Mar 23, 2026  
2024-2026 Academic Catalog 
  
2024-2026 Academic Catalog

Elementary Education Option, A.S.

Location(s): Dickinson Campus, DSUlive


Overview

The Associate in Science with Elementary Education Option s a major within the School of Education. If you have questions regarding this program, please contact dsu.hawk@dickinsonstate.edu or call 1-800-279-HAWK.

The Associate in Science in Elementary Education includes general education courses, courses from specific disciplines, professional education courses and elective courses. A grade of “C” or better is required in all communication, science, professional education, and elective courses graded on an “A” through “F” letter basis, and a grade of “S” is required in all professional education courses graded on an “A” through “F” letter basis.

Degree Requirements:

  • General Education Courses
  • Professional Education Courses
  • Elective Courses

Degree available DSUlive

Career Options

Why should you pursue an Associate in Science Degree - Elementary Education Option?

The Associate in Science in elementary education program is beneficial for those who are working as paraprofessionals in the school district and parents who may want to gain some pedagogy for working with their own children. This program provides students with some content and pedagogy required of students in the bachelor’s program and transitions into the Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education .

Possible Career Paths

  • Paraprofessional
  • Child Care Worker
  • Tutor
  • Substitute Teacher

Requirements


General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science degree in Elementary Education


This degree is a transitional degree into the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education . General education requirements are specific to meet the requirements of both degrees.

First Year Experience


Select one course from the following:


Select four credits from the following:


Total: 67-68


Semester Sequence


Subtotal: 18


Subtotal: 16


Third Semester


Subtotal: 17-18


Fourth Semester


Subtotal: 16


Must complete one of the following Literary Expressions and Social Science courses:


Choose from one of the following Education Elective courses:


Student Learning Outcomes for the Teacher Education Program


The ten InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards comprise the program outcomes for the Teacher Education Program. All coursework and experiences in the program are designed to enhance candidates’ proficiency in the InTASC standards, which articulate the basic competencies that should be mastered by a beginning teacher.

Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions in these areas:

I. The Learner and Learning

InTASC Standard 1: Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and X.)

InTASC Standard 2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, V, VI, IX, and X.)

InTASC Standard 3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, V, VI, and X.)

II. Content Knowledge

InTASC Standard 4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) that he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III, IV, V, and VII.)

InTASC Standard 5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, IV, V, VI, and VII.)

III. Instructional Practice

InTASC Standard 6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes IV, V, VI, and VII.)

InTASC Standard 7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V and VI.)

InTASC Standard 8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and X.)

IV. Professional Responsibility

InTASC Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, V, VI, and X.)

InTASC Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning; to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes V, VI, and X.)

Students’ achievement of these program outcomes is assessed with multiple measures at points throughout the program. Program assessment tools specify indicators that are related to each outcome and that are aligned with the seven Institutional Learning Outcomes for Dickinson State University.