Alaska Pacific University

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Anchorage, AK 99508

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Course Catalog

Campus Undergraduate Program

Education

The Education Department offers a major in K-8 education that prepares students for a career in teaching. The Teacher Preparation Program provides a strong background in the liberal arts as well as professional education courses.

The Teacher Preparation Program at Alaska Pacific University carries out the holistic philosophy of the university which stresses a commitment to Alaska’s intercultural and international heritage.

Participants in the program may pursue study at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The undergraduate program includes a K-8 Education certificate (for teacher aides), an Associate of Arts Degree in Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (K-8). For graduate-level coursework, refer to the Master of Arts in Teaching section. Coursework is designed to:

Prepare qualified undergraduate students to become qualified teacher aides and/or K-8 teachers.
Prepare those who hold baccalaureate or masters degrees in other fields for careers as K-8 teachers.

The Teacher Preparation Program of study and practical experience is approved by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification and the Alaska State Department of Education as well as provisionally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The university provides the Institutional Recommendation for teacher certification, which is then issued by the Alaska State Department of Education.

The Education Department at Alaska Pacific University is proud of its professional team and the excellent program we have developed. Students who join this exciting learning adventure will embark on a journey that can lead to licensure as a teaching professional in the state of Alaska.

Teaching is one of the most demanding and important professions in society. As a teacher, one is expected to prevent ignorance, promote intellectual health, and lay the foundations for continued learning. The Teacher Preparation Program and Master of Arts in Teaching program will challenge students to begin meeting these expectations during the first education class in which they enroll.

The following can be expected from the Teacher Preparation Program:

Opportunities to work with students in grades K-8 in a variety of settings.
Opportunities to collaborate with rural and urban Alaska teachers.
800-1000 hours of quality time in rural and urban Alaska classrooms.
Applications of theory into practice at the university and in schools.
Support and guidance from the first class through student teaching.
Opportunities for growth, transitioning from student to teaching professional.

Teacher as Professional

The Alaska Pacific University curriculum identifies five concepts which require a broad range of knowledge and practice for development and which serve to characterize the graduates of this institution. The five concepts which form the basis of the curriculum are:

(1) Pedagogy

Teachers must plan, structure, and implement instruction and assess student learning in an increasingly effective manner enabling students to construct knowledge and to connect knowledge acquired at school with knowledge acquired at home and in the community.

(2) Diversity

Teachers must be prepared to recognize, accept, and teach to diversity, addressing both groups of students and individuals, recognizing different perspectives and voices that represent various groups and interests, and recognizing shared interests that create common purposes for individuals and groups.

(3) Integrative Knowledge

Teachers must be prepared to teach central concepts, principles, and processes of inquiry and structures of the discipline in ways that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students. Authentic assessments of student abilities, attitudes, and understanding using evaluations to determine the strengths and needs for improvement of various educational programs and curricula are expected.

(4) Professionalism

Teachers must be prepared to search for the meanings and consequences of their own knowledge and beliefs, their teaching, and schooling; to seek out and engage in collaborative relationshipsuniversity- school-family-social and community agencies in order to provide students with contextualized and experiential learning and to improve the professional expertise.

(5) Technology

Teachers and other school personnel must be prepared to use educational technology to extend and enhance their ability to provide their students with varied experiences and powerful tools for learning, as well as preparing students for entry into a workforce that is becoming more technologically sophisticated.

Goals and objectives identified for teacher preparation address the State of Alaska Standards for Teachers and are framed into three categories, using the acronym APU:

Attitudes, Behaviors and Dispositions
The teacher:

Researches his/her own practice by reflecting critically, asking questions, and seeking answers.
Develops and describes his/her philosophy of education and demonstrates its impact in the teaching and learning process
Addresses the needs of all students with respect for their individual and cultural characteristics.
Encourages, creates, and maintains a learning environment in which all students contribute and are actively engaged.
Demonstrates the knowledge that teaching means continual participation in and contribution to the teaching profession and will risk engagement in the process of change to further the improvement of the profession.
Models life long learning and understands that professional growth is an important part of the life as a career teacher.
Participates in personal wellness.
Grounds him/herself in self-knowledge and self-acceptance that leads to creation of open trusting relationships, and supports the value of diversity within an inclusive community.
Exhibits responsible, moral, and ethical professional behavior.

Participation and Skills
The teacher:

Understands teaching and learning theory and applies that knowledge to the instructional practice.
Develops meaningful lessons that address the needs of students with respect to individual and cultural characteristics.
Uses his/her understanding of content to plan, structure, facilitate, monitor, and implement instruction in the context of continual assessment.
Fosters, creates, and maintains a learning environment where all students contribute and remain actively engaged.

Understanding and Knowledge
The teacher:

Demonstrates an understanding of developmental and learning theories, and applies that knowledge in the classroom.
Understands the cultural characteristics and diversity of students in the context of their individual differences.
Knows the subject matter and how to integrate, plan and teach instructional units in the context of practical experiences.
Uses the knowledge gained from a strong liberal arts background to develop and implement curriculum that is varied and creative.
Knows and uses the theories and research related to child development and the development of young adolescents to motivate and construct learning opportunities in support of individual student development, and his/her acquisition of knowledge.

K-8 Professional Development Certificate

The K-8 Professional Development Certificate is designed to assist those who are currently teacher aides or who are interested in becoming teacher aides to continue or begin course work that will assist them in their professional development and preparation. The courses provide content and skills that are immediately applicable in K-8 classrooms. This course work may be transferred into the Associate Arts Degree Program.

Required Courses			Credit Hours
GS	100	Computer Applications	2
PY	150	Introduction to Psychology: Adjustment and Change	4
GS	132	Orientation: Introduction to Active Learning	4
ED	212	Exploring the Learning Community Environment*	4
ED	241	Teaching Methods: Creative Expression*	4
MT	101	Intermediate Algebra	3
LL		Writing Composition Class level to be determined by placement test (Minimum LL 100 level required, LL 201 recommended)	4
Area of Emphasis
Choose at least two courses from one of the six areas listed below:			8
	–	English Literature/Language Arts (200-level or above or the equivalent);
	–	Mathematics (except MT 101 or 210 or their equivalencies);
	–	Psychology (300-level or above or the equivalent);
	–	Science (SC 101 or above or the equivalent); OR
	–	World Language or ASL (Level II or above or the equivalent)
	–	Educational Innovations (EDI courses)
Total			33

Note: Some courses taken for the Professional Development Certificate may apply to the AA in Education. Courses marked with a * require a classroom practicum component. APU residency is required for the last 12 hours.

Associate Of Arts Degree Major

The Associate of Arts degree in Education is designed to provide individuals who are interested in becoming teachers an opportunity to progress toward the bachelor’s degree while working to fulfill undergraduate requirements and completing introductory course work in the Teacher Preparation Program. Those who are currently teacher’s aides or are interested in becoming teacher’s aides will find the course work listed very beneficial in developing their professional skills and informing their practice.

General University Requirements	Credit Hours
Self and Society in Context: a Quest for Wisdom	4
Written Communication (LL 101)	4
Speech Communication	4
Quantitative Skills (MT 101)	3
Humanities	4
Laboratory Science	4
Social/Behavioral Science	<4>
Ethical and Religious Values	4
Total	27-31

Note: Complete details available under Degree Requirements.

Major Requirements			Credit Hours
GS	100	Computer Applications	2
ED	212	Exploring the Learning Community Environment* (Sophomore Seminar)	4
ED	241	TM: Creative Expression*	4
ED	363	Computers and Technology for Teachers*	4
PY	205	Educational Psychology*	4
PY	215	Lifespan Human Development* or	4
PY	222	Roots and Wings: Conception through Adolescence*
Subtotal			22
Area of Emphasis
Choose at least two courses from one of the six areas listed below:			8
	–	English Literature/Language Arts (200-level or above or the equivalents)
	–	Mathematics (except MT 101 or 210 or their equivalents)
	–	Psychology (300-level or above or the equivalent)
	–	Science (SC 101 or above or the equivalent); OR
	–	World Language or ASL (Level II or above or the equivalent)
	–	Educational Innovations (EDI courses)
	–	Fine Arts (2 courses taken from 2 areas: art, drama, theater, and music)	4
	–	Physical Activity	1
Total			35

Note: Some courses taken for the AA may apply to the BA in Education (K-8). Courses marked with a * require a classroom practicum component.

Bachelor Of Arts Degree Major

Admissions

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Degree Teacher Preparation Program involves several steps. The first step is admission to the university. The second step is to meet the prerequisite coursework listed below. Upon successful completion of ED 212 or ED 214 and posting Alaska state qualifying scores for Praxis I, SBEST, or WEST-B, the student submits an application for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program Committee.

K-8 classroom teachers require a broad liberal arts background and preparation in their undergraduate coursework in a variety of content areas; therefore, the Teacher Preparation Program is designed to build on the prerequisite areas.

To be considered for acceptance to the Bachelor of Arts Degree Teacher Preparation Program, a student must first meet the following requirements:

Completion of 60 pre-acceptance credit hours including 9 courses of the 10 course General University Requirements (GUR’s);
Completion of the following coursework with a grade of "C" (2.00 or better).
A cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
Completion of the Praxis I, CBEST, or WEST-B exams meeting Alaska qualifying score requirements required for certification.

General University Requirements	Credit Hours
Self and Society in Context: a Quest for Wisdom (GS 135)	4
Written Communication (LL 201)	4
Speech Communication (CO 100)	4
Quantitative Skills (MT 210)	4
Humanities (HI 201 plus 1 course)	8
Languages (LL)	4
Laboratory Science (SC 100)	4
Social/Behavioral Science	4
Ethical and Religious Values	4
Total	40

Note: Complete details available under Degree Requirements.

Major Requirements			Credit Hours
GS	100	Computer Applications (or demonstrated competency)	2
LL		Foreign Language*	4
RS	201	Ethics and Religion*	4
MT	210	Math Concepts*	3
PY	150	Introduction to Psychology: Adjustment and Change*	4
LL	201	Writing for Discourse Communities*	4
CO	100	Speech Communication*	4
		One lab science course (SC 100 recommended)*	4
		One humanities course (HI 201 recommended)*	4
GS	135	Self and Society in Context: A Quest for Wisdom*	4
ED	212	Exploring the Learning Community Environment (Sophomore Seminar)	4
PY	205	Educational Psychology	4
PY	215	Lifespan Human Developments	4
		-or-
PY	222	Roots and Wings: Conception through Adolescence
		Fine Arts (two areas)	4
		Wellness	2
		Physical Activity	1
Total (Pre-Acceptance)			60

* Also satisfies GURs.

After acceptance in the Teacher Preparation Program, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

Required Courses			Credit Hours
SC	100	Integrated Science*	4
HI	201	Introduction to Historical Studies*	4
ED	241	TM: Creative Expression	4
ED	320	TM: Literacy and Communication I (K-4)**	6
ED	321	TM: Literacy and Communication II (5-8)**	6
ED	330	TM: Science, Math, and Society I (K-4)**	6
ED	331	TM: Science, Math, and Society II (5-8)**	6
ED	344	TM: Health and Physical Movement Education	4
ED	363	Computers and Technology for Teachers	4
ED	347	Evaluation of Student Learning	3
ED	448	Introduction to Exceptionalities	3
ED	453	Multicultural Education	3
ED	485	Student Teaching (Senior Project)***	12
CS	427	History and Culture of Alaska Natives	3
		Emphasis area	12
Total (Post-Acceptance)			80
Total (Pre- and Post-Acceptance)			140

* 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 appropriate Praxis II Examination Elementary or Examination Middle School must be taken in an effort to become "highly qualified" as defined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

Area of Emphasis

Complete 12 credit hours from one of the six areas listed below:

– English Literature/Language Arts (200-level or above or the equivalent);
– Mathematics (except MT 101 or 210 or their equivalents);
– Psychology (300-level or above or the equivalent)
– Science (SC 101 or above or the equivalent); OR
– World Language or ASL (Level II or above or the equivalent).
– Educational Innovations (EDI courses)

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.

Education Minor

The minor in education for non-education majors will provide a background for educational theory, different approaches and strategies for instruction, and recognition of diverse learner needs. Practicum component allows applications of theory into practice within a student’s major field of study. Students seeking an education minor are not required to apply for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

Required Courses			Credit Hours
PY	205	Education Psychology	4
ED	212	Exploring the Learning Community Environment	4
ED	448	Introduction to Exceptionalities	3
ED	453	Multicultural Education	3
ED	385	Practicum (education within the major area)	3
Total			17

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