Elementary Education (ELED)

ELED 2200. Foundations of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers. 3 Hours.

A study of concepts and processes underlying the P-5 school mathematics curriculum with special emphasis on fractions, multiplication, division, computational algorithms, measurement, and geometry.

ELED 2500. Survey of Science Standards for Elementary Education. 3 Hours.

An inquiry-based introduction to fundamental science concepts in kindergarten through grade five. The course focuses on elementary science standards through an examination of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). A Framework for K-12 Science Education, and the Science Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) while focusing on three-dimensional learning. Students will conduct and participate in laboratory exercises.

ELED 2501. Survey of Science Standards for Elementary Education. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 An inquiry-based introduction to the breadth of fundamental concepts in kindergarten through grade five. Students will explore the progression of elementary science standards through an examination of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), A Framework for K-12 Science Education, and the Science Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) while focusing on the important features of three-dimensional learning. Students will conduct and participate in laboratory exercises.

ELED 2999. Entry to Education Profession. 0 Hours.

Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A required non-credit course for all teacher education candidates pursuing a VSU recommendation for initial certification; must be successfully complete prior to admission to teacher education. Candidates are required to establish an electronic portfolio and provide evidence that all teacher education admission requirements have been satisfactorily met. If an "unsatisfactory" grade is earned, the course must be repeated until a "Satisfactory" grade is received.

ELED 3010. Planning for Effective Teaching and Learning. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999 and a GPA minimum of 2.75. An introduction to the basic principles of instructional design and lesson planning, emphasizing the interrelationships among context standards, instructional objectives, and planning. The course focuses on evidence-based practices and theories in elementary instruction.

ELED 3020. Assessment to Promote Student Learning. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999, ELED 3010, and minimum GPA of 2.75. The study of the assessment strategies and uses instrumental for effective teaching and learning in the elementary education classroom. Candidates will develop reliable and valid assessments, make instructional plans and decisions based on data, and measure student; mastery of learning.

ELED 3100. Developmentally Appropriate Practices. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999 and a minimum GPA of 2.75. An introduction to developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) including considerations for age appropriateness, individual appropriateness, and relevance of teaching strategies and environments to the social and cultural contexts of the children's lives. The course focuses on responsive classroom practices that support children in reaching challenging and achievable goals.

ELED 3110. Integrating Technology in Elementary Education. 2 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the ELED professional program. A study of how to integrate technology into the curriculum. The course focuses on advancing a learner's systematic, progressive migration to a student-centered, technology-empowered classroom. Central theme is integrating technology into the curriculum.

ELED 3190. Elementary Education Practicum and Seminar: PreK-K. 2 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDuC 2999 course, and minimum GPA of 2.75. Pre-K or K classroom experiences supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisor; debriefing seminars on the implementation of developmentally appropriate content, appropriate classroom management techniques, appropriate teaching formats and strategies, and professional behavior; and observation of teaching and management strategies.

ELED 3210. Introduction to the Management of Learning Environments. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999 and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Co-requisite: ELED 3690, or a practicum approved at the program level. Fundamentals of creating classroom environments that are conducive to learning. The course will focus on individual and group management strategies that facilitate inclusion of students with disabilities in the classroom and basic behavior management principles for students in grades P-5.

ELED 3300. Mathematics Methods in Elementary Education. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: Appropriate 2999 course, and minimum GPA of 2.75. Recent developments in curriculum and methods on instruction of contemporary school mathematics in grades P-5, including the use of manipulative materials, technology, and other resources.

ELED 3500. Introduction to Developmentally Appropriate Practice. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999. An introduction to developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) including considerations for age appropriateness, individual appropriateness, and relevance of teaching strategies and environments to the social and cultural contexts of the children's lives.

ELED 3501. Social Emotional Learning and Classroom Management. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. A study of the foundations of social-emotional development, examining appropriate and developmental strategies for classroom management for grades PK-5.

ELED 3600. Technology for Learning. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. A study of technology integration in curriculum to advance a learner's systematic migration to a student-centered, technology-empowered classroom.

ELED 3601. Emergent Structured Literacy Foundations. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. Introduction to foundations of emergent literacy through the frameworks of science of reading research and the application of structured literacy instruction. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practices for developing phonological awareness, print concepts, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and oral language. Candidates will apply strategies to design explicit, systematic instruction that supports early reading and writing development.

ELED 3690. Elementary Education Field Experience I. 1 Hour.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999 course, minimum GPA 2.75. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A structured Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom field experience supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisor which provide activities designed to introduce candidates to increasingly greater levels of responsibility in the roles for which they are preparing. Theses activities are specifically designed to state, and institutional standards.

ELED 3700. Intermediate Structured Literacy Development and Practices. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999 and ELED 3601. This course builds teacher candidates' capacity to teach and support literacy growth. Grounded in the research of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy instructional practice, the course addresses advance word recognition. The examination of morphology, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing strategies. Candidates will learn to integrate disciplinary literacy practices, and use assessment data to inform instruction,, ensuring that all students progress from learning to read toward reading to learn.

ELED 3701. Differentiated Instruction. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. A study of the impact on student achievement in diverse populations of differentiating content, process, product, and assessment. The course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to design a differentiated classroom and to articulate the rationale for and results of its implementation.

ELED 3702. English Language Arts methods for Elementary Education. 3 Hours.

Building on prior structured literacy coursework grounded in the science of reading, this course develops comprehensive English Language Arts instructional practices for grades P-5. Emphasizes literary study, novel and poetry units, informational and expository reading and writing, speaking and listening, and integrated literacy planning aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence. Candidates design standards-based lessons and assessments.

ELED 3790. Elementary Education Field Experience II. 1 Hour.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999 and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Co-requisite: ELED 3010. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". An examination of a structured 1-5 classroom field experience supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisor which provides activities designed to introduce candidates to increasingly greater levels of responsibility in the roles for which they are preparing. The course activities are specifically designed to help candidates attain identified knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions outlined in professional, state, and institutional standards.

ELED 3800. Planning for Effective Teaching and Learning. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. An introduction to the basic principles of instructional design and lesson planning, emphasizing the interrelationships among content standards, instructional objectives, planning, and assessment. The course focuses on evidence-based practices and theories in education.

ELED 3801. Assessment to Promote Student Learning. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. A study of the curriculum and assessment strategies needed for effective teaching and learning in the PK-5 classroom. Candidates will develop reliable and valid assessments, make instructional plans and decisions based on data, and measure students' mastery of learning.

ELED 3900. Teaching Math Methods for Elementary Ed Part I. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. An examination of teaching methods and disciplinary literacy in grades PK-2 mathematics, emphasizing principles and methods for teaching concepts, skills, and relationships, including the use of manipulative materials in mathematics in accordance with national and state standards.

ELED 3901. Teaching Elementary Science Methods. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. The study and application of the developmentally appropriate disciplinary literacy and science instruction for K5 in physical, life, and earth/space sciences. The course emphasizes standards-based inquiry focusing on constructivist models of student learning of content, attitudes, and skills.

ELED 4010. Differentiated Instruction. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999, ELED 3010, 3020, and a GPA minimum of 2.75. Expansion of candidates’ knowledge and skills regarding appropriate evidence-based practices and theories of learning in grades 1-5 that underlie the teaching and learning processes related to assessment, planning, differentiated instruction, and associated curricular disciplines to meet the needs of diverse learners in general education, inclusive classrooms.

ELED 4400. Social Science Methods in Elementary Education. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: Appropriate 2999 course, and minimum GPA of 2.75. Corequisite: ELED 4690, or a practicum approved at the program level. A study of the content, curriculum, methods, and technology to support instruction in the social sciences in grades P-5.

ELED 4420. Student Teaching Reflective Seminar. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of all core and previous semester professional courses (professional courses with a “C” or higher) and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Corequisite: ELED 4790. Graded “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.” Examination of the nature, extent, and significance of involving families in the education of children in grades P-5. Interrelationships of home, school, and community agencies are examined in light of various programs, methods, and techniques of parent education. Leadership skills are emphasized in the areas of training, supporting, and guiding with instructional support team members (i.e., paraprofessionals, academic coaches, etc.) and parent and community volunteers within the context of a developmentally appropriate classroom environment. Components of creating an elementary classroom environment that are conducive to learning will be discussed.

ELED 4500. Science Methods in Elementary Education. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Appropriate 2999 course, and minimum GPA of 2.75. Application of developmentally appropriate science programs in the context of standards-based inquiry and focusing on constructivist models of student learning of content, attitudes, and skills. Instructional technology will be integrated with curriculum for grades P-5.

ELED 4501. Methods for Culturally Responsive Practice. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. A study of strategies for culturally and linguistically responsive P-5 literacy instruction. Emphasis is placed on aligning language development with cross-content area literacy, fostering supportive learning environments, and engaging families and communities.

ELED 4502. Teaching Math Methods for Elementary Ed Part II. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999 and ELED 3900. An examination of teaching methods and disciplinary literacy in grades 3-5 mathematics, emphasizing principles and methods for teaching concepts, skills and relationships, including the use of manipulative materials in mathematics in accordance with national and state standards.

ELED 4600. Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. The study and application of the developmentally appropriate disciplinary literacy, concepts, and modes of inquiry for K-5 social studies.

ELED 4601. Literacy Assessing and Instruction. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999 and ELED 3700.. The interpretation of the variety of literacy assessments to guide instructional decisions grounded in the Science of Reading. Candidates apply knowledge of universal screening and progrss-monitoring to identify students' strengths and needs across the pillars of structured literacy. Emphasis is placed on using assessment data to differentiate literacy instruction for all learners, including multilingual students and those with reading difficulties, ensuring evvidence-based practices drive instructional planning and student growth.

ELED 4690. Elementary Education Field Experience III. 2 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999, minimum GPA of 2.75. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A structured 1-5 classroom field experience supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisors which provides activities designed to introduce candidates to increasingly grater levels of responsibility in the roles for which they are preparing. These activities are specifically designed to help candidates attain identified knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions outlined in professional, state, and institutional students.

ELED 4700. Elementary Education Practicum. 3 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. Grades 1-5 classroom experience supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisors; debriefing sessions after observations focus on professional behavior and observation of appropriate teaching and management strategies.

ELED 4701. Field Experience Grades PreK-K. 1 Hour.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A structured Pre-K or Kindergarten field experience supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisor designed to introduce candidates to increasingly greater levels of responsibility in the classroom. Activities are designed to facilitate the application of content knowledge and professional dispositions outlined in state and program standards.

ELED 4702. Field Experience Grades 1-3. 1 Hour.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A structured field experience in Grades 1-3 supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisor designed to introduce candidates to increasingly greater levels of responsibility in the classroom. Activities are designed to facilitate the application of content knowledge and professional dispositions outlined in state and program standards.

ELED 4703. Field Experience Grades 4-5. 1 Hour.

Prerequisite: EDUC 2999. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A structured field experience in Grades 4-5 supervised by mentor teachers and university supervisor designed to introduce candidates to increasingly greater levels of responsibility in the classroom.. Activities are designed to facilitate the application of content knowledge and professional dispositions outlined in state and program standards.

ELED 4790. Clinical Practice in Elementary Education. 10 Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of all core and previous semester professional courses (professional courses with a "C" or higher) and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Co-requisite: ELED 4800. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A full-day, semester-long experience in elementary K-5 classrooms under the supervision of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.

ELED 4800. Professional Practices Seminar. 2 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999;. Completion of all core and professional courses (professional courses with a "C" or higher) and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Co-requisite: ELED 4790. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". Reflection on educational practices and refinement of concepts emanating from student teaching experience.

ELED 4801. Elementary Education Seminar. 2 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A reflection of educational practices and refinement of concepts emanating from student teaching experience.

ELED 4802. Clinical Practice in Elementary Education. 10 Hours.

Prerequisites: EDUC 2999 Completion of all core and previous semester professional courses (professional courses with a :"C" or higher) and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory". A full-day, semester-long experience in elementary K-5 classrooms under the supervision of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.