PACE - LCSC Education Division - Lewis-Clark State College

The Conceptual Framework for Teacher EducationThe Conceptual Framework is a construct that systematically relates how the physical, natural,social, and human realities of the Teacher Education Program are aligned into a coherent whole.The Conceptual Framework reflects current research about individual development, cognition,and best practice that meets the anticipated needs of the 21st Century.The framework’s goal is "Preparing caring professionals who teach for understanding incommunities of learning." This means that we attempt to prepare individuals who care deeplyabout children and youth. We seek to develop professionals — individuals who have mastered abody of specialized knowledge and skills and who adhere to a professional code of ethics. Westrive to provide instruction that results in teachers and learners who operate at higher levels inthe cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. We acknowledge the social dimension ofteaching and learning and value opportunities to collaborate in ever expanding environments thatvalue learning.To prepare effective teachers requires that we address fundamental objectives organized aroundknowledge, skill, and dispositions. The successful teacher must possess general, as well as,pedagogical knowledge, the skills to apply this knowledge effectively, and the dedication to carefor the well being of students, to maintain professional standards, and to work diligently to helpstudents achieve educational goals.Our integrative themes include technology, and alternative pathways. We integrate technologythroughout our program. We model for our candidates and, in turn, encourage them to value andrespond appropriately to intellectual, physical, and ethno-cultural diversity.The Elementary PACE (Pathways to Accelerated Certification and Endorsement) Program hasbeen designed as an alternative pathway to elementary teacher certification or endorsement.Candidates who have had significant experience working in elementary schools, such as being aparaprofessional or substitute, may qualify for entrance in to the PACE Program where asignificant amount of the coursework can be completed on-line and during two subsequentsummer sessions.The Elementary Teacher Education Program is performance-based. Candidates mustdemonstrate through course work, products, performances, portfolios, and formal programinterviews, the knowledge, skills, and dispositions specified in the eight program standards. Ourevaluation model operates throughout the three phases of teacher education at the course,program, and division levels. See the Appendix for a graphical summary of the ConceptualFramework including the Teacher Education Program Standards.6