CUAA Elementary Education (ONLINE)

A candidate in the Accelerated CUAA Elementary program will become certified to teach two of three areas - Lower Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten to 3rd grade), Upper Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade), or Special Education (Learning Disabilities) upon completion of the program and a passing score on the corresponding Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC).  The Accelerated CUAA Elementary Education program contains coursework that is entirely online with the exception of the clinical courses and student teaching. 

The program standards are defined by the State of Michigan and are as follows:

Professional Standards: P.1. Learner - Center Supports, P.2. Ethics and Professional Growth, and P.3. Strategic Partnerships

Literacy Standards: L.1. Literacy Learning Environments, L.2. Culturally Responsive Practices in Literacy, L.3. Literacy Curriculum Design and Assessment, L.4. Overall Literacy, L.5. Motivation and Engagement, L.6. Print Concepts, L.7. Phonological Awareness, L.8. Phonics, L.9. Spelling, L.10. Word Recognition, L.11. Morphology, L.12. Syntax, L.13. Reading Fluency, L.14. Vocabulary, L.15. Handwriting, L.16. Comprehension, L.17. Composition, and L.18. Speaking and Listening

Mathematics Standards: M.1. Build and draw on relationships with children, caregivers, and communities in ways that support children's mathematics learning; M.2. Plan mathematics lessons and sequences of lessons; M.3. Use formative and summative mathematics assessments to gauge children's learning and to make instructional decisions; M.4. Enact instruction that allows all children to engage with significant mathematics and to develop productive dispositions toward mathematics; M.5. Unpack mathematical content and identify mathematical competence for attribution; M.6. Perform mathematical explanations and support children's mathematical explanations for attribution; M.7. Choose, interpret, and talk with representations for attributions; M.8. Elicit, interpret, support and extend others' mathematical thinking for attribution; M.9. Unpack mathematical content and identify mathematical competence for counting and whole number representation; M.10. Perform mathematical explanations and support children's mathematical explanations for counting and whole number representation; M.11 Choose, interpret, and talk with representations for counting and whole number representation; M.12. Elicit, interpret, support, and extend others' mathematical thinking for counting and whole number representation; M.13. Unpack mathematical content and identify mathematical competence for early fraction representation; M.14. Perform mathematical explanations and support others' mathematical explanations for early fraction representation; M.15. Choose, interpret, and talk with representations for early fraction representation; M.16. Elicit, interpret, support, and extend others’ mathematical thinking for early fraction representation; M.17. Unpack mathematical content and identify mathematical competence for whole number operations; M.18. Perform mathematical explanations and support children’s mathematical explanations for whole number operations; M.19. Choose, interpret, and talk with representations for whole number operations; and M.20. Elicit, interpret, support, and extend others’ mathematical thinking for whole number operations.

Science Standards: S.1. Scientific Phenomena; S.2. Engaging children in Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) as Identified in the Framework; S.3. Engaging Children in Developing and Using Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) as Identified in the Framework; S.4. Engaging Children in Developing and Using Crosscutting Concepts as Identified in the Framework; S.5. Selecting and modifying instructional materials for 3D learning; S.6. Children’s scientific sense-making; S.7. Pedagogical strategies that support culturally relevant sense-making in 3D learning; and S.8. Equity and Access

Social Studies Standards: SS.1. Civic Engagement; SS.2. History; SS.3. Geography; SS.4. Civics and Government; and SS.5. Economics.

For more information regarding these State standards please see the Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Lower Elementary (PK-3) Education

For more information regarding these State standards please see the Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Upper Elementary (3-6) Education

The School of Education has the following Program Outcomes:

SL1.  Faith Integration: Candidates display the Christian principles that are central to the university’s mission.

SL2. Caring Relationships: Candidates establish caring, supportive relationships with students, families and colleagues.

RP3.  Disciplinary Knowledge: Candidates demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the skills and frameworks of their content areas appropriate to their certification.

RP4.  Pedagogy and Instruction: Candidates understand and implement best practices of instruction and deliver well-differentiated and well-aligned instruction that empowers students as learners.

RP5.  Communication: Candidates demonstrated effective communication skills to enhance teaching and learning.

RP6. Assessment: Candidates use various types of assessment to evaluate student progress and to improve their instruction.

RP7.  Classroom Environment: Candidates assess and respond appropriately to the cultures of diverse classrooms, schools, and the community.

LL8.  Professionalism and Personal Growth: Candidates engage in continuous growth by consistently expanding their professional knowledge, skills and dispositions.

Undergraduate Core Requirements - Public Education44
Public Education Major71
Public Education Elective Credits5
Total Credits - Public Education120
Undergraduate Core Requirements - Lutheran Teacher Diploma47
Lutheran Teacher Diploma Major77
Total Credits - Lutheran Teacher Diploma or Christian Teacher Certificate121

Core Curriculum - 44-47 credits

Concordia Common Core

Theology - Public Education
REL 1000The Bible3
REL 1100Christian Faith3
Theology - Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) or Christian Teacher Certificate (CTC)
REL 2010Old Testament3
REL 2020New Testament3
REL 2030Biblical Theology3
Liberal Arts Core
CCE 1020Western Culture & Worldview3
CCE 1030Western Thought & Worldview3
CCE 1040Science & Humanity3
Faith and Life Course3
ENV 1050Introduction to Environmental Science3
MATH 1190Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-93
GEOG 2200Cultural Geography3
POLS 2010American Government3
HHP 1115Fit and Well2
ED 1103Human Relations for Teachers3
Human Creativity and Expression Course3
ENG 2100College Writing3
Communication or Language Course3

Elementary Education Curriculum

Elementary Education Content
ED 1231Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy3
HIST 1000Introduction to American Civilization3
HIST 2230Michigan History3
Professional Education Sequence
EDU 1002Teaching & Learning in Diverse Societies Elementary Clinical1
ED 1275Human Learning3
EDU 1022Human Growth and Development Elementary Clinical1
EDU 5010Designing Instruction3
EDU 2002Designing Instruction for Student Success Elementary Clinical1
EDU 5020Differentiated Instruction3
EDU 2022Differentiation for All Learners Elementary Clinical1
ED 1230Nature of the Exceptional Child3
EDU 3050Preparing for Student Teaching1
EDU 4191Student Teaching for Lower Elementary (select for primary content)12
or EDU 4192 Student Teaching for Upper Elementary
Elementary Education Sequence
ED 2204The Art & Science of Teaching Reading3
ED 3401Instruction & Assessment of Reading3
ED 4321The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts2
ED 4322The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies1
ED 4323The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics2
ED 4324The Art and Science of Teaching Science1

Lower Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3)

EDU 2110Mathematics in Early Childhood2
EDU 2140Assessment of Young Children3
ED 2358Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 32
EDU 3111Elementary Literacy – Lower Elementary Clinical1
EDU 3121Literacy Challenges – Lower Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4111Language Arts & Social Studies – Lower Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4121Math & Science– Lower Elementary Clinical1

Upper Elementary (Grades 3 to 6)

MATH 1200Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-93
ED 4301Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice2
EDU 3002Assessment and Evaluation for Educators Elementary Clinical1
EDU 3112Elementary Literacy - Upper Elementary Clinical1
EDU 3122Literacy Challenges - Upper Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4112Language Arts & Social Studies – Upper Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4122Math & Science - Upper Elementary Clinical1
Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) Requirements
ED 2306Teaching the Faith3
REL 4000Lutheran Confessions3
Undergraduate Core Requirements - Public Education44
Public Education Major88
Total Credits - Public Education132
Undergraduate Core Requirements - Lutheran Teacher Diploma47
Lutheran Teacher Diploma Major94
Total Credits - Lutheran Teacher Diploma or Christian Teacher Certificate141
Theology - Public Education
REL 1000The Bible3
REL 1100Christian Faith3
Theology - Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) or Christian Teacher Certificate (CTC)
REL 2010Old Testament3
REL 2020New Testament3
REL 2030Biblical Theology3
Liberal Arts Core
CCE 1020Western Culture & Worldview3
CCE 1030Western Thought & Worldview3
CCE 1040Science & Humanity3
Faith and Life Course3
ENV 1050Introduction to Environmental Science3
MATH 1190Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-93
GEOG 2200Cultural Geography3
POLS 2010American Government3
HHP 1115Fit and Well2
ED 1103Human Relations for Teachers3
Human Creativity and Expression Course3
ENG 2100College Writing3
Communication or Language Course3

 Elementary Education Curriculum

Elementary Education Content
ED 1231Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy3
HIST 1000Introduction to American Civilization3
HIST 2230Michigan History3
Professional Education Sequence
EDU 1002Teaching & Learning in Diverse Societies Elementary Clinical1
ED 1275Human Learning3
EDU 1022Human Growth and Development Elementary Clinical1
EDU 5010Designing Instruction3
EDU 2002Designing Instruction for Student Success Elementary Clinical1
EDU 5020Differentiated Instruction3
EDU 2022Differentiation for All Learners Elementary Clinical1
ED 1230Nature of the Exceptional Child3
EDU 3050Preparing for Student Teaching1
EDU 4191Student Teaching for Lower Elementary12
Elementary Education Sequence
ED 2204The Art & Science of Teaching Reading3
ED 3401Instruction & Assessment of Reading3
ED 4321The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts2
ED 4322The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies1
ED 4323The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics2
ED 4324The Art and Science of Teaching Science1

Lower Elementary (Pre-Kindergarten to 3rd grade)

EDU 2110Mathematics in Early Childhood2
EDU 2140Assessment of Young Children3
ED 2358Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 32
EDU 3111Elementary Literacy – Lower Elementary Clinical1
EDU 3121Literacy Challenges – Lower Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4111Language Arts & Social Studies – Lower Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4121Math & Science– Lower Elementary Clinical1

Special Education - Learning Disabilities

Nature of the Exceptional Child
EDU 2410Math Strategies for Special Learning Needs3
EDU 2420Language and Literacy3
EDU 2430Special Education Legislation and Legal Guidelines3
EDU 2440Meeting the Social, Emotional, & Behavior Needs of the Student3
EDU 2450Collaboration with Parents, Students, and Other Professionals3
EDU 2460Determining Eligibility and Designing Educational Programs3
EDU 2470Instruction Across the Content Areas for Students with Learning Disabilities3
EDU 4499Directed Student Teaching: Special Education with Seminar6
Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) Requirements
ED 2306Teaching the Faith3
REL 4000Lutheran Confessions3
Undergraduate Core Requirements - Public Education44
Public Education Major87
Total Credits - Public Education131
Undergraduate Core Requirements - Lutheran Teacher Diploma47
Lutheran Teacher Diploma Major93
Total Credits - Lutheran Teacher Diploma or Christian Teacher Certificate140
Theology - Public Education
REL 1000The Bible3
REL 1100Christian Faith3
Theology - Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD)
REL 2010Old Testament3
REL 2020New Testament3
REL 2030Biblical Theology3
Liberal Arts Core
CCE 1020Western Culture & Worldview3
CCE 1030Western Thought & Worldview3
CCE 1040Science & Humanity3
Faith and Life Course3
ENV 1050Introduction to Environmental Science3
MATH 1190Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-93
GEOG 2200Cultural Geography3
POLS 2010American Government3
HHP 1115Fit and Well2
ED 1103Human Relations for Teachers3
Human Creativity and Expression Course3
ENG 2100College Writing3
Communication or Language Course3

Elementary Education Curriculum

Elementary Education Content
ED 1231Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy3
HIST 1000Introduction to American Civilization3
HIST 2230Michigan History3
Professional Education Sequence
EDU 1002Teaching & Learning in Diverse Societies Elementary Clinical1
ED 1275Human Learning3
EDU 1022Human Growth and Development Elementary Clinical1
EDU 5010Designing Instruction3
EDU 2002Designing Instruction for Student Success Elementary Clinical1
EDU 5020Differentiated Instruction3
EDU 2022Differentiation for All Learners Elementary Clinical1
ED 1230Nature of the Exceptional Child3
EDU 3050Preparing for Student Teaching1
EDU 4192Student Teaching for Upper Elementary12
Elementary Education Sequence
ED 2204The Art & Science of Teaching Reading3
ED 3401Instruction & Assessment of Reading3
ED 4321The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts2
ED 4322The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies1
ED 4323The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics2
ED 4324The Art and Science of Teaching Science1

 Upper Elementary (Grades 3 to 6)

MATH 1200Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-93
ED 4301Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice2
EDU 3002Assessment and Evaluation for Educators Elementary Clinical1
EDU 3112Elementary Literacy - Upper Elementary Clinical1
EDU 3122Literacy Challenges - Upper Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4112Language Arts & Social Studies – Upper Elementary Clinical1
EDU 4122Math & Science - Upper Elementary Clinical1

 Special Education - Learning Disabilities

Nature of the Exceptional Child
EDU 2410Math Strategies for Special Learning Needs3
EDU 2420Language and Literacy3
EDU 2430Special Education Legislation and Legal Guidelines3
EDU 2440Meeting the Social, Emotional, & Behavior Needs of the Student3
EDU 2450Collaboration with Parents, Students, and Other Professionals3
EDU 2460Determining Eligibility and Designing Educational Programs3
EDU 2470Instruction Across the Content Areas for Students with Learning Disabilities3
EDU 4499Directed Student Teaching: Special Education with Seminar6
Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) Requirements
ED 2306Teaching the Faith3
REL 4000Lutheran Confessions3

Plan - Lower Elementary & Upper Elementary

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
HHP 1115 Fit and Well 2
ENG 2100 College Writing 3
 Hours5
Semester 2
ED 1275 Human Learning 3
EDU 1022 Human Growth and Development Elementary Clinical 1
ED 2204 The Art & Science of Teaching Reading 3
EDU 3111 Elementary Literacy – Lower Elementary Clinical 1
ED 1230 Nature of the Exceptional Child 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
 Hours14
Semester 3
EDU 5020 Differentiated Instruction 3
EDU 2022 Differentiation for All Learners Elementary Clinical 1
MATH 1190 Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 3
ED 1103 Human Relations for Teachers 3
EDU 1002 Teaching & Learning in Diverse Societies Elementary Clinical 1
MATH 1200 Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 3
 Hours14
Semester 4
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
ED 1231 Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy 3
POLS 2010 American Government 3
 Hours12
Semester 5
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
ENV 1050 Introduction to Environmental Science 3
EDU 5010 Designing Instruction 3
EDU 2002 Designing Instruction for Student Success Elementary Clinical 1
FAITH & LIFE 3
 Hours13
Semester 6
HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION 3
ED 2358 Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 2
EDU 2110 Mathematics in Early Childhood 2
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
HIST 1000 Introduction to American Civilization 3
 Hours13
Semester 7
ED 3401 Instruction & Assessment of Reading 3
EDU 3121 Literacy Challenges – Lower Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 3122 Literacy Challenges - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 2140 Assessment of Young Children 3
GEOG 2200 Cultural Geography 3
HIST 2230 Michigan History 3
 Hours14
Semester 8
ED 4321 The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts 2
ED 4322 The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies 1
EDU 4111 Language Arts & Social Studies – Lower Elementary Clinical 1
ED 4323 The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics 2
ED 4324 The Art and Science of Teaching Science 1
EDU 4121 Math & Science– Lower Elementary Clinical 1
ED 4301 Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice 2
EDU 3002 Assessment and Evaluation for Educators Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 4112 Language Arts & Social Studies – Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 4122 Math & Science - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 3050 Preparing for Student Teaching 1
 Hours14
Semester 9
COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE 3
EDU 4191 Student Teaching for Lower Elementary (select for primary content) 12
EDU 4192 Student Teaching for Upper Elementary 12
 Hours27
 Total Hours126

Course options and schedule are subject to change.

Plan - Lower Elementary & Special Education

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
ED 1275 Human Learning 3
EDU 1022 Human Growth and Development Elementary Clinical 1
ED 2204 The Art & Science of Teaching Reading 3
EDU 3111 Elementary Literacy – Lower Elementary Clinical 1
ED 1230 Nature of the Exceptional Child 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
 Hours14
Semester 2
EDU 5020 Differentiated Instruction 3
EDU 2022 Differentiation for All Learners Elementary Clinical 1
MATH 1190 Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 3
ED 1103 Human Relations for Teachers 3
EDU 1002 Teaching & Learning in Diverse Societies Elementary Clinical 1
MATH 1200 Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 3
 Hours14
Semester 3
HHP 1115 Fit and Well 2
ENG 2100 College Writing 3
 Hours5
Semester 4
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
ED 1231 Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy 3
POLS 2010 American Government 3
 Hours12
Semester 5
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
ENV 1050 Introduction to Environmental Science 3
EDU 5010 Designing Instruction 3
EDU 2002 Designing Instruction for Student Success Elementary Clinical 1
FAITH & LIFE 3
 Hours13
Semester 6
ED 2358 Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 2
EDU 2110 Mathematics in Early Childhood 2
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
HIST 1000 Introduction to American Civilization 3
 Hours10
Semester 7
ED 3401 Instruction & Assessment of Reading 3
EDU 3121 Literacy Challenges – Lower Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 3122 Literacy Challenges - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 2140 Assessment of Young Children 3
GEOG 2200 Cultural Geography 3
HIST 2230 Michigan History 3
 Hours14
Semester 8
ED 4321 The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts 2
ED 4322 The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies 1
ED 4323 The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics 2
EDU 4111 Language Arts & Social Studies – Lower Elementary Clinical 1
ED 4324 The Art and Science of Teaching Science 1
EDU 4121 Math & Science– Lower Elementary Clinical 1
ED 4301 Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice 2
EDU 3002 Assessment and Evaluation for Educators Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 4112 Language Arts & Social Studies – Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 4122 Math & Science - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 3050 Preparing for Student Teaching 1
 Hours14
Semester 9
COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE 3
HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION 3
 Hours6
Semester 10
EDU 4191 Student Teaching for Lower Elementary 12
EDU 4192 Student Teaching for Upper Elementary 12
 Hours24
 Total Hours126

Course options and schedule are subject to change.

Plan - Upper Elementary & Special Education

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
ED 1275 Human Learning 3
EDU 1022 Human Growth and Development Elementary Clinical 1
ED 2204 The Art & Science of Teaching Reading 3
ED 1230 Nature of the Exceptional Child 3
REL 1000 The Bible 3
 Hours13
Semester 2
EDU 5020 Differentiated Instruction 3
EDU 2022 Differentiation for All Learners Elementary Clinical 1
MATH 1190 Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 3
ED 1103 Human Relations for Teachers 3
EDU 1002 Teaching & Learning in Diverse Societies Elementary Clinical 1
MATH 1200 Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 3
 Hours14
Semester 3
HHP 1115 Fit and Well 2
ENG 2100 College Writing 3
 Hours5
Semester 4
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
REL 1100 Christian Faith 3
ED 1231 Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy 3
POLS 2010 American Government 3
EDU 2410 Math Strategies for Special Learning Needs 3
 Hours15
Semester 5
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
ENV 1050 Introduction to Environmental Science 3
EDU 5010 Designing Instruction 3
EDU 2440 Meeting the Social, Emotional, & Behavior Needs of the Student 3
EDU 2002 Designing Instruction for Student Success Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 2420 Language and Literacy 3
 Hours16
Semester 6
COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE 3
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
HIST 1000 Introduction to American Civilization 3
 Hours9
Semester 7
ED 3401 Instruction & Assessment of Reading 3
EDU 2430 Special Education Legislation and Legal Guidelines 3
EDU 3122 Literacy Challenges - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 2450 Collaboration with Parents, Students, and Other Professionals 3
EDU 3002 Assessment and Evaluation for Educators Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 4122 Math & Science - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
HIST 2230 Michigan History 3
 Hours15
Semester 8
ED 4321 The Art and Science of Teaching Language Arts 2
ED 4322 The Art and Science of Teaching Social Studies 1
ED 4323 The Art and Science of Teaching Mathematics 2
ED 4324 The Art and Science of Teaching Science 1
EDU 2460 Determining Eligibility and Designing Educational Programs 3
ED 4301 Data Driven Analysis of Classroom Practice 2
EDU 2470 Instruction Across the Content Areas for Students with Learning Disabilities 3
EDU 4112 Language Arts & Social Studies – Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 3112 Elementary Literacy - Upper Elementary Clinical 1
EDU 3050 Preparing for Student Teaching 1
 Hours17
Semester 9
GEOG 2200 Cultural Geography 3
HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION 3
FAITH & LIFE 3
 Hours9
Semester 10
EDU 4192 Student Teaching for Upper Elementary 12
EDU 4499 Directed Student Teaching: Special Education with Seminar 6
 Hours18
 Total Hours131

Course options and schedule are subject to change.