2015-2016 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum: Elementary Education Emphasis
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education section in this catalog.
Mission - Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.
Philosophy - Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.
Values - The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.
This program helps teachers continue their professional growth and advance in competence in their work in elementary school classrooms. The program may be used to develop an academic specialization of work with elementary school children or to explore a field of specialization for present or future professional goals.
Accreditation
Nationally Recognized by Specialty Program Association: Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) Michigan Department of Education approved.
Minimum Number of Hours in Program: 33
Program Location
DeVos Center, Pew Campus downtown Grand Rapids, MI
Website: www.gvsu.edu/coe_grad
Requirements for M.Ed. in Elementary Education
Each candidate for the M.Ed. degree must complete the following:
Social Foundations of Education (Choose one):
- EDF 671 - Educational Policy and Practice (3 credits)
- EDF 672 - Social/Cultural Foundations of Education (3 credits)
Research and Evaluation:
Core Courses (9 Credits):
- EDI 639 - Curriculum Development (3 credits)
- EDI 637 - Assessment: K-12 Models and Practices (3 credits)
- EDI 638 - Facilitating School Environments (3 credits)
Emphasis area courses (12 credits):
- EDI 630 - Teaching Mathematics: K-8 (3 credits)
- EDI 631 - Teaching Science: K-8 (3 credits)
- EDI 633 - Teaching Social Studies and Diversity (3 credits)
- EDR 622 - Developmental Literacy for Children (3 credits)
Field-based Practicum (3 credits):
Capstone (choose one):
Requirements for Initial Elementary Certification
This program is for post-baccalaureate candidates who do not hold a teaching certificate and wish to pursue elementary education certification. Initial elementary certification candidates must first be admitted to graduate teacher certification, then complete:
- EDS 652 - Foundations of Special Education Credits: 3
- EDI 630 - Teaching Mathematics: K-8 Credits: 3
- EDI 631 - Teaching Science: K-8 Credits: 3
- EDI 632 - Teaching Creative and Performing Arts Credits: 3
- EDI 633 - Teaching Social Studies and Diversity Credits: 3
- EDI 635 - Development and Needs of Students Credits: 3
- EDI 638 - Facilitating School Environments Credits: 3
- EDR 622 - Developmental Literacy for Children Credits: 3
- EDR 627 - Literacy Strategies for Content Areas Credits: 3
- EDI 685 - Practicum/Graduate Field Experience Credits: 3 or 6
Maintain a 3.0 G.P.A., and pass the Michigan Elementary Test prior to certification. Completion of 15 additional credits will fulfill M.Ed. degree requirements and two foundations courses, EDI 639, EDI 637, and either ED 693 or 695.
Elementary Endorsement for Students Already Certified:
Students already certified and seeking an additional Michigan Elementary Endorsement must have Michigan secondary certification; then complete:
- EDI 630 - Teaching Mathematics: K-8 Credits: 3
- EDI 631 - Teaching Science: K-8 Credits: 3
- EDI 632 - Teaching Creative and Performing Arts Credits: 3
- EDI 633 - Teaching Social Studies and Diversity Credits: 3
- EDI 685 - Practicum/Graduate Field Experience Credits: 3 or 6
Select Two:
- EDR 622 - Developmental Literacy for Children Credits: 3
- EDR 627 - Literacy Strategies for Content Areas Credits: 3
- EDR 631 - Teaching Writing Credits: 3
- OR
- ENG 631 - Teaching Writing Credits: 3
Select One:
- EDT 618 - Introduction to Computers in Education Credits: 3
- EDT 619 - Curricular Integration of Ed. Technology Credits: 3
Select One:
- EDR 624 - Literature for Children Credits: 3
- EDR 628 - Curriculum and Materials for Language Arts Credits: 3
Candidates must receive a positive recommendation; maintain a 3.0 G.P.A.; and pass the Michigan Elementary Test.