University of Colorado Boulder

Here is a personalized summary of the current course requirements and recommendations for undergraduate elementary teacher candidates at University of Colorado Boulder, and a detailed analysis of the content covered by those requirements. This tool also offers a recommended set of courses providing the most content coverage for any candidate.

Catalog Year: 2021-2022

University of Colorado Boulder

This tool provides individual preparation programs with a customized analysis of the courses required by the undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program and by the institution’s undergraduate general education courses to determine how well these requirements cover essential content in social studies. This tool also uses information about existing coursework on their campuses to provide guidance on a recommended course sequence.

This is a summary of the coverage of social studies¹ content for undergraduate elementary candidates at your institution.

To determine if an elementary teacher preparation program provides adequate coverage² in the primary subject area of social studies through its own requirements or the institution’s requirements, we ask three sequential questions exploring:

  1. Evidence of any social studies coverage;
  2. Evidence of coverage of the six social studies themes; and 
  3. Evidence coursework encompasses the thirteen topics of social studies knowledge required of elementary teachers.

University of Colorado Boulder's Coverage

Coverage of Subject

Does the institution or teacher preparation program require elementary candidates complete any courses in social studies?

YES

The institution/program recommends or requires candidates to complete at least one course classified under the broad domain known as social studies.

NO

The institution/program does not require or recommend candidates to complete at least one course classified under the broad domain known as social studies.

Theme Coverage

Within social studies, there are six themes. Does the institution or teacher preparation program require or recommend courses to ensure each of the themes classified under social studies are covered?

YES

The coursework required of elementary candidates at this institution covers all six themes in social studies: 1. Civics, 2. Economics, 3. History, 4. Geography, 5. Culture & Identity, and 6. Pedagogy.

NO

The coursework required of elementary candidates at this institution does not cover all six themes in social studies: 1. Civics, 2. Economics, 3. History, 4. Geography, 5. Culture & Identity, and 6. Pedagogy.

Topic Coverage

Within the six themes of social studies are thirteen topics common to teaching elementary students. Does this institution or preparation program require or recommend courses to ensure each of the thirteen topics classified under social studies are covered?

YES

Elementary education candidates at this institution must complete at least one course covering each of the thirteen topics.

NO

Elementary education candidates at this institution are not required to take courses covering each of the thirteen topics.

What are the thirteen topics of Social Studies content?

References
  1. While higher education institutions do not use the term “social studies,” the terminology is used in this analysis to represent any alignment between content covered in higher education with what is found in elementary content standards and assessments.
  2. For these purposes, credit for “coverage” is awarded to the program whether the course is mandated through general education requirements for the institution at large or the specific requirements of the educator preparation program.

Continue Reading

See a detailed course analysis for your institution.

This tool illuminates: 

  1. What course options are available to satisfy general education or teacher preparation Requirement Categories;
  2. What courses are required or recommended, either through general education requirements or the teacher preparation program; and
  3. Whether courses cover the themes and topics of social studies content knowledge.

The aim of this tool is to provide an understanding of which courses are most likely to yield the most coverage possible of the content critical for elementary teachers. Because candidates can often choose from a list of courses to meet a Requirement Category, this table provides insight into which of those courses will be most relevant to elementary teaching.

How are Requirements Categories Determined?

Analysts identify both the general education and program graduation requirements found in public-facing materials.

By reviewing each Requirement Category and available course options, analysts identify courses addressing science and social studies content relevant to elementary teachers. The course analysis table indicates what themes and topics each course covers.

View the Course Catalog

University of Colorado Boulder's Content Coverage Analysis

Filter Course Options By Requirement Category

How we define these courses
Themes: Civics Economics History Geography Culture &
Identity
Pedagogy
US History World History
Topics (hover to see name):

A

Political institutions, Participation, Rules, and Laws

B

Economic Principles and Exchange

C

The Economy

D

European Exploration and Colonization (up to 1700)

E

The American Revolution and Founding (1700s)

F

Growth and Expansion of the American Republic (up to 1900)

G

Twentieth Century and Beyond

H

Pre-Columbian and/or Ancient Civilizations

I

Twentieth Century and Beyond

J

Geographic Representations

K

Human-Environment Interactions

L

Diverse Perspectives

M

Cross-cutting Concepts

Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
EDUC 4215
Elementary Science Theory and Methods
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
EDUC 4331
Elementary Social Studies Methods
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600

Continue Reading

See the recommended courses for elementary candidates at your institution.

Here NCTQ outlines (1) the set of courses providing candidates with the content most aligned with what elementary teachers need within current institution and program requirements, and (2) suggestions for courses to fill in gaps where candidates still lack coverage. 

"Most Aligned" Set of Courses

  1. Social Studies Requirement 01

    ECON 2010 - Principles of Microeconomics

  2. Social Studies Requirement 02

    PSCI 1101 - Introduction to American Politics

  3. Social Studies Requirement 03

    GEOG 1992 - Human Geographies

  4. Social Studies Requirement 04

    ECON 2020 - Principles of Macroeconomics

  5. Social Studies Requirement 05

    EDUC 4331 - Elementary Social Studies Methods

  6. Social Studies Requirement 06

    HIST 1015 - American History to 1865

  7. Social Studies Requirement 07

    ANTH 1190 - Origins of Ancient Civilizations

  8. Social Studies Requirement 08

    HIST 1025 - American History since 1865

  9. Social Studies Requirement 09

    HIST 1012 - Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600

How to Improve Content Coverage

Using the “Most Aligned” set of courses, current course requirements can address up to 100% of social studies topics. 

To take full advantage of this, the program should provide explicit recommendations for prospective candidates to ensure they are taking courses that will give them the greatest breadth of coverage.

Analysis of Content Covered with "Most Aligned" Set of Courses

= Course is Currently Recommended or Required by Program

Download Recommendations
Themes: Civics Economics History Geography Culture &
Identity
Pedagogy
US History World History
Topics (hover to see name):

A

Political institutions, Participation, Rules, and Laws

B

Economic Principles and Exchange

C

The Economy

D

European Exploration and Colonization (up to 1700)

E

The American Revolution and Founding (1700s)

F

Growth and Expansion of the American Republic (up to 1900)

G

Twentieth Century and Beyond

H

Pre-Columbian and/or Ancient Civilizations

I

Twentieth Century and Beyond

J

Geographic Representations

K

Human-Environment Interactions

L

Diverse Perspectives

M

Cross-cutting Concepts

GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
EDUC 4331
Elementary Social Studies Methods
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
Total Content Covered: 100%
If a candidate takes the above courses, this is the topic coverage they would experience overall:

Continue Reading

Catalog Year: 2021-2022

University of Colorado Boulder

This tool provides individual preparation programs with a customized analysis of the courses required by the undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program and by the institution’s undergraduate general education courses to determine how well these requirements cover essential content in science. This tool also uses information about existing coursework on their campuses to provide guidance on a recommended course sequence.

This is a summary of the coverage of science content for undergraduate elementary candidates at your institution.

To determine if an elementary teacher preparation program provides adequate coverage¹ in the primary subject area of science through its own requirements or the institution’s requirements, we ask three sequential questions exploring:

  1. Evidence of any science coverage;
  2. Evidence of coverage of the three science themes; and 
  3. Evidence coursework encompasses the nine topics of science knowledge required of elementary teachers.

University of Colorado Boulder's Coverage

Coverage of Subject

Does the institution or teacher preparation program require elementary candidates complete any courses in science?

YES

The institution/program recommends or requires candidates to complete at least one course classified under the broad domain known as science.

NO

The institution/program does not require or recommend candidates to complete at least one course classified under the broad domain known as science.

Theme Coverage

Within science, there are five themes. Does the institution or teacher preparation program require or recommend courses to ensure each of the themes classified under science are covered?

YES

The coursework required or recommended for elementary candidates at this institution covers all five themes in science: 1. Life Science, 2. Physical Science, 3. Earth and Space Science, 4. Engineering, and 5. Pedagogy.

NO

The coursework required or recommended for of elementary candidates at this institution does not cover all five themes in science: 1. Life Science, 2. Physical Science, 3. Earth and Space Science, 4. Engineering, and 5. Pedagogy.

Topic Coverage

Within the five themes of science are nine topics common to teaching elementary students. Does this institution or preparation program require or recommend courses to ensure each of the nine topics classified under science are covered?

YES

Elementary education candidates at this institution must complete at least one course covering each of the nine topics.

NO

Elementary education candidates at this institution are not required to take courses covering each of the nine topics.

What are the nine topics of Science content?

References
  1. For these purposes, credit for “coverage” is awarded to the program whether the course is mandated through general education requirements for the institution at large or the specific requirements of the educator preparation program.

Continue Reading

See a detailed course analysis for your institution.

This tool illuminates: 

  1. What course options are available to satisfy general education or teacher preparation Requirement Categories;
  2. What courses are required or recommended, either through general education requirements or the teacher preparation program; and
  3. Whether courses cover the themes and topics of science content knowledge.

The aim of this tool is to provide an understanding of which courses are most likely to yield the most coverage possible of the content critical for elementary teachers. Because candidates can often choose from a list of courses to meet a Requirement Category, this table provides insight into which of those courses will be most relevant to elementary teaching.

How are Requirements Determined?

Analysts identify both the general education and program graduation requirements found in public-facing materials. 

By reviewing each Requirement Category and available course options, analysts identify courses addressing science and social studies content relevant to elementary teachers. The course analysis table indicates what themes and topics each course covers.

View the Course Catalog

University of Colorado Boulder's Content Coverage Analysis

Filter Course Options By Requirement Category

How we define these courses
Themes: Pedagogy Life Science Physical Science Earth & Space Sciences Engineering
Topics (hover to see name):

A

Cross-cutting Concepts

B

Scientific and Engineering Practices

C

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

D

Inheritance and Variation of Traits

E

Forces, Waves, and Energy

F

Structure and Properties of Matter

G

Space Systems

H

Earth's Systems and Processes

I

Engineering Design

Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
Extensive List
Institution offers ten or more course options to fulfill requirement. Courses shown cover at least one applicable topic.
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
EDUC 4215
Elementary Science Theory and Methods
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
MCDB 1030
Introduction to Molecular Biology
GEOL 1010
Exploring Earth
PHYS 1230
Light and Color for Nonscientists
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
GEOG 1992
Human Geographies
ECON 2010
Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 2020
Principles of Macroeconomics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
PSCI 1101
Introduction to American Politics
EDUC 3013
School and Society
EDUC 4331
Elementary Social Studies Methods
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600
HIST 1015
American History to 1865
HIST 1025
American History since 1865
ANTH 1190
Origins of Ancient Civilizations
HIST 1012
Empire, Revolution and Global War: European History Since 1600

Continue Reading

See the recommended course sequence for your institution.

Here NCTQ outlines (1) the set of courses providing candidates with the content most aligned with what elementary teachers need within current institution and program requirements, and (2) suggestions for courses to fill in gaps where candidates still lack coverage. 

"Most Aligned" Set of Courses

  1. Science Requirement 01

    EBIO 1100/1110 - Biology and Society/Lab

  2. Science Requirement 02

    ASTR 1000 - The Solar System

  3. Science Requirement 03

    EDUC 4215 - Elementary Science Theory and Methods

  4. Science Requirement 04

    CHEM 1021 - Introductory Chemistry

  5. Science Requirement 05

    PHYS 1010 - Physics of Everyday Life 1

How to Improve Content Coverage

Using the “Most Aligned” Set of Courses, current course requirements can address up to 66.67% coverage of science topics.

The topics still lacking coverage include:

  • Cross Cutting Concepts
  • Scientific and Engineering Practices
  • Engineering Design

To improve content coverage, the institution or teacher preparation program may need to require additional courses for their candidates to achieve coverage across all topics. Our analysts identified the following courses to cover these topics:

  • Cross Cutting Concepts: No applicable courses found in NCTQ's analysis
  • Scientific and Engineering Practices: No applicable courses found in NCTQ's analysis
  • Engineering Design: No applicable courses found in NCTQ's analysis

Analysis of Content Covered by "Most Aligned" Set of Courses

= Course is Currently Recommended or Required by Program

Download Recommendations
Themes: Pedagogy Life Science Physical Science Earth & Space Sciences Engineering
Topics (hover to see name):

A

Cross-cutting Concepts

B

Scientific and Engineering Practices

C

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

D

Inheritance and Variation of Traits

E

Forces, Waves, and Energy

F

Structure and Properties of Matter

G

Space Systems

H

Earth's Systems and Processes

I

Engineering Design

EBIO 1100/1110
Biology and Society/Lab
ASTR 1000
The Solar System
EDUC 4215
Elementary Science Theory and Methods
CHEM 1021
Introductory Chemistry
PHYS 1010
Physics of Everyday Life 1
Total Content Covered: 66.67%
If a candidate takes the above courses, this is the topic coverage they would experience overall:

Continue Reading