Program: S6310

The Polk State College Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree program is a state-approved educator preparation program that prepares the graduate to teach children in kindergarten through grade six classroom environments. Through coursework and associated field experiences in elementary settings, the teacher candidate integrates theory with teaching practice to demonstrate competencies related to research-based instructional techniques that are appropriate for all students, including those from diverse cultures, of varying exceptionalities, and across all performance levels within a variety of educational settings. The Polk State College Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree program graduate is eligible for Florida Elementary Teacher Certification (K - Grade 6), and endorsements in Reading (K-12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, K-12).

A graduate of this program can seek employment teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade within Florida public and private schools.

Admission Criteria:
Program admission requires an AA degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally-accredited school or college, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. If the student’s associate degree is from a non-regionally accredited institution, but one that is accredited by a body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a course-by-course evaluation is done according to Polk State College’s transfer practices and policies.

The following additional admission requirements are set forth by the State of Florida:

• A passing score on the General Knowledge (GK) Exam of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE).
• Completion of the program prerequisite EDF 1005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession with a grade of C or better.

Note: Fingerprinting and a Level-2 criminal background check are required before a student may enroll in courses with mandatory field experiences within local schools.

Transfer Students:
A student who has started an Elementary Education baccalaureate program at another institution may be eligible to transfer to Polk State College. Each transcript is reviewed on a course-by-course basis to determine equivalence to Polk State’s courses and to confirm demonstration of state-required educator competencies, as necessary.

Course Progression for the BS in Elementary Education Degree:
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education curriculum is provided in a flexible format; however, a preferred pathway is designated for the program. This format accommodates the working adult who typically must enroll part time and balance class enrollment with work and family responsibilities.

Note: Three courses must be taken concurrently in the last semester prior to graduation: EDE 4936 Senior Seminar in Elementary Education, EDE 4945 Internship in Elementary Education, and RED 4940 Final Reading Internship.

Note: The student must receive a passing score on the Professional Education (PEd) and the Elementary (K-6) Subject Area Examination (SAE) components of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) before permission to register for EDE 4945 Internship in Elementary Education (and its co-requisite courses) is granted.