Middle Level Grades 4-8 Social Studies (B.S.Ed.)
Administered by Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Effective Fall 2009
The State Board of Education adopted changes that affect all of Pennsylvania's instructional and educational specialist programs by adding 9 credits or 270 hours or equivalent combination for adaptations and accommodations for diverse students in an inclusive setting and 3 credits or 90 hours or equivalent combination to meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners. Although these regulatory changes became effective on September 22, 2007, the PA Department of Education has not yet developed final requirements for colleges/universities to follow. Therefore, additional program requirements will be developed and incorporated into your certification program to comply with new regulations for certifying teachers that become effective on January 1, 2013.
Requirements for Certification in Middle Level 4-8 develop knowledge of the nature of the pre-adolescent/adolescent, the nature of the middle school, the learning process, general methods of teaching and methods of teaching particular subjects and to provide student teaching experience. A total of 73 semester hours is taken in required courses. None may be taken on a pass/fail basis. An area of teaching competence is required (Mathematics, Social Studies, Science or Language Arts/Reading). No free electives are available for this program. In addition to the 123-credit requirement for a Bloomsburg University degree, education majors are subject to background checks and passage of Praxis exams.
General Education Requirements
Among 50-53 credits of general education requirements some courses are specifically required
Two credits of survival, fitness and recreation skills
AUDSLP.415 ELL Basics of Language and Communication, AUDSLP.432 Communication and Education for ELLs or PROFSTUD.494 ELL Strategies and Methods
EDFOUND.406 Multicultural Education
PSYCH.101 General Psychology
Professional Education Courses
EDFOUND.291 Principles of Teaching
ELEMED.150 Introduction to Middle Level Education
ELEMED.351 Teaching Middle Level Science and Mathematics Grades 4-8
ELEMED.360 Teaching Middle Level Language Arts and Social Studies
ELEMED.366 Teaching Reading in the Content Areas Elem/Mid-Level Grades 4-8
PSYCH.214 Transitions to Adolescent Development
PSYCH.310 Middle Childhood Cognitive Development
SPECED.101 Introduction to Individuals with Exceptionalities
SPECED.358 Methods of Instruction for Individuals with Disabilities
Social Studies Content (30 credits)
ECONOMIC.121 Principles of Economics I
ECONOMIC.122 Principles of Economics II
GEOG.100 World Regional Geography
HISTORY.121 U.S. History Survey: Colonial period through 1877
OR HISTORY.122 U.S. History Survey: 1877 to present
HISTORY.388 Pennsylvania
POLISCI.360 Nations, States, and Government
POLISCI.452 State and Local Government and Politics
POLISCI.458 US Foreign Policy OR one upper level Non-Western History course
Advanced Social Studies Course
Advanced Social Studies Course
Mathematics Content (12 credits)
MATH.101 Math Thinking
MATH.109 College Algebra
MATH.201 Math Concepts I: Theory of Arithmetic
MATH.202 Math Concepts II; Geometry and Statistics
Language Arts Content (12 credits)
COMMSTUD.103 Public Speaking or COMMSTUD.104 Interpersonal Communication
ENGLISH.101 Foundations of College Writing
ENGLISH.152 Literature & Society OR ENGLISH.151 Intro to Literature
ENGLISH.385 Literature for Young Adults
Science Content (12 credits)
BIOLOGY.101 Human Biology
CHEM.101 Introductory Chemistry
GEOSCI.120 Physical Geology
PHYSICS.103 Principles of Physical Science
Assessment
PROFSTUD.301 Teaching Learning and Assessment OR EDFOUND.311 Classroom Measures and Assessment
SPECED.275 Linking Assessment and Instruction for Students with Disabilities
Field Experiences (3 credits)
ELEMED.496 Practicum (Bloomsburg, Berwick, Central, Danville, Hazleton and/or Southern)
PROFSTUD.312 Internship (Bloomsburg)
PROFSTUD.320 Practicum (Central or Danville)
PROFSTUD.461 Practicum (Bethlehem)
Student Teaching (12 credits)
ELEMED.494 Teaching in Education: First Experience
ELEMED.495 Teaching in Education: Second Experience
Other requirements
All students are required to complete the following:
FBI Clearance (Renewed yearly)
Criminal Record Check (Act 34, renewed yearly)
Child Abuse Check (Act 151, renewed yearly)
TB Test - results Negative or Statement of Treatment (every two years)
Praxis I - Pre-professional skills test (PPST). All students are required to take the following Praxis Tests. PPSTs must be taken and passed by 48 credits in order to be admitted to teacher education.
Reading (10710)
Writing (20720)
Mathematics (10730)
Praxis II - Subject Assessments. Beginning Fall 2007 the Pennsylvania Praxis II tests must be taken and passed in order successfully complete the certification program.
Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (30511)
Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (10011)