[ ARCHIVED CATALOG ] 2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
    Oct 12, 2024  
[ ARCHIVED CATALOG ] 2023-2024 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Middle Grades Education, B.A.


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The middle grades education major engages students in a combination of courses in the Arts and Sciences and in the Education Department. Students choose one area of specialization from the following content areas: English or Social Science.

The Middle Grades Education Program is a state-approved teacher education program and therefore meets the Florida State standards and coursework requirements for graduates to obtain teaching certification.   English specialization majors will receive the ESOL and Reading Endorsement.  Middle grades majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9 of the Florida Teacher Certificate Exam. All graduates are also eligible to receive teaching certification in the secondary grades after passing the additional Subject Area Exam for grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.

The Saint Leo Middle Grades Education Program has been designed with the National Middle School Association's strong recommendation that "teachers in the middle grades should be specifically prepared to teach young adolescents and be recognized distinctively for this accomplishment" (Turning Points 2000, p. x).

Students in the Department of Education are expected to demonstrate dependability, good character, and acceptable academic standing. Students are therefore evaluated on their academic, professional, and ethical performance in their coursework, as well as in their field experiences. If a student demonstrates inadequate performance in any of these areas, the Professional Standards Committee may be called upon to address the issue(s). Issues regarding academic dishonesty are handled by the Saint Leo University Academic Standards Committee.

Entrance into the program requires students to:

  1. meet the University Explorations (general education) requirements or transfer in with an Associate of Arts degree from another accredited institution
  2. pass the General Knowledge (GK) portion of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam
  3. enter with and maintain a GPA of 2.5 throughout the program

During the semester prior to final internship, students must complete a formal application to intern. Final Internship is a full-time, semester-long, student-teaching experience in a middle grades classroom. To qualify for final internship, students must:

  1. have completed all specialization courses and all EDU courses; however, EDU 428  may be completed concurrently with final internship
  2. have a 2.5 overall GPA and a minimum of 2.0 in all education courses; a grade of C- or lower in any education course is unacceptable and would necessitate the retaking of the course
  3. complete a background check prior to placement
  4. complete a formal application by February 15 or October 15 prior to the internship semester; and
  5. take all portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam, including the Subject Area Exam for grades 5 - 9 of the Florida Teacher Certificate Exam

To graduate with a degree in middle grades education, students must:

  1. satisfy all requirements listed above for internship
  2. receive a passing grade for EDU 480 - Internship  and EDU 481 - Seminar: Final Internship--Synthesis  
  3. successfully demonstrate all of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices in the final internship and in required education courses as documented in the Saint Leo electronic assessment system
  4. satisfactorily complete all requirements for a bachelor's degree as set forth elsewhere in the catalog and
  5. pass all required portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam

Technology Competency Skills


Saint Leo University Technology Competency Skills                                             

Technology is threaded through our personal, professional, and educational interactions. To successfully manage these interactions - specifically relating to education and employment - our students must have the ability to navigate and operate essential computer functions, beyond social media. Demonstrating competency of basic technology skills is essential for the success of all Saint Leo University students.

Saint Leo University requires undergraduate students to demonstrate technology competency prior to degree conferral. These technology competency skills can be satisfied through a waiver exam, microcredential module, or academic course (COM-140 or equivalent, earning a grade of C or better within 10 years). Education majors should complete EDU 228: Educational Technology to fulfill the technology requirement. Students should meet with their advisors to discuss options and establish a plan to satisfy the graduation requirement.

Technology Competency Skills Microcredential:

A self-paced, online module designed to develop and reinforce computer competencies and literacy. The module introduces general computer operations using current computing technologies and software. Selected topics include the Internet, security and safety, digital communication practices, operating systems, as well as creating and evaluating documents, worksheets, and presentations. Guidelines for selecting computer hardware and software are addressed. Satisfactory completion of this microcredential meets the Saint Leo University Technology Competency Skills graduation requirement. Upon completion of the microcredential, students will earn a digital badge. This badge can be shared as confirmation of demonstrated skill and ability. This course is not covered by financial aid.

Technology Competency Skills Waiver Exam:

Students may take the technology competency skills waiver exam to satisfy the Saint Leo University technology competency skill requirement. The Waiver Exam tests your knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Windows, and the Internet. The exam is Pass/Fail and you must receive a minimum score of 74% to pass. 

University Campus Only Course Requirements


University Explorations (42 credit hours)


Education Prerequisites (6 credit hours)


General Elective Credits: Complete enough general elective credit hours to fulfill total hours required for degree completion.


Total Credits: 122-126


Course requirements may change as dictated by the Florida Department of Education and Florida State legislative mandates.

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