Elementary/Middle Level Education (B.S.)

Student Learning Outcomes for Elementary/Middle Level Education:

Students will be able to:

• Plan, design, and implement research-based instructional and assessment practices appropriate for children between fourth and eighth grade.

• Develop and apply instructional methodologies, including the use of technology, appropriate for children between fourth and eighth grade.

• Critically apply content knowledge and skills to facilitate student learning appropriate for students between fourth and eighth grade.

• Create, organize, and maintain an effective and safe classroom environment conducive to the learning and development of children between fourth and eighth grade.

• Design and implement successful interventions responsive to the needs of students between fourth and eighth grade.

• Exhibit the qualities that characterize a professional individual, including professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities of a certified teacher.

• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continued professional development and service.

Candidates for certification in Elementary/Middle Level Education must select an emphasis in one of four academic content areas and be a generalist in each of the other three academic content areas. The academic emphasis requires completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours in one of the following four content areas: 1) Mathematics, 2) Science, 3) English/Language Arts and Reading, or 4) Social Studies.

In addition to the one academic emphasis, candidates also are expected to generalize in the remaining three content areas by completing 12 credit hours in each. Students also complete a professional core organized into five areas: 1) Early Adolescent and Adolescent Development, Cognition and Learning; 2) Subject Matter Pedagogy Content (Grades Four through Eight); 3) Assessment; 4) Family and Community Partnerships; and 5) Professionalism. Content requirements are based on national standards for Elementary/Middle Level Education as well as Pennsylvania’s curriculum standards. Candidates will have 190 hours of field experiences prior to student teaching.

Candidates who select the Elementary/Middle Level Education with an emphasis in English/Language Arts and Reading have the option of completing a concentration in Special Education. This concentration leads to certification in special education for Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities, Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Candidates who choose this option will receive dual teaching certifications in both Elementary/Middle Level Education and Special Education.