Program: S6310

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Program at Polk State College is a state-approved educator preparation program that prepares the graduate to teach children in a kindergarten to sixth-grade classroom environment. 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 opportunities teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade within Florida public and private schools.

Admission Criteria:
Program admission requires an Associate in Arts degree (or the equivalent) from a regionally-accredited school or college, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0-point scale. If the student’s associate’s 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 EDF1005 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 in local schools.

Transfer Students:
A student who has started an Elementary Education baccalaureate degree 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 equivalency to Polk State College courses and to confirm demonstration of state-required educator competencies, as necessary.

Course Progression for the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education:
The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education curriculum is provided in a flexible format, however a preferred pathway is designed for the program. This format accommodates the working adult who typically must enroll part time and must 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.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is able to:
PLO1: Demonstrate Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs)
PLO2: Demonstrate Competencies and Skills for Teacher Certification (Kindergarten - Grade Six)
PLO3: Demonstrate Florida Reading Endorsement Competencies
PLO4: Demonstrate Florida Teacher Standards for ESOL Endorsement