Education K-8, BA

The undergraduate general university requirements provide an integrated course of study. An effective K-8 teacher needs strong oral and written communication skills and quantitative literacy, as well as a broad liberal studies and content area background. Inquiry, analysis, critical thinking, creativity and leadership are the foundation of an effective teacher for the 21^stcentury.Your program of study is a combination of general university requirements and education courses with real life K-8 classroom practicum experiences. As you proceed through your course of study, you are expected to achieve the Alaska Beginning Teacher Standards that are reflected in the following competencies:Philosophy and Approach (PA): Describe personal research-based philosophy of education and apply it in the classroom with consistent teaching strategies and practices.

Developmental Stages (DS): Understand how students learn and develop and apply that knowledge to individuals and groups in classroom practice.

Diverse Cultures and Needs (DCN): Teach students with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics to promote learning and communication.

Content Knowledge and Strategies (CKS): Knows the teacher’s content areas and how to teach them using age appropriate strategies to develop student knowledge, skills, and understandings applicable to real world situations; this includes accurate information, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and use of technology.

Assessment Guides Instruction (AGI): Facilitates, monitors, and assesses student learning to inform students and families of progress and needs; encourages student self-assessment; uses individual and group performance to guide instruction (formative and summative assessment); and maintains accurate records.

Positive Learning Environment (PLE): Creates and maintains a positive learning environment that is physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe in which all students can learn, and are actively engaged, contributing members.

Partnerships and Real-life Connections (PRC):Works as a partner with parents, families, and the community.

Professionalism, Ethics, and Growth (PEG): Participates in and contributes to the teaching profession, complies with standards, laws and Code of Ethics, and engages in continuous professional growth.

General University Requirements

Introduction to Active Learning (GS 13500) (4) †
Written Communication (LL 20100) (4) †
Speech Communication (CO 10000) (4) †
Quantitative Reasoning (MT 21000) (4) †
Humanities (HI 20100 and CS 22700) (4) † (4)
Languages (LL) (4) †
Laboratory Science (SC 10000) (4) †
Social/Behavioral Science (4) †
Ethical and Religious Values (4) †

Total Credit Hours: 4 -40

Major Requirements

CO 10000 – Fundamentals of Communication (4) *
CS 22700 – History and Culture of Alaska Natives (3) *
ED 21400 – Exploring the Learning Community (2)
(Satisfies Sophomore Seminar)
ED 21500 – Classroom Leadership and Management (2)
GS 13500 – Introduction to Active Learning (4) *
HI 20100 – Introduction to Historical Studies (4)
LL – Foreign Language (4) *
LL 20100 – Writing for Discourse Communities (4) *
MT 21000 – Math Concepts (3) *
PY 21500 – Lifespan Human Development (3-4) or
PY 15000 – Introduction to Psychology: Adjustment and Change (3-4) *
ED 24100 – Teaching Methods: Creative Expression (4)
ED 31400 – Differentiated Instruction – Response to Instruction (4)
ED 32000 – Teaching Methods: Literacy and Communication I (6) **
ED 32100 – Teaching Methods: Literacy and Communication II (6) **
ED 33000 – Teaching Methods: Science, Mathematics, and Society I (6) **
ED 33100 – Teaching Methods: Science, Mathematics, and Society II (6) **
ED 34400 – Teaching Methods: Health and Physical Movement Education (4)
ED 34700 – Evaluation of Student Learning (3)
ED 36300 – Computers and Technology for Teachers (4)
ED 45300 – Multicultural Education (3)
ED 48400 – Student Teaching (12) ***
Electives (varies)
Fine Arts (two areas) (4)
Wellness (2)
Physical Activity (1)

Total Credit Hours (minimum): 128

* Not required if used to satisfy requirements for acceptance into the Teacher Preparation Program; may also satisfy GUR’s.

** Junior Practicum Courses.

*** Prior to Student Teaching, the Praxis II Elementary Education Test: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment OR the Praxis II Elementary Education Test: Content Knowledge must meet State score requirements to become “highly qualified” as defined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

† Credits are satisfied by Major Requirements.

Note:

A GPA of 3.00 in professional education courses (ED prefix) and 2.75 overall is required for admittance to student teaching. Students must complete all methods courses with a grade of “C” or better to be recommended for Alaska Teacher Certification. Methods courses are not taught as independent studies or by correspondence.