Early Childhood Education/Special Education

EDU 101 – The Teaching Profession

This course offers an introduction to the teaching profession by examining the characteristics of an effective teacher and the professional training required for an individual to be certified. It also reviews the school environment where instruction takes place, the educational philosophies that direct the design of teaching and learning, and the legislation that has impacted education at all levels including teacher preparation. These foundational concepts are analyzed in light of a biblical worldview for education.

LIT 240 – Literature for Children and Young Adults

This course will survey key writers and works in the history and development of literature for children and young adults. Students will examine the aesthetic features of different genres and identify thematic characteristics relevant to each age group.

EDU 204 – Instructional Design

This course introduces students to the principles of instructional design. Students will understand the role outcomes and standards play in instructional design and will design ways to assess learning. Effective lesson planning will be discussed and practiced as students explore various instructional methods and materials. Instructional design will be observed and studied in classroom experiences.

EDU 333 – The Exceptional Child

This course will provide a general introduction to the diverse student population present in preK-12 classrooms. These students include those who are at risk, those who are culturally diverse, and those with any academic, emotional, mental, physical, or communicative differences. Discussions will include the assessment process, identification for eligibility, IEP development, and general pedagogical implications for each group.

ELE 201 – Math Instruction for the Young Child

This course is designed to equip the early childhood (PK-4) teacher with the knowledge and skills in order to more effectively instruct young learners in mathematical concepts, computation, and application. The students will be exposed to methods and materials used in preschool and primary grade mathematical instruction.

EDU 425 – Educational Assessment for Classroom Teachers

This course is designed to give the pre-service teacher an overview of formal and informal assessments. It includes rubric development for authentic assessment and the development of the teacher made tests. Specifically, it includes a discussion of both formative and summative assessment, an overview of standardized achievement tests, IQ tests, and the No Child Left Behind mandated state given tests.

ELE 401 – Collaborative Partnerships

This course will examine the collaborative relationships that every teacher must maintain with parents, colleagues and the community. The students will review how these relationships are built, the elements that contribute to the maintenance of them, and the cultural influences for each. Relationships with professionals at every level will be analyzed to determine the influences and effects on classroom instruction.

ELE 424 – Literacy for the Young Child

This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles and practices in the teaching of reading in grades PK-4. The meaning and purpose of reading will be the focus as methods and strategies are developed. Foundations for critical, creative, and evaluative reading related to a Christian view will also be explored and incorporated in the student’s development of reading lessons. All students must demonstrate a competency in basic phonic knowledge.

ELE 354 – Methods of Teaching Science

This course includes a review of the skills and knowledge required to teach science to children in grades PK-4 and 4-8. The role of inquiry as the major focus and means of science instruction is examined and numerous sources of science education and brain research as foundations for inquiry are provided. Students review the National Science Education standards and the PA Academic standards as guides for the instructional design. Science education from a biblical worldview is integrated throughout the course.

EDU 430 – Classroom Management

The course is designed for pre-service teachers to explore a range of models and strategies that facilitate developing a personal approach to classroom management. Through the examination of theoretical concepts and practical applications to classroom management, students are prepared to manage a classroom environment, know the legal aspects of management, understand the potential and the consequences of maintaining appropriate student behavior, provide adaptations for diverse students, and produce their own personal management plan.

EDU 460 – Studies in Multicultural Education

Today’s pre-service teachers are preparing to teach in a world which is pluralistic and diverse. In order to best prepare pre-service teachers for the educational environment of the 21st century, they must have an awareness of the diverse cultures present in the world and the role of education within these cultures. The activities within this course provide these experiences through reading, reflection, and cross-cultural experiences.