The College of Arts and Sciences is reviewing the possibility of suppressing the elementary education major offered through the Graduate School of Education, to the surprise of many students and professors.
"There's currently a proposal on the table," College Dean Rebecca Bushnell said, adding that "there's no question that the major is being reviewed."
In the meantime, all students interested in the major can continue on that academic path.
"No current student will be denied the major as an option," Bushnell said, adding that the Class of 2008 may be offered different options, including possibly substituting the elementary education major with a minor.
Director of Teacher Education and GSE Practice Professor Catherine Lacey said a revision of the major may be necessary because most elementary education majors now must double major to be competitive in the job market.
And according to Lacey, an elementary education minor could be paired with majors in educational policy or preparation for teaching.
Administrators said they intend to discuss the possible elimination of the major with students before taking any action.
Some freshman and sophomore students were under the impression that they might have to change their major, and were considering petitioning against the College's decision.
College sophomore Batya Lebinger was relieved to learn that she would be able to pursue the major, but said that "first, we would confirm that with GSE to see if they stand by that."
She added that in light of this new information, the status of the petition would be reconsidered.
College sophomore Amy Landsburg -- who had already discussed her interest in the elementary education major with her academic adviser -- heard that the major might be eliminated when she contacted Elementary Education Undergraduate Coordinator Loretta Del Collo to declare the major.
"It is very shocking," Landsburg said. Referring to the conference on University-assisted schools hosted by Penn last week, she added that the University "puts so much emphasis on education -- it seems bizarre."
Landsburg said that she would even consider transferring to another institution if she could not major in elementary education.
"I'm ready to focus on this major," she said. "I think Penn is a great place, but I'm not going to get a bachelor's in something else just for fun."
The major is a joint program with the Graduate School of Education and the College. After completing the major, students can earn their education master's degree through a 10-month-long graduate program.
Reassessment of the major reflects a growing nationwide trend that favors teachers possessing both an elementary teaching degree and a major in a different discipline.
"The [possible new] program will attract more students to become teachers," Education Assistant Professor Katherine Schultz said. "We believe strongly that this is what people need when dealing in urban education."
Some believe the small number of students currently enrolled in the major does not rationalize its existence -- according to Lacey, only five seniors, three juniors and two sophomores are enrolled as elementary education majors, despite the fact that GSE has been working hard to attract majors.
"It is hard to justify courses that have only eight people," Schultz said.
However, not all professors fully agree with the possibility of losing the major.
"I was very surprised when one of the education majors told me that she heard that rumor," GSE Professor John Fantuzzo said. "It would be most unfortunate if that were so."
Major changes The College and Graduate School of Education may end their elementary education program for many reasons. Specializing: The job market prefers teachers with degrees in both education and other disciplines. Requirements: Most struggle to double major while completing the 14-credit major. Small numbers: Five seniors, three juniors and two sophomores are enrolled in the major.
