Elementary Education K-8 and Special Education P-12, B.A.
The Elementary Education (K-8) and Special Education (P-12) combined major prepares students to teach core academic subjects at the elementary level and provide specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities across grade levels. The program emphasizes understanding cognitive and social-emotional development, as well as strong content knowledge in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition, students complete focused coursework in the identification of disabilities, individualized education planning, and evidence-based instructional strategies for diverse learners. Program content and outcomes align with the Montana Teaching Standards for Elementary Education (ARM 10.58.532) and Special Education P–12 (ARM 10.58.510). This combined major leads to dual licensure in Elementary Education (K–8) and Special Education (P–12), equipping graduates to serve in a wide range of inclusive and specialized educational settings.
For specific Student Learning Outcomes see Education
I. Major and Professional Education Program Requirements
Required classes:
| ED 102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| ED 103 | Instructional Media & Technology | 3 |
| ED 215 | PE & School Health Elementary Schl | 3 |
| ED 221 | Arts Integration in Elementary School | 3 |
| ED 228 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| ED 229 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| ED 245 | Diversity Field Experience | 1 |
| ED 250 | Middle School Teaching | 3 |
| ED 312 | Elementary Science and Social Studies | 4 |
| ED 323 | Teaching Communication Arts I | 2 |
| ED 325 | Teaching Communication Arts II | 3 |
| ED 405 | Education Seminar | 2 |
| ED 410 | Student Teaching - Major Or Major/Minor | 12 |
| ED 316 | Measurement and Assessment in Teaching | 3 |
| SPED 200 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| SPED 204 | Students W/ High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 205 | Students With Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 206 | Collab & Conference for Educators | 3 |
| SPED 323 | Assmnt & Evaluation in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 324/ED 324 | Diagnostic-Based Interv in Literacy Inst | 3 |
| SPED 409 | Methods for Administering Special Ed | 5 |
II. Other Program Requirements
Required classes:
| AN 218/SO 218 | Intro Native Am Studies | 3 |
| MA 201 | Mathematics for Elementary Education I | 3 |
| MA 202 | Mathematics for Elementary Education II | 3 |
| MA 301 | Teaching Math Content & Methods Mdl Grade | 3 |
| | |
| PSY 227 | Child & Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| or | |
| PSY 203 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
One of the following U.S. History courses:
One semester of earth science* with required lab:
One semester of life science* with required lab:
| BI 122 | Foundations of Organismal & Evol Biology | 3 |
| and | |
| BI 132 | Lab Explorations Physiology and Ecology | 1 |
| or | |
| BI 101 | Life Science | 4 |
| or | |
| BI 102 | Human Biology | 4 |
One semester of physical science* with required lab:
*Note: lab science courses may only count in one category (for example, if Astronomy is taken for earth science, it may not also count for physical science).
Notes:
- All degree students should review requirements for graduation as described in this catalog.
- Courses in economics, anthropology, and American national government are highly recommended.
- All elementary education students must meet the following requirements: 1) earn a grade of “C-” or better in all Major and Professional Education Requirements and Other Program Requirements, 2) earn a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average for Admission to the Teacher Education Program; 3) earn a minimum 3.0 grade point average in Major Program Requirements, Professional Program Requirements, and Other Program Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching.
III. Admission Into Teacher Education Program and Student Teaching
Students pursuing a major that leads to licensure must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education program. See Admission to the Teacher Education Program for specific details.
Students must submit an application in order to student teach. See Admission to Student Teaching for specific details.