DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE, LITERACY, AND SPECIAL POPULATIONS

CHAIR: Mary Robbins

FACULTY: Adams , Breen ,Higgins , Lynch , Miller , McCauley , Nabors , Price , Robbins , Swicegood , Warner , Wegmann

The primary purpose of the Academic Studies (ACS) program is to prepare candidates to become exemplary teachers in Early Childhood – 4th Grade (EC-4) classrooms and 4th Grade – 8th Grade (4-8) classrooms. The ACS program consists of 62 hours of Academic Foundation courses, a 48-hour (minimum) Academic Studies major (includes the minors listed below), and 24 hours of Professional Education courses, including student teaching. Candidates registered for nine hours during the student teaching semester are considered to be full-time students.

The Department of Language, Literacy and Special Populations offers the followingcertifications (minors within the ACS program).

EC-4 Bilingual

EC-4 Early Childhood

EC-4 English as a Second Language

EC-4 Reading/Language Arts

EC-4 Special Education

4-8 English Language Arts and Reading

EC-8 English Language Arts and Reading

EC-12 Special Education

Candidates seeking Secondary Certification may choose Reading as a minor or Special Education as a minor. Candidates with majors in other program areas may select Reading or Special Education as a minor. Please see your advisor for complete program description.

All candidates seeking certification must satisfy the requirements for admission to candidacy in Educator Preparation (see Standards for Admission to Candidacy in the Educator Preparation Program under Initial Teacher Certification in this catalog). Candidates should contact an advisor regularly to determine any degree plan or certification changes.

All of the certification programs listed above have a common core of Foundation courses and a common set of Professional Education courses. Each of the minors has a unique set of Academic Studies courses.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ECE 273 CURRICULUM IN THE PRESCHOOL. The curriculum in the preschool and primary grades is presented with an emphasis on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Classroom arrangements, selection of material and activities, evaluation procedures, and developmentally appropriate practices will be studied. Prerequisite: 45 hours. Credit 3.

ECE 275 STUDY OF THE PRESCHOOL CHILD. This course is intended to provide a foundation in the basic principles and theories of child development. Field experience in child care facilities will be required. Prerequisite: 45 hours. Credit 3.

ECE 319 GUIDANCE OF YOUNG CHILDREN: FIELD EXPERIENCE. Students will practice behavior management techniques with children in public school pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classrooms. This course is taken concurrently with ECE 329. Prerequisite: Either ECE 273 or 275. Credit 1.

ECE 329 GUIDANCE OF YOUNG CHILDREN. Classroom and behavior management techniques which are appropriate for young children will be presented with an emphasis on inductive discipline which leads to self-discipline. This course is taken concurrently with ECE 319. Prerequisite: Either ECE 273 or 275. Credit 2.

ECE 363 WORKING WITH FAMILIES IN DIVERSE COMMUNITIES. This course is an in-depth study of the relationships between families and schools in diverse communities. Topics addressed in this course include discussions of major theories that support partnerships with parents; models for parent, school, and community partnerships; home, school and community influences on children’s lives; parenting styles; family dynamics; parent education strategies; communication with parents; and the rights and responsibilities of parents, children and teaches. Field experience with young children and their families will be required. Prerequisites: ECE 273 and SPD 231. Credit 3.

ECE 433 DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. An in-depth study will be made of developmentally appropriate practices in schools for young children. Appropriate curriculum and instruction, thematic unit development, and a study of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills are major areas of emphasis. Field experiences is required. Prerequisites: ECE 273 and ECE 275. Credit 3.