Elementary/Special Education Major

Elementary/Special Education Major

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary/Special Education

The elementary/special education major is a merged program that emphasizes preparation in both areas. Throughout this program, students develop an understanding of effective elementary curriculum and pedagogy as well as knowledge of individual differences and strategies to differentiate instruction and implement specialized supports to meet students’ academic and behavioral needs. To complete the elementary/special education major in four years, students must declare the major during their freshman year.

Although students may be accepted to the College as elementary/special education majors, this is a provisional acceptance to the program. Formal admission will take place during the sophomore year. Minimally, this process requires students to have and maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.75; earn a “C” or better in all education classes; meet Rhode Island Department of Education required scores on the SAT, ACT, or Praxis Core exam; and demonstrate appropriate professionalism.

Students are required to follow a prescribed program that includes integrated course work and multiple field experiences in local elementary schools, many of which are in diverse settings. Elementary/special education majors complete their first field experience at Providence after-school programs during one of their first three semesters at the College. The program culminates with two semesters of student teaching: a minimum of 12 weeks with an elementary teacher and a minimum of 12 weeks with an elementary/special education teacher. Education study abroad semester is available in the fall of the junior year.

Required Courses

• EDU 125 – Introduction to Communication Development and Disorders in Children (3 Credits)
• EDU 221 – Introduction to Characteristics of Individuals with Special Needs (3 Credits)
• EDU 231 – Literacy I: Methods and Materials for Teaching Reading (3 Credits)
• EDU 231L – Literacy I: Methods and Materials for Teaching Reading Field Experience (1 Credit)
• EDU 270 – Teaching Science & Mathematics in the Elementary School (3 Credits)
• EDU 270L – Teaching Science & Mathematics Field Experience (1 Credit)
• EDU 285 – Strategies for Classroom Management (3 Credits)
• EDU 301 – Foundations of Education (3 Credits)
• EDU 322 – Collaboration: Home/School/Community (3 Credits)
• EDU 331 – Literacy II: Teaching Language Arts & Social Studies in the Elementary School (3 Credits)
• EDU 331L – Literacy II: Teaching Language Arts & Social Studies Field Experience (1 Credit)
• EDU 390 – Assessment of Children’s Individual Differences (3 Credits)
• EDU 418 – Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (Grades 1-6) (3 Credits)
• EDU 418L – Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities Field Experience (1 Credit)
• EDU 451 – Student Teaching in the Elementary School (9 Credits)
• EDU 452 – Student Teaching in Elementary/ Special Education (9 Credits)
• PSY 100 – Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
• PSY 306 – Child and Adolescent Development (3 Credits)