May 08, 2024  
Undergraduate Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Undergraduate Course Catalog 2023-2024

Elementary Education, B.A.


Curriculum Requirements (OK AS LISTED FOR ALL CONCENTRATIONS)


Candidates in the Elementary Education Program are involved in a rigorous program of study, which integrates content knowledge, skills, and pedagogy.  Candidates are prepared to work in diverse cultural contexts through extensive field experiences and technological foci.  The Art Concentration prepares candidates for integrating a broad knowledge base of visual arts in the curriculum for school-age children.  Candidates are exposed to art history and a variety of forms of artistic media.  The Elementary Education degree with a concentration in Art prepares candidates for teaching in public elementary schools and leads to an initial K-6 teaching license in the state of North Carolina.

1. 123-127 Credit Hours: (THIS SECTION IS OK FOR ALL CONCENTRATIONS)


Complete 124-127 credit hours with a continuous cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or better. The last 30 hours must be completed at NCCU. Grades of ‘C’ or better are required in all major and concentration courses. Candidates must repeat courses with grades of  ‘D’ and ‘F’ in the major and concentration. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 throughout the program.

2. General Education Requirement: 41-43 hours (THIS SECTION IS OK FOR ALL CONCENTRATIONS)


Freshman and sophomore years: Complete the General Education Curriculum required by the university as detailed on the four-year course of study. Students must have a ‘C’ or better in ENG 1110, ENG 1210, and MCSM 1250 or MCSM 2200.

Candidates pursuing the major in Elementary Education with an Art Concentration must complete two math GEC courses.

Candidates pursuing the major in Elementary Education with an Art Concentration are required to take the following courses to meet both the GEC and academic concentration requirements:

None

The following are recommended GEC courses for candidates pursuing the major in Elementary Education with an Art concentration:

To fulfill 6 hours of Math GEC (select two):

MATH 1080 Mathematics for Liberal Arts & Social Sciences ( 3 ) 

MATH 1100 College Algebra and Trigonometry I ( 3 ) 

MATH 1110 Elementary Statistics ( 3 ) 

To fulfill 6 hours of Science GEC (take both):

PHYS 1210 The Language of Science ( 3 ) 

SCI 1220 Science Odyssey ( 4 ) 

The candidate may choose courses for the remaining GEC hours when options are provided.

3. Program Requirements: 63 credit hours (FOR EACH CONCENTRATION, THIS SECTION SHOULD BE UPDATED TO REFLECT CURRICULUM CHANGES)


Non-departmental requirements (must have a grade of ‘C’ or better) 3 credit hours


The following non-departmental courses are required for the major. Courses that also meet GEC requirements are noted. The Art Concentration courses are also listed under the concentration section of this program of study.

Major:  Non-departmental

Required (3 hours)

LSIS 4505 - Children’s Literature (3)

Concentration:  Non-departmental

ART 1500  -  Survey of Art History ( 3 ) 

ARTF 2110  -  Drawing I: Observation and Techniques ( 3 ) 

ARTE 2610 Art Education I ( 3 ) 

ARTF 3410 Ceramics I ( 3 ) 

ARTF 3710  -  Crafts I ( 3 ) 

ART 1510 African-American Art History ( 4 ) or ART 3020 Modern Art ( 3 ) 

ART 2300 Basic Design ( 2 ) or ARTF 2310  -  Design Thinking - 2D ( 3 ) 

* Course may be used to fulfill a GEC Requirement

+ Course must be completed in addition to a GEC Requirement

Departmental requirements (must have a ‘C’ or better): 60 credit hours


4. Concentration Requirements (must have a grade of ‘C’ or better): 20-21 hours


5. Additional Requirements (UPDATE SECTION FOR ALL CONCENTRATIONS)


Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

The TEP follows the University’s policies for admission. During the first two years, the prospective candidate completes the University’s General Education Curriculum (GEC). The prospective candidate is eligible for formal admission to the TEP, a state requirement, if the applicant completes:

  1. All course work in the GEC (or if the applicant is on track to complete all GEC during the semester he/she applies);
  2. Course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7
  3. Three English requirements in the General Education Curriculum with a minimum grade of “C” in each course;
  4. The Praxis Core at a level required by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (for the SAT/ACT alternatives, please see the program coordinator); and
  5. TEP application submitted via taskstream.

Taskstream

Taskstream is a candidate assessment system used by all programs leading to licensure. Candidates should discuss Taskstream with their program coordinator and/or academic advisor. Students eligible to apply to the TEP will receive a registration code. The candidate must register promptly for the account in order to apply to the TEP and submit forms and program evidences in a timely manner. The candidate must maintain the account for the duration of the program.

Field Experience

All EDU courses require field experience hours in PK-12 North Carolina public schools and other  related educational settings. Requirements range from 10-90 hours in professional studies and methods courses to 600+ hours, which comprise the student teaching internship. These hours can be submitted to the Academic Community Service Learning Program Office to fulfill the NCCU community service requirement.

Criminal Background Checks

All candidates in the TEP will be required to successfully clear a Criminal Background Check (CRC). Criminal background checks may be done upon entering the program, at the midpoint assessment, prior to student teaching, and in applying for licensure. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide both legal information and a letter of explanation regarding any charges (other than minor traffic violations) on the candidate’s record that may present a potential problem for field experience, student teaching, or licensure. The program coordinator and the coordinator of clinical experiences and licensure will request a meeting with the candidate to discuss any noted concerns with the information provided. At least one representative from a local, partnership school district may be contacted to determine whether or not the district(s) will allow the candidate to complete school-based experiences required for licensure. Acceptance, or continuance, in the Teacher Education Program will be based on the nature, recency, date of occurrence, and resolution of the charges, as well as whether or not the candidate candidates is approved by a public school system to will be able to complete required experiences. in public schools.

Student Teaching

Student teaching experiences must occur in PK-12 North Carolina public schools. Candidates must participate in Level I Pre-Student Teaching during the semester prior to completing EDU 4108 and EDU 4208.  If they successfully complete all Level I requirements, they will proceed to Level II Student Teaching. The Level II Student Teaching internship spans regular school day hours, each week, over the course of 15 weeks and provides an opportunity for the student teacher to gradually assume the responsibilities of a classroom teacher, while working closely with a cooperating teacher. All EDU teacher education candidates must successfully complete all other course and program requirements before participating in EDU 4108 and EDU 4208., except completing the edTPA. Candidates must also read the Student Teaching Manual and apply for student teaching using the electronic assessment system.

edTPA

edTPA is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system used by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to emphasize, measure, and support the skills and knowledge that all teachers need from Day 1 in the classroom. The edTPA assessment includes versions of 27 subject-specific teaching fields.  The assessment features a common architecture focused on three tasks:  Planning, instruction, and assessment.

All candidates, seeking initial licensure, are expected to complete the edTPA portfolio assessment. Candidates will be expected to meet the expected minimum score, as established by NCDPI, for licensure recommendation. edTPA requires candidates to demonstrate readiness to teach through lesson plans designed to support their students’ strengths and needs; engage real students in ambitious learning; analyze whether their students are learning, and adjust their instruction to become more effective. Teacher candidates submit unedited video recordings of themselves at work in real classrooms as a part of a portfolio that is scored by highly trained educators external to NCCU.

Licensure Examinations

Candidates must pass  the Pearson Foundation of Reading Test and either General Curriculum Math subtest or Praxis Elementary Education Mathematics CKT 7813 for licensure in NC before participating in EDU 4108 and 4208 (Level II Student Teaching).  Preparation and registration materials can be found at http://www.nc.nesinc.com.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare for and take the General Curriculum subtest as soon as they are admitted to TEP. Candidates are encouraged to complete EDU 3310EDU 3400, and EDU 3410 prior to taking the Foundations of Reading test.

Candidates must pass all required tests for licensure in North Carolina in order to be eligible and recommended for licensure in NC.

Program Notes:


Majors Meetings and Professional Development Activities

Candidates are encouraged to attend Majors Meetings and professional development sessions during each academic semester.

Prepare for Praxis Core

Students should contact the Supplemental Instruction Coordinator I to determine their Praxis Core status early (i.e., freshman year), and begin preparing for any parts of the test they must take at that time. Students are encouraged to complete all Praxis requirements no later than the second semester of the sophomore year with the guidance and support of their advisor and the Supplemental Instruction Coordinator I.

Restricted Courses

Courses listed as EDU 3150 and higher are restricted and require admission to the Teacher Education Program.

NC Elementary Education (K-6) Teacher Licensure Requirements

Candidates must pass all required licensure tests in North Carolina in order to be eligible for licensure in NC.

 

Curriculum Requirements


1. 123-125 semester hours:


Complete a minimum of 126 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher. The last 30 hours must be completed at NCCU.

2. General Education Requirement:


Freshman and sophomore years - Complete the General Education Curriculum  with a minimum GPA of 2.7 ENG 1110 , ENG 1210  & MSCM 1250  must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.

3. Complete successfully the Praxis I: Core


Must meet minimal SAT/ACT required minimum.

6. Required number semester hours:


Complete a required number of semester hours in one of the following academic concentration options: art, biology, English (literature or writing), English as a Second Language, French, history, literacy, mathematics, social science, or Spanish.  (Concentrations with fewer than 24 required hours must be supplemented with electives to fulfill the 126 hour requirement for graduation.)

Four-Year Curriculum Plan – School of Education, Elementary Education (K-6)


For key to symbols used, please see ‘key’ below.

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 17-18

Total: 17

Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 18

Total: 18

Senior Year


Total: 15

Spring Semester


Total: 12

Total Minimum Credit Hours Required for Graduation = 126


5. Additional Requirements


Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

The undergraduate division of teacher education follows the University’s policies for admission. During the first two years, the candidate completes the University’s General Education Curriculum (GEC). The candidate is eligible for formal admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a state requirement, if the applicant completes:

  1. All course work in the GEC (or if the applicant is on track to complete all GEC during the semester he/she applies);
  2. Course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7
  3. Three English requirements in the General Education Curriculum with a minimum grade of “C” in each course;
  4. The Praxis Core at a level required by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (for the SAT/ACT alternatives, please see the program coordinator);
  5. Formal interview with Teacher Education faculty, typically completed during EDU 2600;
  6. Formal essay, typically completed during EDU 2600; and
  7. TEP application (submitted using the Foliotek system).

Taskstream


Taskstream is a candidate assessment system used by all programs leading to licensure. Candidates should discuss Taskstream with their program coordinator and/or academic advisor. The program coordinator will provide a code and the candidate must register promptly for the account in order to apply to the TEP and submit forms and program evidences in a timely manner. The candidate must maintain the account for the duration of the program.

Field Experience


All EDU courses require field experience hours in public schools and other educational settings. Requirements range from 10-90 hours in Professional Studies and Methods courses to 600+ hours, which comprise the student teaching internship. These hours can be submitted to the Academic Community Service Learning Program Office to fulfill the NCCU community service requirement.

Criminal Background Checks


All candidates in the TEP will be required to successfully clear a Criminal Background Check (CRC). Criminal background checks may be done upon entering the program, at the midpoint assessment, and in applying for licensure. It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide both legal information and a letter of explanation regarding any charges (other than minor traffic violations) on the candidate’s record that may present a potential problem for field experience, student teaching, or licensure. The program coordinator and the coordinator of clinical experiences and licensure will request a meeting with the candidate to discuss the information provided. At least one representative from a local, partnership school district may be contacted to determine whether or not the district(s) will allow the candidate to complete school-based experiences required for licensure. Acceptance, or continuance, in the Teacher Education Program will be based on the nature, recency, and resolution of the charges, as well as whether or not candidates will be able to complete required experiences in public schools.

Student Teaching


Candidates must participate in Level I Student Teaching during the semester prior to EDU 4108   and EDU 4208  .  If they successfully complete all Level I requirements, they will proceed to Level II student teaching. The Level II student teaching internship spans the course of 15 weeks and provides an opportunity for the student teacher to gradually assume the responsibilities of a classroom teacher, while working closely with a cooperating teacher.  All EDU candidates must successfully complete all course requirements before participating in EDU 4108 and EDU 4208. Candidates must also read the Student Teaching Manual.

edTPA


edTPA is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system used by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to emphasize, measure and support the skills and knowledge that all teachers need from Day 1 in the classroom.  The edTPA assessment includes versions of 27 subject-specific teaching fields.  The assessment features a common architecture focused on three tasks:  planning, instruction, and assessment.

All candidates, seeking initial licensure, are expected to complete the edTPA portfolio assessment. Candidates will be expected to meet the expected minimum score, as established by NCDPI.edTPA requires candidates to demonstrate readiness to teach through lesson plans designed to support their students’ strengths and needs; engage real students in ambitious learning; analyze whether their students are learning, and adjust their instruction to become more effective.  Teacher candidates submit unedited video recordings of themselves at work in real classroom as part of a portfolio that is scored by highly trained educators.

Licensure Examinations


Candidates must pass all parts of the Pearson Test for licensure in NC before participating in EDU 4108 and 4208 (Level II student teaching). The Pearson Test includes two General Curriculum subtests (Math and Multi-Subjects) and the Foundation of Reading Development subtest. Preparation and registration materials can be found at http://www.nc.nesinc.com.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare for and take the General Curriculum subtests as soon as they are admitted to TEP. Candidates are encouraged to complete EDU 3310, EDU 3400, and EDU 3410 prior to taking the Foundations of Reading Development test.

Candidates must pass all parts of the Pearson Test for Licensure in North Carolina in order to be eligible for licensure in NC.

Program Notes:


Majors Meetings and Professional Development Activities


Candidates are encouraged to attend Majors Meetings and professional development sessions during each academic semester.

Prepare for Praxis Core


Candidates should determine their Praxis Core status early (i.e., freshman year), and begin preparing for any parts of the test they must take at that time. Candidates are encouraged to complete all Praxis requirements no later than the second semester of the sophomore year.

Restricted Courses


Courses at EDU 3150  and higher are restricted and require admission to the Teacher Education Program.