Mar 28, 2024  
Fitchburg State University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Fitchburg State University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education (PreK-2), B.S.E.


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Education


Chairperson
Professors
Associate Professors
Nancy Murray Anne Howard Felicia Farron-Davis
  Shari Stokes Nancy Murray
    Joanne Nichols
    Annette Sullivan
Assistant Professors
 
 
William Cortezia    
Danette Day    
Janna Heiligenstein    
Ruth Joseph    
Denise LaFrance    
Kathleen Lambe    
Betty Mulrey    
Robert Shapiro    

The Education Department offers programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education.

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education

Objectives for Programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education (Initial License)

The Education Department of Fitchburg State University fully recognizes and embraces the diversity and challenges that teachers face in today’s public and private schools. The comprehensive program of study is one which deliberately integrates and celebrates these challenges by providing an inclusive model for teacher preparation. Each course provides research-based methods to assess student needs in order to differentiate instruction. Techniques and strategies that address the needs of all learners in the inclusion classroom are emphasized. Courses have been specifically designed to provide teacher candidates with content and strategies to be knowledgeable, skillful, ethical, and caring educators in the 21st century.
 

The Department prepares its graduates to be teachers of Early Childhood (PreK-2), Elementary (1-6), Middle School (5-8), Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) with Elementary Licensure, Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (5-12), and Severe Disabilities (all levels).

Program of Study

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education  majors graduate with two majors—one in Education and one in  Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIS).  See Interdisciplinary Studies Section for IDIS major requirements for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and Special Education majors.

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School (History, Humanities, Mathematics-Science, and General Science) and Special Education majors are also required to complete an Interdisciplinary Studies minor in one of the following areas:


Education majors place emphasis on college coursework that honors cultural, racial, linguistic, and social diversity.

Field-based experiences begin freshman year and are enhanced by strong departmental collaboration with exemplary schools and practitioners in the region. During their final year in the program teacher candidates enroll in a semester long professional experience. In the semester preceding practicum they participate in a minimum of a 125-hour or a 150-hour field-based experience that is linked to pedagogical courses. This allows candidates to readily apply what they are learning in the classroom setting. Many students enjoy opportunities to foster attitudes and skills for creative, collegial teaching in the diverse and changing environment of our McKay Arts Academy, an Innovation School on the University campus.

The Education Club, the Student Association of Massachusetts (S.E.A.M.), a student chapter of M.T.A., and the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Honor Society offer students the opportunity to grow professionally while meeting with students of similar interests.

Requirements for the Major in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Special Education

In addition to the two majors, the Speaking/Listening requirement is met through the Practicum or Student Teaching experience.

Computer Literacy and Jr/Sr Writing Requirements are met through SPED 4300  or IDIS 4000  

Early Childhood Education (PreK-2)


Early Childhood Educators are prepared to work with young children with and without disabilities in Pre-K through grade 2 settings. They acquire a strong understanding of how young children learn developmentally and they are able to facilitate learning utilizing appropriate practices. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure required for this program are Communication and Literacy, Early Childhood Test, and Foundations of Reading.

The plan of study is as follows (See course descriptions for pre-practicum hours required):

Total: 54 cr.


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