Elementary Education, BAS

Emphasis: Elementary Education

Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science

Total Units: 93-103

Class Type: Lecture, Lab, Hybrid

Purpose: The program is designed to graduate individuals who are well-grounded in education and training and are prepared to obtain initial teaching certification (K-8) in the state of Washington with a primary endorsement in elementary education. Students can complete additional classes for a second endorsement in special education.

Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

General skills for all educators:

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with children, parents/guardians, peers, administrators, and the community.
• Ensure cultural competence in teaching through adapting learner centered curricula that engage students in a variety of culturally responsive strategies.
• Foster positive, inclusive, learning settings in cognitive, behavior, language, physical and social domains to create a safe and productive learning environment.
• Utilize feedback and reflection to constantly improve teaching practices.

Elementary Education endorsement

• Understand and apply knowledge of the arts, English Language arts, health-fitness, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Understand and apply knowledge regarding the development and learning of children and young adolescents and how teachers can connect learning to students’ communities.
• Establish classroom communities that foster student engagement, learning and positive relationships.
• Use inquiry to effectively design and execute instructional plans and strategies that support diverse student learning within and across academic content areas.
• Design and implement a wide range of assessment strategies to inform instruction and support learning within and across academic content areas.

Special Education endorsement

• Understand the foundations of special education.
• Understand the characteristics of special education learners.
• Understand assessment, diagnosis, and evaluations and appropriately identify and use appropriate tools.
• Understand planning, content and practices associated with delivering appropriate educational opportunities.
• Understand how to manage student behavior and social interaction skills.