Elementary Education

The child development and family science/elementary education dual degree program is designed to provide additional knowledge to prepare elementary teachers to be advocates for young children, extend their knowledge about how children learn, the knowledge to be learned, and the techniques that facilitate that learning.

The Program

Through this curriculum, students are concurrently enrolled in the child development and family science (CDFS) major (child development option) through North Dakota State University and the elementary education major through Valley City State University (VCSU). The culmination of these requirements leads to a bachelor's degree from NDSU (child development and family science major/child development option) as well as a bachelor's degree from VCSU (elementary education major).

 

Under a cooperative agreement, students remain on the NDSU campus to complete all coursework for the dual degree. The courses that are specific to the elementary education major (VCSU) are offered on the NDSU campus by VCSU faculty. Students are certified to teach elementary education in public schools and may, with additional course work and an additional student teaching experience, be certified to teach kindergarten as well.

 

The CDFS degree complements and strengthens the elementary education curriculum with coursework in contemporary parenting principles and strategies; family issues and cross-cultural diversity; children and stress; and public programs affecting the economic well-being of families.

 

Children are very diverse in all aspects of their development-physical, cognitive, social and emotional. It is more accurate to view "normal" development as a range of possible outcomes rather than a single life course. Ultimately, these developmental factors have a strong influence on children's performance and behavior in school. A degree in CDFS will help future teachers understand development and its diversity, making them more effective teachers and helping them work with children from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Selective Admission

Admission to the dual degree program consists of two separate university applications:

1. Application for admission to NDSU as a child development and family science/elementary education dual degree prior to beginning the program,
2. Application for admission to VCSU and admission to the teacher education program occurs at the end of the sophomore year.

 

During or immediately following the introductory professional education course, students must meet additional requirements to be admitted into teacher education:

1. Sophomore standing or better with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5,
2. Satisfactory academic performance in English 110 and 120 (grades of C or higher) and successful completion of a speech screening test,
3. Achievement of minimum scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST),
4. Qualify for teacher certification in the state of North Dakota upon VCSU program completion, as outlined in the latest issue of the Educator's Professional Certificate Regulation booklet published by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is the culmination of the teaching program. Students have the opportunity to apply skills acquired in college courses under the supervision of an experienced educator.

Certification

Upon completing this program, students are eligible for certification to teach grades 1 through 6. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of Student Financial Services at NDSU makes available grants, loans, scholarships and work-study employment. Scholarships also are available through the College of Human Development and Education at NDSU.

The Facilities

Facilities for the dual degree program are housed in the Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall and the Family Life Center. Included in these buildings are classrooms, conference rooms and a child development laboratory serving young children and their families. The laboratory provides day care services for infants, toddlers and preschool children and is used as a training facility for CDFS students. Children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years are enrolled in the center. The equipment in the center is appropriate for young children and for children with special needs.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

Students may enhance their involvement by participating in groups such as the CDFS Club, the North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children, the North Dakota Family and Consumer Sciences Association and the North Dakota Education Association.

Community Setting

The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area offers a conducive setting for study. Students have the opportunity to work in a number of community institutions serving children and families.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Director of Student Services and Advancement
College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University
Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall 255D
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7071
Email: Nancy.Gress@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hde

or

Department of Child Development and Family Science

College of Human Development and Education
North Dakota State University
Evelyn Morrow Lebedeff Hall 283
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8268
E-mail: Jim.Deal@ndsu.edu

or

Teacher Education Program
North Dakota State University
Katherine Kilbourne Burgum FLC 210
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7127
E-mail: Jeanette.Hoffman@ndsu.edu

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(12/08)