candidates will have the opportunity to actually experience classroom teaching when possible.

Prerequisites: ELEC 281D and (ELEC 288D or ELEC 304D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 342

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 306 -  Early Childhood Education I  

Research, history, philosophy, current trends and observations with emphasis on the nature and nurture of the young child from birth through third grade.

Prerequisites: ELEC 200 (may be taken concurrently)D and ELEC 248*D and CDEV 342 (may be taken concurrently)D (may be taken concurrently).
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 308 -  Folk Literature and Storytelling  

Combines a study of traditional literature with practice in the best methods of presenting it orally. Oral presentations include a preschool story hour, folk tale, and myth or literary fairy tale. The course also emphasizes the importance of puppetry in education and recreation.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 311 -  Mathematics & Literacy Teaching Lab Pre K - 4  

This course provides teacher education candidates with an opportunity to observe, assist, and teach mathematics and literacy lessons in a pre-school or early childhood grade level setting.  Through this lab, candidates identify and develop basic teaching skills, design and implement mathematics and literacy lessons for PK-Grade 4 children, and reflect and analyze on lessons taught, based on assessment data, research and philosophies examined concurrently in the mathematics and literacy methods courses.  Candidates will also develop an appreciation for the many tasks teachers perform daily.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 316

Credits: 1

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 316 -  Developmental Formal and Informal Assessments  

A study of assessment for children from birth to Grade 4. Both formal and informal instruments will be discussed with the emphasis on tools that can be used by teachers of young children to inform developmentally appropriate instruction and practices on a daily basis. Considerations in choosing, administering, and reporting results of assessments will also be addressed.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 330

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 317 -  Child and Family Development in Early Childhood  

This course is a theoretical, in-depth examination of physical, intellectual, social-emotional, language and family development from birth through age 8, which builds upon previous Human Development courses. Development is viewed as occurring within a family and a culture, not in isolation. Emphasis is placed upon the connections between the theoretical and the practical.

Prerequisites: CDEV 248D and ELEC 306D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 320 -  Elementary Field Experience  

Candidates enroll as part of the Professional Block in Elementary Education. This course involves an in-depth teaching experience in an elementary classroom in which opportunities are provided for the application of content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and the assessment of children's learning. Grading P/NC/Fail.

Prerequisites: ELEC 301P and ELEC 342D and ELEC 362D
P Requires minimum grade of P.
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 332

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 324 -  Methods for Teaching English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education  

A course designed to acquaint the prospective teacher at any level with the methodology used to teach English to native speakers of other languages and to acquaint students with the specialized procedures used when teaching in bilingual classrooms (any two languages) on any level.

Prerequisites: ELEC 200D and (CDEV 248D or CDEV 342D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 325 -  Children's Literature  

This course introduces the children’s literature: the history, the authors and illustrators, and the readers. A major focus is on diversity in books for children and how different cultures, experiences, time periods and characters are represented, or excluded. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis and discussion of books and illustrations, with a focus on elements of literature and art. Children as readers is also a focus, exploring ways that literature is used in classrooms and families.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Early Childhood Ed (PK-4), Early Child/Spec Ed(PK-4)PK-8) or Early Childhood Education.

ELEC 327 -  Social/Cultural Studies in Early Childhood Education  

This course is a multi-dimensional methods course which integrates background knowledge from the social sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities and fine arts. It focuses on an experiential approach to facilitating young children's growth and development, with an emphasis on human relationships. A multi-cultural perspective is fostered.

Prerequisites: (ELEC 306D or ELEC 396D) and CDEV 248D and ELEC 200D and SEFE 342D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 397

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 328 -  Curriculum and Assessment in ESL Education  

This course prepares students seeking Pennsylvania certification in English as a second language (K-12) with key concepts related to curriculum development and assessment for students learning English as a second language. Topics include meeting ESL curriculum standards, novel and accurate assessment procedures, culturally biased testing, assessment suitability criteria, and culturally appropriate testing situations. The course investigates assessment within the context of ESL curriculum design, implementation, and program evaluation. Finally, students will come to terms with the process of evaluating language minority students in relation to diagnosis, placement, formal and informal assessment, exiting, and monitoring of student progress.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 330 -  Literacy Practices for the Developing Learner, Grades 2 - 4  

Candidates will acquire a thorough understanding of literacy development (ages 5 - 9) as revealed in learning and motivation theories.  Candidates will be prepared to use a variety of instructional strategies and materials selectively, appropriately, and flexibly.  Candidates will be prepared to use multiple strategies for developing students'' word/concept knowledge and word analysis skills in addition to understanding how word meaning and fluency support comprehension.  Candidates will be able to teach multiple comprehension strategies that support readers in constructing meaning from text, both literary and informational, and in monitoring their comprehension.  Candidates will gain strategies for infusing writing and the conventions of writing into literacy learning.  Candidates will acquire appropriate assessment techniques to support responsive instructional decision making and reflection.  Competencies and skills needed to effectively support students whose first language is not English will be central to this course.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 340

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 332 -  The Teaching of Elementary Reading  

Candidates will be introduced, through theory and practice, to a variety of strategies for teaching elementary reading. Candidates will become aware of ways to assess reading progress and ways to support children as they develop as readers. Candidates will also become familiar with materials used in the classroom to support literacy.

Prerequisites: ELEC 301P and ELEC 342D and ELEC 362D
P Requires minimum grade of P.
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 320

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 340 -  Mathematics Methods and Strategies for PRE K - 4 Teachers  

This course is designed to provide pre-service teachers with the pedagogy and materials necessary for teaching early childhood mathematics.  This course addresses development and instruction in play-based and problem-based mathematics in pre-K to grade 4 settings.  Included are methods, materials, and research findings related to teaching of mathematics.  Questions that provide the structure for this course are:  What is the nature of mathematics (what is mathematics and what does it mean to do mathematics)?  How do children learn mathematics?  How do we as teachers help children learn mathematics?

Corequisite(s): SPED 350

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.
Enrollment limited to students in the College of Education college.

ELEC 342 -  The Teaching of Elementary Mathematics  

The various processes and operations needed to effectively teach mathematics in the elementary school are carefully analyzed. Candidates recognize and can address the mathematical concepts and the potential misconceptions and misunderstandings of these concepts by school-aged children.

Prerequisites: MATH 210D and MATH 310D and SEFE 270 (may be taken concurrently)D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 362

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 347 -  Modern Primary Programs  

A survey of philosophy, techniques and methodology used in educating children through continuous progress in an ungraded primary school.

Prerequisites: ELEC 306D or ELEC 396D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 348 -  Leadership, Advocacy & Program Development  

This course will focus on leadership, advocacy and program development for teacher candidates preparing to work with children Pre-K to Grade 4.  Focus will be on the design, development, and evaluation of early childhood programs, including theory, paradigms and models, policy in the program development process, and the use of technology in program development.  In addition, this course will include theory, research and practice in early childhood as a foundation for leadership in the field and advocacy on behalf of young children, families, communities, and the early childhood profession.  An examination of current issues in the field and strategies for articulating positions and for working toward change will also be addressed.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2, Sophomore 1 or Sophomore 2 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 352 -  The Teaching of Language Arts  

Candidates will be introduced, through theory and practice, to a variety of strategies for teaching elementary language arts. They will become familiar with the six components of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, visually representing, and viewing. Candidates will learn strategies for teaching these components and integrating them into the classroom curriculum. Candidates will also become familiar with assessment tools for language arts.

Prerequisites: ELEC 301P and ELEC 342D and ELEC 362D
P Requires minimum grade of P.
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 362 -  The Teaching of Elementary Science  

Candidates will learn numerous strategies which engage students in the science inquiry process by connecting scientific understanding and contemporary teaching and assessment practices.  Locating and adapting appropriate activity-based science lessons are important components of this course.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 301

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 372 -  The Teaching of Elementary Social Studies  

Candidates in this course will explore the social studies curriculum, including its organization; analyze methods of teaching, objectives, and materials: and discuss evaluation/assessment techniques. Study focuses on best practice classroom applications and the relationship between instruction and student learning outcome. Field experiences included.

Prerequisites: ELEC 301P and ELEC 342D and ELEC 362D
P Requires minimum grade of P.
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 382 -  Literacy Assessment  

A study of literacy assessment techniques designed to support the elementary teacher in designing a supportive literacy environment and effective literacy instruction for all students.

Prerequisites: ELEC 332D and SEFE 200D and CDEV 248D and CDEV 342D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 385 -  Creativity  

An interdisciplinary approach to child-centered teaching through creative instructional materials, drama, music, and a variety of art media.

Prerequisites: SEFE 200 (may be taken concurrently)D and (SEFE 248 (may be taken concurrently)D or CDEV 248D) and (SEFE 342 (may be taken concurrently)D or CDEV 342D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 390 -  Experimental  

A unique and specifically focused course within the general purview of a department which intends to offer it on a "one time only" basis and not as a permanent part of the department's curriculum.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 395 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 397 -  Early Childhood Education II  

Curriculum, materials, audio-visual and other aids and their implementation in various early childhood learning situations with full articulation of such programs with the primary grades.

Prerequisites: (ELEC 306D or ELEC 396D) and CDEV 248D and SEFE 342D and SEFE 200D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 327

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 398 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 405 -  Overview of and Immersion in Global Education  

The course focuses on global education and an immersive experience in a mediated field experience abroad. Students will develop awareness and skills needed to teach in a culturally responsive classroom. Educational systems from various countries will be explored with a focus on the country of the mediated field experience.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Thematic Thread(s): Transfer Thread Completion Course

Enrollment limited to students with the SPECIAL APPROVAL attribute.

ELEC 407 -  Math and Science in Early Childhood Learning  

Students will apply theories of child development to the implementation of math and science in the early childhood curriculum. Using a constructivist approach, students will plan and implement activities designed to enhance cognitive development in these areas. Students will become aware of available materials for teaching and assessment.

Prerequisites: (ELEC 327D or ELEC 278D) and (ELEC 337D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 410 -  Culture and Politics of American Education  

Public education (Pre-K-12) in the United States is one of the most important civic debates in our society. Everyone has attended school and everyone seems to have an opinion about what counts as a quality education. The problem of how to provide an education to the youth of this country requires thoughtful decisions-informed by scholarly research, multiple viewpoints and ethical perspectives. This course will provide students the opportunity to explore the cultural, political and legal issues facing public education today.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offerings Vary

Thematic Thread(s): Cultural Literacy & Community Building, Transfer Thread Completion Course, United Stated in Global Context

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2, Sophomore 1 or Sophomore 2 may not enroll.

ELEC 415 -  Early Science and Math  

Students will apply theories of child development to the implementation of math and sciencein the early childhood curriculum. Using a constructivist approach, students will plan and implement activities designed to enhance cognitive development in these areas. Students will become aware of available materials for teaching and assessment.

Credits: 4

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior 1, Junior 2, Senior 1 or Senior 2.

ELEC 420 -  Early Childhood Field Experience  

Candidates enroll as part of the Professional Block in Early childhood Education.  This course involves an in-depth teaching experience in an early childhood setting in which opportunities are provided for the application of content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and the assessment of children's learning.

Prerequisites: ELEC 330D and ELEC 340D and ELEC 311P and ELEC 316D and (SPED 325D or SPED 350D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.
P Requires minimum grade of P.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 480

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2, Graduate or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 427 -  Early Intervention  

This course will examine atypical development from birth through age eight. Legal rights of children and families will be explored. Student will study the interventions necessary to assist the young child and their families adjust and adapt to development difficulties. A field component is included.

Prerequisites: ELEC 327D and (ELEC 337D or ELEC 278D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 437 -  Assessment in Early Childhood  

This course is an overview of the role of assessment at the preschool and primary grade levels as integral to curriculum and instructional decision-making. Content will focus on informal assessment measures recommended for early childhood classroom teachers. A field experience gives students the opportunity to apply a variety of assessment measures with young children.

Prerequisites: ELEC 427D and (ELEC 447D or ELEC 420D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 440 -  ECE Curriculum Integration: Theory into Practice  

Development and implementation of an integrated program of all content areas across the learning standards Pre-K through Grade 4, through the integration of play-based, experience-based, and project-based teaching. Selection and development of materials and resources based on assessment data that meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners is stressed.

Prerequisites: ELEC 311D and ELEC 330D and ELEC 340D and ELEC 316D and SPED 325D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 445 -  Administration of Child Care Programs  

Students are introduced in a practical manner to the procedures required to organize, license, and administer a child care program (including preschool and elementary aged children). This course involves a field experience of 5 hours.

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 450 -  Internship: Early Childhood  

This course is a supervised off-campus, full-time work experience in a certified Early Childhood Education program. Students attend seminars and complete additional assignments made by supervisors. Open only to Elementary Education: Early Learning and Development students.

Prerequisites: ELEC 447D or ELEC 420D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1-12

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 455 -  Student Teaching: Early Childhood  

Under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor, candidates engage in teaching assignments on a full-time basis in specified school districts and/or early childhood agencies and attend scheduled seminars.  Student teaching requires a partnership between the university and cooperating school districts and agencies.  It is considered the culminating experience and the most beneficial teacher preparation course.  It is a transition between pre-service and in-service teaching. Must meet all requirements to enroll in student teaching, including, but not limited to, required Praxis exams, grade point average, clearances, required courses and field experiences.

Credits: 1-12

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 460 -  Instructional Strategies for Science and Technology  

This course is designed to introduce the teaching techniques and strategies used by science educators to make science teaching, meaningful, motivating, and plausible for PK-4 students.  In addition, the most common curriculum units and supplements are introduced, explored, and examined for their appropriateness in the early childhood environment and the relationship to the PDE science standards.  Emphasis is placed on how to collect and learn about scientific concepts in order to develop the skills necessary to teach coherent centers and/or lessons and choose instructional techniques that will most effectively help children learn.  Lastly, confidence in teaching science is established as participants devise, employ, and assess science lessons presented to peers and young children.

Prerequisites: ELEC 311D and ELEC 330D and ELEC 340D and ELEC 316D and (SPED 325D or SPED 350D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 470

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 470 -  Social Studies & Citizenship  

Teacher candidates in this course will explore the social studies curriculum, including its organization; analyze methods of teaching, objectives, and materials; discuss evaluation/assessment techniques and citizenship development for PK-4 learners.  Study focuses on best practice classroom applications and the relationship between instruction and student learning outcome.

Prerequisites: ELEC 311D and ELEC 330D and ELEC 340D and ELEC 316D and (SPED 325D or SPED 350D)
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): SPED 360

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 475 -  International Student Teaching: Early Childhood  

Under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor, candidates engage in teaching assignments on a full-time basis in specified school districts and/or early childhood agencies and attend scheduled seminars. Student teaching requires a partnership between the university and cooperating school districts and agencies. It is considered the culminating experience and the most beneficial teacher preparation course. It is a transition between pre-service and in-service teaching. This course is specially designed for those students participating in the international student teaching experience.

Credits: 1-12

Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Senior 1 or Senior 2.
Enrollment limited to students in a B.S. in Education degree.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.
Enrollment limited to students in the College of Education college.

ELEC 480 -  Assessment for Differentiation of Literacy Instruction  

The purpose of this course is to provide teacher candidates with information and experiences that will enable them to utilize formal and informal methods for assessing children''s reading ability and materials for improving decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and motivation.  This course we explore the various roles of assessment in education and will look at a variety of data sets to draw conclusions about how they might impact class- or school-level decision making.  This course will also provide teacher candidates with information to differentiate their teaching to meet the needs of all learners.

Prerequisites: ELEC 238D and ELEC 330D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Corequisite(s): ELEC 460

Credits: 3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered Fall & Spring Terms

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.
Enrollment limited to students with the ACCEPTANCE - TEACHER CANDIDACY attribute.

ELEC 490 -  Independent Study  

A program of independent work conducted by a student who has demonstrated academic proficiency, with prior approval of the student's advisor and departmental chairperson. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, departmental chairperson, and dean of the college where the study will be conducted. Independent Study courses give students the opportunity to pursue research and/or studies that are not part of the university's traditional course offerings. Students work one on one or in small groups with faculty guidance and are typically required to submit a final paper or project as determined by the supervising professor.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 495 -  Workshop  

A workshop is a program which is usually of short duration, narrow in scope, often non-traditional in content and format, and on a timely topic.

Credits: 1-6

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.

ELEC 498 -  Selected Topics  

A Selected Topics course is a normal, departmental offering which is directly related to the discipline, but because of its specialized nature, may not be able to be offered on a yearly basis by the department.

Prerequisites: SEFE 200D and CDEV 248D and CDEV 342D
D Requires minimum grade of D.

Credits: 1-3

Term(s) Typically Offered: Offered as Needed

Students with a semester level of Freshman 1, Freshman 2 or Sophomore 1 may not enroll.