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2020-2021 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Elementary Teacher Certification - Comprehensive (CSAT) General Education/Spanish

The comprehensive science and arts for teaching (CSAT) major is designed for students seeking certification to teach in specialized areas at the elementary and/or middle school levels. It provides a solid foundation in subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical approaches across all content areas taught at these levels: fine arts, health and physical education, integrated science, language arts, mathematics, and social studies. Students complete several field experiences in classrooms, as well as learn to plan instruction and assessments and to understand and work with diverse populations, including extraordinary-needs learners. Our graduates have a unique combination of skills and experiences that are highly valued. Students will meet with a CSAT major advisor in the CLAS advising center, as well as a College of Education advisor.


In addition to degree requirements, general education candidates must complete the CSAT major, elementary general education major, and the Spanish minor. Prior to beginning in the College of Education, students are expected to complete most courses in general education and the CSAT major (except SAT 495). In addition, they must complete the College of Education prerequisite courses: EDF 315, PSY 301, EDI 338, and EDI 339.

Requirements for the Comprehensive Science and Arts for Teaching (CSAT) Major

The 46-credit CSAT major consists of the following courses and must be planned with the student's CSAT advisor.

Language Arts

Mathematics

Social Studies

AND one of the following:

Integrated Science

World Languages

Fine Arts

Health and Physical Education

Foundations

Capstone

Requirements for the Certificate Elementary Education Major

Candidates must complete the following 39-credit education major. At least one field semester must be done in a multicultural setting.

Complete the following prior to admission to undergraduate teacher education:

Course One

Taken before OR after admission to the College of Education. It must be completed before student teaching.

Course Two

Taken after admission to the College of Education. It must be completed before student teaching.

Teacher Assistant Semester

Student Teaching Semester

Requirements for a Spanish Elementary Education Minor

Students choosing Spanish as a teachable minor for elementary education certification (in conjunction with the comprehensive science and arts for teaching major) must complete 27 credits through the Spanish Department in CLAS. Due to the complex and extensive nature of the combined programs, minors in Spanish elementary education should consult regularly with both CSAT and Spanish advisors.

It is a requirement of the Michigan Department of Education and Grand Valley's College of Education that teacher candidates achieve the advanced low level on the oral proficiency interview (OPI) in Spanish before student teaching. Students interested in teaching in immersion or dual-language programs should plan to develop advanced high oral proficiency. Information sessions on the OPI and other requirements for certification are provided regularly, but students should work closely with an advisor in Spanish. Students are urged to meet with a Spanish advisor as early as possible in their program and strongly encouraged to study abroad for at least one semester.

For more information, see the Spanish minor requirements.


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