| 253.535.7272 | www.plu.edu/education/ | educ@plu.edu |
| Jan Weiss, Ph.D., Associate Dean |
| Undergraduate Admissions | https://www.plu.edu/education/how-to-apply |
| B.A.E. – Elementary Education | www.plu.edu/education/programs/bachelor-of-arts-in-education/ |
| B.A.E. – Outreach Education | www.plu.edu/education/programs/bachelor-of-arts-in-education/ |
Click to view catalog information for specific area:
Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.) Degree
Elementary Certification and Endorsement Options
Elementary Education/Special Education Professional Education
Elementary Education/Reading Professional Education
Elementary Education/English Language Learner (ELL) Professional Education
Certification in Health and Fitness or Music Education
Secondary Certification and Endorsement Options
Outreach Education – This program is on hiatus for the 2024-25 academic year
Education (EDUC) - Undergraduate Courses
EDUC 205 : Multicultural Perspectives in the Classroom
Examination of issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, etc. as they relate to educational practices. (4)
EDUC 287 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 288 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 289 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
EDUC 320 : Issues in Child Abuse and Neglect
Issues of child abuse, neglect, harassment, and violence. Includes identification and reporting procedures, and the legal and professional responsibilities of all mandated reporters. (1)
EDUC 327 : Instructional Systems and Design
Explores instructional systems and design and provides a foundation for knowing how to design, plan, adapt, and modify instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners. Careful attention is given to understanding and meeting the needs of historically marginalized students, integrating skills and strategies into lesson design, and using assessment to guide instructional and programmatic decisions. Integrating concepts of anti-racist pedagogy and universal design for learning provides a foundation for the practical work. (3)
EDUC 330 : Professional Practice I
Teacher candidates will be required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of fieldwork in a local school. (0)
EDUC 332 : Communities, Schools, and Students
Explores the purposes of P-12 education, how schools intersect with local communities, and the range of differences within learners. (2)
EDUC 361 : Teaching and Learning of Science
Provides a hands-on, minds-on course designed to help pre-service elementary teachers learn to teach science to students in grades K-8 in ways that are consistent with what is known about science education and the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children. The course will focus on inquiry learning and sense-making driven by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that serve to guide curriculum and instructional development in the state of Washington. (4)
EDUC 370 : Professional Practice II
Teacher candidates will be required to complete a minimum of 90 hours of fieldwork in a local school. (0)
EDUC 372 : Teaching and Learning of Reading
This course focuses on developmental stages of literacy development. Reading components phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are addressed. Assessments and instructional activities to support students' learning in responsive, differentiated ways are taught and practiced. (4)
EDUC 373 : Teaching and Learning of Mathematics
Provides a hands-on, minds-on course designed to help pre-service elementary teachers learn to teach math to students in grades K-8 in ways that are consistent with what is known about math education and physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children. The course will focus on facilitating student discourse to drive procedural fluency through conceptual understanding grounded in the components of effective teaching and learning as outlined by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Common Core State Standards for math (CCSS-M) that serve to guide curriculum and instructional development in the state of Washington. (4)
EDUC 374 : Management and Student Engagement
Develops management strategies for student engagement and increasing academic achievement (4)
EDUC 375 : Technology Integration
The integration of technology tools for the classroom. (2)
EDUC 385 : Comparative Education - GE
Comparison and investigation of materials and cultural systems of education throughout the world. Emphasis on applying knowledge for greater understanding of diverse populations in the K-12 educational system. (2 or 4 credits)
EDUC 387 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 388 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 389 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 391 : Foundations of Learning
Investigation into theories of learning and development and into historical and current practices, values, and beliefs that influence efforts to shape learning in educational settings. Topics include: self as learner, theories of learning, others as learners, exceptionalities, technology, values literacy, and factors influencing learning and literacy. Limited to music and health and fitness education majors. Prerequisite: admission to the School of Education and Kinesiology; completion of MUSI 340 for music education majors, and co-enrollment in KINS 490 for both health and fitness education majors. (3)
EDUC 402 : Internship I
Teacher candidates will be required to complete a minimum of 90 hours of fieldwork in a local school. (0)
EDUC 403 : Building Professional Learning Communities
Seminar groups to provide a critical inquiry bridge between university-based coursework and P-8 fieldwork through the unit's core values of care, competence, difference, service, and leadership. (2)
EDUC 404 : Teaching and Learning of Social Studies
Integration of literacy for the teaching of social studies strategies that can be incorporated into P-8 instructional models and assessments with applications to the development of lesson sequences. (4)
EDUC 405 : Teaching and Learning Art in the Elementary Classroom
Methods and procedures in teaching elementary school art as well as infusing the arts in the curriculum. (2)
EDUC 407 : Teaching and Learning of Writing
This course focuses on the multimodal teaching of writers across developmental stages, emphasizing culturally sustaining practices. This includes developmental and writing processes, genre exploration, the role of identity and community in writing, writing strategies and skills, and formative assessment and feedback. (2)
EDUC 423 : Language and Literacy Development for Multilingual Learners
This course examines stages of second language acquisition; including, examining conceptual, pedagogical, and instructional practices to support bilingualism and differentiate content instruction according to language proficiency. (2)
EDUC 428 : Assessments in Literacy
This course introduces frameworks for understanding reading difficulties and responsive assessment. Teacher candidates learn how to administer and interpret literacy assessments in order to identify areas of instructional focus and indicate those in professional reports communicated across various stakeholders. Purposes, advantages, and limitations of standardized and other assessment tools are explored. (2)
EDUC 429 : Diversity Responsive Children's Literature
Explores diversity responsive children's literature and why these texts are imperative for all readers. Emphasizing identifying, selecting, and evaluating high-quality, diversity responsive books across genres and formats (e.g. novels in verse, graphic novels, print/digital) as well as strategies for advocacy and use in K-6 classrooms. (2)
EDUC 438 : Learner-Centered Literacy Instruction
Focuses on learner-centered literacy instruction, fostering student agency, and literacy identities. Special attention is placed on instructional strategies and methods that cultivate deep comprehension, intrinsic motivation, perspective taking, and critical thinking. (2)
EDUC 446 : Mathematics in the Secondary School
Methods and materials in teaching secondary mathematics. Introduction to Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, effective and equitable mathematics teaching practices, and curriculum design through the exploration of concepts in secondary mathematics. This course includes a field experience component. Cross-listed with MATH 446. Prerequisite: EDUC 205 and MATH 253 or 331. (4)
EDUC 450 : Seminar - SR
A seminar for all education students focusing development of professionalism and competence in inquiry and reflective practice. (2)
EDUC 455 : Internship II
Teacher candidates will be required to complete a minimum of 450 hours of student teaching experience in local public schools under the supervision of PLU-assigned supervisors and classroom teachers. (10-15)
EDUC 468 : Student Teaching - Secondary
Teaching in public schools under the direction of classroom and university teachers. Prerequisites: Formal application; senior standing; cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher. Concurrent with EDUC 450. (10)
EDUC 487 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 488 : ST: Higher Education Leadership
Explores the foundations of leadership. Focus is on leadership in higher education. Restricted to PLU administrations and faculty. (1 to 4)
EDUC 489 : Special Topics in Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
EDUC 490 : Linguistics and Language Acquisition
Investigation of how young children acquire their first language and what they know as a result of this learning. This course explores first language acquisition and development; including, phonology, syntax, morphology, pragmatics, and semantics. These concepts are examined in relation to standard language ideologies and supporting linguistic justice. (2)
EDUC 491 : Independent Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
EDUC 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)
EDUC 497 : Special Project
Individual study and research on education problems or additional laboratory experience in public school classrooms. Prerequisite: consent of the dean. (1 to 4)
Educational Psychology (EPSY) - Undergraduate Courses
EPSY 361 : Psychology for Teaching
Principles and research in human development and learning, especially related to teaching and to the psychological growth, relationships, and adjustment of individuals. For music education majors only. Admission to the School of Education and Kinesiology and completion of MUSI 340. (3)
Special Education (SPED) - Undergraduate Courses
SPED 287 : Special Topics in Special Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SPED 288 : Special Topics in Special Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SPED 289 : Special Topics in Special Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SPED 307 : Foundations in Special Education
Provides an overview of foundational Special Education concepts, laws, and processes and is taken by all undergraduate education majors. Key content will include historical foundations leading to current laws and policies including ADA, IDEA, and 504, as well as the ways current laws influence policies and processes. This preparatory course will provide a foundation for future discussion and topic exploration in theory and practice. (4)
SPED 342 : Methods of Assessment for Students with Disabilities
Provides the beginning special education candidate with the background, theories, and practice knowledge of assessment. This course will cover the basic core skills, terminology, and practice of assessments and evaluation across all categories of IDEA, using a multidisciplinary approach. Principles of RTI, MTSS, and PBIS will be covered using an embedded case study model. Principles of reducing potential bias will be explored across all categories and methods of assessment. (4)
SPED 376 : Instructional Methodologies for Inclusive Classrooms
Provides accommodations and remediation strategies connected to instructional models for the diverse learning needs of students. (3)
SPED 377 : Instructional Methodologies for Inclusive Classrooms
Provides accommodations and remediation strategies connected to instructional models for the diverse learning needs of students. (3)
SPED 404 : Collaboration, Team Building, and Supervision
Focuses on approaches and methodologies for establishing connections with communities, families, and various instructional staff members, including paraeducators. (2)
SPED 409 : Current Trends in Special Education
Provides special education undergraduate candidates with specific, current, and relevant information regarding students with disabilities who required specialized programming. This course will explore topics related to specialized supports and plans pertinent to academics, behavior, mental health, and social-emotional needs. This course will also cover topics related to transition planning for students and collaboration with outside community agencies. The course will also cover current pertinent issues related to law, policies, and practice. All topics will be covered with a focus on inclusion and evidence-based and culturally relevant practices. (4)
SPED 431 : Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will provide an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder for educators as well as other related professionals who may work with or serve children and families with this diagnosis. This course will explore the characteristics of children, youth and adults with autism, evidence-based practices for prevention and intervention, problems and issues in the field, methods of positive behavior support and collaborating with families. (2)
SPED 442 : Technology in Special Education
Current issues and uses of computer technology for learners with special needs. Emphasis on computer assisted instruction, and assistive technology services and devices. (2)
SPED 454 : Methods and Assessment of Students with Complex Support Needs
Exploration of the issues related to identification of and service delivery to this population. Specialized instruction, management techniques, and issues of transitioning from schools to community. A field experience component is included. (3)
SPED 487 : Special Topics in Special Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SPED 488 : Special Topics in Special Education
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SPED 489 : Special Topics
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
SPED 491 : Independent Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)