Missouri State University

Graduate College

2013-14 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2013

Department of Childhood Education and Family Studies

Hill Hall, Room 300, Phone: (417) 836-3262, Fax: (417) 836-8900
Email: CEFS@missouristate.edu
Website: http://education.missouristate.edu/cefs
Interim Department Head: Cynthia K. Hail

Graduate faculty

Professor:  Roberta J. Aram, Sabrina A. Brinson, David W. Brown, Suzanne M. George, Cynthia K. Hail, James A. Meyer

Associate Professor:   Joanna J. Cemore Brigden, Denise D. Cunningham, Mary Beth Mann, Diana Piccolo, Joan Test

Per Course Instructor:  Jane F. Pyle

Emeritus Professor:  Haldon D. Funk, , John M. Hail, John F. Newport, Peggy S. Pearl, J. Rondo Pope, Dale G. Range, Barbara A. Sperling, Roger N. Tipling  

Programs

Master of Science, Early Childhood and Family Development

Joanna J. Cemore Bridgen, Program Coordinator
Hill Hall, Room 434; Phone (417) 836-8403
JoannaCemore@missouristate.edu 

Program Description

The graduate program in Early Childhood and Family Development is designed for individuals who work with, or who are interested in working with, young children and/or families.  This degree is appropriate for a large number of persons working with children and families in a variety of settings.  In addition to a core of required courses, students will choose electives that best meet their professional needs.  This flexibility allows students to develop a program of study to meet their needs.  Although it is not a certification program, some of the courses may be able to be taken for certification credit.  This will be done individually for each student.  The program has a core set of courses that provide a strong early childhood and child development background.  There are also a wide variety of electives that can be taken to round out he degree according to the individual needs of the student.

Program Admission Requirements

Admission requires the following minimum criteria: 

  1. A minimum GPA of 3.00 for courses taken in the last 60 hours of course work in the undergraduate program.  Students who do not meet the GPA requirement must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  GRE minimum scores in all sections as outlined by the Graduate College admission requirements must be provided prior to the student's registering for more than 9 hours.
  2. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to submit appropriate proof of English proficiency.  Requirements for TOEFL (minimum 550 -paper or 213 computer); iBT TOEFL (79); IELTS (6); or MSU ELI (Level 5) are required for admission.
  3. To be considered for admission to this program, a student must apply for both the Early Childhood and Family Development program and the Graduate College (refer to the Graduate College, Admission to Graduate Studies, Admission Requirement).
  4. Students must possess a bachelor’s degree and must meet the requirements for admission to the graduate school as states under the Admission to Graduate Studies section of the Graduate Catalog.
  5. A separate application with the following materials must be submitted to the Early Childhood and Family Development Program.
    1. A letter of intent containing professional goals, future plans, background information, and professional experiences.
    2. Submission of two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the candidate’s academic abilities and potential.
    3. Completion of any required prerequisite courses or permission from the Director of the Early Childhood and Family Development Program.
  6. Students may transfer in no more than 9 credit hours which must be approved by the advisor.
Required Courses

Courses may count only once in meeting the 32 hour program course requirement.

Required Core Courses                                        20 hours

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
CFD 701 Orientation to Early Childhood and Family Development 1 hr
CFD 750 Advanced Human Development Studies 3 hrs
ECE 725 Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education 3 hrs
CFD 761
or
ECE 726		 Advanced Family Studies
or
Programming and Policy Issues for Early Childhood Settings		 3 hrs

3 hrs
ECE 727 Children and Families in a Diverse Society 3 hrs
SFR 780 Educational Research Methodology 3 hrs
ECE 771 Proposal Development 1 hr
ECE 762 Seminar in Early Childhood and Family Development 3 hrs

Elective Courses                                        12 hours 

Courses may be selected with the recommendation and approval of student’s advisor.  These courses can include:

Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
ECE 601 Home/School/Community Relationships with Young Children and Their Families 3 hrs
ECE 705 Field Experiences in Early Childhood Education 1-3 hrs
ECE 724 Foundations of Early Childhood Education 2 hrs
ECE 728 The Educational Role of Play 3 hrs
ECE 729 Literacy in Early Childhood 3 hrs
ECE 730 Family Literacy 3 hrs
CFD 702 Community Engagement 2 hrs
CFD 632 Family Advocacy 3 hrs
CFD 633 Principles of Family Life Education 3 hrs
CFD 662 Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect 3 hrs
ELE 713 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Communication Arts 3 hrs
ELE 720 Advanced Theory and Practice in Student Assessment and Evaluation 3 hrs
RDG 640 Analysis and Correction of Difficulties in Literacy 3 hrs
RDG 700 Relationship of Language to Literacy and Intellectual Development 3 hrs
Degree Requirements
  1. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 approved graduate hours with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
  2. No more than 16 hours of 600-level course work may be applied to the degree program.
  3. Comprehensive Examination.  A comprehensive examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted.
  4. Research.  Completion of one seminar which shall require an extensive paper or major creative work.
  5. Transfer Credit.  A maximum of 9 credit hours of graduate credit may be accepted toward a master’s degree.  All transfer credit must be “A” or “B” grade status from a regionally accredited college or university and must be approved by the Department Head or student’s advisor. 
Accelerated Masters Program in Early Childhood and Family Development

The Accelerated Masters Program option in Early Childhood and Family Development provides an opportunity for outstanding undergraduate Child and Family Development majors and outstanding undergraduate Early Childhood Education majors to begin their graduate course work during their junior or senior year.

If accepted into the accelerated program, up to a maximum of 10 hours of graduate courses taken after admission into the program may be given credit for both undergraduate and graduate programs.  Only 3 hours of 600-level courses can be applied to the graduate degree.

Before enrolling in a course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course toward the masters degree, an undergraduate students must be accepted into the accelerated program, and receive prior approval from the graduate program advisor, and complete a "Mixed Credit" form.  This form can be obtained from the student's department or the Graduate College.  Mixed credit registration must be done in person.

Admission requirements for CFD majors include:
  1. Junior or Senior standing
  2. Overall GPA of 3.25 or higher
  3. To be considered for admission to the program, a student must apply to both the Graduate College and the Early Childhood and Family Development Graduate Program 
Admission requirements for ECE majors include:
  1. Junior or Senior standing
  2. Admission into the Early Childhood Education Program
  3. Overall GPA of 3.25 or higher
  4. To be considered for admission to the program, a student must apply to both the Graduate College and the Early Childhood and Family Development Graduate Program

Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education

Cynthia Hail, Program Coordinator
Hill Hall, Room 123, Phone (417) 836-6065
CindyWilson@missouristate.edu 

Program Description 

The graduate program in Elementary Education is designed for teachers who desire to develop advanced knowledge and skills related to successful teaching in the elementary school.  Within the program there are opportunities for the student to complete the Masters degree either on campus or online.  The Teaching and Learning option has a research/practitioner focus specializing in hands-on experiences and is delivered on campus.  The Curriculum and Instruction option has a theoretical/research focus emphasizing diverse approaches to instructional practices and is delivered through online coursework.  Additionally, there is a special option for post baccalaureate students to apply graduate courses to Missouri certification.

Program Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires the following minimum criteria:

  1. A minimum GPA of 3.00 for courses taken in the last 60 hours of course work in the undergraduate program. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  A GRE combined score of 290 (875 under the old scoring system before August 1, 2011) on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination is required prior to the student’s registering for more than 9 hours.
  2. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based or a comparable score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL are required for admission.
  3. Students applying for the graduate program in the Teaching Certification Credit Option must complete a transcript analysis with the Teacher Certification and Compliance Office before being admitted.
  4. A student who does not meet all the above criteria, but who demonstrates outstanding potential, may be fully admitted by the Director of the Elementary Graduate Program and the Director of the School of Teacher Education on the basis of individual merit and successful completion of the first 9 hours (3.00 GPA or higher).
Program Admission Procedure

Following admission to graduate study and prior to the completion of 9 graduate hours of master’s degree course work at Missouri State University, the student must submit the following to the Director of the Elementary Graduate Program or the Director of the School of Teacher Education to continue in the program:

To be considered for admission to this program, a student must apply to both the Department of Childhood Education and Family Studies and the Graduate College (refer to the Graduate College, Admission to Graduate Studies, Admission Requirements.

  1. Students must possess a bachelor’s degree and must meet the requirements for admission to graduate school as stated under the Admission to Graduate Study section of the Graduate Catalog.
  2. In addition, the following materials must be submitted to the Department of Childhood Education and Family Studies:
    1. A letter of intent containing teaching and professional goals, future plans, background information, teaching experiences, and option area (see Course Requirements, No. 3).
    2. A copy of an appropriate teacher certification or eligibility for teacher certification by a state agency.  Application without certification or eligibility may be accepted with permission from the Director of Elementary Graduate Program or the Department Head of Childhood Education and Family Studies.
    3. Submission of three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the candidate’s academic abilities and teaching potential.
    4. Completion of any required prerequisite courses or permission from the Director of the Elementary Graduate Program or the Department Head of Childhood Education and Family Studies.
Degree Requirements
  1. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 33 approved graduate hours with a minimum overall GPA of 3.00.
  2. No more than 16 hours of 600-level course work may be applied to the degree program.
  3. Comprehensive Examination.  A comprehensive examination must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted.
  4. Research. Option I: Completion of one research seminar which shall require an extensive paper or major creative work.
    Option II.  Completion of a satisfactory thesis in the candidate’s discipline.  This credit shall be not more than 6 hours of the minimum 33 required for the degree.
  5. Transfer credit.  A maximum of 30% of the 33 hours of graduate credit may be accepted toward the master’s degree.  All transfer credit must be “A” or “B” grade status from an accredited college or university and must be approved by the Director of the Elementary Graduate Program or the Department Head of Childhood Education and Family Studies.
Course Requirements

Courses may count only once in meeting the 33 hour program course requirements.

  1. Required Core Courses - 12 hrs
    ELE 711   Contemporary Issues in Elementary Curriculum  OR
    ECE 725   Trends and Issues in Early Childhood
    ELE 720   Advanced Theory and Practice in Student Assessment and Evaluation  
    SFR 780   Educational Research Methodology          
    ELE 772   Research Seminar in Elementary Education (Research Option I)  OR
    EEM 799  Thesis (Research Option II)
  2. Select Option Area.  Course work to be selected in consultation with advisor to bring the total to not less than 33 hours.  Student should select from either Teaching and Learning (on campus option) OR Curriculum and Instruction (online option) OR Teaching Certification Credit Option (certification students only).

    Teaching and Learning Option (on campus) - 21 hrs
    1. Teaching Methods  (select 4 to total 12 hrs)
      ECE 726  Programming and Policy Issues for  Early Childhood Settings
      ELE 710   Elementary School Curriculum                   
      ELE 713   Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Communication Arts      
      ELE 714   Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Social Studies   
      ELE 715   Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Mathematics    
      ELE 716   Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Science      
      ELE 717   Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Economic Education
      ELE 722   Differentiated Instruction for Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School
    2. Electives:  (select with advisor to total 9 hrs)
      CFD (632, 660, 662)
      ECE (724, 725, 726, 727)
      EEM (606, 607, 608, 676, 796)
      EDT (650, 662)
      MID (725, 810)
      PSY (614, 703, 705)
      RDG (640, 660, 700, 710, 730)
      SFR (647, 750, 793, 858)
      SPE (613, 656, 660, 715, 780)
      Other electives may be added at the discretion of the program advisor

Curriculum and Instruction Option (online) - 21 hrs

   A.    Teaching Theory (select 4 to total 12 hrs)
           ELE 710   Elementary School Curriculum                       
           ELE 721   Standard-based Integrated Curriculum, Learning and Teaching           
           ELE 722   Differentiated Instruction for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School
           RDG 770  Curriculum Design in Literacy

   B.    Electives:  (select with advisor to total 9 hrs)
           EEM (606, 796)
           EDT (650)
           RDG (673, 720, 740)
           SPE (715, 780)
           PSY (703)
           Other electives may be added at the discretion of the program advisor

Teaching Certification Credit Option                        21 hrs

The Master of Science in Education, Teaching Certification Credit Option is intended for mid-career change students or individuals beginning a second career.  Students must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university.  The program includes course work that satisfies Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification requirements for elementary (grades 1-6) while also working on a master’s degree.  Students must work closely with the Certification Office in the College of Education and with the Coordinator of the MSEd, Elementary Education program.  Prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level will be required before certification compliance is met according to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and program standards.  These undergraduate level courses will not count toward the minimum required hours for the master’s degree

  1. Teaching Methods  (select 4 to total 12 hrs)
    ELE 601  Communication Arts Instruction in the Elementary School
    ELE 602  Social Studies Instruction in the Elementary School
    ELE 603  Mathematics Instruction in the Elementary School
    ELE 604  Science Instruction in the Elementary School
  2. Electives:  (select with advisor to total 9 hrs)
    ELE (600, 605, 717)
    ECE (601)
    SPE (715)
    RDG (700, 730)
    PSY (703)
    Other electives may be added at the discretion of the program advisor
Accelerated Master of Science in Education, Elementary Education 6-12 hrs

The MSEd-ELE accelerated program master's option provides exceptional Missouri State University students the opportunity to enroll in a combined baccalaureate and master's degree program.

Eligible BSEd majors may apply for preliminary acceptance into the MSEd-ELE program after admission requirements for the accelerated master's option have been satisfied.  Once accepted, students will be able to take 6-12 hours of graduate-level education courses that apply to both their undergraduate and graduate programs.  Before enrolling in a course to count for both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course towards the master's degree, an undergraduate students must be accepted into the accelerated master's program and receive prior approval from the MSEd-ELE Coordinator, CEFS Department Head and the Dean of the Graduate College.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule period for the course(s).  A student will be fully admitted to the Graduate College upon completion of the requirements for the baccalaureate degree, provided the student meets all other requirements for admission to the Graduate College.  See the Graduate Catalog for further information.

Admission Requirements for the Accelerated Master's:

  1. Junior or Senior standing with an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher
  2. BSEd major in progress
  3. Admitted to Teacher Education
  4. Recommendation of a faculty member in teacher education

Students admitted to the Accelerated Master's option may take 6-12 hours from the following courses or a course in consultation with the MSEd-ELE Coordinator/advisor:

  • PSY 703 Human Growth and Development
  • SPE 715 Foundations in Special Education
  • EDT 650 Selection and Utilization of Instructional Technology
  • ELE 717 Advanced Theory and Practice in Economics Education
  • RDG 640 Analyses and Correction of Difficulties in Literacy
  • MID 725 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Early Adolescents
  • MID 810 The Middle School-The Junior High School 

Child and Family Development Courses

CFD 600 Issues in Child and Family Development

Prerequisite: permission. Advanced inquiry into specialized areas of study in Child and Family Development. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours when topics change. Variable content course. May be taught concurrently with CFD 500. Cannot receive credit for both CFD 500 and CFD 600.

CFD 632 Family Advocacy

A study of the advocacy process in both the public and private sectors for directing change to benefit families and children. The course involves field trips to locations where decisions are being made that impact families and children. May be taught concurrently with CFD 532. Cannot receive credit for both CFD 532 and CFD 632.

CFD 633 Principles of Family Life Education

A study of the philosophical and methodological considerations in facilitating family life education programs. Field experiences are a part of this course. May be taught concurrently with CFD 533. Cannot receive credit for both CFD 533 and CFD 633.

CFD 660 Family Involvement in Early Childhood Programs

A study of family involvement programs including family education, volunteerism, leadership development, and advocacy. Students are involved in practicums working with families in a variety of community settings. Family Care Safety Registry required. May be taught concurrently with CFD 560. Cannot receive credit for both CFD 560 and CFD 660.

CFD 662 Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

The primary and secondary prevention of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect of children. Designed for professionals who work with children and families and are required by law to report suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect. May be taught concurrently with CFD 562. Cannot receive credit for both CFD 562 and CFD 662.

CFD 701 Orientation to Early Childhood and Family Development

Orientation to the program and examination of seminal reading in the field.

CFD 702 Community Engagement

Analysis of service-learning/community engagement. The main tenets of community engagement/service learning are analyzed, the community need, the academic enhancement, and reflection. The roles of all involved in community engagement/service learning, the teachers, the students, and the community partners are studies. Ethical, moral, and civic implications of community engagement/service-learning are also explore.

CFD 750 Advanced Human Development Studies

Analysis of theories and trends in human development.

CFD 761 Advanced Family Studies

Provides students with an understanding of theories used in the study of families; awareness of current demographics and trends of today's families; examines characteristics of various family structures and social influences impacting family functioning.

Early Childhood Education Courses

ECE 601 Home/School/Community Relationships with Young Children and Their Families

This course offers a transdisciplinary approach designed to enhance the student's understanding of the transactional relationship between the school, child and family. Particular emphasis is placed on family development and dynamics within a pluralistic society including the role that family functioning has on the child's total educational experience. May be taught concurrently with ECE 501. Cannot receive credit for both ECE 501 and ECE 601.

ECE 705 Field Experiences in Early Childhood Education

Students participate in field experiences in area schools and other educational settings. This course will provide field experiences with three different age groups (birth-3; 3-5; 5-8). Course is designated for graduate students needing field experiences to meet certification requirements in Early Childhood Education. Students will attend weekly scheduled class discussion sessions on campus in addition to the required field work of 15 clock hours for every credit hour. May be repeated for a maximum of three hours of credit.

ECE 724 Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Course will focus on the historical, psychological, philosophical, and social foundations of early childhood education. Theories and research are integrated with practical knowledge. Students will examine philosophy, curriculum, methodology, service delivery systems, and family involvement issues.

ECE 725 Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education

A study of current trends, issues and theories related to early childhood education. Emphasis will be given to major developmental theories and research findings related to the education of young children. Included will be the application of theory and research to current practices in early childhood education.

ECE 726 Programming and Policy Issues for Early Childhood Settings

Analysis of programs, policies and theories appropriate for young children and their families in a variety of early childhood settings.

ECE 727 Children and Families in a Diverse Society

Examination of diverse cultures in American society. An analysis of racism, sexism, and other diversity issues within the school and community. Discussion of child development within different cultures and identifying changing family and community structures.

ECE 728 The Educational Role of Play

A study of the social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of young children through play. Attention is given to the use of play in the organization and development of the early childhood classroom and curriculum. Current models of early childhood curriculum and their relationship to support of play will be explored.

ECE 729 Literacy in Early Childhood

Develops awareness of and support for children's literacy knowledge as it grown and changes in the years from birth through early elementary school. This course emphasizes the supportive nature of the adult's role in young children's literacy learning. Descriptions of relevant, meaningful literacy events and suggestions for classroom or home support will be presented. Current research that has a bearing on methodology will be explored.

ECE 730 Family Literacy

Introduction to the philosophy and theory behind family literacy, as well as discussion on the development and implementation of a family literacy program. The four-component model of adult education, early childhood education, parent and child together (PACT), and parenting will be covered, both in theory and practical application. Explores the rationale for and characteristics of comprehensive family literacy, focusing upon the families being served, services being provided, outcomes being achieved, and the role and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and communities involved.

ECE 762 Seminar in Early Childhood and Family Development

Prerequisite: SFR 780 and permission. Guided development of research paper focused on field of Early Childhood and Family Development.

ECE 771 Proposal Development

Development of proposal for seminar paper. Proposal must be approved prior to data collection. Human subjects review will also be completed.

Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School Courses

EEM 601 Introduction to Technology-Based Inquiry Instruction

Introduction to eMINTS philosophy and instructional model for teachers, emphasis on constructivist-based pedagogies, questioning strategies and critical thinking; use of educational software, internet resources and classroom web site design and development. Eight clock hours field experience embedded. May be taught concurrently with EEM 501. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 601 and EEM 501.

EEM 602 Applications of Technology-Based Inquiry Instruction

Prerequisite: EEM 601 with grade of C or better. Application of eMINTS philosophy, instructional model and teaching strategies; emphasis on cooperative learning, instructional use of interactive whiteboards, information literacy and modes of classroom communication, digital file management, webquest development and multimedia project design and development. Eight clock hours field experience embedded. May be taught concurrently with EEM 502. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 602 and EEM 502.

EEM 603 Implementing Technology-Based Inquiry Instruction

Prerequisite: EEM 601 and EEM 602 with grades of C or better. Third course in eMINTS 3-course sequence. Emphasis on building a learning community, classroom management, instructional planning and implementation in a technology enriched classroom, interdisciplinary teaching methods, technology-assisted assessment, collaborative reflection to improve student performance. Eight clock hours field experience embedded. May be taught concurrently with EEM 503. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 603 and EEM 503.

EEM 606 Orientation for Intensive Language and Cultural Experience for Educators

Prerequisite: permission. Students selected by application and interview process. Prepare for international travel and exposure to the people, cultures and primary language of the host country. Students develop an introspective case study proposal to be carried out during and/or after the experience abroad. Field trips outside class are required. May be taught concurrently with EEM 596. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 596 and EEM 606.

EEM 607 Intensive Language and Cultural Experience for Educators

Prerequisite: EEM 606 and permission. Experience three weeks of exposure to the educational system, culture and language of the host country while reflecting on their own learning. Students will conducted an introspective case study, keep a journal, and create a portfolio. May be taught concurrently with EEM 597. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 597 and EEM 607.

EEM 608 Post-Travel Seminar for Intensive Language and Cultural Experience for Educators

Prerequisite: EEM 606 and EEM 607 and permission. Post-travel seminar deconstructs experience abroad. Students discuss strategies used as a learner and analyze effective teaching techniques. Participants compare cultural and language differences that teachers need to consider in teaching students in a new language. Introspective case study research and portfolios will be shared. May be taught concurrently with EEM 598. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 598 and EEM 608.

EEM 676 Topical Issues in Education

Prerequisite: permission. To develop further understanding and skills in the improvement of teaching procedures, curriculum, supervision, or administration. Each course is concerned with a single topic. Number of class hours determined by semester hours of credit. A maximum of 3 hours may be used on a degree program. Variable Content Course. Approved recurring course topic: B.E.A.R.S. Seminars. 1(1-0) F. A series of seven (7) seminars with different topics designed to enhance and develop further understanding and skills in the improvement of teaching procedures for beginning educators. Seminars are offered monthly, with the exception of December, beginning in September and ending in April. Participation in at least six (6) of these seminars is required for credit. Participants will receive an "I" grade for the course due to the course extending through the spring semester. Grades will be changed at the end of the spring semester as requirements are met. This course is available to both beginning and veteran educators and satisfies the initial certification requirement of attending a beginning teacher assistance program with a college or university. Variable Content Course. May be taught concurrently with EEM 576. Cannot receive credit for both EEM 576 and EEM 676.

EEM 796 Problems in Education

Specific problems in education related to needs and interests of the student. May be repeated to a total of 3 hours.

EEM 799 Thesis

Prerequisite: ELE 711 and SFR 780 and permission. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours credit.

Elementary Education Courses

ELE 600 Current Issues and Applications in Elementary Education

Prerequisite: permission. Application of current innovations and examination of contemporary issues facing elementary teachers including classroom management, inclusion, English language learners, integrated planning and instruction with art, music, health and physical education. A comprehensive field experience in area school classrooms is required. May be taught concurrently with ELE 500. Cannot receive credit for both ELE 500 and ELE 600. Supplemental course fee.

ELE 601 Communication Arts Instruction in the Elementary School

Prerequisite: ELE 302 and permission of Director of Graduate Program in consultation with the Teacher Certification and Compliance Office. Study of the development of language and communication abilities, procedures and instruments for assessing language development, and techniques and materials for promoting development in communication skills for elementary and middle school programs. Critical review of current research-based practices will be required as well as application of those strategies in lesson planning. Course limited to certification students only.

ELE 602 Social Studies Instruction in the Elementary School

Prerequisite: ELE 302 and permission of Director of Graduate Program in consultation with the Teacher Certification and Compliance Office. Current issues and approaches in teaching elementary school social studies to children including exceptional children who are mainstreamed in the regular classroom. Critical review of current research-based practices will be required as well as application of those strategies in lesson planning and teaching. Course limited to certification students only.

ELE 603 Mathematics Instruction in Elementary Schools

Prerequisite: ELE 302 and permission of Director of Graduate Program in consultation with the Teacher Certification and Compliance Office. Emphasis upon diagnosis of skill level development, teaching basic mathematical skills, and individualizing instruction in mathematics for elementary and middle school programs. Critical review of current research-based practices will be required as well as application of those strategies in lesson planning. Course limited to certification students only.

ELE 604 Science Instruction in the Elementary School

Prerequisite: ELE 302; and 10 hours of science (one course in biology, one course in physical science and one course in earth science); and permission of Director of Graduate Program in consultation with Teacher Certification and Compliance Office. Current issues and approaches in teaching elementary school science to children including exceptional children who are mainstreamed in the regular classroom. Critical review of current research-based practices will be required as well as application of those strategies in lesson planning and teaching. Course limited to certification students only.

ELE 605 The Reflective Practitioner

Prerequisite: permission; and concurrent enrollment in ELE 600. Introduces students to action research as reflection on their own teaching and learning, and their students' learning and achievement. Requires an intensive field experience in area elementary school. May be taught concurrently with ELE 510. Cannot receive credit for both ELE 510 and ELE 605.

ELE 710 Elementary School Curriculum

The purpose of this course is to analyze the philosophical and theoretical frameworks that guide elementary curriculum for the assumptions that each makes with regard to teaching and learning. Students will be introduced to the development of curriculum and curriculum materials for use in elementary educational settings. Students will examine the social, political and institutional contexts in which curriculum is developed and used, curriculum development methods and process, and various methods for the implementation, evaluation and distribution of curriculum materials.

ELE 711 Contemporary Issues in Elementary Curriculum

Contemporary issues confronting the modern elementary school; current problems, innovations and proposed changes which affect the total elementary school program. Trends and issues that are developing at the national level.

ELE 713 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Communication Arts

Materials, methods and procedures for effective classroom presentation of communication arts. Selection, organization and development of content materials; current issues and trends in the field.

ELE 714 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Social Studies

Materials, methods and procedures for effective classroom presentation of social studies. Selection, organization and development of content materials; current issues and trends in the field.

ELE 715 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Mathematics

Materials, methods and procedures for effective classroom presentation of elementary mathematics. Selection, organization and development of content materials; current trends and issues in the field.

ELE 716 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Science

Materials, methods and procedures for effective classroom presentation of elementary science. Emphasis is placed on teaching science as inquiry and experimentation. Selection, organization and development of content materials; current trends and issues in science education.

ELE 717 Advanced Theory and Practice in the Teaching of Economic Education

Materials, methods, and procedures for effective classroom presentation of economic education. Selection, organization, and development of curriculum materials, current issues and trends in the field of economics. Presents students with a framework for proper scope and sequencing of economics concepts to develop an awareness of appropriate benchmarks for economic education instruction.

ELE 720 Advanced Theory and Practice in Student Assessment and Evaluation

Materials, methods, and procedures for effective assessment and evaluation of students. Planning, selection, construction, use, and analysis of a variety of assessment practices including formal and informal approaches. Application of knowledge learned throughout course will help students make judicious and reflective decisions while teaching.

ELE 721 Standards-Based Integrated Curriculum, Learning, and Teaching

Analysis and application of current theories and research on integrated curriculum and learning, performance assessment, and standards-based education. Develop classroom, school-wide and/or district-wide curricula based on state standards. Focus is on deciding what is essential to teach and on improving learners' math and literacy skills across the curriculum.

ELE 722 Differentiated Instruction for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School

Materials, methods, and procedures for effective differentiation of instruction and evaluation of students. Planning, selection, construction, use and analysis of a variety of differentiate instructional practices across grade levels and disciplines, paying close attention to elementary and middle school learners. Application of knowledge learned throughout course will help students made judicious and reflective decisions while teaching.

ELE 772 Research Seminar in Elementary Education

Prerequisite: ELE 711 and SFR 780. Guided development of a research paper or a creative project.