Adolescence Education, B.S.

The Adolescence Education programs offer students seeking teacher certification in New York State two options.  First, they may choose initial certification in their major content area for grades 7-12, with a grades 5-6 extension in the subject area of the initial certificate.  Second, students interested in special education may choose the dual certification option and complete the program leading to certification in their content area (7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist.

The comprehensive programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning, including field experiences in area classrooms where students observe, participate, and learn effective teaching methods.

Available Content Areas:

• Biology (grades 7-12; with 5-6 extension)
• Biology (grades 7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (dual certification)
• Chemistry (grades 7-12; with 5-6 extension)
• Chemistry (grades 7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (dual certification)
• English (grades 7-12; with 5-6 extension)
• English (grades 7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (dual certification)
• Mathematics (grades 7-12; with 5-6 extension)
• Mathematics (grades 7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (dual certification)
• Physics (grades 7-12; with 5-6 extension)
• Physics (grades 7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (dual certification)
• Social Studies (grades 7-12; with 5-6 extension)
• Social Studies (grades 7-12) and Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (dual certification)

Admission Criteria:

• Completed application to the major and the Department of Teacher Education
• Demonstrated academic competence at RWU
  • Successful completion of two courses in the Department of Teacher Education
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.7
  • A “C+” or better in TEDU 1850 and TEDU 1950
  • A “B-“ or better in all required 2000 and above education courses
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing
  • “C” or better in Principles of Writing
  • “C” or better in Principles of Speech
  • Successful completion of a “writing sample” as part of the application process.
• Resume
• Acknowledgment and commitment to professional standards

Once admitted, students must maintain the overall minimum GPA (2.7) and earn the minimum grade required for each course (B- in TEDU courses, a C in all major courses) in order to progress through the program. They must also meet the behavioral expectations described in the Professional Dispositions and meet the Technical Standards in order to progress through the program and be allowed to student teach.

SPECIFICS OF THE ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS, B.S. DEGREE

Minimum Total Hours: 124

Total Liberal Arts Hours Required: 62

General Education Requirements: Per Core Requirements List (see General Education Council). Exceptions: only one fine arts course is required; PSYC 2030 must be taken to meet the behavioral science requirement.

Minimum Requirements: Overall and major GPA of 2.7; no grade less than C in the concentration; no grade less than C+ in all 1000 level education courses; no grade less than B- in 2000, 3000, and 4000 level education courses; minimum grade of C in COMM 1105 and COMP 1010, and the required mathematics and science courses.

Content Area Major Requirements: Specific general education and content core courses are suggested for use in the programs depending upon one’s major. Consult the appropriate department for a comprehensive list of requirements for the degree.

Pedagogical Core Requirements for Adolescence Education in 7-12 Content Area: (35 semester hours) with a grades 5-6 extension in the subject area of the initial certification:

• TEDU 1850 Education in a Changing World (3)
• TDU 1950 Foundations of Special Education (3)
• TEDU 2350 Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment I (3)
• TEDU 2600 Learning & Development in Early Adolescence (3)
• TEDU 2940 Integrated Literacy Practices Across the Curriculum (3)
• TEDU 3570 Literacy in Adolescent Classrooms (3)
• TEDU 3600 Creating Inclusive Learning Communities (3)
• TEDU 3850 Secondary Content Methods (3)
• TEDU 4020* & 4021* Student Teaching (6+6)
• TEDU 4420* Adolescence Education Student Teaching Seminar (2)

Field Experience Requirement | Students must complete 150 hours of fieldwork - When advised by their advisor, students will engage in field blocks 1 and 2 (50 hours each) throughout the program to accompany coursework.

Student Teaching Practicum | 14 Weeks

*Additional requirements must be met for these courses. Please see the Fieldwork Handbook for more information.

Pedagogical core requirements for dual certification in Adolescence Education 7-12 (in a content area) AND Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist (47-53 credit hours):

• TEDU 1850 Education in a Changing World (3)
• TEDU 1950 Foundations of Special Education (3)
• TEDU 2350 Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment I (3)
• TEDU 2940 Integrated Literacy Practices Across the Curriculum (3)
• TEDU 3570 Literacy in Adolescent Classrooms (3)
• TEDU 3600 Creating Inclusive Learning Communities (3)
• TEDU 3650 Assessment for Special Education (3)
• TEDU 3850 Secondary Content Methods (3)
• TEDU 3900 Collaboration for Learning (3)
• TEDU 3940 Culturally Responsive Teaching (3)
• TEDU 4020* & 4021* Student Teaching (6+6)
• TEDU 4420* Adolescent Education Student Teaching Seminar (2)
• HIST 3061, LITR 3610, MATH 2630, and NSCI 3610 (courses required vary by content area)

Field Experience Requirement | Students must complete 150 hours of fieldwork - When advised by their advisor, students will engage in field blocks 1, 2, and 3 (50 hours each) throughout the program to accompany coursework.

Student Teaching Practicum | 14 Weeks

*Additional requirements must be met for these courses. Please see the Fieldwork Handbook for more information.

In order to obtain New York State certification, the following requirements must be met:

• EAS | Educating All Students Exam
• CST | Content Specialty Test in Appropriate Content Area
• CST | Students with Disabilities
• TPA | Teacher Portfolio Assessment
• SAVE | Mandatory Workshop
• Child Abuse | Mandatory Workshop
• DASA - Dignity for All Students | Mandatory Workshop
• Autism Training | Mandatory Workshop
• Fingerprinting clearance

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements and completion of all required workshops, the student will be recommended to New York State by RWU. A student who has not completed the required workshops will not be recommended to New York State until successful completion of the required workshops. Six months after the student's conferral date, if a student has not completed all the successful workshops, the student must apply for certification himself or herself through individual evaluation. RWU will not recommend the student for certification.

Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies.