Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tel
The Elementary Education program is designed to equip future educators with the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to effectively teach children in grades K-6. This program is structured to address the needs of today's students, aligning with core competencies expected of professional educators in elementary education.
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is organized into three stages:
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Stage 1: Teacher candidates begin by fulfilling general education requirements while being introduced to foundational concepts, theories, and practices in education.
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Stage 2: Candidates continue with general education courses and take specialized courses focused on preparing them for the education profession. Admission to this stage requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70, with no grade below a "C" in all coursework, including transfer credits.
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Stage 3: In this final stage, candidates are placed in an appropriate internship environment. Admission to this stage requires a minimum GPA of 2.70 with no grade below "C" in all coursework, along with a satisfactory score on the licensure exam as determined by the Arkansas Department of Education. Teacher candidates must apply for internship placement by October 15 for the spring semester or March 15 for the fall semester.
For additional requirements, refer to the College of Education and Health page.
Students who complete the program will learn:
- Instructional Planning and Implementation: Graduates will be able to plan, organize, and teach developmentally appropriate, integrated curricula that address the diverse needs of students. They will demonstrate a thorough understanding of curriculum design, effective teaching strategies, and the ability to adapt instruction to individual student abilities, needs, and cultural perspectives.
- Assessment and Data Utilization: Graduates will be proficient in designing, implementing, and utilizing various assessment methods to evaluate and promote student learning. They will be able to maintain accurate achievement records, communicate assessment results with families, and use assessment data to inform instructional planning and improve student outcomes.
- Classroom and Behavior Management: Graduates will establish and maintain a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning. They will promote high expectations for achievement and behavior, manage classroom procedures and student behavior effectively, and organize the physical space to maximize learning opportunities.
- Reflective Practice and Professional Growth: Graduates will engage in reflective thinking to evaluate and improve their teaching practices. They will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and understand the importance of educational research in informing practice.
- Communication and Collaboration: Graduates will communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues. They will foster an inclusive classroom environment that encourages student involvement, responsibility, and critical thinking. Additionally, they will understand and apply strategies for effective parent and family involvement.
- Use of Technology: Graduates will integrate technology into their teaching practices to enhance student learning and the assessment process. They will be able to utilize various technological tools and resources to create meaningful learning opportunities and improve instructional delivery.
- Cultural Competence and Civic Engagement: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity and the ability to address issues related to cultural perspectives in their teaching. They will participate in civic discourse and decision-making, preparing students to be active and informed citizens.
- Professional Dispositions: Graduates will exhibit professional dispositions through their communication, collaboration, and interactions with students, families, and colleagues. They will demonstrate an understanding of the legal responsibilities of public education and maintain professional rapport with all stakeholders.
These combined learning outcomes, which align to state and national standards, encapsulate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that graduates of the Elementary Education degree program are expected to develop, preparing them to be effective and reflective educators in diverse and evolving educational environments.
For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php
