The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education is designed to prepare individuals to teach all subject areas grades K-6. The program provides an educational pathway for students who have earned an Associate in Arts degree to include EDF 2005 . It is also a good option for students with a child development focus. Upon graduation, students will meet the mandated state teaching requirements for certification in Elementary Education with ESOL and Reading Endorsements. Students are strongly encouraged to complete EDF 2085 and EME 2040 as both courses remain Elementary Education program graduation requirements.
Program Highlights:
The BS in Elementary Education is a Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) approved program that culminates with both Reading and ESOL endorsements. The program includes courses in teaching students with English as a second language, students with exceptionalities, reading competency, classroom management, assessment, and integrated approaches to teaching methodologies at the elementary school level. Students will learn to facilitate lessons that integrate math and science, health, music and movement, as well as literature, fine arts, language arts, and social sciences. Field Experience requirements are progressive in nature, building upon previous semester experiences. Students will observe teachers in the field, teach lessons through the practicum courses, and complete a full-time teaching internship in their final semester. Courses are offered for full-time and part-time students, with blended and online courses where applicable.
Admission Requirements:
In addition to fulfilling the entrance requirements for Florida SouthWestern State College, applicants for the BS in Elementary Education degree program must meet the following requirements consistent with Florida Statute 1004.04:
Completion of the Associate in Arts (AA) degree or the equivalent, including all general education and required Florida mandated common course prerequisites. Students with a minimum of 60 transferable hours, with all general education requirements and prerequisites met, may apply for admission.
Completion of EDF 2005 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession with a grade of “C” or better.
Applicants must have an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or have completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from any college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association, as defined by State Board of Education rule, with a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Applicants not meeting stated admissions criteria may petition for program admittance if they feel that there are mitigating circumstances. Applicants must submit an official petition form to the School of Education (forms are available online at http://www.fsw.edu/soe/forms).
Requirements to Enroll in Upper Division Courses:
Upon admission to the BS program, students must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to enrollment in upper division (3000 and 4000 level) courses.
To participate in the program, students must be fingerprinted and screened by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI prior to entering any school.
Prior to enrollment in any upper division courses, students must complete ENC 1101 - Composition I , ENC 1102 - Composition II and one general education math course.
To be eligible to enroll in EDE 4940 - Internship in Elementary Education , students must have passed all sections of the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Educator’s Exam and the Subject Area Exam; and attempted the Professional Educator’s Exam and the Subject Area Exam.
Cross-enrollment approval: Baccalaureate degree seeking students must obtain prior approval to cross enroll (as a transient student) in courses intended to fulfill upper division program requirements. Approval will be determined by the appropriate dean in collaboration with program faculty. Students initiate this process using www.floridashines.org/.
Upper Division Transfer Course Review: Students who have completed previous upper division coursework in an Education Program may present those courses for evaluation by the Elementary Education Department Chair. Students may transfer equivalent courses as determined by the State Common Course Numbering System. However, Florida SouthWestern State College reserves the right to deny common course number credit for courses in which practicum or internship components reside. Florida SouthWestern State College’s Office of the Registrar will ensure that previous coursework meets all relevant academic standards before acceptance for transfer. The Dean of the School of Education and the Credit Review Committee will ensure adherence to the above admissions criteria. Students must fulfill all required competencies, standards, skills and dispositions within the Bachelor of Science in Education Programs and may be required to submit additional documentation to support completion requirements. 25% of the 120 credits for the degree must be earned at FSW.
Students who have been fully admitted to the Elementary Education program, but do not enroll in at least one course for three consecutive semesters, are required to apply for readmission to the program. Upon readmission, students are governed by the catalog requirements of the readmission year. Students with special circumstances preventing them from being readmitted to the program may make an appeal to the Dean of the School of Education for their enrollment to be reactivated. Reactivation appeals must include a letter justifying the request, a letter of support from a faculty member, and any and all documentation to support the student’s appeal. Reactivated students will be governed by the catalog in place during the year in which they were first admitted to the program.
Priority Application Deadlines:
Fall term - August 1; Spring term - December 1; Summer term - April 1
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