Education – Pre-K thru 4th/Special Ed

Program Description

Early elementary and special education (ESEC) majors are also required to major in American Studies. La Salle University's ESEC combined program of study is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Successful completion leads to recommendations for Instructional I certification in early elementary education (PreK–4) and special education (PreK–8). A Department faculty member advises and meets individually with each student during pre-registration throughout the four-year program. This process ensures that all students are following the prescribed sequence of courses leading to a B.A. and a recommendation for certification. ESEC majors also major in American Studies. To meet state requirements, ESEC majors must choose Art for their Fine Arts requirement.

Why take this major?

This dual major prepares students to teach in regular education or special education classrooms. Given that schools are in need of highly qualified educators who can work with students in regular education, inclusion, and special education classroom, this major makes graduates highly desirable candidates for schools both locally and globally. Teachers in the early grades have the opportunity to impact the lives of children by setting a positive tone for later educational experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will engage in self-reflective practices to examine their own identities, positions, and underlying assumptions and how these intersect with the wider social world.
  • Students will identify, analyze and evaluate the underlying assumptions of concepts, theories, and alternate perspectives of learning and teaching.
  • Students will identify and disrupt deficit-model thinking and assumptions.
  • Students will engage in collaborative and engaged research to effectively solve disciplinary problems and pose solutions.
  • Students will participate in professional organizations relevant to their academic discipline and/or teaching and share their learning with members of their teaching and professional community.
  • Students will design interdisciplinary products that demonstrate their understandings of foundations of learning, subject matter pedagogy content, assessment, instruction, and intervention their educational context.

Program Contact Information

Laura A. Roy, Chair

roy@lasalle.edu

254 Hayman Hall

(215) 951-1190

Degree Earned

B.A.

Number of Courses Required for Graduation

Major: 20-21

Total: 42-43

Number of Credits Required for Graduation

Major: Major Credits: 75; AMST Credits: 15 additional (30 total)

Total: 127-130

GPA Required for Graduation

Major: See Department Candidacy Requirements for All Education Certification Majors (information found on Education department page of the catalog).

Cumulative: See Department Candidacy Requirements for All Education Certification Majors.

Progress Chart

Level One - Core Courses

12 courses and 2 modules required

Universal Required Courses (4 Courses)

Students must complete the following 4 courses.

ILO 8.1: Written Communication

ENG 110 - College Writing I: Persuasion

ILO 5.1: Information Literacy

ENG 210 - College Writing II: Research

ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives

FYS 130 - First-Year Academic Seminar **

NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.

ILO 2.1: Reflective Thinking and Valuing

REL 100 - Religion Matters

Elective Core Courses (4 Courses)

Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs.

ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning

IMS 162 - Exploring in Science and Mathematics I

ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning

MTH 150 - Mathematics: Myths and Realities

ILO 6.1: Technological Competency

CSC 151 - Introduction to Computing Using Packages

ILO 8.1a/12.1: Oral Communication/ Collaborative Engagement

COM 150 - Presentation Skills or PHL 155 - The Quest for Meaning: An Inside-Out Course

Distinct Discipline Core Courses (4 Courses)

Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. Each course must be from a different discipline. (A "discipline" is represented by the 3- or 4-letter prefix attached to each course.)

ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning

HIS 200 - US Republic to 1877 and AMST 100 - Introduction to American Studies

ILO 9.1: Creative and Artistic Expression

Choose an American ARTH meeting ILO 9.1

ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning

EDC 101 - Education in an Urban Context

ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity

ENG 250 - Literature and Culture

Universal Required Modules (2 Courses)

Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules.
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.

ILO 7.1a

Health Literacy Module

ILO 7.1b

Financial Literacy Module

Major Requirements

Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.

Students in this major must complete 42-43 courses in total in order to graduate. 20-21 courses will be from this major program.

Level Two (4 Courses)

Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments.

ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience)

Fulfilled within major

Choose one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies

Fulfilled within major

ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course)

Fulfilled within major

Choose on ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility

Fulfilled within major

All Other Required Courses

EDC 103 - Human Learning, Cognition, and Development
EDC 104 - Educational Diversity in America
EDC 120 - Foundations of Literacy
EDC 217 - Teaching Mathematics
EDC 219 - Integrated Social Studies
EDC 220 - Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas
EDC 307 - Differentiated Instruction, Assessment, and Technology Integration
EDC 308 - Assessment, Accommodations, and Adaptations for Students with Disabilities
EDC 309 - Diati Lab
EDC 310 - AAASD Lab
EDC 320 - Teaching Literacy in the Inclusive Classroom
EDC 325 - Teaching English Language Learners
EDC 326 - Early Childhood Foundations
EDC 410 - Physical Education and Health for the Developing Child
EDC 473 - The Professional Semester: Student Teaching
EDC 475 - The Professional Semester: Teaching and Research Methods
EDC 477 - Seminar in Special Education
EDC 478 - Special Education Practicum
IMS 162 - Exploring in Science and Mathematics I
IMS 262 - Exploring in Science and Mathematics II

Note: ESEC majors are also required to take 30 total AMST credits. Fifteen of those credits are included in the progress sheet. Fifteen additional credits are selected by the student. 

Free Electives

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must take enough courses to the fulfill graduation credit requirements for their School and major.

Dual Major Requirements

ESEC majors are required to dual major in American Studies.

Freshman Year Fall

Freshman Year Spring

EDC 104 (F/S)

EDC 103 (F/S)

EDC 101 (F/S) (Education Elective)

EDC 120 (F/S)

IMS 162 (4 cr)

Sophomore Year Fall

Sophomore Year Spring

EDC 219 (F/S)

EDC 220 ((F/S)

IMS 262 (F)

EDC 326 (F/S)

EDC 217 (F/S)

Junior Year Fall

Junior Year Spring

EDC 307 (3 cr) and EDC 309 (1 cr) (F/S)

EDC 320

EDC 308 (3 cr) and EDC 310 (1 cr) (F/S)

EDC 325

Senior Year Fall

Senior Year Spring

EDC 477 (3 cr) (F/S)

EDC 410 (2 cr) (F/S)

EDC 478 (10 cr) (F/S)

473 (12 cr) (F/S)

475 (3 cr) (F/S)

Course Descriptions

EDC 101 - Education in an Urban Context

This three-credit course will use the rich resources of the great city of Philadelphia to provide prospective educators with a general introduction to the roles, responsibilities and skills necessary for success in the profession, whether they pursue traditional classroom teaching roles or non-traditional roles in alternative learning settings that may include non-profits, youth service organizations, and cultural/arts/science venues. During this course you will explore a number of cultural and historic venues as you travel about the city under the close guidance of education department faculty members. You will meet some interesting citizens who have lived out their lives in the city, engage in lively seminar discussions focused on your explorations, and hone your creative skills by completing assignments carefully deigned to help you develop your critical thinking abilities.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 103 - Human Learning, Cognition and Development

This is one of the gateway courses into the education programs at La Salle University. It is an introduction to the role of the teacher with an emphasis on how students learn. The course focuses on the study of the nature and scope of educational psychology as it relates to human learning and introduces educational research. The course, which emphasizes speaking and writing, provides prospective education majors with the opportunity to explore the profession from different theoretical perspectives, such as cognitive and behavioral psychology. Students come to understand how people develop cognitively, socially, and emotion ally and how individuals learn. Students combine an in-depth analysis of self, foster higher levels of critical reflection, learn theories and concepts in educational psychology, and participate in field experiences to enhance connections between theory and practice (Open to non-majors, but field experience may be required by course instructors; required freshman course for ESEC, ESML and EDC majors).

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 104 - Educational Diversity in America

From both developmental and ecological perspectives, this course explores the diversity of individuals in society and schools, including race, ethnicity, regional background, exceptionality, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and religion. Personal beliefs and attitudes surrounding issues of human diversity and its impact on the family, community, and society are examined. The course provides an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in educating students from diverse backgrounds and with disabilities. Additionally, the course highlights the characteristics of students with special needs and ways to accommodate their needs in the classroom setting. (The course is open to non-majors (field experience may be required by course instructors); required course for all ESEC, ESML and EDC majors.)

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 120 - Foundations of Literacy

Foundations of Literacy is a course designed to help preservice teachers understand and promote literacy development of students in preschool through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on providing rich and meaningful literacy experiences that invite engagement and that help children develop skill, confidence, and enjoyment in the processes of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and visual representation.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 217 - Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

This course focuses on how students learn mathematics with implications for teaching mathematical concepts, skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The course provides a basis for understanding the changing mathematics curriculum, offers opportunities to plan and evaluate instructional techniques and materials, and examines the integration of mathematics with other content areas, such as science, children's literature, and social studies. A field experience (two hours each week) is required in conjunction with this course.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 103 and EDC 104.

EDC 218 - Physical and Cultural Geography

This course provides prospective Education majors with increased knowledge and understanding of the world in geographical terms, relating especially to physical landforms and structures, maps, human impact on and interaction with the environment, population, and political and economic systems. The course will place special emphasis on cultural geography, that is the variation of human systems from location to location. In addition, this course highlights the role of economics and trade in our expanding global market economy, including the study of comparative economic systems and the distribution of natural and man-made resources. (The course is open to non-majors.)

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 219 - Integrated Social Sciences

This course and its related fieldwork addresses social sciences subject matter pedagogy content in accordance with standards required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education. It integrates social sciences into a thematic whole and addresses core concepts in each discipline while simultaneously addressing pedagogical methods of teaching these disciplines to young children using evidence-based instructional practices. A field experience (two hours each week) is required in conjunction with this course.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 103 and EDC 104.

EDC 220 - Reading, Writing, And Thinking in The Content Areas

The purpose of this course is to address the theory and practice of teaching reading across content areas in grades pre-K through 8. Students will examine various theories, instructional materials, teaching procedures and strategies, and themselves as teachers and students. They will also examine literacy as a whole and include strategies on the teaching of writing and the art of classroom discussion. The goal of this course is to help preservice teachers become reflective teachers of literacy in a diverse society. Using inquiry, based on theory, research, and their own investigation in classrooms, students will learn to be reflective teachers of reading, writing, and discussion. Through active participation and practice, students in this course will come to a deeper understanding of literacy instruction. The students will leave the course with many practical, usable classroom ideas to employ in all subject areas. A field experience (two hours each week) is required in conjunction with this course.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 103 and EDC 104.

EDC 224 - Adolescent Development

Using an educational technology framework, this course explores the unique universe of the adolescent. Issues under discussion will include cognitive, moral, language, sexual, physical, and social development. Students use an educational technology framework to examine the adolescent in a variety of contexts, including family, peers, school, work, and leisure. This course is developed for secondary education majors only and is open to students in other majors to study adolescent development. A field experience (two hours each week) is required in conjunction with this course.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 103 and EDC 104

EDC 233 - Autism: A Family Focus

This course is cross-listed with INST 233.

As the diagnosis rate for Autism escalates, it becomes apparent that the disorder presents unique challenges for the autistic individual, for those persons who are close to the autistic individual, and for the larger society. This course will take a multidisciplinary perspective to explore these topics, using Psychology and Education as a conceptual framework. We use a focus on the family as the central theme around which the course is constellated. A unique aspect of this course is the adoption of a family with an Autism Spectrum Disorder member by each student; communication with the family continues throughout the semester and is an integral part of assessment. (This course is open to non-majors)

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 304 - Reading for Secondary Educators

This course provides undergraduate secondary education majors with the opportunity to understand reading as a strategic interactive process that affects the learner's efforts in all academic areas. Students will explore currently held views of the reading process, instructional techniques, and assessment concerns related to secondary education. Class sessions employ a variety of formats, including lecture, demonstration, discussion, and hands-on experiences. Course projects provide practical application of the theoretical, instructional, and diagnostic issues presented. A field experience (two hours each week) is required in conjunction with this course.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 103, EDC 104, EDC 224, and EDC324

EDC 306 - Foundations of American Education: Developing A Critical Understanding of Educational Thought and Practice

This course promotes disciplined analysis of the meaning and effects of educational institutions and provides resources for developing a critical understanding of educational thought and practice. This course also encourages the development of value positions regarding education and schooling in America based on critical study. Students gain resources for the development of policy-making perspectives and skills. Open to nonmajors.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 307 - Differentiated Instruction, Assessment, And Technology Integration

This course focuses on the application of learning and developmental theories as they relate to unit planning, assessment, and classroom management in inclusive educational settings. The entire course is devoted to understanding issues relating to accommodating diversity through developmentally appropriate practice, the 4MAT planning system, Gardner's Multiple Intelligence theory, varied instructional methods, technology, culturally relevant teaching, and multiple means of assessing students. Students are required to integrate technology into their teaching through various projects using PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word, and Movie Maker programs. This course is taken with a one-credit lab (EDC 309) in which teacher candidates implement unit, technology, assessment, and classroom management plans in the classroom setting every Friday under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisor.

Number of Credits: 6

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Corequisites: EDC 309

EDC 308 - Assessment, Accommodations, And Adaptations for Students with Disabilities

This course provides students with a thorough understanding of pedagogy as it relates to students who are placed in inclusion classrooms or special education settings. Students are enrolled in field experiences (EDC 310 lab) that allow them to apply knowledge related to diagnostic assessment, individualized education plans, transition plans, special education law, assistive technology, behavior management, conflict resolution, instructional accommodations, special education populations, and special methods. In addition, a major focus is placed upon critical thinking and reflective practice. The course is designed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Standards for certification in early elementary and special education.

Number of Credits: 6

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Corequisites: EDC 310

EDC 309 - DIATI Lab

Students are involved in applying skills learned in EDC 307 to their work with school students in specific field placement sites in designated Professional Development Schools. Students work in these schools as pre-professionals under the guidance of La Salle faculty and cooperating teachers.

Number of Credits: 1

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Corequisites: EDC 307

EDC 310 - AAASD Lab

Students are involved in applying skills learned in EDC 308 to their work with school students in specific field placement sites in designated Professional Development Schools. Students work in these schools as pre-professionals under the guidance of La Salle faculty and cooperating teachers.

Number of Credits: 1

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Corequisites: EDC 308

EDC 320 - Teaching Literacy in the Inclusive Classroom

This course prepares preservice teachers with foundational knowledge and skills needed to be effective teachers of literacy to PreK-4 students in regular education settings who demonstrate significant problems in reading and writing. It prepares teachers to use diagnostic assessments as a basis for planning preventive and remedial instruction. Emphasis is placed on understanding and analysis of learning problems and the design and implementation of instructional interventions in reading and language arts. A field experience is required of all students, and course content and assignments are linked to this experience.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 324 - Differentiating Instruction for Adolescents Through Educational Technology

This course will extend and refine the core concepts first developed in EDC 103, EDC 104, and EDC 224 and will provide contexts for developing and adjusting content-based instruction with specific emphasis on differentiating content lessons for special-needs and ELL populations. The course is heavily dependent upon a variety of digital and analog product technologies and is problem- and project-based in nature. A field experience (two hours each week) is required in conjunction with this course.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 103, EDC 104, and EDC 224

EDC 325 - Teaching English Language Learners

This course provides a general overview of the ways to support English Language Learners (ELL) in the inclusive classroom. Information on Pennsylvania state standards for ELL students will be addressed and evidence-based strategies/approaches of oral language development will be emphasized. Theory will be connected to practice in field-based experiences.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 326 - Foundations of Early Childhood Education

This course provides an introduction and overview of the field of early childhood education from both a historical and contemporary context. Course content engages teacher candidates in the exploration of their role as professionals in the field of early childhood education. Issues impacting the field of early childhood education in America will be investigated. Major philosophies and theories related to the development of young children and their implications for teaching and learning in an inclusive early childhood setting will be explored. Course content delves further into early childhood curriculum models in the US and understanding learning in early childhood education integrates all domains of development including social, emotional, language, cognitive, physical, and the arts. Understanding how to develop an inclusive classroom environment that embraces diversity and builds family and community relations is emphasized.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 336 - Foundations of Secondary Education and Curriculum

This course examines schooling and its problems in historic, social, economic, legal, organizational, philosophical and global contexts. The intents and effects of middle level and high school educational institutions past and present are evaluated. Schooling-related controversies are dissected and the organizational complexities of secondary school structures are analyzed. Numerous levels of assessment and accountability are researched. Theories and practices of curriculum development and standards are studied and applied to the construction of a values based curriculum. The course provides resources for the development of educational policy-making perspective skills. It stresses the knowledge, skills and dispositions that make teachers effective curriculum and school leaders.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 350 - How People Learn

Based upon claims made by leading educators and psychologists that what we know about learning does not support current teaching practice, this course will engage us in an investigation of the rapidly exploding knowledge base available to those interested in how human beings acquire and represent knowledge. Together, we will derive the implications of this knowledge base about learning for the practice of teaching, and engage in a substantial, authentic project that will help put the information in a real-world context.

Among other things, you will articulate and explore your personal theory of how people learn, distinguish education from schooling, understand how experts differ from novices, identify gaps between pedagogical theory and classroom practice, and learn about what the best teachers and educators do.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: EDC 101, EDC 103, EDC 104

EDC 369 - Teaching Science as Integrated Inquiry

This course will focus on how to develop student understanding of science and nature of scientific inquiry through inquiry-centered approaches that are in harmony with the contemporary research on cognitive science, motivation, and learning and instruction. It will also address science education standards, curriculum, research, and classroom application. The course is taught using active learning strategies / tools such as scientific inquiries / investigations, demonstrations, field trips, teaching trials, discussion, and instructional technologies. Throughout the semester, students will be provided with many opportunities to engage in personal and collaborative inquiry about teaching and learning science.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 401 - The Art And Science Of Teaching

This course emphasizes teaching and learning within an educational technology framework. The focus is on elements of the educational process characterized by teacher involvement in decision-making: schoolbased curriculum development, instructional design, instructional methods, instructional materials and resources, educational technology using idea and product technologies, methods of evaluation, classroom management, and adjusting curriculum and instruction to the needs of special populations. Emphasis is placed upon the act of teaching as both art and science. Field experiences (two hours each week) and research papers are required. For Secondary Education majors only. This course has been designated as the writing emphasis course for Secondary Education majors. Students will be required to purchase approximately $50.00 in additional materials.

Number of Credits: 6

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: senior standing and acceptance into Stage II candidacy, and EDC 103, 104, 224, 324, 304, and 336.

EDC 410 - Physical Education and Health for the Developing Child

This course prepares pre-service teachers to plan for, teach, and assess physical education, adaptive physical education, and health for preschool through fourth grade in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Framework for Pre-K Through Grade 4 Program Guidelines. The course is presented in modules. Students will be able to apply state and national guidelines for physical education and health to the development of an integrated mini-unit on health content appropriate to the population that they will teach in their practicum in special education. They will also be able to apply the appropriate state guidelines to the development of annotated games and activities appropriate for the population that they will teach. The course is taken during the senior semester of the practicum in special education for ESEC majors.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 412 - Schools, Families and Communities

Strong collaborations between education professionals, families, and their communities are necessary for effective schooling. This course helps beginning teachers understand the diverse nature of the family in America and how to develop the types of relationships that are critical for the education of children. Emphasis will be on the family perspective. The course will highlight communication strategies and the promotion of family participation. Emphasis will be placed on the effective and dynamic relationship between schools, families, and communities in helping all children succeed in the school environment. The course is taken during the senior semester of the practicum in special education for ESEC majors.

Number of Credits: 3

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 415 - Creativity and the Arts for the Developing Child

This course prepares pre-service teachers to plan for, teach, and assess the visual arts, music, theater, dance, and play to preschool through grade 4 in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Framework for Pre-K Through Grade 4 Program Guidelines. The course is presented in modules connected by the common theme of creativity. Connections to prominent education theorists on creativity and the arts will be made. Students will develop pedagogy through creating an interdisciplinary unit encompassing each of the areas of art and based on a core concept in a content area. There are no prerequisite courses. The course is taken during the senior semester of student teaching for ESEC majors.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 431 - Middle Level Foundations

This course focuses exclusively on middle level philosophy, transition, learning, and management so that teacher candidates seeking certification in grades 4-8 will have a deeper understanding of pre- and emerging adolescent issues requiring specific educational approaches. The course also focuses on the adolescent in the context of the family, peer group, community, and society. A twelve-week student teaching experience follows this course to allow teacher candidates an opportunity to apply middle level principles to their teaching experiences.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face, Hybrid

Corequisites: Course is completed during the student teaching semester

EDC 460 - Education Internship Seminar

This three-credit course is a research seminar that accompanies the education internship experience . The focus of this seminar is on applying knowledge and skills that students have gained in their previous coursework to the work expected of them in a multitude of learning organizations. Students will contact an action-research study and design an implementation plan based on action research for internship experience. This seminar does NOT meet certification requirements.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 461 - Education Internship

This six-credit internship course is an experiential program element within the Education Studies program that completes student preparation for professional life in the non-traditional educational setting. The experience operationalizes the research-based plan in EDC 460. The internship experience addresses identified, site-specific needs under the tutelage of a site expert and the coaching of the seminar instructor. This authentic application of knowledge and skills gained in previous coursework is realized in the context of job performance expected of them in the assigned learning organization(s). Students will be challenged to analyze, reflect upon and adjust educational plans and activities assigned by the internship host for purposes of achieving set goals. This internship does NOT meet certification requirements.

Number of Credits: 6

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

EDC 470 - Special Methods of Teaching (The Professional Semester)

This course provides the secondary education major with full-time student-teaching experience in a grade 7-12 classroom. Under the direction of a certified cooperating teacher and a University supervisor, the student teaches for 12 weeks on a five-day-a-week, full-day schedule. The student-teaching experience is supplemented by tutorials/seminars on selected professional issues and practice. The seminars are held for two weeks at the start of the semester on a five-day-a-week, full-day schedule, and evenings during the semester. To be eligible for student teaching, the student is required to make formal application for Stage II candidacy in the Secondary Education (EDC) program.

Number of Credits: 9

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: Senior standing, acceptance into Stage II candidacy, and all other coursework for both majors (Education and Content area)

Corequisites: EDC 472

EDC 472 - Seminar

This seminar course is designed to assist secondary education student teachers in navigating the Professional Semester successfully, prepare for the job search, and complete the Professional Portfolio. The seminar supports students in translating theory into practice by exploring methods and approaches appropriate for their chosen area of certification. A Professional Portfolio is required of all certification candidates.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: Senior standing, acceptance into Stage II candidacy, and all other coursework for both majors (Education and Content area)

Corequisites: This Student Teaching Seminar is a co-requisite with student teaching

EDC 473 - The Professional Semester: Student Teaching

For one semester of the professional year, pre-service teachers are engaged in student teaching in classrooms under the guidance of experienced teachers and a University supervisor. This experience takes place in a school in Philadelphia or the surrounding suburbs. For ESEC and ESML majors only.

Number of Credits: 12

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: senior standing, acceptance into Stage II candidacy

Corequisites: EDC 475

EDC 475 - The Professional Semester: Teaching and Research Methods

The focus of this seminar is on applying knowledge and skills that students have gained in their previous coursework to the everyday work of teaching in elementary or middle-level classrooms, specifically interpersonal communication and professionalism, design of developmentally appropriate instructional units, adaptation of units to accommodate learner differences, assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes, and classroom management. An action research project that responds to a teaching dilemma, concern, question, or interest is also required. Topics are addressed in the context of the broader skills of problem solving and educational decision making that must be informed by educational research. Specific issues that arise from the student-teaching experience (taken concurrently) are addressed. Emphasis is placed on helping the student make the transition from theory to practice. This seminar is open only to seniors who have been accepted into Stage II candidacy, completion of all required courses in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Department of Education Student Handbook.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Corequisites: EDC 473 or EDC 474

EDC 477 - Seminar in Special Education

This course provides a forum for discussion and deep reflection on issues that arise during the special education practicum, which is a prerequisite to this course. Special emphasis is placed on behavior management practices in self-contained and/or inclusion settings as well as topical issues in special education. Students will revisit Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), Response to Intervention (RTI), transition planning, and teaching and management practices that are rooted in the behavioral, social-cognitive, and humanistic theories. In addition, students will research, design, and implement a behavior management plan and monitor its effectiveness through data collection and analysis procedures. For ESEC and ESML majors only with senior status that have been accepted into Stage II candidacy.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring

Corequisites: EDC 478

EDC 478 - Special Education Practicum

La Salle students will be placed in special education settings for twelve weeks during the semester and work with students with special needs under the guidance of a cooperating teacher and supervisor. One day a week will be spent on campus attending courses and EDC 477: Seminar in Special Education.

Number of Credits: 10

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Corequisites: EDC 477

IMS 162 - Explorations in Science and Mathematics I

This integrated science and mathematics course is designed for the early elementary and middle level pre-service teachers. It focuses on an interconnected set of scientific knowledge, skills, and pedagogy that are needed by teachers to ensure successful student learning. The main purpose of the course is to expose the teacher candidates—at a university level—to fundamental scientific/mathematical ideas and processes of science, and develop their skills in critical thinking and communication. In addition, the course aims to improve the teacher candidates' attitudes toward science and mathematics and their confidence in teaching integrated science and mathematics in the school.

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Face-to-Face

ILO Met: ILO 3.1.a - Scientific Reasoning

IMS 262 - Explorations in Science and Mathematics II

This integrated science/math course, with a focus on advanced subject matter content and pedagogy, is the second part of the 8-credit IMS course sequence designed for the Pre K-4 and middle level (4-8) education majors. Special attention is given to how children learn science and math, and how science/math should be taught in line with the academic standards documents and research findings. The course also aims to expose the teacher candidates—at a university level—to fundamental scientific/mathematical ideas and processes of science, and develop their skills in critical thinking and communication.

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Face-to-Face

Prerequisites: IMS 162