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The Montessori Education Elementary Training Course for teaching ages 6 to 12 is accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). this teacher training course is offered in an academic year format at the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola College in Maryland at the Graduate Center in Columbia, MD.

Course of Study: In addition to Dr. Montessori's theory of human development, the Montessori Elementary program of studies encompasses the liberals arts - art, biology, geography, history, language, mathematics (arithmetic, geometry, algebra), music, and physical science. The presentation of the program is rooted in story telling and ever broadening lessons conveying to the child a wealth of knowledge about the universe, world, country and community.

In particular, language studies include a study of grammar as an underpinning for interpretive reading, clear writing, and logical speaking. Mathematics studies include conceptual development, interpretation, and the development of skills necessary for accurate problem solving. Music and art are approached from the child's fundamental desire to communicate in other than their native spoken and written language. Sciences particularly address the development of the the elementary child's reasoning mind, in that the study of science answers their why questions and allows the child to observe, form hypotheses, experiment, and draw conclusions. History is a centralizing study, containing all that human beings have pondered, studied, and passed down to their descendents. Physical fitness is a vehicle through which the child is led to realize the importance of a healthy body so that the mind can flourish.

The program for preparing the Montessori teacher presents key points for bringing this integrated education to the elementary child. In addition, classroom management consistent with the stage of development is covered theoretically and practically through observation and practice teaching in Montessori classrooms.

A Prerequisite Course is required for those students electing the Elementary specialization who do not hold an AMI Primary diploma. This course is designed to give an overview fo the primary curriculum which forms the basis of the curriculum at the elementary level. The Prerequisite Course does not certify the student to teach in a Primary classroom nor is any diploma granted for this course. This course is not part of the credit hour requirements for the M.Ed. degree program.

Curriculum: The M.Ed. in Elementary Montessori Education (ages 6 - 12) consists of 36 graduate credits plus oral comprehensive examinations. The coursework is divided into two parts. The Montessori courses comprise the requirements for the AMI diploma. These courses total 27 credit hours and are listed in the catalogue with the course key MO. The education core courses are designed to broaden the student's knowledge of research and trends in the field of education. These courses total nine credit hours and are listed with the ED or RS course key.

ED600 - Foundations of Educational Research
Various approaches to research in education are examined, including the historical method, the survey, case study, the experimental method, and philosophical inquiry. The student is encouraged to develop a basis for evaluating and understanding research in the field, and to familiarize himself/herself with the literature in his/her chosen field. (3 cr.)

RS769 - Teaching Students with Special Needs
Strategies and materials for teaching exceptional students in regular classrooms. Emphasis on recognizing learning and behavioral characteristics, and on meeting those challenges in the mainstream of the school. (3 cr.)

ED625 - Advanced Studies in Education
Individual projects geared to specific interests of students. Requirements related to each independent study will be approved on an individual basis. Students demonstrate their knowledge and findings by submitting two research papers discussing the selected areas. (3 cr.)

MO646 - Foundations of the Montessori Method
To give a survey of the development of the young child in accordance with the psychology of the child proposed by Dr. Maria Montessori. To give an overview of the principles underlying Montessori pedagogy. Particular emphasis is directed to children 6 to 12 years of age. (2 cr.)

MO647 - Montessori Classroom Methods
To communicate the principles of classroom management for 6 to 12 year-old children that are derived from the philosophical and pedagogical ideas of Dr. Montessori. (3 cr.)

MO648 - Laboratory: Using Montessori Materials
To provide the opportunity for the individual student to practice with the developmental and didactic materials. To develop skill in handling the materials and in giving presentations. To work through individual difficulties in technique and understanding. (3 cr.)

MO649 - Language Curriculum and Instruction for the Elementary Years
To show by demonstration and lecture the presentations for the development of spoken and written language as well as important functional aspects of grammar that are appropriate for children from 6 to 12 years of age. (2 cr.)

MO650 - Art Curriculum and Instruction for the Elementary Years
To show by demonstration and lecture the scope of expression opportunities through art appropriate for children between the ages of 6 to 12. (1 cr.)

MO651 - Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction for the Elementary Years
To show by demonstration and lecture presentations of arithmetic and geometry which provide the child with understanding of and proficiency with key ideas in mathematics. Links between arithmetic and geometry are explored and the importance of problem solving is stressed. The use of a computer is introduced as a support mechanism for the child's exploration of mathematics. (5 cr.)

MO652 - Physical and Biological Sciences Curriculum and Instruction for the Elementary Years
This is a two-part course. Part I will show by demonstration and lecture the presentations of biology which are designed to give an understanding of the interdependencies of life on earth. Part II will show by demonstration and lecture the presentations of physical and political geography which are designed to give an understanding of the interdependencies of the Earth and life upon it. (2 cr.)

MO653 - Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction for the Elementary Years
To show by demonstration and lecture the presentations of social studies which give an understanding of the origins and development of the universe and of the human being's relationships to this development. (2 cr.)

MO654 - Music/Movement Curriculum and Instruction for the Elementary Years
This is a two-part course. Part I will show by demonstration and lecture the scope of expression opportunities in music appropriate to children between the ages of 6 to 12. Part II will show by demonstration and lecture the scope and importance of movement, nutrition and physical exercise for the development of mind and body health of children between the ages of 6 to 12. (1 cr.)

MO655 - Practicum
To give the student opportunity to practice Montessori pedagogy with children in a classroom under the supervision of a qualified Montessori teacher. (6 cr).

Oral Comprehensive Examinations are required at the conclusion of the Montessori (MO) course sequence.