Dr. Stephanie. Davidson-Herndon, Interim Chair and Associate Professor
P.O. Box 18380
Telephone: (601) 979-2341
Fax: (601) 979-2178
e-mail: stephanie.r.davidson@jsums.edu 

Faculty

Dr. K. Bennett, Assistant Professor
Dr. K. Bryant, Associate Professor 
Dr. S. Davidson-Herndon, Associate Professor
Dr. T. Dixon, Assistant Professor 
Dr. T. Latiker, Associate Professor
Dr. L. Opara-Nadi, Assistant Professor 
Dr.  J.  Yin, Professor

The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science in Education Degree in Early Childhood Education, Literacy and Elementary Education; the Specialist in Education Degree in Elementary Education; and the Doctor of Education Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Departmental Objectives

The department and its programs exist to prepare professional instructional personnel at levels appropriate to the degrees offered, and to meet certification requirements at AA, AAA, and AAAA levels for the State of Mississippi in the various fields. The department's intention is to prepare candidates who:

1. Demonstrate sensitivity to the emerging knowledge bases and understand how they impact education and the need for change;
2. Adjust methods, curriculum and service approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners;
3. Demonstrate a repertoire of educational related strategies and skills which enable them to share knowledge effectively;
4. Demonstrate critical thinking competence and effective communication skills in various forms and media;
5. Ensure that established standards for successful learner outcomes are met;
6. Possess the ability to work successfully with learners, teachers, college faculty, and others;
7. Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in applying basic principles undergirding the selection and utilization of methods, techniques and devices which facilitate effective program development using various educational models;
8. Can locate, interpret and apply research pertinent to educational problems;
9. Exhibit competency in doing independent, original research;
10. Are able to identify, interpret and promote the functions of education in a democracy;
11. Are skilled in the techniques of instruction and ensure that pupils will derive the greatest benefits from classroom experiences;
12. Serve as facilitators for the total process of growth and learning;
13. Develop competencies and professional leadership skills through the advancement of knowledge and research that will enable them to assume major leadership roles in diverse communities.

Early Childhood and Elementary Education Objectives

The major objectives are to produce educators who:

1. Are competent teachers in the fields of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education;
2. Are prepared for careers in preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools;
3. View the profession of education as being influential in the advancement of humankind;
4. Are compassionate and understanding and have as their primary goal to help children and youth develop into citizens who will promote human advancement.

Master of Science Program Objectives

The master level programs in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, and Reading allow students to develop a mastery of structure, skills, concepts, ideas, values, facts, and methods of inquiry in their field of specialization. Based upon the guidelines and standards of specialized professional association, the specialty studies objectives chart the courses and experiences that include academic, methodological, and clinical knowledge necessary for professional competence in the field. Through the program, the student will develop competencies in the following:

1. Research the literature on child development from birth to early adolescence with emphasis upon the implications of the reading and learning processes for these ages.
2. Research the literature on the psychological and sociological concepts and generalizations dealing with the development of self-concept, group responsibility and relationships and reading ability.
3. Conduct action research projects designed to develop skills in observing, recording, and assessing children's behavior in order to plan an appropriate instructional program and learning environment.
4. Design, implement, and evaluate curricula in the disciplines, which provide content knowledge needed to teach listening, speaking, writing, and reading with an emphasis on language development.
5. Design, implement, and evaluate curricula in the disciplines, which provide content knowledge needed to teach mathematics.
6. Design, implement, and evaluate curricula in the disciplines, which provide content knowledge needed to teach physical sciences and health.
7. Design, implement, and evaluate curricula in disciplines, which provide content knowledge needed to teach social studies areas.
8. Design, implement, and evaluate curricula in the disciplines, which provide content knowledge needed to teach fine arts.
9. Evaluate instructional methodologies for organizing, planning, and implementing physical education activities and safety practices.
10. Research and evaluate current instructional approaches for enabling children to express themselves creatively in a variety of ways including the Arts and communication skills.
11. Research and evaluate current instructional approaches for enhancing the critical thinking/reading ability of the learning in any content area.
12. Research and evaluate current instructional approaches for developing competence in facilitating independent learning and decision-making skills in young children and early adolescence.
13. Conduct ethnological studies to examine characteristics of different learning environments appropriate for children from infancy through early adolescence.
14. Demonstrate skills in the use of state and local resources and appropriate referral strategies.
15. Design, implement, and evaluate appropriate curricula experiences working with parents and other adults in the home, school and community.
16. Develop and evaluate administrative plans for the organization and administration of the pre-kindergarten program.
17. Conduct diagnostic-prescriptive teaching.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Proof that the candidate holds a current class ‘A’ Educator’s License or is seeking renewal of the license through attaining college credit hours as deemed necessary by the Mississippi State Department of Education (Copy of class ‘A’ Educator’s License)

Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific degree requirements of the Division of Graduate Studies; the student must successfully complete a minimum of 36 semester hours.

Note: A student may transfer up to twelve (12) quarter or nine (9) semester hours earned at an accredited college or university.