Education Studies BA with Middle Grades Science Certification 5-9
Exploring the Major— Students will begin the Education Studies program with EDS 150 (see course sequencing below). Those students past their first year (including transfers) will be given priority for registration in EDS 150. Because students in EDS 150 will begin participating in P-12 field experiences, they must complete a state criminal records clearance during the class. While taking EDS 150, students will be assigned a mentor who will begin work with them in their second year.
Admission to the Major— Grades of C or higher in EDS 150 and B- or higher in one other EDS course (EDS 228); a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 or a 3.00 in the past 30 credit hours (equals approximately seven and a half full credit classes from Berea College); and demonstration of appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings. Education Studies majors, together with their advisors, will also construct a well-developed Curriculum Plan. Also see the Education Studies page in the catalog for information about the TEP, Student Teaching, and Recommendation for Certification.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within nine terms)— Students planning to major in Education Studies with Middle Grades Certification (5-9) are strongly encouraged to take EDS 150 in the second term of the first year, but no later than the first term of the second year. (Multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Fall and Spring term.) Students will take courses in this approximate sequence, leading up to the pre-professional 8th term and Student Teaching in the 9th term: EDS 228, and EDS courses and specialization courses in consultation with the Education Advisor. EDS 484 is to be taken in the pre-professional term, which is the Spring Term of the fourth year. Student teaching will take place in the ninth term (Fall). Throughout their preparation, students should seek to make connections between each of their General Education courses and their professional preparation as teachers.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major— Students must meet all criteria for admission and retention at each stage of the Teacher Education Program. In addition to completing specified course requirements and required written assessments, portfolios, and performance assessment, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral communication, demonstrated through the portfolio and course work; and demonstrate appropriate qualities of judgment, disposition, and temperament in classroom and field settings.
Other Considerations and Recommendations— Transfer students should contact Education Studies as early as possible because special rules may apply. Throughout their preparation, majors are expected to seek out rich and substantive field experiences with students of the ages they plan to teach beyond those associated with EDS courses. Such activities include Center for Excellence in Learning through Service (CELTS)-related service work (e.g., One-on-One Tutoring), working with after-school programs, summer camp experiences, etc.