Education (EDC)

Associate Professors Findley and Seals; Assistant Professor Thelen.

The goal of Alma's Education Department is to help students become effective teachers by developing general knowledge, specific subject expertise and teaching skills. The one key to the education program's success is its strong emphasis on practical experience. Beginning in the first or second year, students explore various teaching roles and develop teaching skills by working in classrooms in local schools.

Career opportunities include teaching at the early childhood, elementary or secondary levels in public, private or parochial schools. The Michigan State Board of Education certifies all teachers. Alma College is authorized to recommend to the State Board those students who have completed a bachelor's degree, passed state required Subject Area Tests in teaching majors and minors, and successfully fulfilled all requirements of the Teacher Education Program. In addition, the State Department of Education requires all students who seek certification to pay a fee of $125 to receive a certificate.

Alma students may seek either secondary or elementary certification and an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. No course may count for more than one Teaching Major or Minor.

Michigan Secondary Provisional Certificate

This certificate allows teaching in grades 6-12 in subjects in which the candidate has a major or minor. To be recommended for certification, the candidate must complete the following:

  1. A Teaching Major and a Teaching Minor (or two teaching majors) with a 2.75 CPA in each.
  2. EDC 200 in the sophomore year.
  3. EDC 201 and 220 concurrently in the sophomore or junior year. (EDC 200 and PSY 121 are prerequisites for these courses.)
  4. EDC 320, 330, 346, and 353 in the junior or senior year (prerequisite: admission to TEP required).
  5. EDC 348, 445, 490s and 491s in the senior year (prerequisite: admission to TEP required).
  6. Students must also pass the subject area tests in both their subject area major(s) and/or minor(s).
  7. Students must provide proof of valid CPR and First Aid cards as required by the Michigan Department of Education.

Secondary education students who major in Art, Music or Physical Education and who qualify for the secondary certificate may extend their certification to include grades K-5 by taking the appropriate elementary methods course (Art — EDC 345; Music — EDC 344; Physical Education — EHS 339).

Secondary Teaching Majors and Minors

Alma College offers the following teaching majors and/or minors for students seeking secondary certification:

  • Art (Visual Arts Education; K-12 comprehensive major only)
  • Biology (major or minor)
  • Chemistry (major or minor)
  • Computer Science (major only)
  • English (major or minor)
  • French (major or minor, pending state approval)
  • German (major or minor, pending state approval)
  • History (major or minor)
  • Mathematics (major approved; minor, pending state approval)
  • Music (K-12 comprehensive major only)
  • Physical Education (major only, pending state approval; K-12 certification can be obtained by taking EHS 339)
  • Physics (major or minor)
  • Political Science (major or minor)
  • Psychology (major or minor)
  • Social Studies (major only, pending state approval)
  • Spanish (major or minor, pending state approval)
  • Course requirements for Teaching Majors and Minors are subject to change and reflect compliance with the standards and rules established by the Michigan State Board of Education.

    Course requirements for each of these majors and minors are in the department listings. If requirements for a Teaching Major or Minor are not listed separately, students seeking certification should consult with the department chair to determine departmental requirements. Students seeking a Social Studies group major should consult with the Chair of the Education Department. Majors and minors not listed here are not approved for certification.

    Michigan Elementary Provisional Certificate

    This certificate permits teaching in grades K-5 all subjects and K-8 self-contained classroom, and, if desired, 6-8 in a content area minor or major. To be recommended the candidate must complete the following:

    1. A major in Elementary Education which includes 24 credits of professional education courses and 24 credits of methods and materials. A 2.75 CPA is required for the major.
      1. Freshman year, or later: EDC 142a or 142b, HST 228 or SOA 241 (or approved substitute course focusing on multicultural education), and either PHL 126 or 235 (235 preferred) or an approved ethics course (PHL 225, 227, 228 or 229).
      2. Sophomore or Junior year: EDC 201 and 220 (PSY 121 and EDC 142 are prerequisites), MTH 202 (or approved substitute for Mathematics Minors) passed with a grade of 'C' or better.
      3. Junior year: EDC 305, 341, 342.
      4. Junior or Senior year: EDC 304, 320, 330, 340, 353.
      5. Senior year: EDC 440, 490e and 491e.
    2. Two content Teaching Minors with a 2.75 CPA in each; one Minor may be a Group Minor. (A content Teaching Major and a Teaching Minor may replace the two Teaching Minors. Two Teaching Majors may also replace the two Teaching Minors.)
    3. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Elementary Education (passing score required). NOTE: Elementary candidates must pass State tests in their subject area minors or majors to be certified in these subjects.
    4. Students must provide proof of valid CPR and First Aid cards as required by the Michigan Department of Education.

    Students who major in Elementary Education and earn a second major in Art, Physical Education or Music and seek K-12 endorsement in that second major area must complete an additional four credits in Directed Teaching (EDC 492) in their specialty. These credits are in addition to the total required for certification.

    Elementary Teaching Majors and/or Minors, and an Early Childhood Endorsement

    Alma College candidates seeking elementary certification are required to obtain an Elementary Education major and two Teaching Minors. Candidates may obtain an Elementary Education major, a Teaching Major and one Teaching Minor.

  • Elementary Education (major required)
  • Early Childhood Education (endorsement only, not a minor)
  • English (minor only)
  • French (major or minor, pending state approval)
  • German (major or minor, pending state approval)
  • History (major or minor)
  • Integrated Science (group minor only)
  • Language Arts (minor only is being developed)
  • Mathematics (major or minor)
  • Political Science (minor only)
  • Psychology (minor only)
  • Social Studies (group minor only)
  • Spanish (major or minor, pending state approval)
  • K-12 comprehensive majors: Art (Visual Arts Education), Music and Physical Education (pending state approval) are K-12 comprehensive majors which are only Michigan Department of Education approved for secondary certification. No minor required.

    Elementary group minors are available in Integrated Science and Social Studies. Course requirements for Teaching Majors and Minors are subject to change and reflect compliance with the standards and rules established by the Michigan State Board of Education.

    Course requirements for each of these majors and minors are in the department listings (Integrated Science and Social Studies Elementary Group Minor requirements are in the Education listings). If requirements for a Teaching Major or Minor are not listed separately, students seeking certification should consult with the department chair to determine departmental requirements. Majors and minors not listed here are not approved for certification.

    Certification requirements are subject to change by action of the State Board of Education and may not be reflected in this catalog.

    Additional Requirements

    In addition to completing appropriate coursework in the Education Department and in the majors and minors, students must meet grade requirements and demonstrate personal characteristics suitable for entering the teaching profession. These certification requirements are reviewed three times, and students are advised of their progress.

    Classroom Placement Students — Background Check

    Michigan school districts are requiring anyone who has contact with children in their school buildings, including staff or volunteers, to provide the district with documentation that he or she has not been placed on the central registry for substantiated abuse or neglect. All students who have an Education course with a classroom placement must have a background check completed at the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Ithaca, Mich. prior to beginning in their assigned classroom. This service is free of charge and DHS records must be current. See the Education Department Field Experience Coordinator for more details.

    Student Teachers — Fingerprinting Procedure

    School districts are requiring fingerprinting of student teachers. All student teachers must have the Criminal Background Check Livescan fingerprinting procedure completed at least two months in advance of beginning student teaching in their assigned district. Livescan may be completed at the RESD in Ithaca, Mich. and is a statewide procedure. A fee is charged for this service and fingerprint records must be current. See the Education Department Field Experience Coordinator for more details.

    Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

    The faculty, through the Teacher Education Committee (TEC), reviews all applicants and judges their suitability for entrance to the program during the student's sophomore year. Judgment of this suitability is based on the following:

    1. Formal application for admission to the TEP, including completion of a writing component, submitted by the deadline posted in the Education Bay. This must be completed during the sophomore year. If you have any questions, please see the secretary or Chair of the Education Department. (Students who decide to seek teacher certification after the sophomore year can be admitted late but may require extra time to complete the program.)
    2. A cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.75 and evidence of proficiency in basic writing and mathematics skills. Proficiency is a grade of 'C' or above in ENG 101 and MTH 101 or placement in a course beyond 101 via placement test.
    3. Passing scores on the Michigan Basic Skills Test.
    4. Two recommendations from faculty at Alma College and recommendation of the Education Department.
    5. Evidence that the student is making an effort to acquire competence in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.
    6. Evidence that the applicant has personal characteristics conducive to success in the teaching profession.
    7. Good standing (not on academic, social or administrative probation).

    Group Major

    The Secondary Teaching Social Studies group major is pending Michigan State Department of Education approval. See Education Department chair. All Secondary Teaching students who wish to declare a Social Studies Group Major must also declare a specialty area in either Political Science or History (i.e. a single subject Teaching Major in POL or HST).

    Forty credits which must include:

    1. ECN 201 and 202.
    2. GGR: two courses of at least two credits each (GGR 101, 102).
    3. POL 101 and one course selected from: POL 100, 111, 121, 131, or 231 (if the student's specialty is in POL, in which case the student has met this requirement via the POL Teaching Major, take two four-credit upper level POL courses instead).
    4. One of: HST 100, 101 or 102; one of HST 104 or 105 (if the student's specialty is in HST, in which case the student has met this requirement via the HST Teaching Major, take two four-credit upper level HST courses instead: one in U.S. history and one in non-U.S. history).
    5. One additional four-credit upper level course selected from: economics or history (if specializing in political science); or economics or political science (if specializing in history).
    6. One additional four-credit upper level economics, history or political science course.
    7. EDC 445s Special Methods (Social Studies) in Secondary Teaching.
    8. Take and pass the MTTC Social Studies test.

    Group Minors

    Group Minors

    Group Minors, as identified below, are recognized for certification. No course graded below 2.0 may count toward a Group Minor. A 2.75 CPA is required in the Group Minor.

    Integrated Science Group Minor (Elementary only): 28 credits which must include:

    1. BIO 121 and 122.
    2. CHM 101 or 103.
    3. ENV 110.
    4. GEO 113.
    5. PSC 380.
    6. One elective class: ENV 105, GEO 101 or other four-credit class approved by the Education Department chair or the Registrar.

    Social Studies Group Minor (Elementary only): 32 credits which must include:

    1. ECN 201 and 202.
    2. POL 101 and one course selected from POL 111, 121, 131, 231.
    3. HST 100, 101 or 102 and HST 104 or 105.
    4. GGR: two courses of at least two credits each.
    5. One additional four-credit course selected from those listed above or POL 141, 211, 235, 245; ECN 321, 326, 339, 360, 370.

    No course below 2.0 may count toward a Group Minor; a 2.75 CPA is required.

    Admission to Student Teaching

    The Teacher Education Committee (TEC) reviews a student for admission to Directed Teaching (Education 490-491). For full approval students must have the following:

    1. Admission to the TEP.
    2. A formal application for student teaching submitted by November 15 of the academic year prior to student teaching.
    3. A 2.75 CPA.
    4. A 2.75 CPA in the area of concentration (Major field) and demonstrated knowledge in this content area.
    5. A 2.75 CPA in Education courses.
    6. Passing scores on the Basic Skills Tests as required by the State of Michigan.
    7. Endorsement of the department chair in the Teaching Major(s).
    8. In compliance with State of Michigan specifications, satisfactory demonstration of:
      1. High academic achievement.
      2. Successful group work with children in classroom placements.
      3. Knowledge of research-based teaching.
      4. Working knowledge of modern technology and use of computers. This requirement will be met as students progress through the TEP.

    Early Childhood Education (ZA) Endorsement

    Students who are working toward elementary certification requirements may qualify for this additional endorsement by meeting the following requirements:

    1. EDC 182, The Infant and Young Child in the Family and Society. (4 credits)
    2. EDC 183, Introduction to Early Childhood. (4 credits)
    3. EDC 282, Involving Parents and Community. (2 credits)
    4. EDC 383, Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Education. (4 credits)
    5. EDC 493, Directed Teaching in Early Childhood Education. (5 credits)
    6. SOA 220, Sociology of Family. (4 credits)
    7. Passing scores on the Basic Skills Tests as required by the State of Michigan.

    Students pursuing an Early Childhood Education Endorsement will be required to earn the American Red Cross Certificate in First Aid and CPR for adults, infants and children.

    Students must pass the Subject Area State test for Elementary Education plus the Subject Area Test for Early Childhood Education to be recommended for certification.

    Waiver of Directed Teaching

    In compliance with the ruling of the Michigan State Board of Education (Rule 390.1124, (3) a and b), a graduate of Alma College who has completed all other certification requirements as outlined, with the exception of student teaching, may apply to the College for a waiver of five of the 10 required credits of student teaching. This may be done by those who have:

    1. Three years of successful teaching experience at the appropriate level and have earned a master's degree; or
    2. Five years of successful teaching at the appropriate level with less than the master's degree.

    Evaluation of the success of the teaching experience is made by the Teacher Education Committee, which receives recommendations from school personnel directly responsible for the supervision of the teacher and from a member of the Education Department of the College who visits the employing school whenever possible. Post-graduates must meet current catalog and certification requirements.

    Candidacy for Michigan Teacher Certification

    Prior to being recommended for the Michigan Provisional Certificate, the Alma College candidate must meet these requirements:

    1. Hold a bachelor's degree.
    2. Have attained a CPA of 2.75 both in the Teaching Major and overall.
    3. Have attained a CPA of 2.75 in Education courses.
    4. Have attained a CPA of 2.75 for a Teaching Minor. Additionally, no grade lower than a 2.0 may be presented for any course in a Group Teaching Minor.
    5. Have completed all coursework for teaching minors.
    6. Have successfully completed student teaching.
    7. Meet all current requirements for certification specified by the Michigan Department of Education.
    8. Have the recommendation (endorsement) of the department chair in the Teaching Major(s).
    9. Pass the Subject Area Tests in Teaching Major(s) and Minor(s) required by the State of Michigan.
    10. Students must provide proof of valid CPR and First Aid cards as required by the Michigan Department of Education.

    The Provisional Certificate is valid for a six-year period and should be replaced by the Continuing Certificate. To qualify for the Continuing Certificate, the candidate must have taught successfully for three years and must have taken a minimum of 18 additional semester hours in a planned course of study beyond the bachelor's degree. The Provisional Certificate may be renewed for a three-year period with the completion of 10 additional hours beyond the bachelor's degree.

    Additional Endorsements

    Holders of Michigan Secondary or Elementary Certificates who wish to add Elementary, Early Childhood or Secondary Endorsements shall present a Planned Program approved by Alma's Education Department.

    Additional Notes

    1. For EDC 201 and 220 'successful completion' is defined as a minimum grade of B/C and evidence that the applicant has characteristics conducive to professional success in teaching as demonstrated by the student in his/her classroom placement performance as determined by the Department in consultation with the K-12 placement teacher.
    2. Admission to the Teacher Education Program is now a prerequisite for all classes at the 300 level and above.
    3. Students pursuing the Early Childhood endorsement will be required to earn the American Red Cross Certificate in First Aid and CPR.
    4. As required by Title II of the Higher Education Act, Alma College reports a 100 percent pass rate for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. A complete copy of Alma College's Title II report is available upon request from the Education Department at (989) 463-7357 or may be found online at www.alma.edu.
    EDC 142a. Children's Literature I: Pre-K to Early Elementary
    Q1 2 credits
    Survey of prose and poetry suitable for preschool and early elementary children. Either 142a or b required for elementary certification. Includes supervised work with children.
    EDC 142b. Children's Literature II: Middle Elementary to Middle School
    Q1 2 credits
    Survey of prose and poetry suitable for middle elementary children and young adolescents. Either 142a or b required for elementary certification. Includes supervised work with older elementary students.
    EDC 180. Issues and Ideas in Education
    2-4 credits
    Survey of topics to broaden understanding of teaching and learning. Open to prospective teachers and others interested in education in the United States or in other societies.
    EDC 182. The Infant and Young Child in the Family and Society
    4 credits $20
    Examination of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and other types of development in infancy and early childhood. Addresses the development of children with special needs and linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. From an ecosystems perspective, this course emphasizes the interacting influences of families, neighborhoods, subcultures and cultures on children's development. Students learn and apply techniques for observing and assessing young children's development, including possible indicators of physical, health, and emotional problems and learn techniques for evaluating the developmental appropriateness of programs. Foundation for students' later efforts to design developmentally appropriate instruction, adapt instruction to individual needs and act as advocates for young children. Students complete 30 hours of field placement in an early childhood setting. Fall only. Classroom placement included — no concurrent enrollment in EDC 220/201 is allowed in the same term.
    EDC 183. Introduction to Early Childhood Education
    4 credits
    Elementary Education Major
    Introduction to the early childhood profession, the nature of the profession, including its philosophical, historical and social foundations and current contextual influences (e.g., demographic and policy influences). Familiarization with various types and models of early childhood programs. Includes discussion of characteristics of developmentally appropriate practice. Learn and apply guidelines for the organization and administration of early childhood programs. Winter only.
    EDC 190. Field Experience in Education
    1-4 credits
    EDC 201, 220 and Permission
    Arranged assignment in an education setting intended to enhance a student's understanding of teaching and learning.
    EDC 200. Introduction to Secondary Education
    2 credits
    Sophomore Standing
    Overview of secondary teaching and practical experience working with students individually or in small groups. Introduction to planning for and assessing secondary instruction, working with diverse learners and classroom organization. Required for secondary certification. Includes 24 hours of classroom placement.
    EDC 201. Exploring Teaching
    1 credit
    EDC 220 concurrently; 2.6 GPA and successful completion of EDC 142 or EDC 200
    Introduction to teaching and applying psychological principles to education through classroom observation and assisting in classrooms. Required for certification. Pass/fail only. Includes 40 hours of classroom placement.
    EDC 220. Educational Psychology
    3 credits
    PSY 121, successful completion of EDC 142a or 142b; or EDC 200; EDC 201 concurrently; 2.6 GPA; Sophomore Standing or above
    Overview of psychological theories and research applied to classroom learning. Includes study of concepts in human development, learning, motivation and assessment, as well as principles for effective classroom management and instruction. Required for certification.
    EDC 282. Involving Parents and Community
    2 credits
    Sophomore Standing
    Emphasizes the critical role of family-school partnerships in ensuring children's well-being and academic success. Introduction to historical roles of the family and community in Early Childhood Education. Discussion of barriers to family involvement as well as effects of successful family participation. Addresses various types of family involvement and best practice guidelines associated with each type. Explores models for involving communities as partners in children's care and education. Fall only.
    EDC 283. Topics in Early Childhood Education
    1-4 credits
    EDC 201, 220
    Explores special topics in Early Childhood Education of interest to the instructor and students. Examples of course topics include infant development and care; play as a learning medium; and language and literacy development.
    EDC *304. Reading and Language Arts — Field
    1 credit
    EDC 201 and 220; EDC 340 concurrently; TEP
    Classroom observation and participation in teaching reading and language arts. Required for elementary certification. Pass/fail only. Includes 40 hours of classroom placement.
    EDC *305. Science, Mathematics and Social Studies — Field
    1 credit
    EDC 201 and 220; EDC 341 and 342 concurrently; TEP
    Classroom observation and participation in teaching science, mathematics and social studies. Required for elementary certification. Pass/fail only. Includes 40 hours of classroom placement.
    EDC *306. Elementary Art — Field
    Q1 2 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; ART Major, TEP or Permission
    Classroom observation and participation in teaching art at the elementary level. Required for Art and Design Majors seeking K-12 certification. Pass/fail only. Includes 72 hours of classroom placement.
    EDC *320. Growth and Development
    Q1 2 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; TEP
    Overview of processes of human development in childhood and adolescence. Primary focus on socialization and education. Required for certification.
    EDC *323. Evaluation in Classroom
    2 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; TEP
    Survey of classroom evaluation techniques, preparation of instructional objectives and experiences in development of teacher-made evaluation tools.
    EDC *330. Foundations of Education
    Q1 2 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; TEP
    Survey of historical, social and philosophical foundation of education. Required for certification.
    EDC *340. Elementary Reading and Language Arts
    Q2 3 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; 304 concurrently, TEP
    Examination of reading and language arts methods. Survey of developmental reading including word recognition, comprehension and study skills in content areas. Use of diagnostic teaching, classroom organization and management of the reading program, and methods of teaching language arts, including their interrelationships with reading. Required for elementary certification.
    EDC *341. Elementary Science and Social Studies Methods
    Q1 3 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; TEP; 305 and 342 concurrently
    Examination of methods and materials in science and social studies. Required for elementary certification.
    EDC *342. Elementary Mathematics Methods
    3 credits
    EDC 201 and 220, MTH 202 (or eight credits mathematics at 112 level or above with minimum grade of C); TEP; 305 and 341 concurrently
    Examination of methods and materials in elementary mathematics. Required for elementary certification.
    EDC *343. Music in the Elementary School
    2 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; TEP
    Designed for the classroom teacher. Examination of methods and materials for teaching music to children, including use of instruments and functional piano playing. Open to juniors and seniors. Note-reading ability or class piano strongly recommended as prerequisite.
    EDC *344. Elementary School Music
    4 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; Music Major or Minor or Training; TEP
    Examination of methods and materials in music. Required of Music Majors who wish to be certified to teach music at elementary and secondary levels. Open also to Education students with music background.
    EDC *345. Art for Elementary Teachers
    4 credits $10
    EDC 201 and 220; ART and EDC Majors; TEP
    Examination of art materials and the construction of art programs in the elementary classroom. Required for Art and Design Majors seeking K-12 certification.
    EDC *346. Teaching Reading in Middle and Senior High School
    Q1 4 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; TEP
    Survey of strategies for teaching, diagnosing and improving word recognition, comprehension and study skills. Survey of student language needs and program planning for reading instruction at the middle and senior high school levels. Includes off-campus service-learning component and a 10-hour practicum. Required for secondary certification.
    EDC *348. Secondary Principles and General Teaching Methods
    Q1 3 credits
    TEP or Permission; EDC 490-491s concurrently
    Examination of principles and methods appropriate to middle and senior high teaching. Required for secondary certification.
    EDC *353. Introduction to Special Education
    2 credits
    EDC 201 and 220 or Permission; EDC 346 or 304/340 concurrently suggested; TEP
    Introduction to the teaching of exceptional students. Review of historical and legal issues in special education. Characteristics of exceptional learners, birth through adolescence. Examination of materials and methodology appropriate for instructing exceptional learners in inclusive classrooms. Required for certification. Includes an eight-hour practicum.
    EDC *354. Art for Diverse Students
    4 credits
    EDC 201 and 220; ART Major, TEP or Permission
    Explorations of inclusive methods of teaching students with different abilities and diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Lectures, discussions, reading and classroom experiences deal with the nature of disabilities and giftedness. Curriculum, evaluation, space planning and classroom management techniques are studied in relation to the range of abilities that students bring to the contemporary art classroom. Open to students at junior level or above. Required for Art and Design Majors seeking K-12 certification.
    EDC *383. Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood
    4 credits
    EDC 183; 201 and 220 recommended; TEP
    Preparation for planning and facilitating developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children in the content areas of language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, health and safety. Techniques for adapting instruction to culturally diverse learners and those with handicapping conditions. Preparation in appropriate management and guidance techniques, and designing appropriate physical environments and schedules for young children. Students practice integrating systematic observation of young children's behavior with instructional design and assessment and program evaluation techniques. Students learn techniques for working cooperatively with families in the care and education of their children and with community services and referral procedures for children. Includes a 30-hour practicum in an early childhood site. Spring only (no 'S' credit). Classroom placement included.
    EDC *385. Practicum in Education
    1-4 credits
    Permission
    EDC *399. Independent Study
    4 credits
    Junior Standing; Permission
    Individual investigation of an educational problem planned with faculty in Alma's Education Department.
    EDC *440. Teaching Struggling Readers
    Q1 3 credits
    EDC 304 and 340; EDC 490-491e concurrently; TEP
    Survey of theory and methods associated with reading instruction for struggling readers. Emphasis placed on assessment of reading strengths and needs as well as specific strategies for reading improvement. Includes supervised instruction. Required for elementary certification.
    EDC *445a. Methods Secondary Art Teachers
    4 credits $10
    TEP or Permission
    Examination of art media and the construction of art programs in secondary, grades 7-12, classrooms. Topics include multicultural influences on world art, uses of technology in the classroom and current standards and practices in art education. Required for Art and Design Majors seeking K-12 certification.
    EDC *445b-r. Special Methods in Secondary Teaching
    2 credits
    TEP or Permission
    Survey of special teaching methods in student's major field: b, Biology; c, Chemistry; e, English; f, Modern Languages; h, History/Political Science; m, Mathematics; n, Vocal Music (listed as MUS 432a); o, Instrumental Music (listed as MUS 432b); p, Physical Education; ph, Physics. May be taken prior to or concurrently with Education 490-491s. Required for certification.
    EDC *445s. Methods in Teaching Social Studies
    4 credits
    TEP or Permission
    Survey of special teaching methods in student's major field: s=social studies. May be taken prior to or concurrently with Education 490-491s. Required for certification.
    EDC *447. Methods in Teaching Spanish
    4 credits
    TEP or Permission
    Survey of materials and contemporary methods for teaching Spanish. Includes theory and research on teaching modern languages: communicative method, interculturalism, phonetics and classroom observation. Class conducted in Spanish. Candidates for Secondary Certification may substitute this course for EDC 445f, which is required for certification. Others may enroll with permission of the Alma Education Department. (Madrid or Mexico City)
    EDC *480. Selected Topics in Education
    2-4 credits
    EDC 201 and 220, and Permission
    Survey of a selected topic chosen for study. May be taken more than once for credit.
    EDC *490-*491e or s. Directed Teaching
    5 credits each
    Approval by TEC; Senior or Post-Graduate Standing
    Teaching under the direction of a cooperating teacher in the public schools. Concurrent enrollment in Education 348 and 445, or 440 is usual. With Department's permission, graduates may enroll for 490e or s only. Applications must be filed by November 15 of the year prior to directed teaching. Pass/fail only. Required for certification.
    EDC *492. Directed Teaching for K-12 Endorsement
    4 credits
    Teaching under the direction of a supervising teacher in the public schools in special areas of Music, Physical Education and Art. Required of elementary education candidates with majors in one of the three special fields who wish K-12 endorsements. Normally scheduled in Spring Term.
    EDC *493. Directed Teaching in Early Childhood Education
    5 credits
    EDC 182, 183, 282, 383, SOA 220
    Directed teaching experience of 280 hours in an Early Childhood Setting under the guidance of a professional Early Childhood Educator. Students integrate and apply content area knowledge, pedagogical and professional knowledge and understanding of children's physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs, including special needs, in designing and facilitating learning experiences in an early childhood setting. Students apply knowledge of behavioral assessment and program evaluation, appropriate techniques for managing and guiding young children, nutrition, health and safety standards, and characteristics of appropriate environments to their planning and teaching. Under guidance of cooperating teacher, students work effectively with parents as partners in their children's education. Students in the Directed Teaching course regularly reflect on and evaluate their experience with a College Field Instructor. Spring or summer of junior or senior year. Must apply for student teaching by November 15 of junior year and be approved prior to beginning ECE student teaching.
    EDC *499. Independent Study
    Q1 4 credits
    Senior Standing, EDC Major and Permission
    Individual investigation of an educational problem or development of a creative, usable project.
    EDC *500. Senior Thesis
    Q1 4 credits
    Permission
    Required for departmental honors.