Catalogue: Traditional Program:
Education
Education (EDU)
Professor Rasberry, Dean of the School of Education
Professor Stokes, Undergraduate Department Chair
Associate Professor Quinn
Associate Professor McCardle
Professor Nisbett
Associate Professor Noblitt, Director of Graduate Teacher Education
Professor Wasson
he school of education seeks to produce not only well-trained, state-certified teachers but also concerned, compassionate individuals who value each human life and who are dedicated to helping each student fulfill his or her God-given potential. The department’s goal of teachers becoming “servant leaders” is supported by its program that emphasizes academic excellence, professional knowledge, character development, and leadership opportunities. Education students will have real-world experience through internships, practicum and directed observation and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.
Students planning to teach in either the elementary or secondary school must not only meet requirements for graduation from Belhaven University but also must complete courses specified for teacher licensure. All course requirements are subject to change reflecting requirements from the Mississippi Department of Education. Prospective elementary teachers should major in elementary education; prospective secondary teachers should major in the subject area in which they plan to teach and minor in education.
Licenses that entitle the holder to teach in the elementary and secondary schools in Mississippi are issued by the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure, Jackson, Mississippi. Applications for licensure may be secured from the dean of education. Students who plan to teach in states other than Mississippi are responsible for securing all requirements and forms.
Admission to Belhaven University Does Not Automatically Admit One to Teacher Education.
Admission to Teacher Education:
The student must have successfully completed 44 hours have an overall GPA of 2.5, and meet the required score on the PRAXIS, ACT or SAT (or the current state-required test). Basic professional courses may be taken prior to being admitted to teacher education. No courses listed under the specialized area may be taken until a student has been admitted to teacher education. Students should obtain a passing score on the state-required test, Principles of Learning and Teaching and an appropriate Subject Area Assessment Test prior to enrolling in student teaching.
PACE Program
Belhaven University School of Education has designed a program for teacher assistants-paraprofessionals- who desire to complete a degree in elementary education. This program is available to those persons who are teacher assistants and who have met all requirements for admission to the Belhaven Teacher Education program. Individuals in PACE must complete the approved K-6 program described for all traditional students though sequential coursework and field experiences.
Additional Degree Requirements - Transfer Credits:
Students transferring to Belhaven are required to take at least nine hours in education at Belhaven, excluding student teaching. Students are required to take Methods in Teaching at Belhaven. All students must have at least a C average in all professional and specialty area courses.
Candidates for a major in elementary education are required to obtain the courses listed in sections 1-4 below. The student must also meet the college core and other requirements as outlined for a Belhaven University degree.
| 1. Teacher Education Core | Hours | ||
| English | 12 hours | ||
| Composition | 6 hours | ||
| Literature | 6 hours | ||
| Speech 102 | 3 hours | ||
| Science/Mathematics | 16 hours | ||
| Biological Science | 4 hours | ||
| Physical Science | 3 hours | ||
| Mathematics | 9 hours | ||
| Social Studies | 12 hours | ||
| History | 9 hours | ||
| Culture | 3 hours | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 to 5 hours | ||
| Psychology 342 | 3 hours | ||
| Bible | 8 hours | ||
| Worldview Curriculum 401 | 3 hours | ||
| Total | 60 to 62 hours | ||
2. Areas of Concentration: A student must select two areas of content study with a minimum of 18 hours in each area. Core courses may be counted toward areas of:
- English
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Safety/Health/Physical Ed
- Fine Arts
- Special Education
3. Basic Professional Education Hours
| EDU 200 | 3 hours |
| EDU 221 | 3 hours |
| EDU 301 | 3 hours |
| EDU 331 | 3 hours |
| EDU 333 | 3 hours |
| EDU 335 | 3 hours |
| HPE 341 | 3 hours |
Total |
21 hours |
4. Specialized Education Hours
| REA 311 | 3 hours |
| REA 323 | 3 hours |
| REA 324 | 3 hours |
| REA 326 | 3 hours |
| REA 327 | 3 hours |
| EDU 303 | 3 hours |
| EDU 304 | 3 hours |
| EDU 306 | 2 hours |
| EDU 307 | 3 hours **Meets core science requirements of 9 hours |
| EDU 308 | 3 hours |
| EDU 332 | 3 hours |
| EDU 395 | 2 hours |
| EDU 400, 401, 402 | 9 hours |
| EDU 406 | 1 hours |
Total |
44 hours |
Major Total |
125 to 127 hours plus electives |
Middle School Endorsement – Grades 6-8: In order to teach in middle school, a student must complete a minimum of 21 hours in each area of endorsement sought, or pass the Praxis test for that area. The prefix must be in that area of endorsement.
Secondary EducationTo be certified to teach on the secondary level, a student must complete the courses in sections 1, 2, and 3 and meet the requirements in at least one subject area as outlined in section 4 below:
| 1. Teacher Education Core | Hours | ||
| English | 12 hours | ||
| Composition | 6 hours | ||
| Literature | 6 hours | ||
| Speech 102 | 3 hours | ||
| Foreign Language | 6 hours | ||
| Science/Mathematics | 10 hours | ||
| Biological Science | 4 hours | ||
| Physical Science | 3 hours | ||
| Mathematics 101 | 3 hours | ||
| History | 9 hours | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 hours | ||
| Psychology 342 | 3 hours | ||
| Bible | 8 hours | ||
| Worldview Curriculum 401 | 3 hours | ||
| Total | 57 hours | ||
2. Basic Professional Education Hours
| EDU 200 | 3 hours |
| EDU 301 | 3 hours |
| EDU 331 | 3 hours |
| EDU 333 | 3 hours |
| PSY 240 | 3 hours |
Total |
15 hours |
3. Specialized Professional Education Hours
| REA 325 or 327 | 3 hours |
| EDU 306 | 2 hours |
| EDU 351 | 3 hours |
| EDU 395 | 2 hours |
| EDU 403-404-405 | 9 hours |
| EDU 406 | 1 hour |
Total |
20 hours |
4. Subject Matter Specialization
Completion of English major.
Mathematics
Completion of a mathematics major.
Music
Students wishing to teach must meet the state of Mississippi licensure requirements in music in addition to the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree at Belhaven University.
| Endorsement Areas | Hours |
| Vocal (Public School Music) | |
| Voice | 15 hours |
| MUS 358 Vocal Pedagogy | 3 hours |
| MUS 355 Music for Children | 3 hours |
| MUS 365-366 Advanced Conducting Lab I-II | 1+1 hours |
Note: Language recommended: French or Spanish
Instrumental (Public School Music)
| Instrumental/Piano/Organ | 15 hours |
| Additional instrumental areas (each family) | 2 hours |
| MUS 365-366 Advanced Conducting Lab I-II | 1+1 hours |
| MUS 426 Orchestration | 2 hours |
| MUS 173-174; 180-181 Instrumental ensembles | 6 hours |
| Note: Language recommended: Spanish | |
Social Studies
Completion of a history major, to include the following: HIS 315; ECO (3); and SOC (3).
Endorsements:
Early Childhood Education N-1
18 hours to include EDU 221, 303, 320, 322, 396, and REA 311.
Reading Endorsement K-6
18 hours to include REA 311, 312, 323, 324, 325, and 326.
Special Education Endorsement (Elementary only)
12 hours to include PSY 342, EEX 344, 346, 348. (Area of concentration +6 hrs-EEX 349 and REA 326).
Honors Courses: The school of education offers opportunities for students to enroll in honors courses from its department. The following are general education, elective, and major courses that may be taken as honors courses: EDU 221, 301, 304, 307, and 308, and REA 311 and 312. For students majoring in education, one must pass a minimum of nine hours of honors courses within the discipline and a minimum of nine hours from the honors courses of other departments. Each course must be passed with a B or better. No more than 18 hours are required for the honors degree. For other honors program policies, see "Honors Program" under the "Administration of the Curriculum" section of the catalogue.
| 200 | Introduction to Education and Pre-teaching Field Experience (3). A study of the historical, philosophical, and legal foundations for education, the role of the profession of teaching and of schools in a changing society. Includes field experiences in accredited schools representing a variety of classroom organization, methodology, grades and subject areas. (Fall and spring) |
| 221 | Child Development (3). A study of the growth and development of the individual from conception through early adolescence, with emphasis on physical, perceptual, motor, cognitive, language, personality, and social development. Includes the use of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the development of children and young adolescents in order to construct learning experiences to support the individual’s development. (Fall only) |
| 301 | Educational Psychology (3). A study of the teaching-learning process: the student behavior, research data, theory, and illustrations all concerned with actual classroom application of psychological principles. (Fall and spring) |
| 303 | The Language Arts and Skills (3). Prereq: Admission to education . Emphasis on traditional grammar, speech, listening, written communications, creative and utilitarian writing, and on whole language integration with content areas. (Fall only) |
| 304 | Social Sciences for Children (3). Prereq: Admission to education. A survey of the social sciences taught in K-8, with special attention given to geography, history, and civics. (Spring only) |
| 306 | Effective Learning Environments (2). Prereq: Admission to education Intended to provide theories on various models of discipline, classroom management styles and student motivation. The focus will be on understanding and managing diverse student populations. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a personal system of discipline reflective of the needs, traits and social realities of the school and community. (Fall and spring) |
| 307 | Science for Children (3). Prereq: Admission to education. The subject matter, materials, and methods of teaching science, health, and physical education in the elementary school. (Spring only) |
| 308 | Mathematics for Children (3). Prereq: Admission to education. An introduction to the subject matter, materials, and methods of teaching modern mathematics in the elementary school. (Fall only) |
| 320 | Principles of Early Childhood (3). An overview of fundamental educational principles related to early childhood issues. Designed to emphasize the history, theory, trends, principles, and curriculum pertinent to the young child. Offered on demand. (Fall only) |
| 322 | Seminar in Early Childhood (3). Prereq: EDU 320. This course is designed to assist the preschool teacher and directors in the organization and administration of facilities, personnel, developmental materials and equipment, and curriculum concerns relevant to a preschool program. Offered on demand. (Spring only) |
| 331 | Planning and Assessment (3). This course is intended to provide pre-service teachers with the principles and techniques necessary to develop sound instructional lesson plans and assessments. The primary focus of the course will be on assessment techniques, administering classroom evaluations, analyzing classroom assessment data, and describing the roles planning and assessment have in daily classroom practice. The use and interpretation of standardized tests will also be discussed, as well as ethical issues related to assessment. (Fall and spring) |
| 332 | Methods in Elementary Education (3). Prereq: Senior status; admission to education, EDU 200, 301, 331. A study of methods, techniques and procedures used in elementary and middle schools, with special emphasis on curriculum development and the Student Teacher Assessment Instrument. Includes field experiences in designated schools. (Fall and spring) |
| 333 | Computers in Education (3). An introduction to computing designed specifically to explore pedagogical issues for effective use of computers in the elementary curriculum. Students develop computer literacy through a survey of basic computer hardware and software concepts and terminology. (A student may test out of this course upon passing a technology proficiency exam). (Fall only) |
| 335 | Creative Arts in the Elementary School (3). This course will provide elementary education majors the necessary skills to successfully integrate the arts (music, art, movement, and drama) into all aspects of instruction. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of the arts across the curriculum as a means for communication, inquiry, and insight among elementary students. Performing arts majors may also take the course. (Fall only) |
| 351 | Methods in Secondary School Teaching (3). Prereq: Senior status; admission to education, EDU 200, 301, 331. A study of methods, techniques, and procedures and a survey of material for teaching secondary school subjects, emphasis on curriculum development and the Student Teacher Assessment Instrument. Includes field experiences in designated schools The course is conducted jointly by the school of education and the individuals from the area in which students are majoring. (Fall and spring) |
| 390 | Special Topics in Education (1-3). Prereq: Admission to education. Varied topics; may be repeated for credit. |
| 395 | Internship (2). Prereq: Junior status; admission to education; coreq.: EDU 332/351. Supervised internship providing field-based experience in a major area of study. (Fall and spring) |
| 396 | Practicum in Preschool (3). Prereq: EDU 322. This course is designed to provide a clinical experience for students to work with professionals in designing and implementing state standards of childcare. Emphasis will also be given to securing grants and working with parents. Offered on demand. |
| 400-401-402 | Directed Observation and Teaching in the Elementary School (9). Prereq: REA 323, 324, EDU 308, 331, 332, 395; Senior status; admission to education. Teaching and observation throughout a semester in an accredited elementary or middle school, supported by seminars and conferences between students and the college supervisor. (Fall and spring) |
| 403-404-405 | Directed Observation and Teaching in the Secondary School (9). Prereq: Senior status and EDU 331, 351, EDU 395; admission to education. Teaching and observation throughout a semester in an accredited secondary school, supported by seminars and conferences between students and the college supervisor. (Fall and spring) |
| 406 | Classroom Management (1). Coreq.: Enrollment in EDU 400-402 or 403-405. Focus is on providing practical application of strategies to establish effective classroom organization and for managing and monitoring student behavior. (Fall and spring) |
| 490-495 | Special Topics (3). Designed for non-degree seeking students. Enrollment by consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. |
| READING (REA) | |
| 099 | Reading Excellence (3). Institutional credit only. Three lecture hours per week. Designed to prepare a student to comprehend college-level reading materials; does not count toward a degree. Emphasis is on comprehension and vocabulary improvement skills as well as affective and critical reading skills. (Spring only) |
| 101 | Tutorial Reading Internship (1-3). This course provides basic instruction in reading strategies and tutorial procedures. Includes a directed tutorial internship. |
| 102 | College Reading and Study Skills (3). Three lecture hours per week. Designed to help students increase individual study skills required for independent reading and college-level study and research. Emphasis is on both the development of individual reading skills and successful comprehension and analysis of reading material across various disciplines of study. Required of those students whose ACT reading scores are 20 or below (SAT verbal scores are 420 or below) and for transfer students with a transfer GPA of C- or below for all class work. Course must be passed or student must register for REA099 semester immediately following first attempt of REA102 or student is dismissed from Belhaven University. This course does count toward the 124 hours required for graduation. (Fall only) |
| 311 | Literature Based Reading Skills (3). Prereq: Admission to education. The development of critical reading skills through the study of children’s books, the history of children's literature, an overview of the classics, books promoting various genres and multi-cultural themes. Includes various presentations and field experiences with young children. (Fall only) |
| 323 | Early Literacy I (3). Prereq: Admission to education. Concepts, materials and teaching strategies for oral language development and systematic early reading and writing instruction, specific to concepts about print, phonemic awareness, and phonics. (Fall and spring) |
| 324 | Early Literacy II (3). Prereq: REA 323; admission to education. Concepts materials and teaching strategies for oral language development and early systematic reading and writing instruction specific to vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Includes tutorial and teaching assignments in area schools. (Spring only) |
| 325 | Content Reading Skills (3). Prereq: Admission to education. A study of reading skills necessary for secondary students to read and comprehend subject matter. Includes clinical field experiences in various school settings. |
| 326 | Diagnostic Reading Skills (3). Prereq: REA 323, 324; admission to education. A study of reading problems, assessment procedures, and individualized instructional programs for problem readers. Includes case study and internship in schools. (Spring only) |
| 327 | Middle Level Literacy and Content Reading Skills. (3) A study of reading skills, concepts, methods, and materials for literacy teaching and learning for upper elementary and young adolescents. Emphasis will be on writing, comprehension, strategy instruction and assessment. Includes clinical field experiences in various school settings. (Fall only) |
Endorsement: Mildly/Moderately Disabled Education
12 hours to include PSY 342, EEX 344, 346, 348. (Area of concentration +6hrs-EEX 349 and REA 326).
