Students who graduate with an Education degree from The College of St. Scholastica will have a competitive edge in today's job market. The College has a reputation for developing high quality teachers. A shortage of qualified teachers exists in many parts of the U. S. and this region is expected to see shortages in this decade as large numbers of current teachers retire.
The Education Department, which prepares students to teach at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels in public and private schools, supports the general mission of the College by stressing intellectual and moral preparation for responsible living and meaningful work. Students who complete one of our programs have a firm foundation in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to promote student learning. An important component of the preparation is the opportunity for extended field experiences in local classrooms prior to the required student teaching experience. Department faculty strive to continually enhance the education programs by being focused on student learning; well-grounded in research and best practices including assessment; collaborative with the K-12 educational community; and committed to integrating diverse perspectives.
The Minnesota Board of Teaching has approved The College of St. Scholastica to offer teacher licensure programs. Initial licensure programs are available in elementary/middle (Gr. K8) and middle/secondary (Gr. 5-12) education, as well as in (K-12) school social work, library media specialist, and instrumental and vocal music. Elementary/Middle majors have the opportunity to complete middle school specialties in communication arts and literature (English), mathematics, science, and social studies (history). Middle/secondary licensure programs are available in communication arts/literature (English); life science (biology); mathematics; chemistry; social studies (history) and general science (Gr. 5-8). The Education Department also offers an interdisciplinary major (not currently a teaching license) in Ojibwe Language and Culture Education.
Chair: Betty Preus, Ed.D.
Program outcomes reflect the six components of the department's conceptual framework: critical reflective practice, content knowledge, best practices, diverse perspectives, appropriate dispositions, and collaborative partnerships. Students who complete the Education Program at The College of St. Scholastica will:
The major requires successful completion of the following courses: Freshman year: EDU 1500, 1505; Sophomore year: EDU 2101, 2103, 2200, 2300, 2500, 2505; Junior year: EDU 3250, 3260, 3270, 3400, 3451, 3452, 3500, 3505; Senior year: EDU 4500, 4510; Freshman or Sophomore year: MTH 1113 and 1114 or MTH 1116; PSC 1201, BIO 1104, and ESC 1202. (All EDU courses numbered 2500, or higher, require acceptance to the appropriate EDU program.)
Elementary/middle education majors are also expected to complete an academic specialty in science, communication arts/literature, mathematics, or social studies. Students are encouraged to complete more than one academic specialty. The academic specialty requirements are as follows:
Science: CHM 1010 and PSC 4150 in addition to the three science courses (ESC 1202, PSC 1201, BIO 1104) required for all elementary/middle majors. An additional biology course (e.g. Environmental Issues) is strongly recommended but not required.Math: MTH 3302, 3401, and 2211 in addition to the math courses (MTH 1113 and 1114 or MTH 1116) required of all elementary/middle majors.
Communications Arts/Literature: ENG 2250, 2251, 2252, CTA 1114, and one additional upper division English literature course.
Social Studies: HIS 1102, HIS 1111, POL 3331, HUM 1174, and ECN 2280 or HIS 3327.
All students planning to major in Elementary/Middle Education should have an advisor from the Education Department.
Program Director: John Bauman.
Middle/secondary licensure requires completion of a teacher preparation major offered by one of the following departments: English, History (social studies), Mathematics, Biology or Chemistry. Music education follows the Middle/Secondary Education Program sequence resulting in a K-12 license. In addition to their major, students are required to take the following Education courses: Freshman year: EDU 1500, 1505; Sophomore year:
EDU 2102, 2200, 2300, 2800, and 2805; Junior year: EDU 3250 and 3800; Senior year: EDU 4700, 4710. A content-area methods course and its accompanying field experience are required following EDU 2800/2805 and preceding EDU 4700/4710 (Student Teaching). Please find the following courses within the major-area listing of the catalog: SSC 3900, 3905; ENG 4440/4445; MTH 3533/3535; NSC 3333/3335; MUS 3251/3252 and 3253/3254. All EDU courses numbered 2500 or higher require acceptance to the appropriate EDU program.
All students planning to major in a content area and complete the Middle/Secondary Education Program should have an advisor in their major.
Program Director: John Bauman
The Educational Media and Technology major prepares the student to assume the role of a K-12 school library media specialist. It provides a wide variety of experiences in theory and practice, educating the student to integrate information literacy and technology into the media program and the school curriculum. Education requirements: EDU 1500, 1505, 2102, 2200, 2300, 2800, 2805, 3250, 3800, and 4710. Educational Media requirements: EDM 3220, 3222, 3224, 3226, 4228, 4230, 4232, 4235 and 4555.
If the student wants to obtain an additional license in elementary/middle or middle/secondary education, see the program director for requirements. All EDU courses numbered 2500 or higher require acceptance to the appropriate EDU program.
Program Director: Marie Kelsey, Ph.D.
This baccalaureate program can be taken in conjunction with the Elementary/Middle, Middle/ Secondary Education Program, the Social Work Program, or as a stand-alone major for those who wish to pursue graduate studies. This academic major prepares students to be proficient in the Ojibwe language; to establish a solid foundation in Ojibwe culture, traditions and history; and to understand effective teaching strategies and curriculum materials for working with American Indian children.
Program Requirements: Ojibwe language courses (16 cr.) OJB 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 2101, 2102, 3101, 4101, proficiency exam; Ojibwe language and culture core courses (12 cr.) EDU 3300 and 4300; ENG 4430; Indian Studies courses (INS) (8 cr.) Any INS course except INS 1101.
Program Director: Valerie Tanner
Graduates of the St. Scholastica Social Work Program are able to secure School Social Worker licensure by completing a field practicum experience consisting of at least 400 contact hours during one school year under the supervision of a licensed school social worker. An introduction to special education (EDU 3250) is recommended but not required. Graduates must also hold a current social work license (L.S.W.) awarded by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Students who have completed their BSW coursework at another accredited institution, must complete or have completed a 400-hour field practicum experience in a school setting under the supervision of a licensed school social worker and hold a current social work license (L.S.W.). See Social Work for further information.
School districts have the authority to hire anyone whom they judge to have: 1) the knowledge and experience necessary to coach a sport; 2) six semester credits or the equivalent, or 60 clock hours of instruction in first aid and the care and prevention of athletic injuries; and 3) a coaching methods or theory course. Students can prepare themselves to coach by fulfilling these requirements. See Exercise Physiology and Physical Education for a listing of courses offered at St. Scholastica.
For information on the Graduate Program in Education, refer to the graduate studies section of this catalog.
The Education Department utilizes a progressive admissions policy. A student must apply for initial admission. If accepted, the student must exhibit satisfactory performance in both classroom and field experiences. During the junior year, the student must apply for admission to student teaching. The criteria for admission to the elementary/middle education major or middle/secondary education licensure program include:
Before applying for licensure, students are required to: (a) complete and present a portfolio documenting achievement of the licensure standards, program outcomes, and dispositions for teachers; and (b) pass Praxis tests (Praxis II - a pedagogy test and content area test(s) in addition to the Praxis I (PPST) tests. Upon completion of all requirements, students may apply to the Minnesota Department of Education for the appropriate teaching license(s). Application information is available in the Education Department office.
Students may be required to provide proof of liability insurance prior to participation in tutoring, field experiences or student teaching. Such coverage can be obtained through membership in the Education Minnesota Student Program. There is a small membership fee. Forms are available in the Education Department.
Some school districts may require students to be fingerprinted for national criminal background checks prior to field experience or student teaching placements. The background check requires the student to obtain a fingerprint card and take it to a law enforcement agency to have the fingerprinting completed. There is a fee for this service. Should this be a requirement of the field experience placement, details will be discussed in the appropriate methods courses.
All teacher education programs are required to publish test results and other information about their programs. See the online catalog for the most up to date information available on results by St. Scholastica students. The information can be found at http://academics.css.edu/edu/facts.shtml
EDU 1500 Introduction to Teaching 3 cr.
Introduction to schooling, teaching and the foundations of education. The major purpose is to help students clarify their thoughts and feelings about becoming a teacher. Topics include teachers, students, schools, teaching, curriculum, instruction, school governance, school finance, history of U.S. education, philosophy of education. Must be taken concurrently with EDU 1505.
EDU 1505 Introductory Field Experience 1 cr.
Includes classroom visits and tutoring in a local school. This field experience portion of the introductory course is taken concurrently with EDU 1500.
EDU 2101 Elementary Drug and
Health Education 1 cr.
Stresses understanding, knowledge, attitudes and habits necessary for healthful living for children through adolescence. The course deals with mood altering chemicals and their effects on the individual, the family and the community as well as prevalent health needs and health problems of children through adolescence. School as well as community resources dealing with prevention, intervention, treatment and follow-up are explored.
EDU 2102 Secondary Drug and Health
Education Issues 2cr.
Examines adolescent health issues and health problems within the context of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Suicide, eating disorders, violence in school, family and relationships, sexual abuse, and STDs are explored by defining the issues and problems, identifying causal factors, looking at the effects on learning and discussing prevention as well as intervention and follow-up.
EDU 2103 Physical Education Methods 1 cr.
Presents a practical knowledge of methods, issues, and trends in physical education in the elementary setting.
EDU 2200 Educational Psychology/
Needs of Learners 4 cr.
Examines children's cognitive, social and emotional growth and development as a function of their social and cultural context: the school. The context of the school frames the discussion of specific topics including diversity, motivation, learning styles, moral development, personality development, general theories of intelligence in the context of the school, theories of cognitive development and their effects on the educational process and prominent learning theories. This course has a 2-hour/week service learning requirement in which students work within a K-12 school.
EDU 2300 - Human Relations 2 cr.
Provides students with an understanding of the importance of using multicultural approaches and diversity-sensitive behaviors in the classroom. Students explore their own monocultural/multicultural socialization and examine their own assumptions and beliefs as they study the complex dynamics of the teaching/learning relationship. Topics include: the social construction of difference - race, class, gender, and sexual orientation; power, privilege, and the dehumanization process; the relationship between education and social justice.
EDU 2500 Language Arts/Literature/
Educational Technology Methods 6 cr.
Focuses on the integration of children's literature, language arts and media/technology. Students engage in a comprehensive study of children's literature with an appraisal of print and nonprint materials for elementary/middle students. Students identify major components of language arts, select and produce materials, develop lessons and integrate trade books into the language arts program. Students gain an understanding of the role of media and technology in elementary classroom instruction by developing lessons that appropriately integrate technology. Students plan for and utilize assessment to inform their practice. The course must be taken concurrently with EDU 2505. Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program, EDU 1500, 2200 or permission of Education Department chair.
EDU 2505 Language Arts/Literature/
Classroom Management
Field Experience 2 cr.
Applies skills and knowledge examined in EDU 2500 in an elementary or middle school classroom setting. The focus is on observing classroom culture and teacher professionalism while providing an opportunity to work with groups of children. The course emphasizes communication skills, children's literature, technology, classroom management, assessment, reflection, and discussion. The field experience must be taken concurrently with EDU 2500.
EDU 2777 Topics in Education 1-4 cr.
Topic courses address a special need, interest or opportunity and are not a part of the regular Teacher Education curriculum
EDU 2800 Classroom Environment 4 cr.
Provides students with an understanding of the characteristics of a positive classroom environment in which respect is emphasized. Students examine how the teaching/learning environment is influenced both by the relationship between the teacher and the students and by the content and the methodology chosen by the teacher. Topics include: classroom management; communication with parents/guardians; middle level education; the teaching philosophy-classroom environment connection. Students learn how to incorporate multiple intelligences activities, reading strategies, and computer-based technology skills into daily lesson planning. Corequisite: EDU 2805.
EDU 2805 Field Experience I - Middle
School 1 cr.
Introduces students to the culture of a middle school environment. They observe and assist teachers, interview school personnel, talk with students, and teach lessons that incorporate computer-based technology activities and reading strategies. Corequisite: EDU 2800.
EDU 2999 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
Independent study in an area of interest. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
EDU 3250 Special Needs 2 cr.
Provides students with an understanding of the rapidly changing field of special education as it exists in the U.S. today. Topics include the special needs child, special education law, inclusion, special education categories, assessment, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), school responsibilities, parent rights, the roles of the regular education teacher and the special educator, and instructional strategies and accommodations for special needs students. Includes field experience. Prerequisite: Admission into the Education Department.
EDU 3260 Middle School Philosophies
and Models 2 cr.
Addresses the predominant philosophies driving middle school education. Various models of middle school design are explored. Special attention is given to application of middle school philosophies to curriculum development, current issues in middle school practice and best practices for the early adolescent. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program, EDU 2500 or EDU 3500, or consent of instructor.
EDU 3270 Elementary/Middle Reading
Methods 4 cr.
Examines the characteristics of a well-balanced developmental reading program and prepares elementary/middle education majors to be successful teachers of reading. Students analyze the merger of theory and practice in developing effective instructional strategies for elementary and middle school students. Diagnosis and remediation of students with reading problems are also addressed. Current research and best practices pedagogy form the foundational principles of the course.
Emphasis is on a balanced approach to reading instruction and content literacy across the curriculum. Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program, EDU 2500 or EDU 3500, or consent of instructor.
EDU 3300 Ojibwe Education Principles 4 cr.
Provides a foundation in American Indian education and includes historical precedent, the boarding school era, cultural pluralism, contributions, and current issues. Fundamentals of first and second language acquisition, school organizational environment, and communication styles are explored.
EDU 3400 Classroom Assessment 2 cr.
An overview of assessment is followed by an exploration of specific topics in classroom assessment. Among these topics are standardized assessment, performance-based assessment, norm and criterion-referenced assessment, general grading issues, and data driven decision making. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program, EDU 2500 or EDU 3500, or consent of instructor.
EDU 3451 Art Methods 2 cr.
Presents a practical knowledge of methods, issues, and trends in visual arts in the elementary setting. Integrating the visual arts into the elementary school curriculum is also addressed. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program, EDU 2500 or EDU 3500, or consent of instructor.
EDU 3452 Music Methods 2 cr.
Presents a practical knowledge of methods, issues, and trends in performing arts. This course will provide pre-service teachers with the skills for teaching and integrating music for children in grades K6. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program, EDU 2500 or EDU 3500, or consent of instructor.
EDU 3460 Kindergarten Methods 4 cr.
Provides students with an understanding of the social, emotional, physical and intellectual characteristics and needs of the kindergarten child. Students develop a teaching philosophy, establish educational goals, and develop curricula based on these particular characteristics and needs. Students observe and participate in a kindergarten classroom.
EDU 3500 Math/Science/Social Studies
Methods 8 cr.
Focuses on the integration of science, mathematics, and social studies. Students learn appropriate methods of inquiry, technology integration, curriculum development, instructional planning strategies, and assessment of elementary/middle school science, mathematics and social studies. The MN Academic Standards, ISTE and national content standards in each of the content areas are used to guide students in preparing an integrated teaching unit. This course must be taken concurrently with EDU 3505. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program.
EDU 3505 Math/Science/Social Studies/Classroom Management Field Experience 2 cr.
Applies skills and knowledge examined in EDU 3500 in an elementary or middle level classroom setting. The course emphasizes the content areas of social studies, science and mathematics. Students explore and practice classroom management strategies and reflect on and discuss classroom experiences. The field experience must be taken concurrently with EDU 3500.
EDU 3800 Teaching Process 4 cr.
Explores the dynamics among four dimensions of the teaching/learning relationship - teachers, students, course content, and methodology - with the emphasis this semester on content and methodology. Topics include: daily and long-term planning; the advantages and limitations associated with various instructional strategies; reading and writing strategies for use across the curriculum; assessment; the Minnesota Department of Education Content Standards; multi-cultural, diversity-sensitive approaches to learning in the classroom; the integration of computer-based technology skills.
EDU 4300 Ojibwe Education Methods 4 cr.
Explores techniques and methodologies for teaching Ojibwe learners. Students gain an understanding of the culture, traditions, and history of the Anishinaabe. Based on this information and drawing on information obtained in EDU 3300, students learn how to create, adapt, and integrate culturally and linguistically relevant Ojibwe curricula into content areas at primary, middle and secondary levels.
EDU 4500 K-8 Student Teaching 14 cr.
Provides students with a practical teaching experience in a local elementary or middle school under the supervision of a licensed teacher. This placement includes maintaining an environment conducive to learning; planning and teaching learning units (using both long-term and daily planning tools); developing assessments to evaluate students' learning; working with students with diverse learning needs; communicating effectively with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and school support personnel; and participating in school activities.
EDU 4510 K-8 Student Teaching Seminar 2 cr.
Designed to help students reflect on and deal with situations encountered in their student teaching experience. Attendance is required. Class discussions and reflections come from the daily challenges of being with students in a classroom setting. Time is also spent on discussing the job application, portfolio development, and licensure processes. Must be taken concurrently with EDU 4500.
EDU 4700 Gr. 5-12 Student Teaching 14 cr.
Provides students with a practical teaching experience in a local middle school or high school under the supervision of a licensed teacher. This placement includes maintaining an environment conducive to learning; planning and teaching learning units (using both long-term and daily planning tools); developing assessments to evaluate students' learning; working with students with diverse learning needs; communicating effectively with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and school support personnel; and participating in school activities.
EDU 4710 Gr. 5-12 Student Teaching Seminar 2 cr.
Designed to help students reflect on and deal with situations encountered in their student teaching experience. Attendance is required. Class discussions and reflections come from the daily challenges of being with students in a classroom setting. Time is also spent on discussing the job application, portfolio development, and licensure processes. Must be taken concurrently with EDU 4700.
EDU 4777 Topics in Education 1-4 cr.
Topic courses address a special need, interest or opportunity and are not a part of the regular Teacher Education curriculum.
EDU 4999 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
Independent study in an area of interest. Prerequisite: permission of department chair.
EDM 3220 Educational Resources for Children and Young Adults 4 cr.
Provides students with knowledge and skill in the use of appropriate educational resources for the promotion of reading, listening, and viewing literacy. Students examine a wide variety of resources appropriate for use with K-12 students. Students learn to assess K-12 students' interests, goals and abilities.
EDM 3222 Organization of Educational Resources 2 cr.
Provides students with the knowledge and skill in cataloging and classification to organize educational resources in both print and electronic collections. Students explore automated systems, evaluate these systems, and determine systems appropriate for individual media centers.
EDM 3224 Collection Development of Educational Resources 2 cr.
Prepares the student to develop a media collection and the policies and procedures that support the collection. The student learns how to build, maintain and promote the collection through the use of professional development tools and the input of patrons.
EDM 3226 Retrieval of Educational Resources 4 cr.
Prepares students to use and provide instruction in the retrieval and use of educational resources. Various types of informational resources, both print and electronic, are examined.
EDM 4228 Design and Production of Educational Resources 4 cr.
Provides experience in designing and developing electronic and print resources for educational purposes. Application of knowledge in the development of educational communication techniques is included
EDM 4230 Technology and Instructional Design 4 cr.
Examines and integrates the principles of media curricula development and support with developing informational technologies. The development of appropriate scope and sequence of media curricula are explored. Students learn to analyze the school curricula, develop a media program to support the curricula, assess student learning, and work with faculty in planning effective experiences for students in the use of the service, resources, and equipment in the media center.
EDM 4232 Educational Media Leadership 4 cr.
Explores the principles, skills and abilities necessary to provide leadership in incorporating innovations into education and in administering a media program in a school or district. Offers an opportunity to explore, identify and design administrative systems appropriate to a library media program. Various systems, both internal and external, are examined and management models reviewed.
EDM 4235 EDM Methods Field Experience 1 cr.
Introduces students to the culture of a high school. They observe and assist library media specialists, interview school personnel, talk with students, work as a resource to teachers, and teach technology integrated library media lessons. Corequisite: EDM4230
EDM 4555 Media Practicum - Elementary, Middle, and Secondary 1-10 credits
Provides on-site experience in a school media setting at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels under the supervision of a licensed media specialist. The number of credits for which the student enrolls depends on whether the student is getting an additional license in elementary/middle or middle/secondary education.
EDM 4556 General Media Practicum 1-4 cr.
Provides students with experience at all levels and a variety of settings in which to work in library media and technology. The student and the program director design the practicum.
EDM 4777 Topics variable credit
Topics of current and special interest to media educators. Topics may include electronic applications, media ethics, and censorship.
EDM 4999 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
Student selects a particular area of study in the area of educational media and technology. Prerequisite: permission of EDM program director.
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