Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education
The Elementary education program prepares students to teach all subjects to children pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Students have a broad background in English, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and the sciences coupled with teaching methods classes. Multiple classes include fieldwork in elementary schools to practice and refine teaching skills.
The Elementary Education Unified (EEU) education program prepares students to teach children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grades in general education, special education, and inclusive classrooms, meeting the needs of all elementary students including those with identified disabilities and those at risk for delays. Students learn to structure rigorous learning experiences in multiple core academic content areas as well as address the social/emotional needs of individuals within and beyond each classroom, school, and into the global community.
Undergraduate Admission
Incoming Freshman Students:
Students can be admitted into teacher education programs as freshmen if they meet KU’s assured admission standards and declare a teacher education program as their major.
Incoming Transfer Students:
Students can be admitted into teacher education programs as transfer students if they are admitted to KU, declare a teacher education program as their major, and meet the following criteria:
- A KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
Current KU Students:
Students can be admitted into a teacher education program as current KU students if they meet the following criteria:
- A KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
Students that do not meet the requirements above can petition through the online SOEHS Admission Petition form.
For information about initial admission to KU, visit the Office of Admissions. Visit the Office of International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree Requirements
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR MEETING GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS RESTS WITH THE STUDENT.
- Complete an approved program with a minimum of 120 credit hours of course work. At least 30 hours must be taken in residence.
- A 2.75 minimum KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA for all academic coursework, including transfer hours.
- No grade lower than a C- in any teacher education course.
- For History & Government, English, and Foreign Language: A 2.5 minimum KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA in content area courses .
- Other general regulations of the School and University, including KU Core 34 Goal requirements.
- Successful completion of student teaching and/or internship with a grade of C- or higher.
REQUIREMENTS TO BEGIN STUDENT TEACHING AND/OR INTERNSHIP:
- A minimum KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA grade-point average of 2.75 with no grade lower than a C- in any course in professional education.
- Continued demonstration throughout the program of professional dispositions as evaluated by program faculty each semester.
- For History & Government, English, and Foreign Language: A 2.5 minimum KU + Transfer Cumulative GPA in content area courses
KANSAS LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
- Passing score on the Educator Performance Assessment (KU-EPA).
- Passing score on the PRAXIS Content Exam.
-
Completion of Bachelor of Science in Education degree – see above.
Please note: Each state has its own licensure requirements. Being eligible for a license in Kansas does not ensure that the applicant is eligible for licensure in other states.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CORE 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
| Pre-Professional Coursework | ||
| C&T 100 | Introduction to the Education Profession | 3 |
| C&T 235 | Culture and Community in K-12 Schools | 3 |
| ELPS 250 | Education and Society | 3 |
| Elementary Education or Elementary Education Unified Specific Coursework | ||
| Complete additional Professional Block 1, Professional Block 2, and Professional Block 3 coursework specific to each program. | 27 | |
| Professional Block 1 | ||
| C&T 344 | Children's Literature in the Elementary School | 3 |
| C&T 347 | Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 349 | Science in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 550 | STEM Applications in Physical Science for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
| C&T 351 | Mathematics for the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 352 | Science of Reading I | 3 |
| C&T 353 | Science of Reading I Practicum in the Primary Grades | 1 |
| C&T 354 | Science of Reading II | 3 |
| C&T 355 | Science of Reading II Practicum in the Intermediate Grades | 1 |
| HSES 341 | Instructional Strategies in Physical Education for Elementary Classroom Teachers | 1 |
| MATH 109 | Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 110 | Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II | 3 |
| MEMT 341 | Instructional Strategies in Music for Elementary Classroom Teachers | 2 |
| SPED 326 | Teaching Exceptional Children and Youth in General Education | 3 |
| Professional Block 2 | ||
| C&T 490 | Student Teaching | 6 |
| ELPS 537 | The Governance and Organization of Schools | 3 |
| EPSY 480 | Promoting Student Social-Emotional Well-Being | 3 |
| Capstone Course | ||
| C&T 495 | Seminar: Developing the Teaching Portfolio | 3 |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Elementary (PreK–6) Major
TRANSITION POINTS
Transition Point #1: Progression to the Professional Block 1 requires students to:
- Maintain SOEHS admission status.
- Clear a criminal background check prior to placement in schools.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions with minimal concerns noted by education faculty and administration.
Transition Point #2: Progression into Professional Block 2 requires students to:
- Earn a final grade of "C-" or better in required education courses.
- Clear a criminal background check prior to placement in schools.
- Have maintained an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions with minimal concerns noted by education faculty and administration.
Transition Point #3: Progression into Professional Block 3 requires students to:
- Earn a final grade of “C-” or better in Student Teaching/Advanced Teaching Practicum.
- Have maintained an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
- Complete all required degree coursework except Block 3 coursework.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions with minimal concerns noted by education faculty and administration and by university and clinical supervisors.
Transition Point #4: Completion of Program requires:
- Successful completion of the KU-Educator Performance Assessment and all other School of Education & Human Sciences requirements.
- Completion of all required degree coursework with a 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average.
- Achievement of a grade of “C-” or better in professional education courses including internship and student teaching.
- Earning the B.S.E. degree.
Additional requirements to be eligible for an initial Kansas teaching license:
To qualify for a Kansas initial teaching license, candidates must complete a content knowledge assessment in each of the endorsement or teaching subject areas for which you completed a teacher preparation program and meet the minimum score set by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Elementary Education Specific Coursework
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CORE 34 General Educatiion | ||
| GEOG 104 is a required course of the major. Students are strongly advised to satisfy 3 credits of their Core 34 Natural and Physical Sciences lecture by taking this course. | ||
| Professional Block 1 | ||
| C&T 301 | Educational Technology in Elementary-Middle Education | 3 |
| C&T 330 | Instructional Approaches for ESOL Learners in the Elementary/Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| EPSY 320 | Basics of Classroom Assessment | 1 |
| GEOG 104 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 |
| HSES 260 | Personal and Community Health | 3 |
| Professional Block 2 | ||
| SPED 506 | Advanced Practices for Children with Disabilities in the Elementary General Education Classroom | 3 |
| Professional Block 3 | ||
| C&T 494 | Internship | 6 |
| EPSY 520 | Classroom Assessment | 2 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Elementary Education Unified Concentration
TRANSITION POINTS
Transition Point #1: Progression to the Professional Block 1 requires students to:
- Maintain SOEHS admission status.
- Clear a criminal background check prior to placement in schools.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions with minimal concerns noted by education faculty and administration.
Transition Point #2: Progression into Professional Block 2 requires students to:
- Earn a final grade of "C-" or better in required education courses.
- Clear a criminal background check prior to placement in schools.
- Have maintained an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions with minimal concerns noted by education faculty and administration.
Transition Point #3: Progression into Professional Block 3 requires students to:
- Earn a final grade of “C-” or better in Student Teaching/Advanced Teaching Practicum.
- Have maintained an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
- Complete all required degree coursework except Block 3 coursework.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions with minimal concerns noted by education faculty and administration and by university and clinical supervisors.
Transition Point #4: Completion of Program requires:
- Successful completion of the KU-Educator Performance Assessment and all other School of Education & Human Sciences requirements.
- Completion of all required degree coursework with a 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average.
- Achievement of a grade of “C-” or better in professional education courses including internship and student teaching.
- Earning the B.S.E. degree.
Additional requirements to be eligible for an initial Kansas teaching license:
To qualify for a Kansas initial teaching license, candidates must complete a content knowledge assessment in each of the endorsement or teaching subject areas for which you completed a teacher preparation program and meet the minimum score set by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Elementary Education Unified Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Block 1 | ||
| SPED 261 | Families and Professional Partnerships | 3 |
| SPED 328 | Using Technology to Plan and Design Instruction for All Students | 3 |
| SPED 440 | Evid Based Prac in English/Lang Arts Literacy for Students Struggling or w/ IEPs: Beg Read & Writing (blocked with literacy methods courses) | 2 |
| SPED 441 | Evidence Based Practices in Reading and Literacy for Students w/IEPs:Vocabulary&Comprehension Devel (blocked with literacy methods courses) | 2 |
| SPED 442 | Evidence Based Practices in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies for Students with IEPs (blocked with inquiry methods courses) | 2 |
| SPED 444 | Classroom Assessment and Beyond. Practices for Students with IEPs | 3 |
| Professiional Block 2 | ||
| SPED 443 | Evidence-based Strategies and Practices for Creating Positive, Productive Classrooms | 3 |
| Professional Block 3 | ||
| SPED 327 | Instructional Practices for Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 494 | Intrnshp-Specialized Instr in Gen Ed Elem Classrooms&Support Settings for Students w/Disabilities | 6 |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Science and Mathematics Concentration
This program is offered in collaboration with ZJNU. Admission to this program is limited to students from ZJNU. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is not accepting U.S. based applications to this program at this time.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course Work Requirements | ||
| ELPS 250 | Education and Society | 3 |
| C&T 330 | Instructional Approaches for ESOL Learners in the Elementary/Early Childhood Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 344 | Children's Literature in the Elementary School | 3 |
| C&T 347 | Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 349 | Science in the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 351 | Mathematics for the Elementary Classroom | 3 |
| C&T 352 | Science of Reading I | 3 |
| C&T 353 | Science of Reading I Practicum in the Primary Grades | 1 |
| C&T 354 | Science of Reading II | 3 |
| C&T 355 | Science of Reading II Practicum in the Intermediate Grades | 1 |
| SPED 326 | Teaching Exceptional Children and Youth in General Education | 3 |
| C&T 495 | Seminar: Developing the Teaching Portfolio | 3 |
| SPED 506 | Advanced Practices for Children with Disabilities in the Elementary General Education Classroom | 3 |
| EPSY 320 | Basics of Classroom Assessment | 1 |
| EPSY 520 | Classroom Assessment | 2 |
| C&T 366 | Classroom Interactions in Mathematics and Science | 3 |
| C&T 460 | Project Based Instruction in Mathematics and Science | 3 |
| C&T 550 | STEM Applications in Physical Science for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition: _____ (This course satisfies Core 34: English 1/2 (ENG)) | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Reading and Writing (This course satisfies Core 34: English 2/2 (ENG)) | 3 |
| UNIV 176 | First Year Seminar: _____ (This course satisfies Core 34: US Culture (USC)) | 3 |
| Transferred Courses - must meet KU Transfer Requirements | ||
| Speaker-Audience Communication (transfers in as COMS 130). This course satisfies Core 34: Communication (CMS) | 3 | |
| Principles of Physical Geography (transfers in as GEOG 104) (*also designated as NPS LEC). | 3 | |
| College Algebra or Above Equvialent (transfers in as MATH 101 or higher). This course satisfies Core 34: Math & Statistics (MTS). | 3 | |
| Modern Chinese History. This course also satisfies Core 34: Arts & Humanities 1/2 (AH). | 3 | |
| Principles of Biology lecture & lab (transfers in as BIOL 100 & 102). This course satisfies Core 34: Natural & Physical Sciences LEC & LAB (NPS). | 4 | |
| Chinese (recommend requesting transfer as AH) | 3 | |
| Introductory or General Chemistry (transfers in as CHEM 110 or CHEM 130) (also designated as NPS LEC & LAB). | 5 | |
| General Psychology (transfers in as PSYC 104). This course satisfies Core 34: Social & Behavioral Sciences 1/2 (SBS). | 3 | |
| Varieties of Human Experience (transfers in as ANTH 160). This course satisfies Core 34: Global Culture (GLBC). | 3 | |
| Personal & Community Health (transfers in as HSES 260). | 3 | |
| Math for Elementary School Teachers I (Mathematical Thinking and Methods) (transfers in as MATH 109). | 3 | |
| Math for Elementary School Teachers II (Elementary School Math Curriculum Analysis and Pedagogical Design) (transfers in as MATH 110). | 3 | |
| Instructional Strategies in Physical Education for Elementary Classroom Teachers II transfers in as HSES 341). | 1 | |
| Instructional Strategies in Music for Elementary Classroom Teachers (transfers in as MEMT 341). This course satisfies Core 34: Arts & Humanities 2/2 (AH). | 3 | |
| The Governance and Organization of Schools (transfers in as ELPS 537). | 3 | |
| Development & Learning of the Child (transfers in as EPSY 305). This course satisfies Core 34: Social & Behavioral Sciences 2/2 (SBS). | 3 | |
| Promoting Student Social-Emotional Well-Being (transfers in as EPSY 480). | 3 | |
| Educational Technology in Elementary-Middle Education (transfers in as C&T 301). | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Education Profession (transfers in as C&T 100). | 3 | |
| Observation and Research on Elementary School Students (transfers in as C&T 322: Curriculum and the Learner) | 3 | |
| Principles of moral education (also designated as AH) | 2 | |
| Instructional Strategies in Physical Education for Elementary Classroom Teachers II (transfers in as HSES 341) | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Sample 4-year plans for the Bachelor of Science in Education in in Elementary Education can be found here: BS in Education in Elementary Education (no concentration), concentration in Elementary Education Unified or by using the left-side navigation.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Plan instruction that supports every learner in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, technology, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
- Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in relevant ways.
- Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate their practice, particularly the effects of their choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner.
- Seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.