Elementary Teacher Education Associate in Arts Transfer Degree, AA-T

Program Description

The AA-T, Elementary Teacher Education, prepares students for elementary school teaching careers, grades K-5. Our preliminary degree provides students with interdisciplinary subject matter expertise as required for seamless transfer to a four-year university’s bachelor’s degree completion program in Liberal Studies and fulfills its lower-division requirements. Its introductory education course emphasizes equitable, culturally responsive pedagogy and teacher performance expectations, including professional teaching standards. In addition, students complete early fieldwork placements in our community, which allows future educators to observe active teaching and learning in today’s diverse classrooms. These authentic, contextualized learning opportunities are intentionally designed for undergraduate students interested in public service, through teaching careers in elementary schools, grades K-5.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. To earn this Elementary Teacher Education AA-T degree, students must meet the following requirements:

  • completion of the following major requirements with a minimum grade of "C" (or "P");
  • completion of a minimum of 60 CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of a least 2.0; and
  • certified completion of the CSU General Education-Breadth (CSUGE) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for CSU, which requires a minimum of 37-39 units.

It is highly recommended that students complete courses that satisfy the U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement as part of CSUGE or IGETC before transferring to a CSU.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution and major in Elementary Teacher Education should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Arts & Humanities

Department

Education, Reading and Literacy

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Public Service, Culture, Society

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Defend an educational position, view, or theory.

  2. Develop an educational philosophy.

  3. Summarize practical knowledge of the teaching profession.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

11-13 units
EDUC 200
Introduction to Elementary Education
This course introduces students to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in contemporary public schools (K-12). Topics include historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, teaching as a profession and career, contemporary education issues, California Content Standards and framework, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, 45-hours of structured fieldwork are required at an approved public school elementary classroom with a certified classroom teacher and students that represent California's diverse population. Proof of a negative TB test and fingerprint clearance are required for classroom observations.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
  2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
CD 105 or CD 105H (Area 4)

This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.  

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
    2. or
  2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
  3. Departmental Advisory: READ 100
  • Transfers to CSU
    • OR

    This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.  This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

     

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
  • Transfers to CSU
    • GEOL 140 or GEOL 141 (Area 5)
    An introduction to the essentials of Earth Science including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. This course focuses on the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the Earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate.

    Course Details:

  • Transfers to CSU
    • OR

    In this laboratory component of the GEOL 140 Earth Science lecture course, you will use hands-on, field-based, and in-class experiences to better understand and appreciate the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. This course focuses on the physical and chemical systems of the Earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather, and climate. This course is recommended for students concurrently enrolled in GEOL 140 or who have successfully completed the course within the last three years. Students should be prepared to participate in one or more off-campus field exercises.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite/Corequisite: GEOL 140
  • Transfers to CSU
    • ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H (Area 1A)

    This is a writing course emphasizing expository and argumentative essays, which helps students develop the writing skills necessary for success in college-level courses across the disciplines. It also includes instruction in library research and preparation of documented research papers. The course acknowledges the diverse identities of students through a variety of multicultural readings and student writing.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: Eligibility for college level English based on the SBVC Guided Self-Placement process.
    2. Corequisite: Students who require supplemental support to succeed in ENGL 101 may be required to take ENGL 086 or ENGL 087 depending on assessment.
  • Transfers to CSU
    • OR

    This is a writing course emphasizing expository and argumentative essays, which helps students develop the writing skills necessary for success in college-level courses across the disciplines. It also includes instruction in library research and preparation of documented research papers. The course acknowledges the diverse identities of students through a variety of multicultural readings and student writing. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: Eligibility for college level English based on the SBVC Guided Self-Placement process.
  • Transfers to CSU

    • 2nd Semester

    13 units
    BIOL 100
    General Biology

    This is an introductory course that explores biological concepts in our everyday lives as they are closely connected to racial, sociocultural, health, and environmental issues.  


     

    Course Details:

    MATH 106
    Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers

    This course focuses on the development of quantitative reasoning skills through in-depth, integrated exploration of topics in mathematics, including real number systems and subsystems. Emphasis on comprehension and analysis of mathematical concepts and applications of logical reasoning. This course is designed for future elementary school teachers. 

    Course Details:

      COMMST 100 or COMMST 100H (Area 1C)
      This course focuses on training in the application of the concepts, principles, and skills of effective public speaking. Concepts such as structure, adapting messages to culturally diverse audiences, research principles, and critical evaluation of evidence and arguments are explored. Delivery, listening, and feedback skills are also discussed and practiced in a variety of presentations.

      Course Details:

      1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
    1. Transfers to CSU
      2. OR

      This course focuses on training in the application of the concepts, principles, and skills of effective public speaking. Concepts such as structure, adapting messages to culturally diverse audiences, research principles, and critical evaluation of evidence and arguments are explored. Delivery, listening, and feedback skills are also discussed and practiced in a variety of presentations. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

      Course Details:

      1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015
    2. Transfers to CSU
      3. HIST 100 or HIST 100H (Area 4)
      This course provides a general survey of United States history with an emphasis on political, economic, social, and cultural developments from the pre-Colonial period through the Civil War and Reconstruction period.

      Course Details:

      1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
        2. or
      2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
    3. Transfers to CSU
      4. OR

      This course provides a general survey of United States history, including the use of selected primary texts, with an emphasis on political, economic, social, and cultural developments from the pre-Colonial period through the Civil War and Reconstruction period. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging work.

      Course Details:

      1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
        2. or
      2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
    4. Transfers to CSU

      5. 3rd Semester

      13 units
      CHEM 101
      Introductory Chemistry

      Introductory chemistry involves the study of the material makeup of our world and its relationship to life, the natural environment, and our lived experiences. General scientific principles including scientific observation and measurement are also introduced. This course is designed to prepare students for careers in nursing, medicine, engineering and other science and allied health professions.

      Course Details:

      1. Transfers to CSU
        2. GEOG 120
        World Regional Geography

        Every day, we learn about new and ongoing migration, refugee, environmental, economic, health, and geopolitical crises and conflicts happening somewhere in the world. Therefore, it is important to understand the complex and fascinating spatial interrelationships among our world regions. This course provides an introduction to world regional geography, emphasizing the nature of major cultural regions of the world. Through a comprehensive regional analysis, students will learn social structures, religions, languages, political systems, economics, environmental relationships, transportation networks, population dynamics, and urban development across the globe.

        Course Details:

        1. Transfers to CSU
          2. HIST 170
          World History to 1500
          This course covers the development of human societies from their origins to 1500. Particular emphasis placed on a comparative approach between the world’s major civilizations, including an examination of social structure and daily life, evolution of complex political systems, cultural values and economic developments.

          Course Details:

          1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
            2. or
          2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
        2. Transfers to CSU
          3. ENGL 151 or ENGL 151H (Area 3B)
          This course includes the study of representative works of fiction, poetry, and drama, including an understanding of their cultural, historical and aesthetic contexts, as well as an emphasis on the fundamental principles of literacy criticism and interpretation, including student writing based on critical reading.

          Course Details:

          1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
            2. or
          2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
        3. Transfers to CSU
          4. OR

          This course includes the study of representative works of fiction, poetry, and drama, including an understanding of their cultural, historical and aesthetic contexts, as well as an emphasis on the fundamental principles of literacy criticism and interpretation, including student writing based on critical reading. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

          Course Details:

          1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
            2. or
          2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
        4. Transfers to CSU

          5. 4th Semester

          13-14 units
          PHYSIC 101
          Introductory Physics
          This is an introductory algebra based physics course.  Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of motion, forces, energy, momentum, waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and concepts of modern physics.

          Course Details:

            POLIT 100 or POLIT 100H
            This course is a basic introduction to American politics that is designed to meet requirements in United States and California constitution and government with primary emphasis on the American national government. Topics covered include the political philosophy of democracy and constitutionalism; the specific provisions of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; the operations of national political institutions including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court; the role of political parties; and an overview of California government and politics.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 015
          1. Transfers to CSU
            2. OR

            This course is a basic introduction to American politics that is designed to meet requirements in United States and California constitution and government with primary emphasis on the American national government. Topics covered include the political philosophy of democracy and constitutionalism; the specific provisions of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; the operations of national political institutions including Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court; the role of political parties; and an overview of California government and politics. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
            2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
            One course from the following:
            This course is designed to provide an oral approach to critical thinking skills which includes individual and group debates. It also provides instruction in language, argument structure, types of reasoning, evaluation of evidence, fallacies in reasoning, and case development strategies.

            Course Details:

            1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
            2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
            3. Departmental Advisory: COMMST 100
              4. or
            4. Departmental Advisory: COMMST 100H
              5. and
          2. Transfers to CSU

            3. This course provides further work in argumentative writing and critical thinking.  Students will read and critically analyze a variety of multi-cultural fiction and non-fiction texts relevant to students’ real-world experiences. 

            Course Details:

            1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
              2. or
            2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
          3. Transfers to CSU

            4. This course provides further work in argumentative writing and critical thinking.  Students will read and critically analyze a variety of multi-cultural fiction and non-fiction texts relevant to students’ real-world experiences.  This course is intended for students in the Honors Program but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

            Course Details:

            1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
              2. or
            2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
          4. Transfers to CSU
            5. This course is an introduction to critical thinking focusing on argument and evidence and the ability to write coherent argumentative essays. Topics include recognition of the structures of reasoning in natural language, the evaluation of such reasoning (including informal fallacies), the uses and abuses of language, and an investigation of the rhetorical devices common in our culture. Students practice critical thinking by writing substantive arguments and essays.

            Course Details:

            1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
              2. or
            2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
            Introduction to the techniques of critical thought, including language analysis, inductive and deductive logic, symbolic logic, and the development of the scientific method.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
              2. or
            2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
          5. Transfers to CSU
            6. This course explores the relationship of critical reading and critical thinking with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills and the application in the interpretation, analysis, criticism, and advocacy of ideas encountered in academic reading.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: READ 100

            This course explores the relationship between critical reading and literacy to critical thinking. Instruction is provided in the strategies necessary for college reading application in interpretation, analysis, criticism, and advocacy of ideas encountered in academic non-fiction texts across disciplines. Emphasis on reading texts which explore contemporary issues, including cultural diversity, equity, and anti-racism.

            Course Details:

            1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
            2. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
            One course from the following: (Area 3A)
            The course is an introduction to two- and three-dimensional art from a multicultural perspective. Art in a historical and worldwide context, the function of art in society, art processes, and visual vocabulary are examined. Students will develop an increased appreciation of the differences and similarities among the styles, content, and expression of world art. 

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
              2. or
            2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
          6. Transfers to CSU
            7. This course is a comprehensive survey of dance from ancient times to the 21st century.  Emphasis is placed on historical perspectives revealing dance as an emerging art form.  The course curriculum also surveys the roles of dance in relation to religion, culture, politics, and social attitudes, as well as its relation to other art forms. (Formerly DANCE 200)

            Course Details:

            This course introduces students to music in western civilization and methods of music listening.  Included in this course are guidelines for thoughtful music selection, basic musical forms, cross-cultural studies in music, music periods and styles, a discussion of patrons and audiences, careful consideration of the role of women in creating music, history of art music, popular music, world music, and jazz.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
            2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
          7. Transfers to CSU

            8. This course introduces students to music in western civilization and methods of music listening. Included in this course are guidelines for thoughtful music selection, basic musical forms, cross-cultural studies in music, music periods and styles, a discussion of patrons and audiences, careful consideration of the role of women in creating music, history of art music, popular music, world music, and jazz. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
            2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
            This course focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles, and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films, and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions.

            Course Details:

          8. Transfers to CSU
            9. The course is a survey of western art from the Renaissance through the 21st Century. Topics covered include 15th and 16th century Italian art; Renaissance and Baroque art; the Rococo movement; Romanticism; Realism; Impressionism; Cubism; Surrealism and other styles of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

            Course Details:

            1. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101
            2. Departmental Advisory: ENGL 101H
          9. Transfers to UC/CSU
            10. The course is a survey of western art from the Renaissance through the 21st Century. Topics covered include 15th and 16th century Italian art; Renaissance and Baroque art; the Rococo movement; Romanticism; Realism; Impressionism; Cubism; Surrealism and other styles of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. This course is intended for students in the Honors Program, but is open to all students who desire more challenging course work.

            Course Details:

            1. Prerequisite: ENGL 101H
          10. Transfers to CSU