Undergraduate Bulletin 2014-2015 Download

Education

Faculty/Staff

Marcel Sargeant, Chair; Michael England, Program Director and Certification Officer; Donna Berkner, Cheryl The

Adjunct: Carol Campbell, Mary Jacobs

Mission

The Education Department of Southwestern Adventist University directly addresses the mission to which the University is committed by preparing individuals for effective service in this world. The program incorporates a broad liberal arts education as a basis for the more in-depth focus on academic teaching specializations, field based experience and the pedagogy associated with the teaching and learning process. The program prepares individuals for a profession in which they can affect the lives of others in a Christian paradigm.

Program Objectives for Teacher Education

Southwestern Adventist University's goal is to provide each student with outcome driven educational competencies. Upon completion of this program, the student will demonstrate:

Subject matter proficiency
Instructional planning using broad based media
A variety of presentation skills to meet the needs of a diverse population
Assessment and screening procedures to ensure competency
Supervision and management skills
Record keeping as a process of accountability in regards to being a reflective practitioner
Christian professional and interpersonal responsibilities for service in their local church

The Education Preparation Program

The Education Preparation Program at Southwestern Adventist University provides teacher training in elementary education, including the intermediate school, and at the secondary level. Through the School of Graduate Studies one can obtain a masters degree in Education.

The Education program is designed to prepare students for certification with the State of Texas, and thus be qualified to teach in either the public or private sector. This preparation is accomplished through a combination of campus and field-based delivery systems.

Degrees are awarded by Southwestern Adventist University, while certification is awarded by the State of Texas. Therefore, a student may seek certification upon completion of any degree, the completion of a state-approved teacher certification program, and the receipt of a satisfactory score on the TExES examinations. To be recommended for certification by Southwestern Adventist University, a minimum of 12 successful semester hours in residence is required.

The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) establishes the teacher certification standards. Any change in these standards must be reflected in Southwestern Adventist University's certification requirements; therefore, any modification in the state law affecting our certification requirements takes precedence over statements in the Bulletin.

Seventh-day Adventist teacher certification may be acquired simultaneously by meeting the requirements as outlined in the North American Division Office of Education, "Certification Requirements, K-12", as revised in 2007.

Admission to the Education Preparation Program

Admission to the University and admission to the Education Preparation Program are two separate entities. Students pursuing teacher certification or Teacher's Professional Development courses will be required to take and pass the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) exam. Registration bulletins for taking the THEA are available in the Teacher Education Department. The THEA is offered six times each year. Persons who fail the test may retake it after a four month interval for as many times as needed to pass.

Professional education course work is reserved for students who have met admissions requirements, made application and have been approved by the Teacher Education Committee. The requirements for admission to teacher education at Southwestern Adventist University are as follows:

Take the THEA exam and meet a minimum score of 260 in reading, 230 in math, and 220 in writing. Passing standards are subject to change, as the State Board of Education changes minimum standards. Note: You are exempt from the THEA if you earned a score of 500 or better in the areas of Math and Verbal on your SAT or if your ACT score had a composite of 21 with at least a 19 in Math and Language.
Have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours, or be enrolled in the semester that will complete 60 hours.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.
Have completed with a "C–" or higher College Algebra, Speech, Freshman Composition and Research and Professional Writing or equivalent courses.
Secondary Education certification candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in their major courses.
Meet all other requirements implemented by the Education Department faculty.
Before acceptance all students must submit to, pay for, and pass a criminal background check.

The candidate is responsible for initiating the application, which is available in the Office of Teacher Certification. All applications will be accompanied by:

A statement of purpose - a one page, typed essay describing reasons for desiring a profession in the teaching field.
Two letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives. Preferably, these recommendations will come from Southwestern Adventist University faculty members not in the Education Department, or other work experience supervisors.
A personal background check with satisfactory results.
All potential candidates will have an interview with the Education/Psychology Department before being fully accepted into the Education Preparation Program. See Technical Standards in Pre-Service Teacher Candidate Handbook.

Degree Plan

After the student has been admitted to the Education Preparation Program, they should develop a degree plan with their major advisor and the Department of Education. The plan will show the declared major or teaching fields, the work completed and the remaining requirements for the degree. Copies of the degree plan will be filed with the Registrar's Office, Teacher Education Department and the major advisor.

Retention in the Education Preparation Program

To be retained in the Education Preparation Program, students must:

Maintain a cumulative 2.75 grade point average in all course work.
Secondary Education certification candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in their major courses.
Give evidence of satisfactory professional growth.
Show promising development in course work and field experiences.
Demonstrate behavior that is ethically and morally responsible.

At the end of the junior year, the teacher education staff will review each student's progress and advise each according to the findings. A student found in violation of any of the above criteria will be placed on probation for the preceding semester. Each semester thereafter, progress will be evaluated for continuance in the program.

Student Teaching

Student Teaching is a privilege granted to the student through the courtesy of the school and/or district to which the student teacher is assigned. Prompt and regular attendance is required. Students are advised to become familiar with the Student Teaching Handbook prior to student teaching.

Student teaching normally will be taken during the last semester. Student teaching requires full days in the schools for a minimum of 14 consecutive weeks in accordance with the calendar of the school district. Students may not take classes at the university during the hours they are scheduled to student teach, and are limited to 12 credit hours.

Students who do not graduate within six months of student teaching may lose credit for the course and would then need to repeat student teaching. The Teacher Education Committee, prior to consideration for an additional student teaching assignment, must review candidates who withdraw or are withdrawn from a student teaching assignment.

Admission to Student Teaching

To be eligible for student teaching, students must:

Be unconditionally admitted to the Education Preparation Program.
Maintain a grade of 'C–' or better in courses in the teaching field(s), or academic specialization area, with an overall grade point average of not less than 2.75.
Secondary Education certification candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in their major courses.
Complete a minimum of 45 clock hours of satisfactory work in the field experience component of the professional education courses.
Have senior status.
Have a commitment to high moral and ethical standards, as defined by the Bulletin.
Students planning for S.D.A. certification only must complete at least one module in a multi-grade teaching setting.
File an application for student teaching by March 1 for a fall student teaching assignment, and by September 15 for a spring assignment.
All student teacher candidates must be accepted for student teaching status by the Education/Psychology Department.

The Teacher Education Committee will review all applications to determine eligibility for student teaching. Admission to the Education Preparation Program does not necessarily ensure acceptance into Student Teaching. Appeals to any decision must be made in writing to the Teacher Education Council, and if needed, to the Vice President for Academic Administration.

Recommendation to the State Board for Educator Certification

To be recommended to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for teacher certification, a student must have successfully met the following criteria:

All specified course work must be completed on the degree plan or certification plan in which certification is sought.
Acceptable scores on the appropriate professional development and content specialization portions of the TExES exam.
In accordance with Article 6252-13c, Texas Civil Statutes, the Texas Commissioner of Education may suspend or revoke a teaching certificate, or refuse to issue a teaching certificate, for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime which directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. All applicants for Texas certificates will be screened for a record of felony or misdemeanor conviction through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Students must make application through the SBEC website and enclose the appropriate fee required for the certificate sought. The Teacher Certification Officer will make recommendations based upon satisfactory completion of all requirements pertaining to certification.

State Certification

Certification levels for teaching certificates will be:

Early Childhood-Grade 6 (EC-GR 6)
Grades 4-8 (GR 4-8) (will no longer be offered after Fall 2013).
Grades 8-12 (GR 8-12) (will no longer be 8-12 but 7-12 as of Fall 2013) with specialization in English, History, Journalism, Life Science, Physical Science, Mathematics, Speech, or Social Studies (will no longer be offered after Fall 2013 as a composite degree Social Studies but as individual subjects such as History, Geography, etc).
All Level Physical Education or Music for Early Childhood-Grade 12 (EC-12).

SDA Teaching Certification

North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists: Elementary Endorsement for Grades 1-8, Speciality Endorsement in Kindergarten, and Secondary Content Area Endorsement for Grades 7 - 12. Content areas available for Grades 7-12 are Business, English, History, Journalism, Life Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies, and Speech.

State of Texas:

EC-6, GR 4-8, GR 8-12, and All Level Physical Education and Music K-12. Content areas available for Grades 8-12 are: Business, English, History, Journalism, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social Studies and Speech.

Federal Title II Rating

Southwestern Adventist University is currently ranked in the second quartile nationally for its Title II rating. This reflects a 94% pass rate by students taking the state certification exams during the last year school year.

Programs

B.S. Elementary Education

Southwestern Adventist University offers a major in Elementary Education. A major in Secondary Education is not available. A person interested in Secondary Education must complete a major and/or a minor in another discipline in addition to the course work required for teaching certification. The Education Preparation Program consists of three major components; academic foundations (general education), professional development and academic specialization.

Alternative Certification Program

See page 143.

A. Academic Foundations

Required for EC-GR6. (GR8-12, All Level PE or Music K-12 should meet general education requirements on page 60.) Please note that effective Fall 2013 there will no longer be grades 8-12 but grades 7-12.

General Education Curricula Minimum Requirements*



English	12



COMM111	Speech	3
ENGL121	Freshman Composition	3
ENGL 220	Research Writing	3
ENGL 231	American Literature I or
ENGL 232	American Literature II	3



Social and Behavioral Sciences	12



ARTS 221	History of Western Art	3
HIST 111	American History	3
HIST 112	American History	3
HIST 312	Historical and Political Geography or
POLS 211	Texas & National Constitutions	3



Math/Natural and Computer Science	12-14



MATH 110	College Algebra	3
	Two classes of lab Science	8
	One semester of life science and one semester of physical science is recommended .
CSIS 102	Microcomputer Literacy or 1 credit equivalent if one passes the challenge exam or	1-3
CSIS 104	Spreadsheet and Database Application	1



Health and Physical Education	4



KINT 111	Health & Wellness	3
	P.E. Activity Elective	1



Religion**	12



RLGN 101	Christian Beliefs	3
RLGN 211	Life and Teachings	3
RLGN 230	History of the SDA Church	3
	Upper Div. Old Testament, New Testament, or other Bible content class	3



Principles of Active Learning***	1



Total:	53-55

\* Students who qualify for honors classes may substitute where appropriate.

\\ These specific classes are required for SDA certification only. For those seeking only state certification, it is strongly recommended that students enroll for a minimum of one course each school year. Applied religion is not to exceed three credits; three of the religion credits must be upper division. Transfer students from non-SDA schools must have three hours of religion credit per 30 credits taken in residence at Southwestern, with a minimum of six hours. Though religion classes taken prior to enrollment at Southwestern will be considered for transfer, at least three hours must be from an SDA school, and non-SDA religion classes taken after enrollment here will not be transferred.

\\\* All freshmen who have taken less than 12 previous college hours, which does not include credits taken while in high school or by examinations, must enroll in the Principles of Active Learning course.

B. Professional Development

Required for Elementary Education Majors and for Secondary Education Certification



EDUC 254+	Intro to the Teaching Profession	3
EDUC 263*	Religion in the SDA School	3
EDUC 312	Educational Psychology	3
EDUC 326	Exceptional Children	3
EDUC 350	Educational Technology	3
EDUC 416	Legal Foundations of Education	3
EDUC 434	Classroom Assessment	3
EDUC 436	Classroom Management	3
EDUC 440	Integration of Learning Styles	3
EDUC 475, 485	Directed Teaching	6
PSYC 220	Human Growth and Development	3
	Total:	33-36

Secondary Education Certification also requires:



EDUC 322	Adolescent Psychology	3
EDUC 450	Teaching in the Secondary School	3

\* for SDA certification and state/SDA certification.

+ not required for Physical Education Majors

C. Academic Specialization

Elementary Education Majors

Early Childhood - Grade 6



ARTS 223	Arts/Crafts/Drama	3
EDUC 275	Teaching Culturally Diverse Students	3
EDUC 310	Second Language Instruction	3
EDUC 364	Kindergarten Materials & Methods	3
EDUC 375	Children's Literature and the Teaching of Reading	3
EDUC 382	Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 386	Mathematics in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 413	Science in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 419	Social Studies in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 424	Language Arts Essential Skills in the Elementary School	3
EDUC 460	Differentiated Instruction for the Elementary Classroom	3
KINT 243	PE/Health in the Elementary School	3
MUED 253	Music in the Elementary School	3
	Total:	39

Secondary Education Certification

Option I

Option one shall prepare the individual to teach in one area of grades 8-12 and shall require completion of a major in one of the following teaching areas:

English, History, Journalism, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Speech.

Option II

Option two shall prepare the individual to teach in two areas of grades 8-12 and shall require completion of a major, plus a minor which includes 24 hours with a minimum of 12 semester hours of upper division courses. The major and minor must both be chosen from the following teaching areas:

English, History, Journalism, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Speech

Option III - until Fall 2013

Option three shall prepare the individual to teach in grades 8-12 and shall require completion of a composite teaching field with 24 semester hours in one area, 12 semester hours of which must be upper division, and a minimum of 6 semester hours in each additional area. May include the following composite field:

Social Studies

Option IV - All Level Certification for Physical Education (Grades EC-12)

Option four leads to an all level certificate and shall prepare the individual to teach Physical Education in Early Childhood through grade twelve and shall require completion of a major in Physical Education.

Option V - All Level Certification for Music (Grades EC-12)

Option five leads to an all level certificate and shall prepare the individual to teach Music in Early Childhood through grade twelve and shall require completion of a major in Music.

It is highly recommended that students consult and follow the suggested class schedule. These may be obtained from the Department of Education or on-line at http://ed.swau.edu

Courses

EDUC 254 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession (3 hours)

Prerequisite: ENGL 121

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the field of teaching and reflect on their interest in education. Students will also examine current and historical roles, expectations, stereotypes, and characterizations that define teaching as a profession.

An introduction to the library research skills used in the field of teaching. The use of primary and secondary sources including the use of on-line data bases will be discussed as well as publication styles. Pre-service teachers will also engage in activities designed to sharpen critical thinking as well as acquaint themselves with current trends in the discipline of teaching. Pre-service teachers will begin the process of developing their e-portfolio. This course fulfills the requirement for UNIV 201: Research in an Academic Discipline as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring)

EDUC 263 - Religion in the SDA School (3 hours)

A study of a variety of strategies in teaching the Bible creatively. Students will discover an approach to learning that Jesus perfected-totally involving people through active experiences, creating learning environments, adjusting emphasis from teaching to learning, and developing lessons using a model of teaching repertoire. (This course does not apply to religion requirements but is required for Seventh-day Adventist Denominational Certification.) Includes field experience. (Fall)

EDUC 291 - Selected Topics (1-2 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program, and approval of department chair

A study in an area of interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory, or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits. (Fall, Spring)

EDUC 275 - Teaching Culturally Diverse Students (3 hours)

Addresses the preparation of teachers for the wide diversity of students they will encounter in their classrooms with an emphasis on developing methods for involving the family in the educational process. Also emphasizes the knowledge and skills needed to help students be better informed and proactive in a multicultural society along with the legal basis for desegregation and multiculturalism in American Education. (Fall)

EDUC 310 - Second Language Instruction and Assessment (3 hours)

This course will address theoretical and practical aspects of ESL instruction and testing. A variety of teaching strategies will be presented, along with how to incorporate national and state standards in classroom activities. Socio-cultural issues of language and language acquisition will be covered, with an in-depth analysis of how policy affects classroom teaching. Discussion of formal and informal assessment procedures and instruments will also be included to learn basic concepts, issues, and practices related to test design, development, and interpretation and to use this knowledge to select, adapt, and develop assessments for different purposes in the ESL program; to apply knowledge of formal and informal assessments used in the ESL classroom and to know their characteristics, uses, and limitations; and to understand relations among state mandated standards, instruction, and assessment in the ESL program. (Fall)

EDUC 312 - Educational Psychology (3 hours)

A study of psychology as it relates to the learning processes and teaching methods. Principles and theories of learning are reviewed and individual differences and psychological concepts examined. Attention is given to exceptional learners. Includes field experience. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. (Fall)

EDUC 322 - Adolescent Psychology (3 hours)

An overview of the physical, mental and emotional phases of human development during the adolescent years. A study of the environmental and educational problems of the teenager. (Also taught as PSYC 322.) (Spring)

EDUC 326 - Exceptional Children (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

Provides pre-service teachers skills to include children of all abilities through appropriate arrangement of the environment. Study will include the characteristics, assessment, admission, review, and dismissal processes for special students requiring individualized or specialized programs. (Also taught as PSYC 326.) (Spring)

EDUC 350 - Educational Technology (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

The focus of this course is examining and exploring technology integration strategies within K-12 networked computing environments. Content will include an examination of technology integration techniques using Web 2.0 applications and an in-depth study of methods for integrating the emerging technologies into specific content areas. This class is primarily project-based and will serve as checkpoint #1 for the education department e-portfolio. (Spring)

EDUC 364 - Kindergarten Materials and Methods (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teachers with developmentally appropriate kindergarten curriculum, with emphasis on addressing each child's individual needs, abilities, interests, and cultural diversity. Includes topics such as language and literacy, puppets, dramatic play, art, sensory centers, music and movement, math, science, and social studies. Includes field experience. Implementation of developmentally appropriate practices. (Fall)

EDUC 375 - Children's Literature and the Teaching of Reading (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teachers with the many ways children benefit from literature at different times in their lives and appreciate what happens when a child is engaged by a book; to acquaint the student with the wealth of children's books that are available today and to enable them to make critical judgments about them; and to equip the student with a range of proven strategies to bring children together with books productively and pleasurably. (Fall)

EDUC 382 - Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teachers with the strategies to help ALL children become better readers through systematic, multimethod, multilevel instruction. The focus will be on essential components of a balanced literacy program (Guided Reading, Self-Selected Reading, and Working With Words), steps for implementation and management, and a variety of classroom activities. Includes field experience. (Fall)

EDUC 386 - Mathematics in the Elementary School (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher with concepts, methods, and available materials for effective mathematics instruction in the elementary school. Creative development of materials and lesson plans are emphasized. (This course does not apply to mathematics requirements.) Includes field experience. (Fall)

EDUC 413 - Science in the Elementary School (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

A course designed to prepare pre-service teachers with practical classroom-tested activities and ideas that are presented on planning, organizing, managing, and assessing an effective guided discovery science program. Students will have opportunities to develop teaching lessons and instruct local area elementary students in a laboratory setting. (This course does not apply to science requirements.) (Spring)

EDUC 416 - Legal Foundations of Education (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

A study of the legal aspects of education, with emphasis on the responsibilities, duties, and existing constitutional statutory rights of agencies and individuals, including the handicapped, and those from minority groups. (Fall)

EDUC 419 - Social Studies in the Elementary School (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

An overview of the multicultural elementary school social studies program which incorporates proven teaching strategies such as models of teaching, cooperative learning, learning styles, and dimensions of learning. Students will have opportunity to develop thematic lesson plans in an active-learning environment. (This course does not apply to social studies requirements.) Includes field experience. (Spring)

EDUC 424 - Language Arts Essential Skills in the Elementary School (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program and EDUC 382

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher with the principles that underlie the writing workshop and the major components that make it work. (Spring)

EDUC 434 - Classroom Assessment (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program and senior class status

This class prepares pre-service teacher to have a better understanding of classroom learning and assessment. Attention will be given to test construction and evaluation of test results. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring)

EDUC 436 - Classroom Management (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program and senior class status

The purpose of this course is to help pre-service teachers develop systematic strategies and techniques for organizing and managing classroom activities and students. Research and practitioner-based models for classroom management will be reviewed and explored. Emphasis will be based upon real-world solutions that prepare pre-service teachers to be effective managers of their classrooms so that student learning is maximized. (Spring)

EDUC 440 - Integration of Learning Styles (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to education preparation program

This class will report on the latest research regarding teaching with the brain in mind and explore constructivist methods of teaching. The course presents brain-compatible strategies to help students reflect, apply, and transfer skills to real-life learning situations in a diverse classroom environment. A preliminary understanding of learning styles requires some knowledge of brain functioning. Students will be introduced to learning theory related to learning styles and multiple intelligences, as well as web-based resources in both identifying students' learning styles and intelligences and engaging students in activities which best suit those styles and intelligences. (Fall)

EDUC 450 - Teaching in the Secondary School (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to student teaching

A study of the teacher's role, teaching techniques, classroom management and evaluation of learning experiences in the secondary school as these affect all students, including the those with special needs and minorities. This course also addresses reading in the content area. Includes field experience. (Fall)

EDUC 460 - Differentiated Instruction for the Elementary Classroom (3 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Education Preparation Program.

This course focuses on preparing pre-service teachers for the inclusive classroom setting. Emphasis is placed on understanding how to better meet the needs of the many different learners in classrooms and schools. It provides opportunities to examine the characteristics of a differentiated classroom; how to frame instruction around concepts; and some techniques for differentiating content, process, and product. Special emphasis is given to collaboration, inclusion, exceptionality (including gifted and talented), multi-grade classrooms, individual education, transition plans, effective assessment and instructional procedures and student diversity. (Spring)

EDUC 475 - Directed Teaching in Elementary School (3-6 hours*)

Prerequisite: Two-thirds of the professional education classes, academic specialization(s) and academic foundations, senior standing, and admission to student teaching This course is open only to pre-service teachers seeking certification in Elementary Education. It requires full-day observations and student teaching in an approved elementary school for fourteen weeks under the direction of supervising teachers. Pass/no pass course.

*Depends on certification emphasis. (Fall, Spring)

EDUC 485 - Directed Teaching in Secondary School (6 hours)

Prerequisite: Two-thirds of the professional education classes, academic specialization(s) and academic foundations, senior standing, and admission to student teaching

This course is open only to pre-service teachers seeking certification in Secondary Education. It requires full-day observations and student teaching in an approved secondary school for fourteen weeks under the direction of supervising teachers. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. Pass/no pass course. (Fall, Spring)

EDUC 491 - Selected Topics (1-2 hours)

Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program, and approval of department chair

A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory, or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits. (Fall, Spring)

Other Courses Required

ARTS 223 - Arts/Crafts/Drama (3 hours)

A course of exploratory activities in a variety of two and three dimensional arts and crafts media including methods of Discipline-Based Art Education for children. This class also introduces drama instruction to prepare teachers how to use drama in their classrooms by incorporating short skits and play productions. (Spring)

KINT 243 - Health and Physical Education in the Elementary School (3 hours)

The course provides the student with an extensive repertoire of teaching techniques in the elementary physical education classroom. Emphasis is placed on health-related fitness, skill development, special events, and game development. Students will have opportunities to develop teaching lessons and instruct local area elementary students in a laboratory setting. (This course does not apply to general education science requirements.) (Fall)

MUED 253 - Music in the Elementary School (3 hours)

A course designed to prepare pre-service teachers to direct the music activities of children. The contents include fundamentals, appreciation, singing and rhythm activities. (Fall)

Alternative Certification Program

This program is designed for individuals who are in possession of an undergraduate degree and their degree is not in the field of education, but they want to enter the teaching profession. It is our goal to prepare individuals for State Certification in the State of Texas by means of online and field-based delivery systems.

The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) establishes the teacher certification standards and grants the certification once students have passed the necessary certification tests as stipulated by said body. This Alternative Certification Program (ACP) prepares and recommends students for certification when they have completed all requirements as stipulated by the Teacher Education Department at Southwestern Adventist University.

Admission Requirements

There are certain general admission requirements for all applicants and other requirements that are specific to your level and area of certification. General admission requirements for all applicants are as follows:

See current Bulletin under the Education section for additional information regarding student teaching and recommendation to SBEC for certification.

Certification Areas

Early Childhood

EC-GR6 Generalist
EC-GR6 Generalist/ESL

Secondary Areas

English Language Arts and Reading
Life Science
Mathematics
Social Studies Composite

All Level Areas

Music Education
Physical Education

All classes are online.

Course of Study for Certification Areas:

1. Elementary Education

Early Childhood - Grade 6



CERT 312	Educational Psychology	2
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	2
CERT 382	Reading and Language Arts	2
CERT 386	Mathematics Methods	2
CERT 413	Science Methods	2
CERT 424	Language Arts Essential Skills in the Elementary School	2
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment
CERT 436	Classroom Management	2
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	2
CERT 475	Directed Teaching	4

2. Secondary Education

Option 1 English Language Art and Reading



CERT 312	Educational Psychology	3
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	3
CERT 382	Reading and Language Arts	3
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment	3
CERT 436	Classroom Management	3
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	3
CERT 485	Directed Teaching	4

Option 2 Mathematics



CERT 312	Educational Psychology	3
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	3
CERT 386	Mathematics Methods	3
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment	3
CERT 436	Classroom Management	3
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	3
CERT 485	Directed Teaching	4

Option 3 Social Studies



CERT 312	Educational Psychology	3
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	3
CERT 419	Social Studies Methods	3
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment	3
CERT 436	Classroom Management	3
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	3
CERT 485	Directed Teaching	4

Option 4 Life Science



CERT 312	Educational Psychology	3
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	3
CERT 413	Science Methods	3
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment	3
CERT 436	Classroom Management	3
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	3
CERT 485	Directed Teaching	4

3. All Level Education

Option 1 Music



CERT 253	Music Methods	3
CERT 312	Educational Psychology	3
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	3
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment	3
CERT 436	Classroom Management	3
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	3
CERT 485	Directed Teaching	4

Option 2 Physical Education



CERT 243	Physcial Education and Health Methods	3
CERT 312	Educational Psychology	3
CERT 326	Exceptional Children	3
CERT 434	Classroom Assessment	3
CERT 436	Classroom Management	3
CERT 450	Teaching Methods	3
CERT 485	Directed Teaching	4

Alternative Certification Courses

CERT 243 - Physical Education/Health Methods (3 hours)

The course provides the pre-service teacher with an extensive repertoire of teaching techniques in all level (EC – 12) physical education program. Emphasis is placed on health-related fitness, skill development, special events, and game development.

CERT 253 - Music Methods (3 hours)

A course designed to prepare pre-service teachers to direct the music activities of children in all levels (EC – 12). The contents include fundamentals, appreciation, singing and rhythm activities.

CERT 312 - Educational Psychology (2-3 hours)

CERT 326 - Exceptional Children (2-3 hours)

Provides pre-service teachers with skills to include children of all abilities through appropriate arrangement of the environment. Study will include the characteristics, assessment, admission, review and dismissal processes for special students requiring individualized or specialized programs.

CERT 382 - Reading and Language Arts (2-3 hours)

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher with the strategies to help all children become better readers through systematic, multimethod, multilevel instruction. The focus will be on essential components of a balanced literacy program (Guided Reading, Self-Selected Reading, and Working With Words), steps for implementation and management, and a variety of classroom activities. Includes field experience

CERT 386 - Mathematics Methods (2-3 hours)

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher with concepts, methods, and available materials for effective mathematics instruction in the schools. Creative development of materials and lesson plans are emphasized. (This course does not apply to mathematics requirements.) Includes field experience.

CERT 413 - Science Methods (2-3 hours)

A course designed to prepare pre-service teachers with practical classroom tested activities and ideas that are presented on planning, organizing, managing, and assessing an effective guided discovery science program. Students will have opportunities to develop teaching lessons. (This course does not apply to science requirements.)

CERT 419 - Social Studies Methods (3 hours)

An overview of the social studies program that incorporates proven teaching strategies such as models of teaching, cooperative learning, learning styles, and dimensions of learning. Students will have opportunity to develop thematic lesson plans in an active-learning environment. (This course does not apply to social studies requirements.) Includes field experience.

CERT 424 - Language Arts Essential Skills in the Elementary School (2 hours)

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher with the principles that underlie the writing workshop and the major components that make it work.

CERT 434 - Classroom Assessment (2-3 hours)

This class prepares prospective teachers to have a better understanding of classroom learning and assessment. Attention will be given to test construction and evaluation of test results.

CERT 436 - Classroom Management (2-3 hours)

CERT 450 - Teaching Methods (2-3 hours)

A study of the teacher's role, teaching techniques, classroom management and evaluation of learning experiences in schools as these affect all students, including the those with special needs and minorities. This course also addresses reading in the content area. Includes field experience.

CERT 475 - Directed Teaching in the Elementary School (4-6 hours)

Prerequisite: Two-thirds of the professional education classes as outlined in the Alternative Certification Program

This course is open only to pre-service teachers seeking certification in Elementary Education. It requires full-day observations and student teaching in an approved elementary school for fourteen weeks under the direction of supervising teachers. Pass/no pass course.

CERT 485 - Directed Teaching in the Secondary School (4-6 hours)

Prerequisite: Two-thirds of the professional education classes as outlined in the Alternative Certification Program