Code: AS.PS.EDUC

Concentrations:

• Early Childhood Education (Infant to 3rd Grade)

• Education (Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary)

The AS.PS.EDUC option prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions to pursue Teacher Certification in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary, Middle School or Secondary Education. Students in this option take courses on topics related to educational and developmental theories, developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum, how to professionally conduct classroom observations, evaluate student learning, explore research and evidence-based practices for teaching and caregiving, how to develop engaging and instructional lesson plans and activities, and also have the opportunity to demonstrate lessons and actvities to students in field classrooms. Additionally, students are introduced to topics related to: foundations and history of the education system and childcare, the organization and structure of schools systems, the integration of technology in education, teaching students from diverse backgrounds and various skills levels, and multicultural education.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Analyze, through observation and reflection, a variety of educational philosophies and approaches and develop personal learning styles and an individual teaching philosophy.
2. Compare a variety of instructional strategies and methods that address individual learners and learning styles in order to develop collaborative critical thinking and creative problem solving skills in a variety of student populations.
3. Employ effective interpersonal, instructional and cultural communication techniques in order to foster active learning, dialogue, collaboration, and positive interaction with peers, school officials, parents and learners.
4. Demonstrate the understanding and knowledge needed to promote cross-cultural understanding and educational equity in the classroom, through the adaptation of curriculum, coupled with instructional strategies, to meet the diverse needs of students.
5. Design inquiry-based learning experiences that integrate technologies to engage students in individual and collaborative learning.
6. Describe what it means to be a competent, ethical and professional teacher in a democratic, diverse and technological society in order to develop commitment to professional growth and to the legal and ethical responsibilities of public school teachers.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Notes: Both concentrations of AS.PS.EDUC (Early Childhood or Education) lead to state-level teacher certification, after graduation and transfer to a teacher preparation program.