Social Sciences: Education Specialization, A.S.

Associate of Science
882-01

Purpose: This curriculum is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to prepare for a teaching career at the elementary or secondary level.

Program Objectives: Students who wish to be teachers in Virginia must major in a content area at a four-year institution such as history, English, mathematics, science or interdisciplinary studies. Although students will be required to complete several professional education courses at the senior institution, they must major in an area besides education.

PRAXIS Exams: To teach in Virginia, students must pass the PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II examinations, which have replaced the National Teachers Exam. The PRAXIS I exam measures basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is used by some four-year institutions as an admissions requirement into their teacher education programs. Virginia Western education students should check with the institution that they plan to attend about the requirements for completing the PRAXIS I exam. The PRAXIS II exam measures content knowledge in the student’s major field and is usually taken in the senior year at the four-year institution.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to credit-level coursework established by the college.

Developmental Requirements: Students who do not place into college-level English will be required to take developmental courses.

Students who do not demonstrate proficiency in MTE 1 , MTE 2 , MTE 3 , MTE 4  and MTE 5  will be required to take developmental courses.

It is strongly recommended that developmental education requirements be completed as soon as possible.

Program Notes: Eligibility for EDU 200 is based on the following criteria:

• Successful completion of 24 college credits
• Submission to and no findings for The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Students must also sign and complete the Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs.
• Documentation of a negative TB screening.

Each student is responsible for any fees or costs associated with background checks. Students are responsible for transportation to and from field sites used for laboratory experiences. Inability to complete the above or contrary results will disqualify the student from completing the course and the program.

While a course may satisfy a requirement for a Virginia Western program, it may not fulfill a requirement at a four-year institution. Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution.