Education (EDUC)

EDUC 210. Creative Activities. 2 Credits.

A course designed to explore resources and to provide instruction, demonstration, and participation in a variety of practical art, music, and physical experiences for children of various ages in the elementary school.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 240. Educating Exceptional Students. 3 Credits.

A study of the characteristics of the exceptional student. Current delivery models, educational adaptations, and best practices for the regular classroom teacher of a mainstreamed student are stressed. This course covers mental health topics and strategies related to K-12 education. This meets requirements for initial licensure in the state of North Dakota.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 249. Introduction to VCSU Program. 1 Credit.

An introduction to the Teacher Education Program at VCSU. This course introduces students to the requirements for admission into the program and to the Teacher Education Handbook, Praxis I and II requirements, and the senior portfolio.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 250. Introduction to Education. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the professional education sequence. The course examines the teaching profession, including the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education. Students gain knowledge of the VCSU teacher education model and apply knowledge and skills through practice teaching activities, including the effective use of planning, implementing, evaluating, and reflecting. The course requires a 40 hour field experience in an elementary or secondary classroom. Prior to starting the required field experience, EDUC 250 students must have a cleared background check on file with Teacher Education office.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or Higher. GPA of 2.5 or higher.

EDUC 251. Introduction to the Teaching Profession. 2 Credits.

A study of the teaching profession, including historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education. Students will have opportunities to apply knowledge and skills through peer teaching activities. Emphasis is placed upon the knowledge and skills needed to prepare pre-service teachers to become knowledge-based decision-makers who can provide learning experiences for K12 students through effective use of planning, implementing, evaluating, and reflecting.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

EDUC 252. Introductory Field Experience. 2 Credits.

Students will have an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in EDUC 251 Introduction to the Teaching Profession by participating in a 40-hour field experience at an elementary or secondary school site. Regular class meetings with the Instructor are also required with activities that may include, but are not limited to discussing and reflecting on field experiences, exploring additional trends/topics in education, developing lessons and guest presentations.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 251.

EDUC 277. Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I. 3 Credits.

A course designed to provide elementary teachers with the ability to integrate the understanding of content with the understanding of how students learn arithmetic concepts. Students study the application of arithmetic concepts of the solutions of problems. Mathematical content includes algebra fundamentals, functions, graphing, inductive and deductive reasoning, whole number operations, number bases, numeration systems, place value, number theory topics, sets, integers, decimals, percentages and fractions.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 278. Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II. 3 Credits.

A course designed to provide elementary teachers with the ability to integrate the understanding of content with the understanding of how students learn mathematical concepts. Students study the application of mathematical concepts to the solution of problems. Mathematical content includes topics in geometry, measurement, modular arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and probability.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 283. Understanding Cultural Diversity in Education. 3 Credits.

A multicultural study of the cultural, ethic, linguistic, and developmental differences of students in the classroom. Included are traditional and modern Native American cultures and values with an emphasis on North Dakota Native Americans as well as strategies for teaching and assessing diverse cultural populations.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 294. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 300. Educational Technology. 2 Credits.

A study of the use of information and communication technologies for educational purposes. Students design and develop digital-age learning experiences that incorporate contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of a professional educator.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

EDUC 305. Philosophy and Curriculum of Middle Level Education. 3 Credits.

A focus on the educational foundations essential to meeting the needs of young adolescents in the middle level schools. Education topics include philosophy, historical background, curriculum, facilitation of learning, organizational practices, assessment, and planning.
Typically Offered: Summer.

EDUC 310. Introduction to Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

A course designed to provide students with the terminology and historical background related to early childhood education. The course covers the growth and development of the child from birth to age eight with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices. Parental involvement, play, and observation practices are also examined.
Typically Offered: Fall, Summer.

EDUC 313. Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education. 2 Credits.

A study of language and literacy growth and development during the early childhood years. Emphasis is given to sub-cultural language patterns, language and literacy problems, theories concerning the origins of language and literacy, and the relationship of language and literacy to thought and culture.
Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.

EDUC 315. Mathematics in the Elementary School. 3 Credits.

A study of mathematical concepts, systems of numbers, ways of presenting these concepts, and understanding how arithmetical concepts are developed, expanded, and reinforced. Special emphasis will be on the impact of technology, problem solving, and mathematical reasoning. Students will plan, implement, and evaluate lessons.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: Admitted to Teacher Education, EDUC 277, and EDUC 278.

EDUC 320. Social Studies in the Elementary School. 3 Credits.

A study of the content, methods, and materials used when teaching elementary school social studies. Topics include multicultural education, geography, global education, law-related education, critical thinking, computer usage, and designing effective lesson plans.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

EDUC 321. Foundations of Reading Instruction. 3 Credits.

An introductory course which provides the foundations of reading education. Topics include the reading process, emergent literacy, word identification, vocabulary development, comprehension, reading instruction approaches, and reading/study skills. Teaching reading in the multicultural classroom is a major theme.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

EDUC 322. Methods of Language Arts Instruction. 3 Credits.

A course based upon the philosophy that the language arts are best taught as integrated modes. Topics include planning, implementing, and evaluating language arts lessons; language acquisition; teaching grammar usage, oral language, listening writing, handwriting, and spelling; developing language arts learning centers; and meeting the needs of culturally-diverse students.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education and EDUC 321.

EDUC 323. Methods of Reading in the Elementary School. 3 Credits.

A concentration on the teaching of reading based upon the integrated teaching of language arts. Topics include phonics, phonemic awareness and literature-based approaches, guided reading, reading recovery, teaching reading in the content areas, promoting reading as a lifelong activity, organizing and managing classroom reading programs, using technology in literacy, diagnosis and correction of reading difficulties, and meeting the needs of culturally diverse and special needs students.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education; .
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 321.

EDUC 330. Children's Literature. 3 Credits.

A study of children's literature with emphasis on the relationship of books to the basic needs of children. The importance of children's literature as a support to all areas of the curriculum is stressed. New trends in literature, the evaluation of literacy and visual elements and the multicultural concept are explored.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

EDUC 337. Pre-Kindergarten Observation and Assessment. 3 Credits.

An opportunity for a field experience in a pre-kindergarten setting. The pre-service student will be involved in all aspects of teaching in the pre-kindergarten classroom including the administration of informal assessments of a pre-k student using multiple measures. Students are responsible for learning about the basic principles of administration, organization, leadership, and operation of early childhood programs.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: EDUC 310.

EDUC 350. Elementary Practicum and Classroom Management. 2 Credits.

An opportunity for pre-service teachers to gain experience in an elementary classroom in preparation for student teaching. The student works closely with an elementary teacher to develop a greater understanding of effective teaching and classroom management. This course requires the student to participate in both the practicum experience and the substitute teaching program.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 351. Secondary Practicum and Classroom Management. 1 Credit.

An opportunity for pre-service teachers to gain experience in a secondary classroom in preparation of student teaching. The student works closely with an secondary classroom teacher to develop a greater understanding of effective teaching and classroom management. Students are encouraged to take the practicum the same semester as their secondary methods course.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 352. Culturally Diverse Practicum. 1 Credit.

Provides pre-service teachers an experience in a culturally diverse classroom. This experience will enable the pre-service teacher to be better prepared to meet all student's needs and develop a greater understanding of how to work with students from various backgrounds and socioeconomic levels.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 355. Science Methods for Elementary Teachers. 3 Credits.

A course designed to prepare prospective elementary teachers for effective teaching of science in elementary schools. Methods and materials are introduced and opportunities for practice and evaluation are available. Topics include critical thinking and questioning techniques, designing effective lesson plans and units.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

EDUC 361. Foundations of Bilingual/Multicultural Education. 2 Credits.

A focus on models of bilingual education. Topics include research of the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of bilingual education; the history of bilingual education; and significant laws and court decisions affecting language minority students.
Typically Offered: Summer.

EDUC 363. Assessing ELL Proficiency. 2 Credits.

This is a methods course where students are required to demonstrate their ability to assess ELL students on their basis of the level of English language proficiency (ELP) attained, as well as scaffold accordingly. Additionally, students are required to demonstrate their ability to administer ELP instruments such as the WIDA ACCESS, and other corresponding formative language instruments.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Prerequisites: EDUC 361; Admission to Teacher Education.

EDUC 375. Teaching Reading in the Content Areas. 2 Credits.

A study of reading in the content areas. Methodology, organization of classroom, study skills, and strategies for dealing with the culturally different student are emphasized.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

EDUC 390. Methods of Teaching ELL. 2 Credits.

A methods course where students are required to demonstrate their proficiency in language pedagogy specifically adapting mainstream classroom content's comprehensibility for English language learners (ELL). Students are required to demonstrate their proficiency implementing sheltered content instruction (SDAIE or SIOP).
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: EDUC 361; Admission to Teacher Education.

EDUC 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 400. Educational Psychology. 2 Credits.

A study of how students learn and how effective teaching assists the learning process. Units of instruction include learning styles, information processing and cognitive skills development, classroom management, motivation, and assessment of student learning.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

EDUC 430. Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties. 3 Credits.

A course designed to increase teachers' knowledge and skills of how to be effective reading teachers. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis of reading strengths and weaknesses and materials and techniques for corrective/remedial instruction, including preparation on implementing interventions and strategies after the diagnosis of students.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education .
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 323.

EDUC 431. Practicum in Corrective Reading (Elementary). 2 Credits.

Provides an opportunity for the advanced student to gain firsthand experience in public school remedial reading programs. Knowledge and skills concerning causes, diagnosis, and treatment of reading difficulties are put to practical use by incorporating interventions and strategies for struggling readers.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education; .
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 430.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 432. Practicum in Corrective Reading (Secondary). 2 Credits.

Provides an opportunity for the advanced student to gain firsthand experience in public school remedial reading programs. Knowledge and skills concerning causes, diagnosis, and treatment of reading problems are put to practical use.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 430.

EDUC 433. Practicum and Assessment in Reading. 1 Credit.

This 30 hour practicum provides an opportunity for the student to gain first hand experience in public school corrective/remedial programs. Knowledge concerning courses, diagnosis, and treatment of reading problems is put to practical use. Students will have an opportunity to work intensively with individual students or small groups of students who are experiencing problems in learning how to read. This practicum provides pre-service teachers with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the prerequisite reading courses.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 430.

EDUC 435. Kindergarten Education and Curriculum. 4 Credits.

A study of techniques and procedures for teaching kindergarten. The curriculum areas of social science, math, health, safety, expressive arts, and language arts are explored. Materials and methods are examined as well as organizational and management procedures appropriate to the preschool kindergarten child.
Typically Offered: Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

EDUC 450. Trends in Assessment and Educational Issues. 2 Credits.

A study of current issues and trends with an emphasis on assessment. The course focuses on formative and summative evaluation processes, comprehensive assessment strategies to measure student learning, holistic plans to determine student grades, state and national assessments, use of assessment data to determine curricular decisions and current issues with a significant impact on education.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

EDUC 464. Practicum in the ELL Classroom. 2 Credits.

An opportunity for a practicum/classroom experience in a linguistically diverse setting. Students observe, teach, and work closely with a teacher as well as with students from diverse primary language backgrounds.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: EDUC 390.

EDUC 470. Methods of Teaching in the Middle School. 3 Credits.

Focused on strategies used in exemplary middle school teaching that are appropriate for young adolescent learners. The course provides students with an opportunity to learn and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve teaching competency.
Typically Offered: Summer.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

EDUC 475. Student Teaching (Secondary). 5 Credits.

Observation, teaching, and other experiences related to teaching in the secondary school.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Student Teaching.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 480. Student Teaching (Secondary). 10 Credits.

Observation, teaching and other experiences related to teaching. The student in secondary education spends twelve weeks of the senior year student teaching. K-12 majors will gain experience at the elementary and secondary levels.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Student Teaching.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 485. Student Teaching (Elementary). 5 Credits.

Observation, teaching, and other experiences related to teaching in the elementary school.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Student Teaching.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 490. Student Teaching (Elementary). 10 Credits.

Observation, teaching, and other experiences related to teaching. The student in elementary education spends twelve weeks of the senior year student teaching.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Student Teaching.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 491. Senior Portfolio. 1 Credit.

A course to assist the student in developing a Teaching for Learning Capstone unit during student teaching and a digital portfolio for graduation. The course addresses both technical application and content.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grading: S/U only.

EDUC 492. Clinical Practice. 2-12 Credits.

A supervised Clinical Practice used in place of student teaching when the Clinical Practice can be used to satisfy the requirements for licensure.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 494. Undergraduate Research. 3-12 Credits.

The course is designed to integrate subject matter from major coursework and other disciplines into a project that leads to the creation of an original body of knowledge.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 497. Internship. 3-12 Credits.

An opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to an on-the-job work experience. Internship must be related to the student's major or minor course of study and may be in any geographic location. Credit is granted in the range of three to twelve hours per semester and may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Application and approval through Career Services.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Senior Standing and cum GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

EDUC 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.