NSU Catalog 2023-2024 
    
    Nov 23, 2024  
NSU Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Elementary Education (BSEd)

Location(s): Northern State University Campus



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Elementary education candidates fulfill requirements in general education and pass the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exam in their freshman year; they begin professional education coursework in their junior year. Elementary education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 and a 2.70 GPA in the major.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Teacher candidates use their understanding of child growth and development, individual differences, and diverse families, cultures and communities to plan and implement inclusive learning environments that provide each child with equitable access to high quality learning experiences that engage and create learning opportunities for them to meet high standards. They work collaboratively with families to gain a holistic perspective on children’s strengths and needs and how to motivate their learning. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Teamwork; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
  • Teacher candidates demonstrate and apply understandings of major concepts, skills, and practices, as they interpret disciplinary curricular standards and related expectations within and across literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Teamwork; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
  • Teacher candidates assess students, plan instruction and design classroom contexts for learning. Candidates use formative and summative assessment to monitor students’ learning and guide instruction. Candidates plan learning activities to promote a full range of competencies for each student. They differentiate instructional materials and activities to address learners’ diversity.
  • Teacher candidates foster engagement in learning by establishing and maintaining social norms for classrooms. They build interpersonal relationships with students that generate motivation and promote students social and emotional development. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy; Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning)
  • Teacher candidates make informed decisions about instruction guided by knowledge of children and assessment of children’s learning that result in the use of a variety of effective instructional practices that employ print, and digital appropriate resources. Instruction is delivered using a cohesive sequence of lessons and employing effective instructional practices. Candidates use explicit instruction and effective feedback as appropriate and use whole class discussions to support and enhance children’s learning. Candidates use flexible grouping arrangements, including small group and individual instruction to support effective instruction and improved learning for every child. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Integrative Learning)
  • Teacher candidates promote learning and development of every child through participation in collaborative learning environments, reflective self-study and professional learning, and involvement in their professional community. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Critical and Creative Thinking; Information Literacy; Problem Solving; Teamwork; Civic Knowledge and Engagement; Intercultural Knowledge; Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, Ethical Reasoning; Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)

Coursework Required


Pre-Admission Field Experience


Pre-admission field experience (PAFE) taken concurrently with EPSY 302 on NSU campus:

The purpose of the pre-admission field experience is self-awareness, self-selection, professional selection, reflection, and goal setting. Students registered for EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology , will also enroll in EPSY 296 (PAFE) and will receive specific instructions for completion of the PAFE. Students must observe and assist a teacher for a minimum of two full school days (16 hours). Students will not be approved for admission to the teacher education program until this course is completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Students must have a minimum of 2.6 GPA for registration in EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology .

Pre-admission field experience (PAFE) when credit has already been received for EPSY 302 :

In cases where a student has previously earned credit for EPSY 302 , they may enroll in EPSY 296  if they:

  • Are a degree seeking education major at NSU.
  • Have a 2.6 cumulative GPA.
  • Completed EPSY 302  with a “C” or higher.
  • Can attend the face-to-face PAFE registration and placement meetings on NSU campus.

Teacher Education Information (Undergraduate)


A major focus for Northern State University is the preparation of professional educators.  The Millicent Atkins School of Education Teacher Education Program prepares teachers whose instructional decision making is based on current theory, research, and experience.  The School of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education, K-12 education, and secondary education. 

Any student who plans to major in education at Northern State University must complete the system-wide core, institutional graduation, and degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education, including professional education courses and major and minor requirements as established for the appropriate discipline.  Students who successfully complete a teacher education program will be recommended for a teaching certificate issued by the state of South Dakota. 

All teacher education programs comply with certification requirements and have been approved by the SD Department of Education.  Students will complete content and pedagogy examinations at the achievement level set by the SD Department of Education. 

Accreditation

Northern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Teacher Education Program in the Millicent Atkins School of Education is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).  The BME in Music Education is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

NOTE:


ELRN 535  and ELRN 585  may be taken in place of ELRN 435  and ELRN 485  if accepted into the accelerated MSEd Instructional Design in E-learning program and completed at least 90 credit hours of the undergraduate program.

Total: 82 credits


General Education Requirements - Baccalaureate (30 credits)


Please see General Education & Degree Requirements  for specific information about each SGR.

SGR #1 - 6 credits


SGR #4 - 6 credits in two disciplines


SGR #6 - 6 credits


Degree Requirements (BSEd and BME)


  • 3 credits
  • 3 credits
  • 3 credits
  • In addition to fulfilling all General Education Requirements, candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Education or Bachelor of Music Education degrees must take the professional education course work required for certification in the state of South Dakota. See specific requirements for Elementary Education; K-12 Certification requirements for majors including Art, Health/Physical Education, Music, World Languages, and Special Education; and secondary education requirements for BSEd majors in Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, and Social Sciences.

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 120 CREDITS


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