Elementary Teacher 41 credits

This major leads to initial licensure as an elementary teacher, grades 1–6. Students will be especially well qualified to serve as teachers in public and private elementary schools. Within the major, the student will consider the mainstreamed special child in the regular classroom.

The senior practicum will be a semester experience at one level within the 1–6 grade range. Coursework in grades 1–6 gives the student experience with children of different ages and a variety of curricula, organizational studies, and grouping strategies characteristic of the elementary school.

Students in the Elementary Major must choose a liberal arts major to complement their professional study. Students may choose from eleven liberal arts fields:

• Art History
• Biology
• Creative Writing
• English
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Global Studies: Politics, Culture, and Society
• History
• History and Literature
• Mathematics
• Political Science

I. REQUIRED CORE:

II. LIBERAL ARTS SUPPORT COURSES:

Courses Required for Elementary Education Majors to Meet General Education Distributions.

• Arts and Humanities: 3 Credits in American History
• Math/Science (Mathematics): It is recommended that students choose one of the following courses: CMATH 2104 Problem Solving, CMATH 5100 Functions & Algebra, CMATH 6101 Number Theory, CMATH 6107 Number & Operations. Students planning to major in Mathematics may choose any mathematics course for which they have met the prerequisites.
• Social Sciences: 3 credits in Geography
• Liberal Arts Electives: One prefix must be CMATH. This requirement may be waived based on the student's performance on the Lesley University Mathematics MTEL screening.

CEDUC 1352

Teaching, Learning and Social Responsibility

4 credits

This course introduces aspiring teachers to the role of the school in a multicultural society and helps them develop a professional identity. Issues related to mainstreaming and inclusion are addressed. Through a variety of means which include site visits, speakers and panelists, and case studies, students are introduced to five areas of education: early childhood, elementary, special, middle, and secondary education. Issues related to the integration and inclusion of students with special needs in regular education environments are addressed. Students also expand and develop their critical thinking skills. Field visits/experiences are incorporated into the course throughout the semester

Note: Both a grade of C or higher in this course and the successful completion of the early field experience are prerequisites for CEDUC 2351, 2352, 2353 or CSPED 2354.

CEDUC 2352

Elementary Education

4 credits

The linking of theory and practice, begun in the student's freshman year, is continued with a focus on the elementary school curriculum. Students develop an understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations of education which have influenced the nature of schools today. The academic, social, and emotional needs of all children in our rapidly changing, multicultural society are considered as students learn to plan and teach effective lessons to meet the developmental needs of learners. They also design an interdisciplinary unit of study which can be taught in their field settings. Emphasis is placed on learning the skills of evaluation which are applied in all of their teaching. They learn to reflect critically about their effectiveness and to redesign teaching approaches, based on concrete data. A field experience of one day a week for approximately 10 weeks of the semester is integrated into the course. Prerequisite: CEDUC 1352. Both a grade of C+ or higher in this course and the successful completion of the field experience are prerequisites to student teaching.

CEDUC 2401

Literacy Learning

3 credits

This course explores a child's journey into the world of literacy. Critical issues and pedagogy involved in teaching children to read, write, and communicate through listening and speaking are introduced. The language and literacy development of children from preschool through elementary levels is explored. Focus is also given to issues related to learners of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Major reading approaches, such as whole language, language-experience, basal, and phonics are examined. Attention is also given to the specific components of the reading process: sight vocabulary, phonics, context clues, and comprehension, and to the stages of the writing process. This course provides opportunities to informally assess the reading/writing abilities of children and to design and implement appropriate instructional strategies. Prerequisite: CEDUC 1352. A grade of C+ or higher in this course is a prerequisite to student teaching.

CEDUC 3374

Teaching Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers

3 credits

This course explores the critical issues, content, and procedures involved in teaching children mathematics. The development of mathematical thinking in children from preschool through elementary school is explored, although sections will be designated as early childhood, special education, or elementary specific. Particular attention is given to research in the learning of mathematics, the appropriate use of concrete materials and models, the teaching of mathematics within an integrated curriculum, and the incorporation of computer technology. Developmental readiness, learning styles, multicultural issues, and other diagnostic issues are also emphasized. Current issues such as the development of spatial relations, communication skills, number sense, and the ability to model mathematical situations are addressed. Prerequisite: CEDUC 2352 or CSPED 2354. A grade of C+ or higher in this course is a prerequisite to student teaching.

CEDUC 3399

Integrating Technology into the School Curriculum

3 credits

This course focuses on the integration of computers and other new technologies into the school curriculum. Participants will survey a variety of computer uses and explore ways to build and extend classroom curricula using technology. They will work with a wide range of dynamic technology tools and plan technology enriched learning experiences that encourage student engagement and give students the skills they need to become lifelong learners, as well as critical thinkers. Prerequisite: CEDUC 2352 or 2353.

CEDUC 3410

Teaching Social Studies and Science from a Problem-Centered Approach

3 credits

This course provides students with knowledge of the principles of curriculum and instruction needed to teach basic concepts in social studies and science. The course focuses on the ability to teach children in elementary grades through different modes as appropriate to the children's developmental stage, with special attention given to the influences of diversity in contemporary society and cultures. Priority will be given to models of inquiry-based instruction and critical thinking as they apply to both social studies and science. Prerequisite: CEDUC 2352 or CSPED 2354.

CEDUC 3415

Teaching Language Arts and Literature

3 credits

This course focuses on the relationship between literature written for children and young adults, and the development of competence in writing, speaking, and listening. The multicultural nature of our society is addressed by designing relevant classroom experiences and instructional approaches, and focusing on critical analysis of literature written for children and young adults which reflects the diversity of our society. Many ways to teach writing are included, focusing on the writing process, expository writing, report writing, and outlining. Approaches to teaching spelling, grammar, punctuation, and handwriting underscore the importance of mastering these skills in order to be effective communicators. Prerequisites: CEDUC 2352 and CEDUC 2401.

CEDUC 4350

Meeting the Individual Needs of Diverse Populations

3 credits

This course is an integrated study of the learner, the learning situation, and the learning process. Students apply content from earlier liberal arts and professional courses to their examination of the student, the teacher, and the school system, and consider how these forces together drive the development of a classroom community designed to meet the needs of all its members. Course content includes a variety of assessment and evaluation procedures, including ethnographic observation techniques and self-assessment. Intervention strategies studied include models from curriculum, clinical, and behavioral approaches. Prerequisite: CEDUC 2352 or 2353. This course must be taken concurrently with senior student teaching by Elementary Education majors and Middle School Education majors preparing to be Teachers of General Science.

CEDUC 4722

Senior Practicum and Seminar in Elementary Education

9 credits

The semester-long practicum is designed to meet the standards for initial licensure as defined by the state of Massachusetts. Students must work in classrooms under the direction of experienced teachers and are supervised by Lesley College faculty. As a complement to each practicum, students participate in a weekly seminar. Challenges and concerns growing out of daily teaching are examined and related to general educational methods, theories, and classroom practice. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CEDUC 1352; C+ or better in CEDUC 2351, 2401, and 3374; and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0; all education and support courses completed excluding CEDUC 4350; passing scores on MA Educator Tests of Communication and Literacy Skills, Foundations of Reading, and General Curriculum. Taken for pass/fail grade.

CPSYC 2401

Child Psychology

3 credits

This course focuses on human growth and development from conception through early adolescence. Emphasized are the characteristic stages of physical, language, cognitive, and social-emotional development considered from various theoretical perspectives. Also considered are the broad range of children's abilities and needs; the influence of family structures on personality and behavior; and common health problems, including substance abuse, as these impact development. Students must fulfill the certification-related competencies assigned to the course in order to receive a passing grade.

CPSYC 2437

Characteristics of Children and Youth with Special Needs

3 credits

This course offers students a legal, social, and educational understanding of inclusionary practices as they pertain to students with disabilities. The course examines the physical, cognitive, affective, and social experiences of children and youth with a variety of disabilities and discusses the implications of these characteristics for participation in school and community.