Elementary (El Ed) FAQ

Following admission, a candidate may complete all required courses in the Elementary Education preparation program in four semesters. For the courses taken in each of the four semesters, click here.  A program MAP is also available.

Following the first semester after admission to the Elementary Education program, candidates are placed in cohorts (groups) of approximately 30 candidates for a prescribed, integrated teacher preparation sequence. Cohorts remain together for a full year (two semesters) and receive instuction (course work and field experiences) from a designated team of instructors each semester.

Each cohort semester has a field experience in which elementary teacher education students spend six hours a day for twenty days in an elemetary school classroom. During the first cohort semester, cohort teachers are usually placed in a first or second grade to develop the primary literacy skills and to complete related assignments. The second semester experience is usually in a third through sixth grade to develop the intermediate literacy skills and to complete related assignments. Cohort students observe teaching practices, support the classroom teacher, interact with children, and teach planned lessons. They are mentored and evaluated by a classroom teacher, a school facilitator, and a BYU CFA or Liaison.

Candidates may not request specific schools for clinical experiences. Every effort is made to provide each cohort student or student teacher with a professionally appropriate setting that includes variations in grade level, location and cultural and ethnic diversity. However, if you feel you have an exceptional circumstance, you may discuss your situation with your liaison.

The assessment system focuses on data collection and analysis of major assessments at four critical transition points (gateways) established for the teacher preparation program.

1.   Entry/Admissions       

2.   Pre-clinical                                         

3.   Clinical/Exit                                         

4.   Alumni

Transition points identify stages in the program in which candidates are expected to develop a level of competency in the standards identified in the conceptual framework. The performances of all candidates enrolled in a program are assessed using the major assessments identified with each transition point. Criteria have been established at each transition point to determine if the candidate is prepared to proceed to the next stage of the program. Should the candidate fail to meet the requirements, program policies outline possible consequences.

For a detailed listing of assessments at each transition point, click here.

Take the necessary prerequisite MFHD courses. See the curriculum map at http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/current/depts/Teach_Ed/ElEd_Major.aspx#EarlyChildhood

Apply as part of the admissionsprocess.