undergraduate bulletin - LaGrange College

INTRODUCTION
EDUCATION
The Department of Education offers several initial teacher preparation programs: a Bachelor of
Arts program at the Early Childhood (PK – 5th) level and a Master of Arts in Teaching program
for both the Secondary and Middle Grades levels. The Master of Education in Curriculum and
Instruction and the Specialist in Education programs are designed for those who already have a
teaching certificate. See the Department of Education‘s Graduate Bulletin for more information
on advanced programs.
The Education curriculum at LaGrange College serves three (3) basic purposes:
to provide for the development of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are
essential for the teaching profession;
to provide planned and carefully guided sequences of field experiences (this requires that all
students meet with their advisors before making any work plans);
to provide initial preparation programs in Early Childhood Education at the undergraduate
level, and a Master of Arts in Teaching initial preparation program for middle and high
school grades, all of which are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Approved Program in Early Childhood Education
Candidates completing the Early Childhood Education major will:
develop a thorough understanding of the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional
development of the child;
identify the nature of learning and behaviors involving the child;
construct a curriculum appropriate to the needs of the child;
utilize existing knowledge about parents and cultures in dealing effectively with children;
gain a thorough knowledge of the fundamental concepts of appropriate disciplines and how
to relate them to the child;
identify and implement differentiated teaching strategies in lessons designed for elementary
students;
understand diagnostic tools and approaches for assessing students at all levels and how to
remediate learning problems in the various disciplines;
develop their maximum potential through the provision of a succession of planned and
guided experiences.
ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires that the Department of Education use
technology to show that all candidates have met specific standards for teaching certification. To
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