EDUC 401 is taken concurrently. This course is open only to candidates for secondary school teacher certification. The readings for this course are determined by the subject and grade level being taught. The purpose of this course is to provide prospective elementary and special education teachers with an opportunity to critique education as it is offered in school settings. The focus is on self evaluation, curriculum development and enrichment, and the examination of all children's experiences with schooling.
Emphasis is placed on classroom approaches to the teaching of reading.
Participants will complete an ambitious learning profile on a child in which the assessment of reading competence will serve as a framework. Typical readings include Silvaroli, Clay, Newberry and Caldecott Award literature, Slavin, and material related to teaching reading and other language arts. It is expected that the student take on all responsibilities normally accepted by elementary teachers. These include supervision of children, curriculum planning and evaluation, reporting to parents, direction of paraprofessionals and classroom assistants, participation in professional conferences or in-service training sessions, and budgeting. EDUC 405-406 is open to seniors who participate in the elementary teacher certification program.