Elementary Education
Learning Objectives
Approved Program in Elementary Education
Candidates completing a B.A. in Elementary Education will:
- demonstrate an understanding of curriculum, subject content, pedagogical knowledge, and the needs of students by providing relevant learning experiences based on state and local standards and using research-based strategies that meet the needs of all students. (CKES 1, 2)
- promote student learning by providing content that engages student in active learning, promoting student acquisition of key knowledge and skills, and addressing individual learning differences. (CKES 3, 4)
- systematically choose a variety of assessment strategies and instruments and gather, analyze, and use data from these assessments to inform instructional content and delivery methods. (CKES 5, 6)
- provide a well-managed, safe, academic environment in which teaching and learning occur at high levels. (CKES 7, 8)
- demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics, participate in professional growth opportunities, and communicate with stakeholders in ways that enhance student learning. (CKES 9, 10)
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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 the undergraduate program:- Completion of the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment
- Applied for and or received a pre-service teaching certificate
- A GPA of 2.5 or better
- Submission of an application to the 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
- Approval from the Chair of the Education program
ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires that the Department of Education use technology to show that all candidates have met specific standards. To cover the cost of the software used for individual candidate performance, portfolio development, and data collection, a $190 course fee will be assessed for EDUC 4489B and EDUC 4490A.
While in the program, candidates will be assessed for knowledge of the content standards with Content Diagnostic Assessments throughout the program. Only two attempts are permitted for post content diagnostic. There shall be a 30 day time period between attempts. If candidates are unable to pass a content diagnostic after the second attempt, the content area specialist will collaborate with the candidate and develop a remediation plan. The actions of the remediation plan must be met by the candidate prior to scheduling the final attempt of the Content Diagnostic. Failure to pass content diagnostics by the end of the second semester of senior year will result in a change of major to Education Studies. If candidates obtain a passing score of 70% or more on all five of the content diagnostic assessments, permission will be granted to take the GACE content assessment. Candidates majoring in Elementary Education must pass each of the GACE Elementary Testlets (English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Specialty Areas) and the GACE Foundations of Literacy Assessment as a program completion requirement.
PROGRAM DISMISSAL
Candidates who does not meet the established transition point requirements, exhibits poor content knowledge, content pedagogical knowledge, professional skills, and/or fails to demonstrate a positive effect on student learning based on specific criteria stated in the Field Experience Handbook (FEH) will be required to complete a remedial Professional Development Plan (PDP). Failure to meet the minimum expectations on the PDP will result in program dismissal. Specific procedures, instruments, and scoring criteria used to assess dispositions and performance are described in the FEH.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.A. in Elementary Education
