Education
The Education program offers several initial teacher preparation routes: Bachelor of Arts programs in Elementary Education (PK – 5th) and Music Education (K-12), and a Master of Arts in Teaching program for both Middle Grades and Secondary Education. In addition, the Education Studies program offers coursework in education for those who are not seeking an initial teaching certificate. The Education Department also offers a Teaching minor, TESOL major, and TESOL minor. The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, the Education Specialist in Teacher Leadership, and the Tier I programs are designed for those who already have a teaching certificate. See the Education Graduate Bulletin for more information on advanced programs.
The Education curriculum at LaGrange College serves four (4) basic purposes:
- to provide for the development of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are essential for the teaching profession;
- to provide planned and carefully guided sequences of field experiences (this requires that all students meet with their advisors before making any work plans);
- to provide initial preparation programs Elementary Education at the undergraduate level, and a Master of Arts in Teaching initial preparation program for middle and secondary grades, all of which are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission; and
- to provide an alternative program in education at the undergraduate level that does not lead to teacher certification.
ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE TEACHER EDUCATION
Students intending to complete a Bachelor of Arts program in Education make formal application to the Teacher Education program.
The following are required for entrance into an undergraduate program:
- a passing score on the GACE Program Admissions Assessment or exemption;
- passing the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment (Test 360);
- applied for and/or received a pre-service teaching certificate;
- a GPA of 2.5 or better;
- submission of an application to program;
- obtain liability insurance for duration of time in program;
- completion of a criminal background check showing no criminal record or a discharge from the armed services that would prevent teacher certification;
- verification of residency requirement; and
- approval from the Chair of the Education program.
All students must pass the Program Admissions Test before fall semester junior year in order to apply and receive the state-required pre-service certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Any student who has not passed the Program Admissions Test before fall semester junior year will not be permitted to complete required program field experiences during fall semester.
For 2020-2021, candidates who have been unable to take the Program Admissions Assessment may take fall semester courses. The Program Admissions Assessment must be passed before the end of fall semester to continue with the program of study.
Admission decisions may be appealed to the VPAA. After admission to the program, a review occurs each semester for each candidate to determine retention in the Education program.
All Education pre-service candidates have extensive field experiences each semester. Prior to senior year, they are in schools for a minimum of 7 hours each week. At the end of their junior year, rising seniors will complete a 3-5 day post-planning field requirement at their student teaching placement. During senior year for Clinical Practice I & II, which typically takes place in Troup County, candidates are in schools from the first day of pre-planning for the academic school year to the last day of classes at LaGrange College. Successful completion of field experiences is a program requirement.
Any transfer and/or pre-approved transient credits must completely satisfy a program requirement by the course syllabus and appropriate Georgia Professional Standards Commission rules.
CHARGES INCURRED DURING PROGRAM OF STUDY
Teacher candidates are required to complete GACE exams for admissions and recommendation for certification. GACE fees are the responsibility of the student and are payable through the GACE testing website. Please consult the GACE website for current fees.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires that each teacher candidate complete the Georgia Educators Ethics Assessment (Test 360) with Educational Testing Service (ETS). The assessment has a $30 fee, payable to ETS (online). The Georgia Educators Ethics Assessment must be completed during EDUC 1199 (Foundations), and before admission into the Department of Education.
Junior and Senior undergraduate elementary education candidates and music education candidates will use Advanced Feedback, a video observation platform, to receive feedback from professors and supervisors regarding classroom instruction in the field. This technology will also be used in class as students will collaborate around video to enrich learning. Each year, a fee of $150 will be assessed and is payable upon registration for the following courses EDUC 4360 and EDUC 4490 (subject to change). EDUC 4360 and EDUC 4490 for Elementary Education majors or MUED 3000 and MUED 4110 for music education majors (subject to change).
During the final semester of the program of study, all teacher candidates must submit an edTPA portfolio and receive a passing score for recommendation for teacher certification. Each submission of the edTPA portfolio has a fee of $300 (subject to change). This fee is assessed by the state-selected vendor, and is payable upon submission of the portfolio.
ADMISSION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Applications for clinical practice are due midterm in the semester prior to clinical practice. Clinical practice encompasses a full academic year where candidates are engaged in full-time teaching activities under the supervision of a classroom teacher. The Director of Field Placement evaluates applications for clinical practice and makes determination of approval based on academic readiness and satisfactory progress with program and college requirements. Decisions may be appealed to the Chair of the Department.
Candidates must pass all diagnostics tests before beginning the second semester of clinical practice (senior year).
Detailed requirements and information related to clinical practice can be found in the LaGrange College Field Experience and Clinical Practice Handbook (FECPH).
POLICY FOR REMEDIATION OF INAPPROPRIATE DISPOSITIONS AND/OR INADEQUATE PERFORMANCE
Dispositions
Because appropriate dispositions enhance teaching and learning, the Department of Education believes that candidates should project positive and productive attitudes toward students, colleagues and professors. The term “appropriate dispositions” refers to positive attitudes, respect for the diverse characteristics of others, and taking grievances to the appropriate person in a professional manner. In the pursuit of knowledge of learning, childhood and society, appropriate dispositions reflect the candidates’ abiding respect for the intellectual challenges set before them by their professors. Teachers are committed intellectuals who value rigorous inquiry, critique and informed skepticism as ways to expand their ethical, cultural and intellectual universes. To engage in professional exchanges, committed teachers must demonstrate constructive dispositions at all times. If a classroom professor observes or becomes aware of inappropriate dispositions, then she or he will issue a written warning to the candidate. Upon the second time, the candidate will be required to attend a hearing before Education faculty for possible disciplinary action. At the discretion of the faculty, disciplinary action may result in a reduction in grade or, in severe situations, expulsion from the program. Appropriate dispositions are also expected and assessed during field and clinical experiences.
Performance
Candidates who exhibit poor content knowledge, content pedagogical knowledge, professional skills and/or fail to demonstrate a positive effect on student learning based on specific criteria stated in the Field Experience and Clinical Practice Handbook (FECPH) may be required to complete a remedial Professional Development Plan (PDP). Dismissal from the program is possible if the candidate fails to meet the minimum scores on the PDP. Specific procedures, instruments and scoring criteria used to assess dispositions and performance are described in the FECPH.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
The Education program offers a variety of programs that are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and lead to initial certification in Georgia. Candidates desiring to be certified upon completion of their programs should plan to work closely with their advisors since certification requirements are subject to change.
Upon successful completion of an approved initial preparation program (B.A. Elementary Education, B.A. Music Education, M.A.T. Middle Grades, and M.A.T. Secondary Education), candidates are eligible to receive an Initial Teacher Certification after:
- earning a grade of “B” or better in EDUC 4459 Special Needs/Exceptional Children,
- earning qualifying scores on the Georgia Competency Examination (GACE)
- earning qualifying scores on the edTPA, and
- earning qualifying scores on the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment (Test 360).
GaPSC-approved education program providers may recommend program completers for certification under the approved program in effect at the time the student was officially admitted to the program or the approved program in effect when the student successfully completes the program. Program completers must be recommended for certification within five years of completing an approved program. Completers seeking a recommendation for certification more than five years after completing a program will be denied or otherwise must meet requirements specified by the program provider to assure up-to-date knowledge in the field of certification sought.
SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS, AND GRANTS FOR EDUCATION
Qualified Education candidates may be eligible for TEACH grants. See “General Grants and Scholarships” in the Financial Aid portion of this Bulletin for details.
The Education program gives the following awards to outstanding Education majors during the annual Honors Day program:
Jeanette Strickland Cook Scholarship was established by the late Benjamin Lane Cook to benefit a teacher in the Troup County School System who desires to further his/her education at LaGrange College. The Scholarship Committee of the Education Department selects the recipient.
Walter Malcolm Shackelford Award was established in honor of Dr. Walter Malcolm Shackelford, who served LaGrange College for twenty-four years as both teacher and administrator. During his tenure, he directed the formation of new majors in elementary education and early childhood education. Always using a kind and listener-directed manner, he set a standard for teacher excellence at LaGrange College whose impact is still evident today. This award is presented to an Education major who demonstrates excellence in teaching. The Scholarship Committee of the Education Department selects the recipient.
The Drs. Sharon and Don Livingston Outstanding Elementary Education Junior Annual Award was established in 2019 by the Drs. Livingston to recognize a junior student who demonstrates accomplishments in areas of teaching, research, and service. The recipient should have an earned cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and show promise to continue the work that benefits so many people who are touched by what teachers do.
The Ethyl Ault Outstanding Service Award was established in 2019 and is presented each year to a student pursuing a degree in an education-related field of study who exemplifies the character, spirit, and service of Professor Ault, a long serving faculty member in the Department of Education. Professor Ault dedicated over thirty years of her career teaching courses related to the specialty areas and to special education. In addition to her work at the college, Professor Ault was and remains actively involved in multiple service organizations in the community and has been a long-time advocate for educational opportunities for students with specific learning needs.
The Education program gives the following awards based on financial need:
Elizabeth Kelly Bradford Annual Scholarship was established by the Drs. Peter and the late Dr. Sarah Beth Mallory in memory of her mother, an elementary teacher for 35 years, to provide scholarship assistance to a student demonstrating financial need and in good academic standing at LaGrange College. In awarding this scholarship, preference is given to students who indicate an intention to major in elementary education. The Financial Aid Office awards this scholarship.
Julia Vernon Keller and William Wates Keller Endowment Fund was established by Mr. and Mrs. William Wates Keller of LaGrange to provide scholarship assistance to deserving graduates of LaGrange High School who are majoring in education. The Financial Aid Office selects the scholarship recipient after consulting with the LaGrange College Department of Education.
Peggy McElhanon Gordon Annual Scholarship Grant was established by Jefferson Taylor Gordon, class of 1985, to provide a need-based grant to a student majoring in Education who is enrolled and in good academic standing. The Financial Aid Office awards the annual grant of $1,000.
Nancy Kight Stevens Endowed Scholarship Grant was established by the late Robert Charles Stevens, class of 1971, in honor of his wife, Nancy Knight Stevens, class of 1971 and 1974, to provide a need-based grant to a student pursuing a degree in Education.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.A. in Music Education B.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages B.A. in Elementary Education B.A. in Education Studies Minor in Teaching B.A. to M.A.T.Courses
This course serves as an introduction to the teaching profession and the context in which teaching and learning occurs. Students explore the history of the teaching profession along with current events that affect teachers and the environments in which they operate. Focus is placed on the challenges and possibilities inherent to life in classrooms as students explore the profession from a historical and sociological perspective. (This course cannot replace EDUC 1199.)
An introduction to teaching and learning. This course addresses teacher behavior, teacher roles, teacher ethics and experiences, historical perspectives, philosophical foundations, approaches to curriculum development, the politics of education, school governance, school funding and legal issues, school environments, and living and learning in a diverse society. This course is a prerequisite for admission to the Education program and includes an initial school visitation experience.
This course addresses science content, process skills, attitudes, and real-world applications that are developmentally appropriate for science and instruction. Effective teaching strategies that incorporate integrated and interdisciplinary approaches, technology, literature, multicultural education, and the Science Georgia Standards of Excellence are combined with theories of learning.
The math methods course focuses on a constructivist approach to teaching and learning with emphasis on problem-solving, NCTM standards, and the Georgia Standards of Excellence. The course stresses mental mathematical exercises and activities with manipulatives that promote mathematical confidence in children. There is an extensive field experience that involves a semester relationship with exemplary math teachers. Coursework involves implementation of the tenets that underlie the conceptual framework of the Education program.
A study of the principles of growth and development from conception through twelve (12) years of age. Specific attention will be given to the influences of family on physical maturation, cognitive development, social skills, and personality development. Major contributions from the leading authorities in the field will be emphasized during the study of each area of development. A nursery and preschool field experience is required.
This course will serve as an introduction to reading instruction for teacher candidates. Topics included in this course will be: theories of reading development, children’s literature appropriate for the young child and early literacy skills for Pre-K and Kindergarten students. IRA standards and the Georgia Standards of Excellence will provide a basis for lessons and field experiences in local schools.
This course will prepare teacher candidates for teaching reading in the early elementary years (1st-2nd grade). Topics included in this course will be: phonics instruction, word recognition strategies, beginning comprehension strategies, children’s literature appropriate for 1st and 2nd grade students, and an introduction to children’s writing and the writing process. IRA standards and the Georgia Standards of Excellence are used in combination with various approaches to effective instruction and planning, including the use of technology, and will provide a basis for lessons and field experiences in local schools.
This course teaches the Elementary Education Certification candidate how to integrate the arts, health and physical education into instruction. Through collaboration with college faculty, elementary classroom teachers, and specialty area teachers, candidates will understand, and use the content, functions, and achievements of dance, music, theater, and the several visual arts as primary media for communication, inquiry, and insight among elementary students; use the major concepts in the subject matter of health education to create opportunities for student development and practice of skills that contribute to good health; and know, understand, and use human movement and physical activity as central elements to foster active, healthy life styles and enhanced quality of life for elementary students.
A study of the principles of growth and development from thirteen (13) through eighteen (18) years of age. Specific attention will be given to the influences of family on physical maturation, cognitive development, social skills, and personality development. Major contributions from the leading authorities in the field are emphasized during the study of each area of development. A field experience is required.
This course will focus on the pedagogical content knowledge needed for teaching secondary economics. The course will include lecture, discussion and activities which prepare the student for the passage of the GACE exam in Secondary Economics. Particular attention will be paid to GACE content strands and Georgia GPS standards in Secondary Economics. This course will be part of a larger social science minor being developed jointly by the History and Education departments.
This course sequence focuses upon theory related to instructional planning, assessment, and decision making. The role of preparation and its contribution to successful classroom management will be examined. Candidates will research best practices in teaching and learning and evaluate models of effective lesson plan design and its impact on the classroom environment.
This course will prepare teacher candidates for teaching reading in the later elementary years (3rd-5th grade). Topics included in this course will be: comprehension strategies, integrating reading instruction in content area classes, identifying and correcting reading problems at the elementary level, children’s literature appropriate for 3rd-5th grade students, and writing skills and processes appropriate for elementary students. IRA standards and the Georgia Standards of Excellence are used in combination with various approaches to effective instruction and planning and will provide a basis for lessons and field experiences in local schools.
This course addresses the practical aspects of curriculum development and lesson planning, along with the role of preparation and its contribution to successful classroom management. Using the Georgia Standards of Excellence, instructional, assessment, differentiation, and classroom management strategies will be studied and applied throughout the course.
This course is designed to acquaint candidates with the basic principles of assessing learning using different techniques and strategies. Among the areas addressed are theory, methods, standardized tests, and fundamental statistical concepts. In addition, candidates study testing, grading, ethical considerations, and current issues in educational assessment.
This course is designed to introduce the teacher candidate to best practices in educational assessment. Measurement approaches are introduced to equip the teacher candidate with quantitative and qualitative skills needed for assessment for learning and assessment of learning.
This course covers salient topics related to integrating technology into the K-12 classroom. This course explores the applications of Microsoft Office and various Web 2.0 tools used by classroom teachers to maximize instruction and student learning. The course requires students to complete applicable portions of the Teaching Online Open Learning or TOOL modules designed by Georgia Virtual Learning and the Georgia Department of Education to ensure candidate preparation to teach in flipped, hybrid, or online learning environments. This course aligns with ISTE Teacher standards.
The interdisciplinary nature of social studies is the focus for the study of curriculum, methods, technology, and professional sources. Emphasis is on planning for and developing resources for instruction, including the development of a unit with emphasis on the NCSS standards and Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies for a chosen grade level. This course includes a field experience component.
A study of identification and diagnostic techniques for teachers related to areas of exceptionality among students and of alternative styles of teaching to meet special needs. The introduction to the Student Support Team (SST) process and the writing of eligibility reports and Individual Education Plans (IEP) are explored. The psychological and behavioral characteristics of exceptional children are studied. The importance of transition and other forms found within the exceptional children’s categories are identified. Weekly field experiences in the exceptional children’s areas are provided. A grade of "B" or better is required for this course.
This course addresses a variety of diversity issues including psychological, physiological, and social conditions of different students as well as various strategies for working with children at risk. This section of the course will focus on the specific issues of poverty and social class. Reflections for the content of this course will be written in conjunction with the assigned field placement. Topics include diversity as it relates to poverty & social class.
This course addresses a variety of diversity issues including psychological, physiological, and social conditions of different students as well as various strategies for working with children at risk. This section of the course will focus on the specific issues of race, gender, and sexual identity. Reflections for the content of this course will be written in conjunction with the assigned field placement. Topics include diversity as it relates to race, gender, and sexual identity.
This course addresses a variety of diversity issues including psychological, physiological, and social conditions of different students as well as various strategies for working with children at risk. This section of the course will focus on the specific issues of culture and English Language Learners. Reflections for the content of this course will be written in conjunction with the assigned field placement. Topics include diversity as it relates to culture, and English language learners.
This course requires competency in social studies and history content necessary for teaching social studies and history at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in social studies and history content necessary for teaching social studies and history at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in mathematics content necessary for teaching mathematics at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in mathematics content necessary for teaching mathematics at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in science content necessary for teaching science at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in science content necessary for teaching science at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in English Language Arts content necessary for teaching English Language Arts at the middle and secondary levels.
This course requires competency in English Language Arts content necessary for teaching English Language Arts at the middle and secondary levels.
This course addresses why literacy matters, evidence-based best practices, RTI, new literacies, culturally responsive teaching in diverse classrooms, instruction for content literacy, writing across the curriculum, and learning with trade books.
This course is designed to explore current issues in elementary education. Teacher candidates choose topics, examine research, and present information in a workshop format. Another focus of the course is classroom management, lesson presentations, and peer critiques. In addition, teacher candidates have the opportunity to discuss field experiences in connection with Education’s Conceptual Framework along with national and state standards.
In conjunction with the Career Development Center, students will complete a practicum/internship in an area of interest related to the field of education. This course is designed to facilitate that experience and provide participants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences in the field as they will have the opportunity to discuss field experiences in connection with educational theory and national/state standards of practice. Students will develop their own capstone assignments in the form of professional philosophies/portfolios as well as practical materials needed for application to graduate school and/or employment opportunities.
This course provides a co-teaching experience for a minimum of thirteen (13) weeks. Pre-service teachers will be assigned to diverse public schools and gradually assume responsibility for working with groups and individuals. They participate in classroom teaching and observation, planning and evaluation conferences, and other school-related experiences, with guidance provided by the clinical faculty, gradually assuming total responsibility for the class.
This course provides a co-teaching experience for a minimum of thirteen (13) weeks. Pre-service teachers will be assigned to diverse public schools and gradually assume responsibility for working with groups and individuals. They participate in classroom teaching and observation, planning and evaluation conferences, and other school-related experiences, with guidance provided by the clinical faculty and College supervisor, gradually assuming total responsibility for the class.
This course is designed to allow Elementary Education candidates an opportunity to complete field experience requirements necessary to successfully meeting certification requirements. Department chair permission is required.
