Education
www.coloradocollege.edu/academics/dept/education/
Professors MENDOZA, TABER (chair); Lecturer STANEC; Riley Scholar-in-Residence WHITAKER
The education department offers courses that are designed to meet the interests and needs of students at a liberal arts college who are concerned with issues that comprise and challenge education as a discipline. The education department also offers courses that enable students to become teachers at either the elementary, K–12, or secondary levels, indicated below under “Teacher Licensure Programs.” Additionally, the department sponsors the education studies minor, which may be completed by selected courses in the section that follows (see Thematic Minors).
TEACHER LICENSURE PROGRAMS ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE:
Students who wish to pursue teacher licensure must apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. After entering the college, a student interested in the program should obtain a description of the admission prerequisites, licensure requirements, and application procedure from the education department. Students applying to either elementary, K–12, or secondary licensure programs must complete an application in November of their junior year. Students will have to submit evidence of fulfilling the following prerequisites for admission: satisfactory completion of one enrollment in ED100 and one enrollment in ED120 (60 hours of observation and successful participation in local public schools); endorsement from two classroom teachers with whom the applicant has interacted as part of the 60-hour requirement; endorsement from the department chair of the applicant’s major field or teaching field. In addition, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7, an average in the major or teaching field of at least 3.0. In addition, elementary teacher education students must take and receive a passing grade in MA110 (ED250) Mathematical Explorations: Recognizing and using Patterns in Mathematics or higher (or equivalent approved by department) and a passing grade on a specified course that deals with literacy/writing (please see the education department elementary or secondary program directors for courses that meet the latter specifications). After receipt of completed application, the education department will schedule personal interviews for each student.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION:
Students who plan to teach at the elementary level (grades K–6) may major in any field. The student who plans to teach at the elementary level must take the following: Education 300, 320, 325, 326, 327, 328, 401 (or 401 combined with 405), and 402; one course selected from: ED150, ED205, History 256, 257, Sociology 280 or Philosophy 208; Psychology 374 or 270/Education 321. During the senior year, each student must complete at least four consecutive units of student teaching (ED401) or four units (when 401 is taken for two units and 405 is taken for two units) in an elementary school. In addition, all student teachers must attend weekly seminars during the fall. Students must be knowledgeable in the following content: literacy, mathematics, civics, economics, geography, health, history, science, music, visual arts, and physical education. Guidance is available from the education department. Students in the Elementary Teacher Education Program must complete an “advising checklist” that summarizes compliance with these requirements. Please see TEACHER LICENSURE further down on this page. For specific advice, please see the elementary program director, Charlotte Mendoza.
K–12 ART, MUSIC and WORLD LANGUAGES EDUCATION:
Students who plan to teach art, music, or language at the elementary and/or secondary level (any grade 6–12) normally major in that area of study (art studio or history, music or a language: French, German, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish). Specific courses may be necessary in addition to those required for the departmental major. Students should obtain from the education department an “advising checklist” for the K–12 field of study. In addition, prospective teacher candidates must be knowledgeable in both literacy and mathematics. Students who wish to be licensed to teach K–12 art, music, or world language must take the following courses: Psychology 374 or 270/Education 321; one course selected from: ED150, ED205, History 256, 257, Sociology 280, or Philosophy 208; and the following Education 300, 398, 399, 401, and 402. ED401, student teaching, is completed in the senior year for a period of four blocks; ED401 may also be completed for two blocks if complemented by ED405 for two blocks. Finally, all student teachers must attend weekly seminars during the fall. Please see TEACHER LICENSURE further down on this page. For specific advice, please see the K–12 programs director, Kris Stanec.
SECONDARY EDUCATION:
Students who wish to be licensed at the secondary (grades 7–12) levels normally major in an academic department that coincides with their teaching field (e.g., English, mathematics, science, social studies).
In some teaching fields, specific courses may be necessary in addition to those required for a particular departmental major. Students should obtain from the education department an “advising checklist” for their particular teaching field. In addition, prospective teacher candidates must be knowledgeable in both literacy and mathematics. Students who wish to be licensed to teach in middle/junior and senior high school must take the following courses: Psychology 374 or 270/Education 321; one course selected from: ED150, ED205, History 256, 257, Sociology 280, or Philosophy 208; Education 300, 398, 399, 401, and 402. ED401, student teaching, is completed in the senior year for a period of four blocks; ED401 may also be completed for two blocks if complemented by ED405 for two blocks. Finally, all student teachers must attend weekly seminars during the fall. Please see TEACHER LICENSURE further down on this page. For specific advice, please see the secondary program director, Mike Taber.
NINTH SEMESTER PROGRAM:
Students who wish to be licensed at the elementary, K–12, or secondary levels may have difficulty in completing student teaching during the eight semesters of undergraduate coursework. Therefore, the college has established a “Ninth Semester Program” where student teaching can be completed, after graduation, with tuition at a fraction of the cost of a regular semester. Eligible students will have completed all graduation requirements and teaching licensure requirements except for student teaching and its related seminar. Please see one of the education program advisors in the education department for further information.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING PROGRAMS:
Colorado College offers a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary School Program in English, French, German, Latin, mathematics, music, science, social studies, or Spanish; a Master of Arts in Teaching K–12 Art Program; and a Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary School Program. Descriptions of the schedules and requirements of MAT programs may be obtained from the education department website or education services manager, Debra Mortenson.
TEACHER LICENSURE:
In order to be recommended for licensure, students must pass the appropriate state licensure exam in the content relevant to the area or discipline in which a license is sought. Students should seek information on the test, including test dates, locations, and fees, from the education program manager in the education department. Students who are accepted into the Teacher Education Program are advised that the recommendation for licensure is based on a final evaluation of each student’s record in coursework, tests, and student teaching (which requires at least a grade of C), and that no guarantee of licensure is made by Colorado College. Certification/licensure requirements vary from state to state. The Colorado College program satisfies the requirements in many states. Students wishing to teach outside Colorado should consult with the education services manager.
Teacher Licensure Courses:
ED100, 120, 140, 150, 205, 300, 320, 321, 325, 326, 327, 328, 398, 399, 401, 402, 405, 501, 506, 507, 530, 531.
Note: Students not pursuing teacher licensure may take courses in the teacher licensure category (for consent of department, see the appropriate program advisor in the education department). Courses that may be taken are: ED100, 120, 300, 320, 325, 326, 327, 328, 398, 399 (various disciplines).
In compliance with Title II of the Higher Education Act, the following data for 2010–11 (the most recent reporting year) is provided: 34 students were enrolled in the teacher education program, the student-faculty ratio was 2.13 to 1, there were three full-time faculty members, and there were 13 part-time faculty in professional education and faculty from other departments involved. There were 9 supervising faculty for the teacher preparation program. Students participate in supervised student teaching for an average of 40 hours/week for a total of 12 weeks. The pass rate of teacher education students on the PLACE content test administered by National Evaluation Systems was 100 percent.
Education Courses
100 College Aides in Colorado Springs Schools
Serve as an aide in cooperation with public schools in the Colorado Springs area. College Aides complete at least 30 hours of service-learning per semester in cooperation with local school personnel. Responsibilities vary according to the needs of the school, but emphasis is on small group and remedial help to students. Coursework and class meetings explore educational theory and issues that arise from the field placements. (Offered in fall, spring and January half-block).
.5 unit —
120 Experienced Aides in the Colorado Springs Schools
Serve as an experienced instructional aide in local schools, completing 30 hours of service-learning in a K-12 classroom per semester. Activity varies according to the needs of the classroom, but the emphasis is on comparing and contrasting educational theories and practices with the earlier aiding experience and on offering direct instruction under the guidance of the classroom teacher. (Offered in fall, spring and January half-block).
Prerequisite: Education 100.
.5 unit —
140 Advanced Aides in the
Students serve as an advanced instructional aide in local schools, completing 30 hours of service-learning per semester in a K-12 classroom. Activity varies according to the need of the placement, but the emphasis is on gaining a deeper understanding of lesson planning and teaching a lesson with the focus on differentiation under the guidance of the placement personnel. (Offered in fall, spring and January half-block.
.5 unit —
150 Contemporary Issues in Education
An interdisciplinary examination of issues that have current or potential effect on American education, e. g., government involvement, special populations programs, assessment dilemmas, curricular controversies, and reform proposals and initiatives.
1 unit —
202 Teaching English as a Second Language
An introduction to theories, applications, and issues related to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Topics of study include an overview of second language acquisition theory, working with diverse populations, making content area lessons accessible to ESL students, ESL methodology, and field observation.
.5 unit —
203 Environmental Education
Environmental education is the process of understanding human interdependence with ecological systems. This course focuses on the purpose of environmental education, the development and evaluation of curriculum that informs ecological literacy, and teaching methods specific to this educational field. Critical examination of the scope, sequence and techniques of environmental education including trends such as multicultural and urban environmental education are explored. Course project includes a service-based learning component requiring program development and execution in local classrooms and/or environmental education centers.
Prerequisite: A 100-level field science course.
1 unit —
204 Globalization and Education
Examination of the intersection of globalization and education in light of current research on the processes and forces that impact schooling here and abroad. Consideration of the challenges and opportunities resulting from mass migration, economic realities, technology, and the growing cultural diversity of communities throughout the world. Comparative and interdisciplinary materials will explore the implications of globalization for education in the increasingly interconnected world in which we live.
1 unit —
205 Education Theory intro Practice
An introduction to the theories foundational to the practice of educating youth. The course explores cognitive, metacognitive, dispositional, pedagogical and mastery learning theories. Students participate in a daily practicum in local schools working with specialists in their fields of interest (K-12), where they apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. Attention is given to challenges in contemporary education including culturally relevant education.
1 unit —
220 Power of the Arts in Education
This community-based research course explores the rationales, history and theories of the arts in education and addresses how the arts can be used as pedagogy to motivate and engage students in learning. Data will be collected on the impact of museum education for teaching core curriculum to PK-12 students through the arts. Requires a substantial lab component, providing extensive hands-on experience in digital storytelling, teaching in school classrooms, and working with PK-12 students in Cornerstone IDEA space.
1 unit —
250 Topics in Education
Selected topics in the study of education. Courses will cover topics not listed in the regular education curriculum and may vary from year to year. This course may be offered as a 0.5 unit extended format or 0.5 unit half-block course or as a 1.00 unit block course.
Prerequisite: Consent of Department.
.5 or 1 unit —
275 Mentoring At-Risk Youth
Designed for students who wish to develop and lead effective programs that serve at-risk youth. Includes three main components: the atmosphere in which youth are growing up and the problems they face in their neighborhoods, families, and schools; developmental stages and characteristics of youth; and the elements of successful program development and leadership. Includes daily fieldwork where students will experience first-hand the issues covered in the course. (Not offered 2012-13).
.5 to 1 unit
300 Integrating Educational Technology
An examination of the major principles and arguments of symbolic interactionism, an approach to the social world that privileges micro-level phenomena. Particular attention to interactional accomplishments of self and identity, the nature, structure, and norms of social interaction, processes of perception and categorization; and interactional regulation of bodies and emotions.
Prerequisite: Consent of department or enrolled in the MAT program.
320 Teaching through the Arts
How to use visual arts, creative dramatics, movement and music for teaching content curriculum in a regular K-12 classroom. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional children. Includes media exploration labs and several afternoons of teaching content curriculum through the arts to students in public school classrooms.
Prerequisite: at least one full-unit education course and junior standing.
1 unit —
321 Educational Psychology: The Science of Learning
Theory, research, and the reality of the everyday classroom are examined to evaluate important issues teachers face: cognitive development, social-emotional issues, motivation, sex roles, management of problematic classroom behaviors, skill enhancement for both teachers and students, and other topics of current controversy and interest. Enrollment is open to all students interested in the theory and practice of teaching. The course may be taken for graduate credit with consent of the Assistant Dean (AD) of the Summer Session (SS). (Cross listings: ED 321, PY 521, ED 521. Contact Charlotte Mendoza [cmendoza@ColoradoCollege. edu; ext. 6472] in the CC Department of Education for enrollment and consent information. For the AD of SS, contact summer@coloradocollege. edu).
1 unit —
325 Teaching Literacy in the Elementary Grades
Current methods and materials for teaching literacy to elementary school age children. Students observe experienced teachers and teach individuals/groups of children. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional children in regular classrooms.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Senior standing or MAT.
1 unit —
326 Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary Grades
Current methods and materials for teaching mathematics to elementary school age children. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional children in regular classrooms. Students observe experienced teachers and teach individuals/groups of children.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Senior standing or MAT.
1 unit —
327 Teaching Social Studies and Language Arts in the Elementary Grades
Current methods and materials for teaching social studies and language arts to children in grades one through five. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional children in regular classrooms. Observations of/participation in teaching in public school classrooms.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Junior standing.
1 unit —
328 Teaching Science and Health in the Elementary Grades
Current methods and materials for teaching science and health to children in grades one through five. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional children in regular classrooms. Observations of and participation in teaching in public school classrooms.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Junior standing.
1 unit —
342 Music Education in the Elementary Grades
Basic principles. Aims, activities, methods and materials in the first five grades. Regular observations included. Taught as an alternative format course and must be taken for a full year. (Not offered 2012-13).
1 unit
398 Tchng Literacy in the Secondary Schools
Current methods and materials for teaching literacy in the content areas of secondary school. Secondary school observation and participation with normal and exceptional students. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional students in regular classrooms.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Junior standing.
1 unit —
399 Content Methods and Critical Pedagogy
(Specific discipline indicated: e.g. Secondary Science, K-12 Art, Secondary Math, etc...) Content area teaching examined in terms of organization and administrative patterns, curriculum development, community relations and ways of working with exceptional students. Classroom observation, formal planning and teaching the content within a public school setting. Section meetings examine current methods and materials for teaching various subjects. Attention given to the recognition and teaching of exceptional students in regular classrooms.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Junior standing or MAT.
1 unit —
401 Student Teaching
Student teaching in the public schools of Colorado Springs and vicinity. Student teaching assignments are adapted to needs and plans of individual students. Each student teacher attends arranged meetings with his or her college supervisor to discuss teaching experiences.
Prerequisite: Consent of department and senior standing. Must be arranged for 2 consecutive blocks supplemented by an international placement of 2 consecutive blocks for elementary or secondary candidates, or 3 consecutive blocks (elementary) or 4 consecutive blocks (secondary) in the Colorado Springs area.
4 units —
402 Seminar for Student Teachers
A seminar for all undergraduate and MAT student teachers. 1/4 credit.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & Senior standing.
.25 unit —
405 International Student Teaching
Student teaching abroad, either in international schools or in host country schools. International student teaching assignments are adapted to needs and plans of individual students. Advising, ongoing assignments, and debriefing occur at Colorado College. Placements and supervision are arranged in cooperation with established international student teaching programs.
Prerequisite: Education 401 for 2 units.
2 units —
418 Colloquium:
(Not offered 2012-13).
.25 unit
451 Readings in Education
May be taken in specified blocks. Content arranged and consent of instructor.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor & May be arranged any one block.
1 unit —
501 Student Teaching for Elementary School Interns
Prerequisite: MAT Candidates Only.
1 unit —
502 Student Teaching for Secondary School Interns
Prerequisite: MAT Candidates Only.
1 to 3 units —
506 Internship in Elementary School Teaching
Internship teaching in an elementary classroom in Colorado Springs and vicinity. Each intern-teacher teaches full time in the spring semester
Prerequisite: MAT Candidates Only.
507 Internship in Secondary School Teaching
Internship teaching in a secondary classroom in Colorado Springs and vicinity. Each intern-teacher teaches full time in the spring semester. No credit.
Prerequisite: MAT Candidates Only.
508 Internship in International Teaching
Each intern-teacher teaches in either international schools or host-country schools after completing approximaely one-half of an internship in Colorado Springs and vicinity. International teaching assignments are adapted to the needs and plans of individual students. Advising, on-going assignments, and debriefing occur at Colorado College. Placements and supervision are arranged in cooperation with established international teaching programs.
524 Teacher Scholars Program:
(Not offered 2012-13).
.25 unit
530 Seminar for Elementary School Interns
A seminar for MAT candidates serving as intern-teachers.
Prerequisite: MAT Candidates Only.
.25 unit —
531 Seminar for Secondary School Interns
A seminar for MAT candidates serving as intern-teachers.
Prerequisite: MAT Candidates Only.
.25 unit —