BS in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading
Study to Become a Reading Specialist
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading degree program is designed for students seeking initial teacher licensure and who are preparing for a career as an elementary teacher. This program provides an advantage to elementary education students through additional reading courses to support reading diagnosis, remediation and intervention processes.
The format and courses of this regionally accredited program, approved by the Arizona State Board of Education, include studies and practices in lesson planning and assessments, classroom management and engagement, social justice, family and cultural diversity, English as a Second Language, reading instruction and assessment, and instructional methods and strategies for a variety of content areas crossing the span of kindergarten through grade eight.
Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who lend knowledge and experience in areas of elementary education and educational psychology. All courses are directly aligned with standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
What is a Reading Specialist Elementary Teacher?
A reading specialist is an expert in teaching reading who helps children improve their reading abilities individually or as part of a group. Reading specialists have in-depth knowledge about teaching reading, intervention, skill development strategies, fluency, reading comprehension and the training to work with struggling readers in elementary school. Instructors may follow a specialized curriculum that provides supplemental instruction for students who need additional practice.
However, in this program, graduates will not be ready to become a reading specialist as this program leads to initial licensure in the area of elementary education. Graduates may move on to pursue a Graduate Certificate of Completion in Reading for Elementary Educators and/or Master of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education, Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education from GCU to enhance their qualifications for specialized teaching opportunities in reading.
Become a Reading Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree from GCU
This program prepares elementary teachers who have additional credits in the area of reading. At GCU, students also have opportunities to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the program for excellent career readiness. Students focus on supporting reading during elementary education field experiences that guide teacher candidates through 120 hours of observational and practice-based experiences. Teacher candidates will be exposed to elementary learning environment practicums completed in a 15-week student teaching experience. Graduates of this program are eligible for an elementary education teaching credential in the state of Arizona (120 credits).
Learn How to Teach Elementary Reading
Students develop into elementary educators who possess competencies in Development, Learning and Motivation, Curriculum Content Instruction, Assessment and Professionalism.
Reading-centered course areas of study include:
- Foundational literacy skills and phonics
- Methods and strategies for reading instruction
- Assessment and remediation of reading proficiency
- Research-based reading development and interventions
- Diagnosis and remediation of reading proficiencies
What Can You Do with a Reading Teacher (Elementary Ed) BS Degree?
Graduates may pursue positions as an elementary education teacher with a focus on teaching reading in the K–8 classroom environment. With an emphasis in teaching reading, this degree provides the teachers with additional skills and refined knowledge in the reading remediation process.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Program Core Courses
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey how children and early adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas while understanding the implications for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of children and young adolescents allows teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities that support individual student's development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on planning instruction and formal and informal assessment strategies. Teacher candidates will examine instructional planning based on knowledge of students, learning theory, connection across the curriculum, curricular goals, and community. Formal and informal assessment strategies for planning, evaluating, and strengthening instruction for elementary students are also examined. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey types and purposes of literature based on the developmental literacy needs of elementary-aged children. Particular emphasis is dedicated to the various genres that exist within the literature spectrum and how to utilize the different genres, including digital text, to meet specific instructional needs and literacy goals of elementary-aged children. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
This is the second in a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary school teachers. Concepts include elementary probability, data analysis, descriptive statistics, geometry of shapes in two and three dimensions, congruence and similarity, measurement, and geometric transformations, with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MAT-150.
Course Description
In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates examine how to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and encourage students' positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge regarding the importance of establishing and maintaining positive collaborative relationships with families, school colleagues, and agencies in the larger community to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, physical growth, and well-being of children. Practicum/field experience hours: 5. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates will build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210 or ECS-125.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students to develop a deep understanding of the major concepts and procedures that define number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement and data, and probability. From this foundational knowledge, candidates select, adapt and use research-based methods, instructional strategies, and interventions to advance the mathematical abilities of students and have them apply their knowledge and abilities in meaningful ways. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine how to foster and support student autonomy in the classroom. Candidates analyze how to provide purposeful feedback and establish a learning environment in which students participate in their own learning and engage in collaborative goal setting, self-assessment of progress, reflective thinking, and questioning with intention. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.
Course Description
Teacher candidates survey a variety of reading instruction and phonemic practices. Emphasis is placed on the five elements of reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This survey prepares the teacher candidate to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction that optimizes student learning. Effective communication techniques are reviewed and practiced with a variety of audiences teacher candidates may encounter in a classroom. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates participate in introductory studies of assessment systems for students in the classroom, identifying reading difficulty and remediation options. Candidates will employ the assessment process to identify reading needs in the five essential components of literacy, and implement remediation strategies. Candidates will review assessment tools and communicate assessment results to a variety of audiences. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will examine fundamental concepts of physical, life, earth and space sciences, and health education. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on a variety of age-appropriate inquiry-based instructional strategies to teach science, to build student understanding of personal and social applications, to convey the nature of science, and student development for the practice of skills that contribute to good health. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.
Course Description
This course is a survey of the Arizona constitution and government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government.
Course Description
In this writing intensive course, teacher candidates study how to teach a diverse population of students by examining the foundations and dimensions of social justice in education, social constructs, privilege, prejudice, and oppression with the goal of becoming culturally competent educators. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates develop deeper understanding of assessment strategies and instructional procedures, curriculum, and instructional alternatives, and program planning for the literacy development of students with reading and/or writing disabilities, including dyslexia. This course will address specific reading development issues, and strategies that support struggling readers. The course will focus on how, as a teacher, to participate in tiered support systems and facilitate/provide appropriately focused and intensive literacy instruction. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates study the implications of reading disabilities, assessment procedures, and methods for correction. Formal and informal assessment procedures will be examined and applied in practice. Candidates will explore the use of performance data as a part of the assessment cycle to support the diagnosis and remediation process. Teacher candidates build on this foundational knowledge in the evaluation of abilities and achievement in the area of literacy. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students to develop deep understanding of the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the integrated study of social studies and other related areas. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on promoting elementary students' abilities to make informed decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society and interdependent world. Teacher candidates will integrate the content, functions and achievements of the performing and visual arts as primary media for communication, inquiry and engagement among elementary students. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-210.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge on how to use concepts from reading, language, and child development to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and thinking skills. Teacher candidates select, adapt and use research-based methods, instructional strategies, and interventions to individualize meaningful and challenging learning for students, with an emphasis on literacy. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: ELM-210 and ELM-305.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to support the creation of a Student Teaching Performance of Evaluation (STEP). Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; a 2.8 GPA; successful completion of NES or your state’s mandated content area exams; and approval and placement by the College of Education Office of Clinical Practice. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.