Department of Elementary Education

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The major goal of the Department of Elementary Education is to prepare education professionals as facilitators of learning by providing quality degree programs. The graduate offerings include M.Ed in Elementary Education (K-6) and M.Ed. in Reading Education (K-12). Class A licensure programs in elementary education, reading, and birth-kindergarten education are also available. All programs in the department are approved by NCATE and accredited by the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction.

Candidates for the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education and Reading Education will complete an Advanced Leadership and Collaboration Project evidence to demonstrate their competence in the North Carolina Graduate Standards and Indicators during their respective culminating course (ELEM 698 or READ 698 ). Candidates must achieve a minimum rating of Proficient (score of 3.0) on each indicator of the scoring rubric to receive course credit and recommendation for advanced licensure.

Learning Outcomes for M.Ed. in Reading Education and Elementary Education

1. The candidates will possess a deep understanding of the critical concepts and content of their discipline.
2. The candidates will know how to implement pedagogical strategies based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study State Standards as required by the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and aligned with CAEP and INTASC Standards.
3. The candidates will design, implement and report research projects conducted in their classroom/school which integrate research with teaching and service.
4. The candidates will utilize technology to enhance instruction, learning, research, assessment and data management.
5. The candidates will promote an educational culture that values reflective practice.
6. The candidates will demonstrate the value of diversity and promote instruction that is responsive to all learner needs.
7. The candidates will demonstrate leadership skills and professional ethical practices to advocate for students, communities, policies, and practices that support student learning and development.

Learning Outcomes for the Class A Level Licensure in B-K and Elementary Education

1. Teacher candidates will know their content based on the Common Core (Math and Language Arts K-5), the Essential Standards for all content areas, and CAEP.
2. Teacher candidates will know how to teach based on the Common Core (Math and Language Arts K-5), the Essential Standards for all content areas, and CAEP.
3. Teacher candidates will implement practices that reflect the cognitive, mental, and physical development of P-6 students.
4. Teacher candidates will know how to utilize technology to enhance instruction, learning, research, assessment, and data management.
5. Teacher candidates will demonstrate leadership skills through the establishment of a safe, orderly, and positive environment.
6. Teacher candidates will provide appropriate accommodations and implement teaching strategies for diverse learners.
7. Teacher candidates will integrate 21st century knowledge and skills in instruction.
8. Teacher candidates will be able to communicate effectively and be reflective practitioners.

Programs

• Elementary Education, K-6 Concentration, Project-Portfolio Option, M.Ed.
• Elementary Education, K-6 Concentration, Thesis Option, M.Ed.
• Elementary Education, Reading Education K-12 Concentration, Project-Portfolio Option, M.Ed.
• Elementary Education, Reading Education K-12 Concentration, Thesis Option, M.Ed.

• Class A Level Licensure in Birth-Kindergarten Education
• Class A Level Licensure in Elementary Education
• Class A Level Licensure in Reading Education

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