ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (K-6)

 

Mission Statement

 

UNF graduates from the B.A.E. program in Elementary Education will understand that effective teaching is a complex process that is based on an ever-growing knowledge base related to child development and learning processes, family theory, social context, appropriate curriculum and instructional practices, diversity, and inclusion.

 

The core learning objectives of the Elementary Education (K-6) are correlated to Subject Matter Content Standards for Florida Teachers, the College of Education and Human Services Conceptual Framework, and the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

UNF Elementary Education (K-6) graduates will be able to:

 

Content/Discipline Knowledge & Skills

• Show evidence of planning and teaching USING the Florida Sunshine State Standards and the professional content standards for elementary teacher educators.
  
• Demonstrate proficiency with the twelve Florida Educator Accomplished Practices at the Preprofessional level.
  
  
• Ensure the success of all learners by applying a variety of instructional and assessment strategies, including those strategies appropriate for ESOL learners and students with special needs.
  
  
• Actively participate in multiple school settings to promote collaboration, community, and the well-being of the learners.
  
  
• Articulate decision-making reflective of moral and ethical principles as described in the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida.
  
  
• Demonstrate understanding of the basis of conceptual pedagogy and its relationship to the content areas and be able to develop strategies for learners to learn conceptually.
  
  
• Appreciate the need for a coherent curriculum and be able to design learning environments and instruction that integrate disciplines of knowledge around conceptual tasks that have meaning for children.
  
  
• Provide learning experiences for children that are authentic and meaningful.
  
  
• Demonstrate leadership qualities in pre-professional and professional contexts.
  
  

Communication

• Use technology as a tool for teaching and communicating.
  
  
• Use oral, written, and visual strategies to deliver instruction and to communicate to and with parents and the community.

 

Critical Thinking

• Analyze, and improve the performance and dispositions of self and others.
  
  
• Use data, research, and theory for making instructional decisions.
  
  
• Demonstrate critical reflection and the ability to make changes in practice and planning.
  
  
• Provide developmentally and culturally appropriate learning experiences based on knowledge of individual children, as well as theories of child development and learning.
  
  
  
  

Curriculum Map
Click on the image below to see in which Elementary Education courses these Student Learning Outcomes are addressed:

Elementary Education(K-6) Curriculum Map

Assessment Approaches

 

UNF graduates of the B.A.E program in Elementary Education (K-6) will demonstrate mastery of content knowledge and teaching skills through proficiency on course embedded assessments, activities, and critical task assessments in core, major, and clinical experiences at a proficiency level expected of a teacher candidate. It is expected that teacher candidates apply knowledge throughout the program by demonstrating understanding, competence, and effective implementation. Strategies to assess learning outcomes include:

• Demonstration of knowledge, skills, and dispositions as required by NCATE;
  
  
• Passing all parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam for Elementary Education;
  
  
• Formative evaluation of class discussions, reflections, and critiques which provide evidence of developing ideas and opportunities for the demonstration of knowledge;
  
  
• Development of learning materials that facilitate children's learning experiences;
  
  
• Delivery of case studies and presentations to fellow colleagues and faculty; and
  
  
• Analysis of teaching performances in field experiences.

 

Career Opportunities

 

For information on the many career options available to Elementary Education majors, go to What Can You Do with an Elementary Education Major at: http://www.unf.edu/dept/cdc/majors/elementaryeducation.html

 

For More Information

 

To learn more about the UNF Elementary Education Department and majoring in Elementary Education, go to http://www.unf.edu/coehs/degrees/ci/baeee.htm

 

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