Elementary Education

About this Composite Major

Upon successful completion of the VCSU Elementary Education program, a student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and be eligible for an initial North Dakota teaching license in grade 1-8. Elementary Education majors are required to spend over 150 hours in various field experiences, prior to completing a twelve-week student teaching experience. VCSU strives to prepare its teacher candidates for authentic classroom teaching by exposing them to many real-world teaching experiences. Teacher Candidates are encouraged to obtain a Substitute Teaching License and will spend time substitute teaching. This will allow VCSU teacher candidates to experience teaching independently, in addition to their supervised student teaching.

Job placement after graduation is a priority at VCSU. To enhance employment opportunities, teacher candidates add at least one endorsement, certificate, or minor in high need areas such as kindergarten, English Language Learners (ELL), STEM Education, or special education to their Elementary Education major.

Meet a Student

I knew I wanted to be in an elementary classroom through mentor opportunities in my high school. What I enjoy most about the elementary education program here is the professors, and the content they bring into the classroom. I have been introduced to so many materials and technology that I can’t wait to utilize in my classroom! - Saige Forseth, Hillsboro, N.D.

Accreditations

VCSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Teacher Education Requirements

Students will be typically admitted into Teacher Education during their sophomore year after successfully passing the Praxis CORE test, a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75, plus additional criteria that can be found on the following website: www.onestop.vcsu.edu.

Get Involved in your Major

VCSU education students present during class using a Lego block board.

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP)
Student North Dakota United (SNDU)
Substitute Teaching coaching and licensure
Education Student Advisory Committee

Contact Information

Department Chair and Faculty Contact

Dr. Allen Burgad, allen.a.burgad@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7184

Department Location

McFarland Hall 326, (701) 845-7196

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

General Education Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology ¹
BIOL 150	General Biology I ¹
BIOL 151	General Biology II ¹
BIOL 170	General Zoology ¹
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science ¹
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time ¹
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ⁴
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ⁴
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877 ²
HIST 104	United States to Present ²
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology ³
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography ³
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹: One course each in Biology and Earth Science.
²: HIST 103 United States to 1877 or HIST 104 United States to Present is required
³: Required
⁴: Course satisfies the Digital Literacy graduation requirement.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
EDUC 210	Creative Activities	2
EDUC 277	Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I	3
EDUC 278	Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II	3
EDUC 315	Mathematics in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 320	Social Studies in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 321	Foundations of Reading Instruction	3
EDUC 322	Methods of Language Arts Instruction	3
EDUC 323	Methods of Reading in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 330	Children's Literature	3
EDUC 350	Elementary Practicum and Classroom Management	2
EDUC 355	Science Methods for Elementary Teachers	3
EDUC 491	Senior Portfolio	1
Elementary Education Majors are required to take Chemistry, Physics, or STEM ED to fulfill State Science Requirements. Choose one from the following courses:		4
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
STEM ED 160	Integrative Physical Science for Elementary
Content Options
Each Elementary Education major is required to complete a second major, minor, or one of the following content options. Dean of Education has right to waive these requirements.		7-27
Early Childhood
EDEC 1030	Infant and Toddler Care (offered through CC)
EDEC 1035	Infant and Toddler Care Lab (offered through CC)
EDEC 1200	Administration in Early Childhood Programs (offered through CC)
EDUC 310	Introduction to Early Childhood Education
EDUC 313	Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education
EDUC 337	Pre-Kindergarten Observation and Assessment
EDUC 435	Kindergarten Education and Curriculum
EDUC 485	Student Teaching (Elementary)
ELL
EDUC 361	Foundations of Bilingual/Multicultural Education
EDUC 363	Assessing ELL Proficiency
EDUC 390	Methods of Teaching ELL
EDUC 464	Practicum in the ELL Classroom
ENGL 309	Linguistics and Language Acquisition
ENGL 409	Language and Culture
Kindergarten
EDUC 310	Introduction to Early Childhood Education
EDUC 313	Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education
EDUC 337	Pre-Kindergarten Observation and Assessment
EDUC 435	Kindergarten Education and Curriculum
EDUC 485	Student Teaching (Elementary)
Middle School
EDUC 305	Philosophy and Curriculum of Middle Level Education
EDUC 375	Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
EDUC 470	Methods of Teaching in the Middle School
Reading
EDUC 375	Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
EDUC 430	Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties
EDUC 431	Practicum in Corrective Reading (Elementary)
Strategies Special Education
EDUC 430	Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Difficulties
SPED 310	Behavior Modification
SPED 333	Assessment of Students with Disabilities
SPED 340	Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disorders, and Intellectual Disabilities
SPED 380	Collaboration, Consultation, and Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
SPED 382	Methods and Materials of SLD
SPED 383	Methods and Materials of ED
SPED 384	Methods and Materials of ID
SPED 486	Special Education Student Teaching in SLD, ED, ID, and Assessment
STEM Education-Elementary
STEM ED 160	Integrative Physical Science for Elementary
STEM ED 306	Inventions and Innovations - Technology Education for Children
STEM ED 310	Design, Technology and Engineering for Children
STEM ED 342	Data Collection and Analysis
STEM ED 355	STEM Curriculum and Methods for Elementary
Total Credits		43-63

Professional Education Sequence 29 Hours

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Professional Education Sequence
EDUC 240	Educating Exceptional Students	3
EDUC 250	Introduction to Education	3
EDUC 283	Understanding Cultural Diversity in Education	3
EDUC 300	Educational Technology	2
EDUC 352	Culturally Diverse Practicum	1
or EDUC 464	Practicum in the ELL Classroom
EDUC 400	Educational Psychology	2
EDUC 450	Trends in Assessment and Educational Issues	2
EDUC 490	Student Teaching (Elementary)	10
PSYC 250	Developmental Psychology	3
Total Credits		29

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 43-63 Hrs
Total Professional Education Sequence 29-30 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120-131 Hrs

For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.

Plan of Study

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Biology lab science (Gen Ed)	4	English Composition (Gen Ed)	3
CIS 170 or CSCI 127 (Gen Ed)	3	Geology lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
COMM 110 (Gen Ed)	3	HIST 103 or 104 (Gen Ed)	3
ENGL 110 (Gen Ed)	3	MATH 104 (Gen Ed)	3
HPER 100 (Gen Ed)	2	PSYC 111 (Gen Ed)	3
UNIV 150	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Chemistry or Physics lab science (Gen Ed)	4	EDUC 210	2
EDUC 250	3	EDUC 278	3
EDUC 277	3	EDUC 283	3
Literacies - OR - Art & Music (Gen Ed)	3	EDUC 321	3
PSYC 250	3	EDUC 352	1
		GEOG 111 (Gen Ed)	3
		Literacies - OR - Art & Music (Gen Ed)	3
	16		18
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
EDUC 240	3	EDUC 320	3
EDUC 300	2	EDUC 323	3
EDUC 322	3	EDUC 450	2
EDUC 330	3	Endorsement courses	3-9
Endorsement courses	3-6
	14-17		11-17
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
EDUC 315	3	EDUC 490	10
EDUC 350	2	EDUC 491	1
EDUC 355	3
EDUC 400	2
Endorsement Courses	3-6
	13-16		11
Total Credits 115-127

Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Course Rotation
AREA	FALL	SPRING	SUMMER
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION REQUIRED COURSES	EDUC 278 Math for Elementary Teachers II EDUC 320 Social Studies Methods EDUC 321 Foundations of Reading EDUC 323 Methods of Reading EDUC 350 Practicum EDUC 351 Sec. Prac. & Class Management EDUC 355 Science Methods EDUC 491 Portfolio	EDUC 210 Creative Activities EDUC 277 Math for Elementary Teachers I EDUC 315 Math in Elementary Schools EDUC 320 Social Studies Methods EDUC 321 Foundations of Reading EDUC 322 Methods of Language Arts EDUC 330 Children's Literature EDUC 350 Practicum EDUC 351 Sec. Prac. & Class Management EDUC 355 Science Methods EDUC 491 Portfolio	EDUC 210 Creative Activities EDUC 277 Math for Elementary Teachers I EDUC 278 Math for Elementary Teachers II EDUC 315 Math in Elementary Schools EDUC 322 Methods of Language Arts EDUC 323 Methods of Reading
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEQUENCE	EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional EDUC 249 Introduction to VCSU EDUC 250 Introduction to Education EDUC 283 Cultural Diversity EDUC 300 Education Technology EDUC 352 Cultural Diversity Practicum EDUC 400 Educational Psychology EDUC 450 Trends in Assessment EDUC 475 Student Teaching - Secondary EDUC 480 Student Teaching - Secondary EDUC 490 Student Teaching - Elementary PSYC 250 - Developmental Psychology	EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional EDUC 249 Introduction to VCSU EDUC 250 Introduction to Education EDUC 283 Cultural Diversity EDUC 300 Education Technology EDUC 352 Cultural Diversity Practicum EDUC 400 Educational Psychology EDUC 450 Trends in Assessment EDUC 475 Student Teaching - Secondary EDUC 480 Student Teaching - Secondary EDUC 490 Student Teaching - Elementary PSYC 250 - Developmental Psychology	EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional EDUC 249 Introduction to VCSU EDUC 283 Cultural Diversity EDUC 400 Educational Psychology EDUC 450 Trends in Assessment PSYC 250 - Developmental Psychology

Course Rotation
AREA	FALL	SPRING	SUMMER
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION REQUIRED COURSES	EDUC 210 Creative Activities EDUC 277 Math for Elementary Teachers I EDUC 315 Math Methods EDUC 320 Social Studies Methods EDUC 322 Methods of Language Arts EDUC 330 Children's Literature EDUC 350 Practicum EDUC 351 Sec. Prac. & Class Management EDUC 355 Science Methods EDUC 491 Portfolio	EDUC 278 Math for Elementary Teachers II EDUC 321 Foundations of Reading EDUC 323 Methods of Reading EDUC 330 Children's Literature EDUC 350 Practicum EDUC 351 Sec. Prac. & Class Management EDUC 491 Portfolio
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEQUENCE	EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional EDUC 250 Introduction to Education EDUC 283 Cultural Diversity EDUC 300 Education Technology EDUC 352 Cultural Diversity Practicum EDUC 400 Educational Psychology EDUC 450 Trends in Assessment EDUC 475 Student Teaching - Secondary EDUC 480 Teaching Teaching - Secondary EDUC 490 - Student Teaching - Elementary PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology	EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional EDUC 250 Introduction to Education EDUC 283 Cultural Diversity EDUC 300 Education Technology EDUC 352 Cultural Diversity Practicum EDUC 400 Educational Psychology EDUC 450 Trends in Assessment EDUC 475 Student Teaching - Secondary EDUC 480 Teaching Teaching - Secondary EDUC 490 Student Teaching - Elementary PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology	EDUC 400 Educational Psychology (Synchronous & Online)

Course Rotation
AREA	FALL	SPRING	SUMMER
KINDERGARTEN	EDUC 310 (3) Intro to Early Childhood EDUC 337 (3) Pre-Kindergarten Observation (80-hour practicum) EDUC 485 (5) Kindergarten Student Teaching (6 weeks)	EDUC 313 (2) Language and Literacy EDUC 337 (3) Pre-Kindergarten Observation (80-Hour practicum) EDUC 435 (4) Kindergarten Education and Curriculum EDUC 485 (5) Kindergarten Student Teaching (6 weeks)	EDUC 310 (3) Intro to Early Childhood EDUC 313 (2) Language and Literacy EDUC 337 (3) Pre-Kindergarten Observation (80-hour practicum) EDUC 435 (4) Kindergarten Education and Curriculum
ENGLISH LANGUGE LEARNERS	EDUC 363 (2) Assessing ELL Proficiency ENGL 409 (3) Language and Culture EDUC 464 (2) Practicum in ELL	EDUC 390 (2) Methods of Teaching ELL EDUC 464 (2) Practicum in ELL	ENGL 309 (3) Linguistics & Language Acquisitions EDUC 361 (2) Foundations of Bilingual
READING CERTIFICATE	EDUC 375 (2)Teaching Reading Elementary EDUC 430 (3) Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties EDUC 431 (2) Reading Practicum	EDUC 375 (2)Teaching Reading Elementary EDUC 430 (3) Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties EDUC 431 (2) Reading Practicum	EDUC 375 (2)Teaching Reading Elementary EDUC 430 (3) Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties EDUC 431 (2) Reading Practicum
MIDDLE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE	EDUC 375 (2) Teaching Reading Elementary	EDUC 375 (2) Teaching Reading Elementary	EDUC 305 (3) Philosophy & Curriculum Middle School EDUC 375 (2) Teaching Reading Elementary EDUC 470 (3) Methods of Teaching Middle School
SPECIAL EDUCATION	SPED 340 (3) Learning, Emotional & Intellectual Disabilities SPED 380 (3) Collab, Consult, Trans & Inclusion SPED 382 (2) Methods and Mat. ELD SPED 383 (2) Methods and Mat. ED SPED 486 (5) Student Teaching Experience in SLD, EDU, and ID (6-weeks) EDUC 430 (3) Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties	SPED 310 (3) Behavior Modification SPED 333 (3) Assessment of Children with Disabilities SPED 340 (3) Learning, Emotional & Intellectual Disabilities SPED 383 (2) Methods and Mat. ED SPED 384 (2) Methods of Mat. ID SPED 486 (5) Student Teaching Experience in SLD, EDU, and ID (6-weeks) EDUC 430 (3) Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties	SPED 340 (3) Learning, Emotional & Intellectual Disabilities SPED 380 (3) Collab, Consult, Trans & Inclusion EDUC 430 (3) Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties
STEM EDUCATION CERTIFICATE	STEM ED 160 (4) Integrated Physical Science for Elementary Teachers STEM ED 306 (3) Inventions and Innovations - Technology Education for Children	STEM ED 160 (4) Integrated Physical Science for Elementary Teachers STEM ED 310 (3) Design, Tech and Engineering for Children STEM ED 355 (3) Curriculum and Methods for Elementary	STEM ED 160 (4) Integrated Physical Science for Elementary Teachers STEM ED 342 (3) Building Math

Learning Outcomes

Teacher candidates apply knowledge and skills to plan a unit that meets the needs of students in a P-12 classroom.
Teacher candidates apply knowledge and skills to implement a unit that meets the needs of students in a P-12 classroom.
Teacher candidates apply knowledge and skills to evaluate student learning during a unit taught to students in a P-12 classroom.
Teacher candidates apply knowledge and skills to reflect on student learning and their own practice as a teacher during a unit of teaching students in a P-12 classroom.