Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University
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Saint Leo's bachelor degree in elementary education develops quality, professional educators who possess the values, knowledge, cultural sensitivity and technological literacy to effectively teach youth and serve as educational leaders in their schools and communities.

The degree is designed for students who plan to teach in elementary school (kindergarten through sixth grade) and to qualify for Florida teacher certification.

In-classroom work focuses on theory-to-practice techniques. And with the mentorship of professors with "real world" teaching experience, students build their skills in the field through a series of sequential, well-supervised internships.

Because the bachelor degree in elementary education is a state approved teacher education program, Saint Leo graduates are assured Florida certification for grades K-6, including ESOL and Reading Endorsements. In addition, Saint Leo graduates benefit from interstate agreements that the Florida Department of Education negotiates with many other states to make certification easily available. Students can check the Florida DOE web page for details (fldoe.org).

Florida State teacher education program approval requires that students in the Elementary Education program upload certain assignments in each education course to the Individual Accomplished Practice Assessment System (IAPAS) housed in the Foliotek online portfolio.

Admission
Students formally apply to the Department as beginning juniors. Admission requirements include passing the general knowledge portion of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam and earning a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on the first 60 hours of coursework. Students commit to maintaining the overall 2.5 GPA throughout the program and a minimum grade of 2.0 in every education course.

Coursework
The education coursework is planned to ensure coherence and breadth of knowledge and experience. Students should take EDU 222, 226, and 228, or the equivalents, as sophomores. In subsequent semesters, most education courses are blocked with 11 credits that must be taken concurrently. Each of the first three semesters includes a 6-hour per week practicum in an elementary classroom (a background check and fingerprinting will be required). These placements provide opportunities for the teacher candidates to apply what they are studying to real-life classroom situations. Paraprofessional programs are also available. Summer options, as well as online courses, are available to meet individual schedules and needs. Students will confer with an academic advisor each semester to keep on track while also allowing flexibility as needed.

Student Teaching Internship
Students must complete a formal application to intern in the semester prior to final internship. This is a full-time, semester-long, student-teaching experience in an elementary classroom. To qualify for final internship, students must:
  1. completed all EDU courses; however, EDU 428 may be completed concurrently with final internship
  2. have a 2.5 overall GPA and a minimum of 2.0 in all education courses
  3. complete a background check prior to placement
  4. complete a formal application by February 15 or October 15 prior to the internship semester
  5. have passed all portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam


Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the Department of Education with a degree in Elementary Education, students must:
  1. Satisfy all requirements for final internship.
  2. Receive a passing grade for EDU 480 Internship and EDU 481 Internship Seminar.
  3. Meet all of the Florida Accomplished Practices at the pre-professional level in the final internship and in required education courses as documented in the electronic assessment system.
  4. Satisfactorily complete all requirements for a bachelor’s degree as set forth elsewhere in the catalog.


Notation of completion of a state-approved program in elementary education K-6 with ESOL and Reading Endorsements will appear on a student’s transcript when all requirements, including passing the FTCE, are met.

The elementary education program follows the rules and regulations mandated by the state of Florida; consequently, program requirements may change as state requirements change.
Program ComponentsCredit Hours
LINK (General Education and Physical Education)50
Computer Applications3
EDU 228 is taken in lieu of COM 140
EDU 228Educational Technology(3)
This three-credit course introduces the student to the appropriate applications of technology within the educational setting. It is an exploration of the use of digital technologies within the classroom setting, including computer-assisted instruction, teacher productivity tools, evaluation of educational software, digital cameras, and the Internet. For this purpose, students will use commercial software packages (Office XP, Internet Explorer) in the microcomputer lab to gain an understanding of software functions and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers and access to global networks for research, teaching, and learning. The course will include written and oral reflections on class readings, lectures, student presentations, and discussions.
Electives3-5
Education Prerequisites6
EDU 222Teaching Diverse Populations(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 226 or concurrently;
Focusing on the study of culture as it relates to one's identity, the student analyzes how one's culture impacts learning. Students examine the ESOL Consent Decree, discuss stereotyping, and learn ways to facilitate communication between cultures. In addition, societal issues that affect schools are investigated. Emphasis is placed on preventive measures and solutions to these issues.
EDU 226Human Growth and Development(3)
This survey course emphasizes (1) the interdisciplinary contributions to the study of development from psychology, sociology, education, and other fields; (2) the multi-dimensional nature of development: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social; (3) multiple interacting influences on development: biological, psychological, social, community, societal, and cultural. Special emphasis is placed on infancy through adolescence, particularly as applicable to the helping professions.
Semester I (Junior Year)14
EDU 320/321Practicum I and Seminar: Reflection(2)
Prerequisites: EDU 226; Corequisites: EDU 330, EDU 332, EDU 334
This course introduces students to the world of teaching. Students engage in seminar discussions based on their observations and experiences in their practicum as well as in the reflective-action process as a basis for professional growth and development. Students will be introduced to the lesson-planning process, the professional portfolio, and the use of technology in education. The one-credit seminar (EDU 321) will focus on synthesizing the knowledge base gained during coursework with the experiences of the one-credit practicum (EDU 320). EDU 320 is a pass/fail course.
EDU 330Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 226; Corequisites: EDU 320/321, EDU 332, EDU 334
This course explores methods and problems in the teaching of mathematics in elementary school. Topics include the development of number concepts, problem solving, the use of manipulatives in the development of concepts, algorithms, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers as applied to the real number system, measurement, geometry, data analysis, and algebraic thinking. Accommodations and applications for teaching math content to English language learners are also included. Field experience is required.
EDU 332Language Arts in the Elementary Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 226; Corequisites: EDU 320/321, EDU 330, EDU 334
Students examine the processes of language arts development and apply this knowledge to create, practice, and evaluate K-6 classroom strategies for teaching the six language arts: listening, talking, reading, writing, viewing, and visually representing. Students will also explore the world of children's literature and how to use it in rich and meaningful ways that increase reading levels and enjoyment. Students select and evaluate culturally diverse folklore, fantasy, contemporary and historical fiction, science fiction, biography, poetry, and books of information and fact. In addition, students will learn how to develop strategies for native English speakers and for English language learners. Field experience is required.
EDU 334Reading Foundations in the Elementary Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 226; Corequisites: EDU 320/321, EDU 330, EDU 332
Investigation of basic theories underlying traditional and recent approaches to the teaching of reading. Includes the study and evolution of the five essential components of the reading process: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension. ESOL strategies are integrated into all methods. Field experience is required.
EDU 317Art in the Elementary Classroom(1)
This course is designed to provide elementary education majors with the theoretical base and experiential activities that will enable them to use visual arts to enhance concept learning across the curriculum. Special emphasis is placed on the integration of children's expression of creativity through the visual arts.
EDU 318Music in the Elementary Classroom(1)
This course is designed to provide elementary education majors with the knowledge and skills to integrate music into their classrooms. The focus is on integrating melody and rhythm into the teaching of the core disciplines, understanding the relationship of music to the other arts in the elementary curriculum, and appreciating the contributions of music to the cultural diversity of American life.
EDU 319Health and Physical Education in the Elementary Classroom(1)
This course serves to engage the elementary education major in the role that he or she will play as a classroom teacher in promoting health, fitness, and physical activities in regular elementary curriculum. The focus is on developing healthy and fit students at an early age and on integrating psycho-motor activities into the curriculum.
Semester II (Junior Year)17
EDU 360/361Practicum II and Seminar: Planning(2)
Prerequisites: EDU 320/321, EDU 330, EDU 332, EDU 334, passing all sections of the FTCE General Knowledge exam or the CLAST; Corequisites: EDU 338, EDU 343, EDU 341
This course focuses on planning lessons effectively, using Florida's Curriculum Framework and Bloom's Taxonomy, with emphasis on guided discovery and direct instruction. Extensive professor feedback characterizes this course. The one-credit seminar (EDU 361) connects the knowledge base gained during coursework with the experiences of the one-credit practicum (EDU 360). EDU 360 is a pass/fail course.
EDU 338Science in the Elementary Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 320/321, EDU 330, EDU 332, EDU 334; Corequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 343, EDU 341
In this course, elementary education majors will expand their knowledge base of the fundamental concepts of earth, space, life, health, and physical science specifically targeted by the Sunshine State Standards for grades K-6. The course will focus on planning for effective investigations in a stimulus-rich, safe environment that meets the needs of all students, with special considerations for meeting the needs of English language learners. Field experience is required.
EDU 341ESOL Foundation(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 320/321, EDU 330, EDU 332, EDU 334, EDU 328 for middle-grades majors; Corequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 338, EDU 343
This course introduces the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for instruction in a diverse school environment. It is designed to prepare pre-professional teachers to promote effective linguistic and cultural classroom-based practices for English language learners. Applied linguistics is a main focus of this course as a foundation for the ESOL Performance Standards and Competencies. Culture of the English language learner is the secondary focal point. ESOL methods, curriculum, and assessment procedures for effective classroom teaching are also presented through the course readings and activities. Field experience is required.
EDU 343Reading Across the Curriculum(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 226, EDU 320/321, EDU 330, EDU 332, EDU 334; Corequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 338, EDU 341
This course introduces elementary education majors to the theoretical and practical issues involved in teaching the reading skills necessary for success in various content areas, such as science, social studies, and mathematics. Topics will include literacy in the elementary classroom, assessment,technology and literacy, strategies for vocabulary and meaning instruction, study skills, and writing in the content areas.
EDU 304Human Exceptionalities in the Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 226, (or concurrently), junior standing;
This course offers secondary and elementary education students a multidisciplinary view of exceptionality and the benefits of inclusion for both typical students and students with special needs. This course provides a basic understanding in the foundations of special education, including the historical education and legal reforms that have impacted the field of special education. The characteristics and strategies for accommodations/modifications for students with exceptionalities and English language learners are highlighted using a case study approach.
EDU 425Educational Management and Organization(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 343, EDU 338, EDU 341, ; or EDU 450;
This course offers a broad and critical analysis of classroom management issues, including the major theories regarding understanding and managing student behavior, discussion of effective classroom rules and procedures, school safety, parental involvement, legal issues related to the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and the strategies for creating a positive, safe environment to meet the needs of all students, including English language learners. A field experience is required.
Semester III (Senior Year)17
EDU 460/461Practicum III and Seminar: Integration(2)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 338, EDU 343, EDU 341; Corequisites: EDU 335, EDU 339, EDU 342
Elementary education majors enroll in EDU 460/461 as part of their third block of study. The course emphasizes cooperative learning, application of teaching methods to meet individual student needs (especially English language learners), and exploration of thematic planning. Extensive professor feedback characterizes this course. One credit of this experience is applied to the fieldwork component (EDU 460), and one credit is applied to the seminar (EDU 461). EDU 460 is a pass/fail course.
EDU 335Reading Diagnosis and Remediation in the Elementary Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 338, EDU 341, EDU 343; Corequisites: EDU 460/461, EDU 339, EDU 342
This course provides the elementary education major the opportunity to administer and interpret informal reading inventories, criterion tests, and other diagnostic measures used for assessing the major elements of reading growth: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Special strategies and use of resources for English language learners are infused throughout. Field experience is required.
EDU 339Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 338, EDU 343, EDU 341; Corequisites: EDU 460/461, EDU 335, EDU 342
This course focuses on the knowledge defined by the Sunshine State Standards in history, geography, government, and economics, and pro-social and multicultural education. Students also apply knowledge of ESOL Standards and Accomplished Practices as they write and teach lessons and create a multicultural/social studies integrated unit. Field experience is required.
EDU 342ESOL Applications(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 338, EDU 341, EDU 343, EDU 450 for middle-grades majors; Corequisites: EDU 460/461, EDU 335, EDU 339
This course provides a framework for synthesizing the five ESOL content areas, the 25 ESOL Performance Standards, and the 11 ESOL Competencies in order to prepare pre-professional teachers with effective linguistic and cultural classroom-based practices. The focus of this course is on ESOL methods for comprehensible instruction, ESOL materials and curriculum, and ESOL assessment procedures for English language learners (ELLs). The final exam serves as a comprehensive over-view of the ESOL components infused in the education program. An ESOL field experience is required.
EDU 427Educational Assessment (3)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, EDU 450/455 or concurrently, senior standing or permission of department chair ;
This senior-level course builds on assessment introduced in earlier methods and practica. Topics include basic concepts in statistical analysis for teachers, traditional norm and criterion-referenced assessment measures and test construction, performance assessment tasks and rubrics, reliability, validity, bias, and the current political issues in testing. Testing issues, test analysis, and strategies for English language learners are infused in the topics and expectations.
EDU 428Education Governance, History, and Philosophy(3)
Prerequisites: EDU 360/361, senior standing or permission of department chair;
This is the capstone academic course for the teacher education program. The course provides the student with the knowledge of the organization of the education system and its impact on curriculum, its historical antecedents and influence on democratic values, and the major philosophies and their impact on educational decisions, including character education. Finance issues, current issues/trends in structures and policies, and legal rights and responsibilities of students and teachers, including ethical responsibilities, are also included.
Semester IV (Senior Year)10
EDU 480Internship(9-11)
Prerequisites: Completion of all education requirements except EDU 428, which may be taken concurrently with EDU 480/481;, a cumulative 2.50 grade point average;, a 2.0 or better in all education courses;, and passing all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam; Corequisites: EDU 481
A full-time practice teaching experience in the classroom taken in the senior year under the supervision of a qualified teacher and a University supervisor. Students apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their professional preparation. Requires time block coinciding with daily schedules of teachers, usually from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open only to students who have applied and been approved for student teaching through the Department of Education. This is a pass/fail course.
EDU 481Seminar: Final Internship—Synthesis(1)
Prerequisites: All EDU coursework except EDU 428, which may be taken concurrently with EDU 480/481; Corequisites: EDU 480
This course is a problem-solving seminar connected to the full-time, final internship experience. This one-credit seminar will focus on synthesizing the knowledge base gained during coursework with the experiences of the final internship. Students will complete their electronic portfolios and learn how to prepare for employment as teachers.
Total Credits123