Janice Pattillo, Chair
McKibben Building 304A
(936) 468-2904
Fax: (936) 468-1701
www.sfasu.edu/go/elementary-ed
Faculty
Regents Professor
Sandra Luna McCune
Professors
Carolyn Abel, Vi Cain Alexander, Wynter Chauvin, John Jacobson, Janice Pattillo
Associate Professors
Alan Sowards
Assistant Professors
Vikki Boatman, Mary Nelle Brunson, Carolyn Davis, Dottie Gottshall, Jeanie Gresham, Steven Josephsen, Kimberly Welsh, Elizabeth Miranda Witherspoon
Instructors
Larry Cupit, Erica Dillard, John Donihoo, Lysa Hagan, Lori McGough Harkness, Tracey Covington Hasbun, Jannah Nerren, Claudia Whitley, Michelle Williams
Lecturers
Susan Barber, Connie Delaney, Cay McAninch, Jimmy Partin
CEO, University Charter School
Lysa Hagan
Coordinator, Bilingual Education and ESL (English as a Second Language)
Elizabeth Miranda Witherspoon
Coordinator, Early Childhood Education
Coordinator, EC-6 Distance Education Completion Program
Susan Barber
Coordinator, EC-6 Internship Sites
Carolyn Davis
Coordinator, Middle Level Grades Education
Claudia Whitley
Coordinator, Post Baccalaureate Initial Certification (PBIC)
Jeanie Gresham
Coordinator, Reading
Vi Cain Alexander
Director of Assessment
Jan Alexander
Director, Early Childhood Lab
Lori McGough Harkness
TExES Mentor
Sandra Luna McCune
Areas of Study & Degrees
B.S.I.S.
Accreditations
Objectives
The mission of the Department of Elementary Education is to prepare undergraduate and graduate candidates to meet the teaching demands of a culturally diverse society in the 21st century. Through dynamic learner-centered programs that support lifelong learning, candidates learn the pedagogy and technology necessary to create classrooms for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
Definition of Majors & Minors
The program leading to the Elementary Teacher’s Certificate is outlined below. Early counseling is especially imperative. Admission to Elementary Education requires passing tests designed to assess the competence necessary for successful teaching in the elementary or middle school.
Candidates seeking elementary teacher certification should follow the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.I.S.) degree outlined in this bulletin. Transfer candidates, those interested in attending summer school, and others needing additional information should consult the advisers. Advising for all elementary majors is scheduled each day at specified times in the Advising Center McKibben Building Room 118. Consult the Web for these times.
For EC-6 and 4-8 Special Education, see the Department of Human Services.
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree for Certification for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
Course requirements for candidates seeking EC-6 or 4-8 certification. (An official degree plan should be requested from the James I. Perkins College of Education Advising Center located at ED 118 no later than the accumulation of approximately 40-50 semester hours.)
Early Childhood-Grade 6 Generalist Certification
TOTAL HOURS for EC-6 Degree 127 -128
Grades 4-8 Certification
TOTAL HOURS for 4-8 degree must equal 120 hours minimum
Early Childhood Minor
People considering work in child care or other related areas may desire a minor in Early Childhood Education. This minor includes 18 credit hours from the following courses: HMS 241, 242, ECH 328, 331, RDG 318 and ELE 304. Selection of this minor is for non-certification purposes and should be chosen only after advisement. Child development majors may include EPS 380, and SPE 329 rather than HMS courses.
Special Programs
EC-6 Distance Education Completion Program
Candidates who have at least 45 hours of course work (with 3.0 GPA) listed in Early Childhood–Grade 6 Generalist Certification may apply for the new online certification program. To be eligible, candidates must be:
For information and an application go to: http://www.sfasu.edu/education/departments/elementary/areasofstudy/ec-4dist.asp.
ESL/Bilingual Supplemental Certification
Candidates wishing to add the ESL or Bilingual Supplemental Certification may apply for “overlap” status when they have completed 95 hours and take the following courses:
| For Bilingual Supplemental Certification (13 hours): | ||
| SPA 475 | Language Proficiency and pass the TOPT | |
| ELE 515 | Language Acquistion for ESL/Bilingual | |
| ELE 505 | Foundations of ESL/Bilingual | |
| ELE 506 | ESL/Bilingual Assessment | |
| ELE 507 | ESL/Bilingual Teaching Methods | |
| TExES #112 | required | |
| For ESL Supplemental Certification (12 hours): | ||
| ELE 515 | Language Acquisition for ESL/Bilingual | |
| ELE 505 | Foundations of ESL/Bilingual | |
| ELE 506 | ESL/Bilingual Assessment | |
| ELE 507 | ESL/Bilingual Teaching Methods | |
| TExES #154 | required | |
Early Childhood Laboratory
During each long-term semester, more than 1,000 college candidates use the laboratory for observation, participation, and other educational purposes. The Early Childhood Program at SFA is recognized as one of the most outstanding Early Childhood programs in the nation. The college program is accredited by NCATE and the children’s program is accredited by NAEYC. Serving more than 1,000 college candidates and 100 children each year, this dynamic program continues to meet the demands of a changing university, community, and state.
University Charter School
The new university charter school, which will be state funded and operate as a public school, will replace the NISD/SFA Charter School. The university charter school will offer the Perkins College of Education an opportunity to build on the great success that has been achieved with the exemplary-rated NISD/SFA Charter School in operation on the SFASU campus since August 1998. The school will become the only university charter school in Texas directly linked with a research laboratory. The dynamic interaction of the Elementary Education department, Early Childhood Laboratory and the university charter school, allows the Perkins College of Education to perform cutting-edge research in early childhood education creating a one-of-a-kind center for East Texas and the state.
Study Abroad Program
During EC-6 Internship II, candidates have the opportunity to study the educational systems of various countries such as France, Germany and Switzerland while traveling in Europe. Faculty accompany candidates on a two-week Study Abroad Program as part of the Professional Roles and Responsibilities course, ECH 432. The candidates visit different school types, have audiences with governmental officials, and experience cultural events and sites. The university’s Office of International Programs coordinates the experience. This program is one of the first such offerings for Early Childhood Education majors in Texas. Candidates also have the option of completing the student teaching experience in Costa Rica.
Course Credit
Unless otherwise indicated, courses listed below are three semester hours credit, three hours lecture per week.
Courses in Elementary Education (ELE)
Early Childhood and Reading courses are listed separately on the following pages. Other education courses are listed under the Department of Counseling and Special Educational Programs and Secondary Education.
301. |
Teaching Science – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. The scope and sequence of science skills and content, grades EC-4. Activities and materials appropriate for achieving curriculum objectives. Prerequisites: SPE 329, EPS 380, ELE 304 and admission to Teacher Education. Students must also register for ELE 301L that meets at a school site. |
301L. |
Teaching Science Lab –Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Supervised observation and teaching in public school directly related to the content and purpose of ELE 301. Must be taken concurrently with ELE 301. |
302. |
Teaching Social Studies – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. The scope and sequence of social studies skills and content, grades EC-4. Activities and materials appropriate for achieving curriculum objectives. Prerequisites: SPE 329, EPS 380, ELE 304 and admission to Teacher Education. Students must also register for ELE 302L that meets at a school site. |
302L. |
Teaching Social Studies Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Supervised observation and teaching in public school directly related to the content and purpose of ELE 302. Must be taken concurrently with ELE 302. |
303. |
Teaching Mathematics – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. The scope and sequence of mathematics skills and content, grades EC-4. Activities and materials appropriate for achieving mathematics objectives. Prerequisites: SPE 329, EPS 380, ELE 304 and admission to Teacher Education. Students must also register for ELE 303L that meets at a school site. |
303L. |
Teaching Mathematics Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Supervised observation and teaching in public school directly related to the content and purpose of ELE 303. Must be taken concurrently with ELE 303. |
304. |
Technology in Teaching – Use of technology in instruction in various curriculum areas. Prerequisite: sophomore status. |
329. |
(SPE) Survey of Exceptionalities – (See Department of Human Services for description.) |
351. |
EC-4 Learners: Planning Instruction in the Classroom Environment – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Designing instruction and assessment to promote student learning and creating a positive, productive classroom environment for the EC-4 learner. This is a field-based course and must be taken concurrently with ELE 352. Students must also register for ELE 351L that meets at a school site. |
351L. |
EC-4 Learners: Planning Instruction in the Classroom Environment Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Supervised observation and teaching in public school directly related to the content and purpose of ELE 351. Must be taken concurrently with ELE 351. |
352. |
Current Issues/Professionalism – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. A study in current issues and professionalism as related to working with preprimary and primary-aged children. This is a field-based course. Prerequisites: Admission into Teacher Education. Must be taken concurrently with ELE 352L, ELE 351 and Internship I. |
352L. |
Current Issues/Professionalism Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Application and implementation of information as it relates to current issues and professionalism. Teacher candidates will demonstrate their ability to be professionals in the education arena. Meets on a public school site. Prerequisites: Admission into Teacher Education. Must be taken concurrently with ELE 352, ELE 351, and Internship I. |
380. |
(EPS) Educational Psychology – (See Department of Human Services) |
420. |
Survey of Teaching – Three semester hours. Survey of teaching a course designed for students seeking initial certification and that focuses on the knowledge base necessary to teach effectively in Texas public schools. Cross-listed with ELE 520. |
440. |
Student Teaching in ECH – Prerequisites: ECH 328, 331, admission to teacher education, 332, and 432. |
441. |
Student Teaching in the Elementary School – Prerequisites: Admission into teacher education, ELE 301, 302, 303, 351, 352 or MLG 401, 402, 403. |
442. |
Student Teaching Seminar – One semester hour. Synthesis/capstone seminar for student teachers with a focus on the assisted performance of student teachers in a professional learning community |
475. |
Special Problems – One to three semester hours, one to three hours conference per week or the equivalent in conference and/or laboratory. Individual study of a topic in elementary education under the direction of a faculty member. Normally offered by special request only. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Prerequisites: Senior standing and the approval of the major professor, faculty member who will direct the study and the department chair. |
495. |
Humane and Environmental Education – Study of humane and environmental education concepts and methods with emphasis on the role they can play in the teaching of the essential elements of the curriculum prescribed for Texas schools. Cross-listed with ELE 595. |
Courses in Middle Level Grades (MLG)
400. |
Case Studies/Mid-Level Students – Assessment of fourth - eighth grade learners in several contexts will facilitate the future teacher’s understanding of the relationship between social, emotional, psychological and physical development and the early adolescent’s behavior, motivation and learning. |
401. |
The Middle Level Learning Community –Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Examination of educational practice in the middle grades (4-8) including trends and issues unique to the middle grades as they relate to the Texas Code of Ethics. Emphasis on broadening understanding of foundational components, organizational patterns, instructional programs and management techniques. Prerequisites: Admission into Teacher Education. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 401L, 402, and 402L. |
401L. |
The Middle Level Learning Community Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Examination of educational practice in the middle grades (fourth-eighth) including trends and issues unique to the middle grades as they relate to the TX Code of Ethics through experiences in the middle school context. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 401, 402, and 402L. |
402. |
Creating Learner-Centered Middle Schools – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Application of knowledge about the early adolescent learner incorporated as future teachers examine curriculum, (the TEKS), instruction and assessment for learner-centered classrooms. Prerequisite: Admission into Teacher Education. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 401, 401L, and 402L. |
402L. |
Creating Learner-Centered Middle Schools Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Application of knowledge about the early adolescent learner is applied as future teachers observe curriculum (the TEKS), instruction, and assessment in learner-centered classroom. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 401, 401L, and 402. |
403. |
Integrating Middle Grades Learning – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. Middle grades curriculum, instruction, and assessment designed in interdisciplinary units to make learning relevant and real-world for the middle-level student. Design and implement interdisciplinary units in teams representing the core content. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402, 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 403L, MLG 422/422L (Science Methods) and MLG 424/424L (Math Methods) or MLG 423/423L (Social Studies Methods) and RDG 416/416L (Language Arts Methods). |
403L. |
Integrating Middle Grades Learning Lab – Three semester hours for lecture and lab combined. The middle grades curriculum, instruction, and assessment are designed in interdisciplinary units to make learning relevant and real world for the middle level student. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402, 402L. |
422. |
Science in the Middle Grades – Three semester hours. Designed to help teachers become more competent in the development and use of hands-on, inquiry-based science activities. Workshop course based on the process skills, materials and goals of national science curriculum programs. Cross-listed with ELE 522. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402 and 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 403, 403L and 422L. |
422L. |
Science in the Middle Grades Lab – Designed to help middle grades teachers become more competent in the development and use of hands-on, inquiry-based science activities through direct experiences in the classroom. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402 and 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 403, 403L, 422 (Science Methods). |
423. |
Social Studies in the Middle Grades – Three semester hours. Current trends, practices and research pertaining to the teaching of social studies in the middle school. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L 402 and 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 403, 403L and 423L. |
423L. |
Social Studies in the Middle Grades Lab – Designed to help middle grades teachers become more competent in the development and application of current trends, practices, and research pertaining to the teaching of social studies in the middle grades. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402 and 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 403, 403L and MLG 423 (Social Studies Methods). |
424. |
Mathematics in the Middle Grades – Three semester hours. Current trends, practices and research pertaining to the teaching of mathematics in the middle school. Cross-listed with ELE 521. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402 and 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 424L, 403, 403L. |
424L. |
Math in the Middle Grades Lab – Designed to help middle grades teachers become more competent in the development and use of current trends, practices, and research pertaining to the teaching of mathematics in the middle grades. Prerequisites: MLG 400, 401, 401L, 402, 402L. Must be taken concurrently with MLG 403, 403L and 424 (Math Methods). |
098. |
College Reading – Survey of the reading process with emphasis on identification and flexible application of general and content area reading skills to college-level reading. Emphasis on applying efficient, effective reading skills to a variety of college texts and reading tasks. Will not satisfy degree requirements. Required for students who have not yet passed the THEA Reading Subtest. Will not count toward any degree requirement, including elective credit. |
314. |
Teaching Reading Through Children’s Literature – Examination of the genres of children’s literature and their use throughout the curriculum. Prerequisites: RDG 318, 320 and pass all four parts of the Elementary Education Admissions Test; or department permission. |
318. |
Early Literacy Development – A study of early literacy, assessment, and instruction. |
320. |
Upper Level Literacy Development – Study of upper-level literacy assessment, and instruction. Prerequisites: RDG 318 and pass all four parts of the Elementary Education Admissions Test. |
322. |
Development of Written Communication – Study of the developmental process of written communication as it relates to reading. Prerequisites: 318, 320 and 314. |
390. |
Content Area Reading and Writing – Examination of reading, writing, speaking, and listening processes to learn subject matter across the curriculum to meet the needs of all students. Prerequisites: RDG 318, 320. |
415. |
Reading Assessment and Instruction – Two semester credit hours. Examination of formal and informal reading assessments and their subsequent use for guiding instruction. Special emphasis on struggling readers. Prerequisites: RDG 318, 320, 314. To be taken concurrently with RDG 415L. |
415L. |
Reading Assessment and Instruction Lab – One semester credit hour. Laboratory experience designed for students to demonstrate their ability to assess, plan, and deliver appropriate instruction in reading. Prerequisites: RDG 318, 320, 314. To be taken concurrently with RDG 415. |
416. |
Reading as a Language Process – Three semester hours. Study of the reading process as influenced by the other language processes. Prerequisites: EPS 380, SPE 329, ELE 304 and admission to teacher education, RDG 314, 318, 320. |
416L. |
Reading as a Language Process Lab – A laboratory experience of the reading process as influenced by the other language processes. Should be taken concurrently with RDG 416. |
475. |
Special Problems – Individual field experience project in reading. Prerequisites: Senior standing, approval of major professor, the faculty member to direct study and the department chair. |
Courses In Early Childhood Education (ECH)
241. |
(HMS) Introduction into Early Childhood (TECA 1311) – Two semester hours. Introduction to the profession of early childhood focusing on developmentally appropriate practices, types of programs, and historical perspectives. Must be taken concurrently with HMS 241L. |
241L. |
(HMS) Introduction into Early Childhood Lab – One semester hour. Supervised laboratory observation and teaching of young children directly related to the content and purpose of HMS 241. Must be taken concurrently with HMS 241. |
242. |
(HMS) Family, School & Community Relations (TECA 1303) – Investigative study of the interrelationships among the young child, the home, school and community. Emphasis on parental involvement in schools. Must be taken concurrently with HMS 241 and HMS 241L or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: Sophomore status. |
328. |
Psycho-Social Development – Two hours credit. Study of cognitive and psycho-social development with an emphasis on math for young children. Must be taken concurrently with ECH 328L. Prerequisites: Successful completion of HMS 241, 241L and 242. |
328L. |
Psycho-Social Development Lab – One hour credit, two hours of observation. Supervised laboratory observations and teaching of young children directly related to the content and purpose of ECH 328. Must be taken concurrently with ECH 328. |
331. |
Child-Centered Environments – Study of child-centered environments including an in-depth look at learning centers with an emphasis on preview and review of learning center activities, daily schedules and room arrangements. Must be taken concurrently with ECH 331L. Prerequisites: HMS 241, 241L, 242, ECH 328, 328L and passing all four parts of the Elementary Education Admissions Test. |
331L. |
Child-Centered Environments Lab – One hour credit, two of observation. Supervised laboratory observations and teaching of young children directly related to the content and purpose of ECH 331. Must be taken concurrently with ECH 331. |
332. |
Cognitive/Language Development – Three semester hours. A study of the history of early childhood and assessment, development and enhancement of cognitive and language abilities. Prerequisites: Admitted to Teacher Education. HMS 241, 241L, HMS 242, ECH 328, 328L, ECH 331, 331L. Corequisite: Internship I. |
332L. |
Cognitive/Language Development Lab – Supervised laboratory observations and teaching of young children directly related to the content and purposes of ECH 332. Corequisites: Internship I and admitted to Teacher Education. HMS 241, 241L, HMS 242, ECH 328, 328L, ECH 331, 331L. |
432. |
Professional Roles & Responsibilities – One semester hour. A study of the roles and responsibilities of early childhood educators as related to classroom practices. Must be taken with the second internship. Prerequisites: Successful completion of HMS 241, HMS 241L, HMS 242, ECH 328, ECH 328L, ECH 331, ECH 331L, ECH 332, be admitted into Teacher Education and maintain a 2.5 or better GPA. |
432L. |
Professional Roles & Responsibilities Lab – One semester hour. This course is designed to prepare learners to demonstrate knowledge, reflective thought, and critical perspectives of their work and field experiences. Must be taken with the second internship. Prerequisites: Successful completion of HMS 241, HMS 241L, HMS 242, ECH 328, ECH 328L, ECH 331, ECH 331L, ECH 332, be admitted into Teacher Education and maintain a 2.5 or better GPA. |