Elementary School Education Degree (Independence Campus)

Foundations of Public Speaking focuses on practices in the speech processes of writing, delivery, listening, audience analysis, criticism, and performance of introductory, informative, persuasive, and mediated speeches. The course introduces foundations of academic research and provides students with the skillset to expand their critical thinking and speaking to meet the dynamic demands of public communication. The emphasis of the course is on learning through performance and application of communication principles and tools. In order for students to complete the foundation skills sequence, they must earn a grade of C or higher in this class. Prerequisite C or better in ENGL1100 or HONR1010. ELO1B Communications, GE1B Foundational Skills-Writing and Communication.

Emphasis is upon social, historical, and philosophical foundations of education; ethics; reflection; and professional development. Includes a series of observation and teaching activities in a variety of P-12 classroom settings monitored by licensed professional educators as well as university faculty. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in this class for admittance into Teacher Education and to enroll in junior-level education classes. (Additional background check fee required.)

A robust series of well-sequenced early clinical field experiences that connect to and integrate the content of EDUC1400. Students will observe and participate in teaching activities in a variety of P-12 classroom settings monitored by licensed professional educators as well as university faculty. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Analysis of various societal subgroups and how such groups recognize and deal with dehumanizing biases. Students learn to relate effectively to various groups to foster understanding and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Emphasis on self-awareness in human relations issues and how this awareness can be translated into positive relationships. Introduction to ethnographic analysis and pedagogical, curricular, and social considerations involved in working with and educating various societal subgroups. ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality, ELO3 Ethical Thinking and Action - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

A survey of literature for children. Prepare to use knowledge of children’s literature for modeling the reading and writing of varied genres, fiction and nonfiction, technology- and media-based information, and non-print materials; for motivating through the use of texts at multiple levels, representing broad interests, and reflecting varied cultures, linguistic backgrounds, and perspectives; and for matching text complexities to the proficiencies and needs of readers. Includes a brief survey of literature for the adolescent. Does not apply toward literature for general education.

Acquire information pertaining to teacher education requirements and candidate responsibilities for the program assessment system. Take the GSOE entrance assessment, PRAXIS II preparation plan, among other requirements for program participation. Required for all transfer students during their first semester or term at Graceland. (Additional E-Portfolio fee required. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Development of skills and abilities related to learning physical education, health/wellness, visual and performance arts methods for teaching in the preschool and elementary classroom.

A two-week practicum in a middle school classroom. Prerequisites: EDUC3560. Admittance into Teacher Education required. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis).

A pre-student teaching practicum of at least 100 clock hours. Work with three age levels: (1) infant and toddler, (2) preprimary, and (3) primary students in two different settings such as rural and urban, and encompassing differing socioeconomic status, ability levels, cultural and linguistic diversity and program types and sponsorship. Prerequisites: EDUC3200, EDUC3310. Admittance into Teacher Education required. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Study a range of research pertaining to reading, writing, and learning, including scientifically-based reading research, and knowledge of histories of reading. Examine major components of reading. Use a variety of assessment strategies to identify reading proficiencies and evaluating needs for planning and instruction and communicating results of assessments. Match text complexities to the proficiencies and needs of readers. Use knowledge of a range of research-based strategies and instructional technology for designing and delivering effective instruction across the curriculum, for grouping students, and for selecting materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Prerequisite EDUC1300.

A three-week practicum in elementary school literacy programs for struggling students. Work with a licensed professional who observes, evaluates, and provides feedback on knowledge, dispositions, and performance of the teaching of reading and writing. Effectively use reading and writing strategies, materials, and assessments based upon appropriate reading and writing research and work with colleagues and families in the support of reading and writing development. Pre or Corequisite: EDUC3390. Admittance into Teacher Education required. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

A two-week practicum in Mild/Moderate Special Education Programs in elementary schools. Prerequisites: EDUC3200, EDUC3220. Admittance into Teacher Education required. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Best-practice, research-based instructional methods for teaching social studies in an elementary classroom including citizenship, history, geography, civic literacy, and economics. Strategies for integrating content reading strategies, technology and classroom management with social studies are incorporated. Prerequisite: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

Curriculum and strategies for instructing language arts, reading, and writing in the elementary school. Use knowledge and assessment of reading-writing-speaking connections, listening and viewing, the writing process, the stages of spelling development, writing genres and the connections between oral and written language development to effectively teach writing as communication and integrating within the content areas. Technology and classroom management as it applies to literacy methods is included. Prerequisite: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Co-requisite: EDUC3540.

An introduction to best-practice, research-based methods of inquiry-based teaching and learning of science. Curriculum and strategies introduced for instructing in the areas of physical, earth/space, and life science. Integration of content reading strategies, technology and classroom management as it applies to science methods included. Prerequisite: EDUC1300, admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

An introduction to best-practice, research-based methods of teaching and learning mathematical processes to include problem solving, reasoning, communication, making connections and representations to the real life experiences for student learning. Curriculum, instruction, assessment, diagnosis and evaluation strategies introduced in the areas of numbers/operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and probability. Integration of content reading strategies, technology and classroom management as it applies to math methods included. Prerequisites: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Co-requisite: EDUC3540.

Students apply curriculum planning and instructional strategies for teaching literacy and mathematics in a pre-student teaching clinical experience. Students are placed in two different grade levels to include one primary and one intermediate placement. Prerequisite: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Co-requisite: EDUC3530, 3481.

Examine the philosophical, historical and legal bases for special education, including the definitions and etiologies of individuals with disabilities and exceptional learning needs. Study gifted individuals and those with exceptional needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Prerequisites: EDUC1300.

An introduction to the theories and practices connecting psychology and education. The course addresses the social contexts of child development (0-adult), classroom culture, learning, individual differences, social-emotional learning, and their implications related to physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children and the impact on learning. Measurement strategies are introduced and provide an understanding of classroom, local, state, and national assessments.  Prerequisite: EDUC1300

A required two-week internship for Elementary Education majors. Interns with endorsements in English/Language Arts, Health, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies have full-day placements in regular elementary classroom programs. Interns with endorsements in Art, Music and Physical Education have placements in these specialty-area classrooms. Elementary majors may substitute PHED3400. Prerequisites: admittance into Teacher Education. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Designed for Elementary and Secondary Education teacher candidates with a focus on preparation for professional practice. The integrated study of professional ethics, legal frameworks, and pedagogical responsibilities in and out of the classroom. Emphasis on the assessment of students’ diverse needs and application of effective and culturally relevant instructional and classroom management strategies. An introduction to the Model Code of Ethics for Educators and the Iowa Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics frameworks and their role in professional decision-making.   Prerequisites: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program. Enroll during the semester that precedes student teaching.

The seminar is designed to promote a successful transition to student teaching and to provide a forum for peer support. Topics will center on discussions and assignments that merge education program coursework knowledge and teaching practice. The seminar is also designed to assist candidates as they apply for an initial Iowa teaching license and begin the job search. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of elementary student teaching in accordance with the policies in the Teacher Education Handbook. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admittance into Teacher Education, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) * If a candidate with more than one teaching major completes 14 semester hours of student teaching for one major (or endorsements that require student teaching), an additional six semester hours of student teaching will meet the student teaching requirement for the asterisked second teaching major.

Candidates with majors in art, music, and physical education complete 14 weeks of student teaching in art, music, or physical education. Half (7 s.h.) of the experience is secondary level and half is elementary level. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admittance into Teacher Education, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of student teaching. Will include a mild/moderate special education setting and a mainstream elementary classroom. This course substitutes for EDUC4400. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admittance into Teacher Education, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) ** This is the only student teaching course required for elementary majors completing the K-12 Mild/Moderate Special Education endorsement.

This is a writing-intensive course preparing students to become stronger, more confident writers as they develop their writing process habits and their ability to think critically about arguments around them. Students can expect to produce, deliver, and analyze college-level, written texts in addition to learning about grammar-use in context with an emphasis on meaning within the editing process. In order for students to complete the foundation skills sequence, they must earn a grade of C or higher in this class. In order to move on to COMM1100, students must earn the grade of a "C" or higher. ELO1A Communication, GE1A Foundational Skills-Writing and Communication.

An introductory survey of selected world civilizations from the emergence of Western Europe as a center of world power. The impact of Western civilizations upon the development of other world civilizations and the contemporary emergence of a global perspective will be stressed. ELO5 Histories - World Citizenship, ELO5 Histories - Innovation.

A survey of the personalities, events, and ideas that have shaped United States history since the Civil War and Reconstruction. Emphasis upon the rise of the industrial United States, 20th century adjustments to prosperity, depression and world war, and the political, social, and economic changes since World War II. ELO5 Histories - Innovation, GE3B Liberal Learning-Histories.

Interdisciplinary first-year seminar provides a common intellectual experience for new Honors students and introduces them to the culture and opportunities of a small liberal arts institution. Designed to help exceptional students produce, deliver, and, analyze written and oral texts and learn how written and oral performances function together in specific discourse communities. Substitutes for Discourse I. Admission by selection only. ELO1A Communication, GE1B Foundational Skills-Writing and Communication.

The second of two sequenced interdisciplinary Honors seminars focused on developing the skills of written and oral communication, critical inquiry, and research. Students produce, deliver, and analyze college-level written and oral texts based on sustained academic research, and continue to develop their understanding of critical discourse analysis and critical language awareness in the context of a range of discursive forms (written, oral, visual and/or multimedia). Reinforces the common intellectual experience of the Honors program and further exposes students to the culture and opportunities of a small liberal arts institution. Admission by selection only. Substitutes for Discourse II. Prerequisite: HONR1010. ELO1B Communication, GE1A Foundational Skills-Writing and Communication.

A systematic development of whole number systems, geometry, set theory, counting, measurement, and algebra.. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

A critical thinking approach to data analysis, measures of central tendency, dispersion, correlation, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

The nature, philosophy, and history of the United States federal system with major consideration given to the national government, its organization, and the interrelation and functions of its component parts. A consideration of the political processes and legal concepts implicit in the American government. ELO5 Social Science - Innovation.

The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences

A broad overview of concepts from earth and space science (e.g., physical and historical geology, structure and processes of the hydrosphere, and astronomy), life sciences (e.g., structure and function of cells, levels of organization, genetics, evolution, classification and characteristics of the major groups of organisms, structures and functions of plant organs and systems, anatomy and physiology of animals (including human body systems), and ecology), and physical sciences (e.g., structure and properties of matter, relationships between energy and matter, chemical reactions, mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, and optics). Not intended for science majors. Additional fee required. Fulfills liberal learning science course. GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences

Foundations of Public Speaking focuses on practices in the speech processes of writing, delivery, listening, audience analysis, criticism, and performance of introductory, informative, persuasive, and mediated speeches. The course introduces foundations of academic research and provides students with the skillset to expand their critical thinking and speaking to meet the dynamic demands of public communication. The emphasis of the course is on learning through performance and application of communication principles and tools. In order for students to complete the foundation skills sequence, they must earn a grade of C or higher in this class. Prerequisite C or better in ENGL1100 or HONR1010. ELO1B Communications, GE1B Foundational Skills-Writing and Communication.

Study of the psychological, socio-cultural, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. Apply knowledge of language development, reading acquisition (birth through third grade), and the variations related to culture and linguistic diversity to provide effective instruction in reading and writing. Acquire knowledge of the unique needs and backgrounds of students with language differences and delays and uses effective strategies for facilitating the learning of standard English by all learners.  A study of methods and strategies for working with parents, support services personnel, regular classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and other individuals involved in an education setting.

A survey of literature for children. Prepare to use knowledge of children’s literature for modeling the reading and writing of varied genres, fiction and nonfiction, technology- and media-based information, and non-print materials; for motivating through the use of texts at multiple levels, representing broad interests, and reflecting varied cultures, linguistic backgrounds, and perspectives; and for matching text complexities to the proficiencies and needs of readers. Includes a brief survey of literature for the adolescent. Does not apply toward literature for general education.

Understand the general developmental, academic, social, career, and functional characteristics of individuals with mild and moderate disabilities. Examine educational alternatives and related services, including the role of the multidisciplinary team in studying etiologies of disabilities and providing appropriate educational programming. Prerequisites: EDUC1300. Co- or prerequisites: EDUC3580.

Learn to facilitate instructional methodologies for elementary-level learners with exceptional needs, including learning, behavioral, emotional, mental, and language disabilities in a mild/moderate setting. Prepare to plan individual educational programs and to implement curricula for the development of cognitive, academic, language, and functional life skills. Address remedial methods and techniques, including alternative methods for teaching skills and strategies, as well as appropriate assistive technology. One semester hour of this course is a supervised field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC3200, EDUC3580.

Study a range of research pertaining to reading, writing, and learning, including scientifically-based reading research, and knowledge of histories of reading. Examine major components of reading. Use a variety of assessment strategies to identify reading proficiencies and evaluating needs for planning and instruction and communicating results of assessments. Match text complexities to the proficiencies and needs of readers. Use knowledge of a range of research-based strategies and instructional technology for designing and delivering effective instruction across the curriculum, for grouping students, and for selecting materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Prerequisite EDUC1300.

A three-week practicum in elementary school literacy programs for struggling students. Work with a licensed professional who observes, evaluates, and provides feedback on knowledge, dispositions, and performance of the teaching of reading and writing. Effectively use reading and writing strategies, materials, and assessments based upon appropriate reading and writing research and work with colleagues and families in the support of reading and writing development. Pre or Corequisite: EDUC3390. Admittance into Teacher Education required. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

Preparation in behavior management theories, methods, and techniques for K-12 students with mild/moderate learning, behavior, emotional, mental, and language disabilities. Address use of diagnostic instruments and non-aversive techniques for controlling targeted behaviors and attention deficits. Prepare to design, implement, and evaluate instructional programs that enhance an individual’s social participation in family, school, and community activities.

Use knowledge of assessment instruments, procedures, and practices for the identification of students’ reading proficiencies and needs, for planning and revising instruction for all students as well as those with reading difficulties. Examine policies and procedures related to special programs, including Title I. Use knowledge of a range of research-based strategies and instructional technology for designing and delivering effective instruction and for selecting materials appropriate for learners at various stages of reading and writing development and from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Prerequisites: EDUC3300.

A two-week practicum in Mild/Moderate Special Education Programs in elementary schools. Prerequisites: EDUC3200, EDUC3220. Admittance into Teacher Education required. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

A study of methods and strategies for working with parents, support services personnel, regular classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and other individuals involved in an education setting.

Best-practice, research-based instructional methods for teaching social studies in an elementary classroom including citizenship, history, geography, civic literacy, and economics. Strategies for integrating content reading strategies, technology and classroom management with social studies are incorporated. Prerequisite: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

Curriculum and strategies for instructing language arts, reading, and writing in the elementary school. Use knowledge and assessment of reading-writing-speaking connections, listening and viewing, the writing process, the stages of spelling development, writing genres and the connections between oral and written language development to effectively teach writing as communication and integrating within the content areas. Technology and classroom management as it applies to literacy methods is included. Prerequisite: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Co-requisite: EDUC3540.

Students apply curriculum planning and instructional strategies for teaching literacy and mathematics in a pre-student teaching clinical experience. Students are placed in two different grade levels to include one primary and one intermediate placement. Prerequisite: Admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Co-requisite: EDUC3530, 3481.

Examine the philosophical, historical and legal bases for special education, including the definitions and etiologies of individuals with disabilities and exceptional learning needs. Study gifted individuals and those with exceptional needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Prerequisites: EDUC1300.

Examine legal provisions, regulations and guidelines of assessments and use of psychometric instruments. Review and discuss classroom assessments and instructional assessment measures for students with disabilities (infant through high school age). Study a variety of instruments, procedures, and practices that range from individual, group, formal, informal, and alternative assessments. Assessments utilized for the identification of students’ reading proficiencies/needs, planning and revising instruction, planning and placement decisions, and communicating results of ongoing assessment to all stakeholders. Prerequisite: EDUC1300.

Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of student teaching. Will include a mild/moderate special education setting and a mainstream elementary classroom. This course substitutes for EDUC4400. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admittance into Teacher Education, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) ** This is the only student teaching course required for elementary majors completing the K-12 Mild/Moderate Special Education endorsement.