Elementary Education (B.A.)

Consistent with its mission and guiding principles, Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to academic excellence and continuous quality improvement, as supported by a sound teaching-learning process. Within this process, students and instructors share responsibility for learning that is a movement from the simple to the complex, the concrete to the abstract, and the dependent to the independent. The Academic Learning Compact (ALC) initiative supports the teaching-learning process by clearly identifying expected core student learning outcomes in the areas of content/discipline knowledge and skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills; aligning curricula with expectations; and using assessment to guide continuous improvement.

 

Candidates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate application of theories and research in human development, pedagogy, diversity, and elementary curriculum content.
2. Demonstrate the ability to create an inclusive classroom environment and advocate for equity and inclusion for all learners in the classroom community.
3. Develop knowledge and skills to implement best practice to support the needs of all learners in a diverse society, and to enable all learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge meaningfully.

Content/discipline knowledge and skills are assessed at the program level through pre- and post-tests, papers, self-evaluations and/or targeted professional reflections, courses critical tasks, and internship experiences in the following: SCE 4310 Science Methods-- Subject Matter Knowledge, RED 4350 Literacy Content and Processes--Thematic Reading Strategy Application Project, EDG 3323 Professional Teaching Practice -- Lesson Plan,  TSL 4520 Second Language Acquisition, Communication, and Culture---Field experience Log, TSL 4340 Methods, Curriculum, and Instructional Effectiveness in ESOL-- Assessment, Lesson Plan, ESL Teaching Strategy, & Reflection, EDE 4942 Integrated Field Experience Level I Clinical Experience-- Teaching Video, EDG 4937 Senior Seminar/ Data Driven Assessment/Instructional Improvement Plan. RED 4942 Practicum for Assessment in Reading - Reading Case Study that validates candidates’ ability to assess, analyze assessment results, use data to plan and execute reading intervention plans for K-6 students to support growth in reading and writing.  

Candidates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills in effective communication and professional collaboration.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use technology to enhance effective teaching.

Communication skills are assessed at the program level through pre- and post-tests, papers, self-evaluations and/or targeted professional reflections, courses critical tasks, and internship experiences in the following: TSL 3080 Foundations of ESOL Analysis of Student and Family Learning Environment, RED 4310 Early Literacy-- Early Literacy Field Experience Log, SSE 4343 Social Sciences & Humanities-- Instructional Strategies in Social Studies, EDF 4470 Classroom Assessment -- Traditional Testing and Alternative Assessments, EDG 4937  Senior Seminar---Teacher Work Sample.

Candidates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate high standards and goal-setting abilities to enable people to achieve high standards.
2. Use learner data to make data-driven decisions to improve instruction to help all learners reach high standards.
3. Demonstrate critical reflection on practice and experience, leading to development of professional goals for continuous improvement in effective instruction and lifelong learning.

Critical thinking skills are assessed at the program level through pre- and post-tests, papers, self-evaluations and/or targeted professional reflections, courses critical tasks, and internship experiences in the following: MAE 4310 Math Content & Processes-- Mathematics Lesson Plan, EDF 4470 Classroom Assessment -- Traditional Testing and Alternative Assessments, EEC 4307 Cognitive Exp for Yng Children—Assessment paper OR EEC 3268 Play Development & Assessment-- Individual Child Case Study, EDE 4942 Integrated Field Experience – Level I Clinical Experience--- Professional Development Plan for Classroom Management, EDG 4937 Senior Seminar --- Teacher Work Sample.