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Associate in Science Degree - Secondary Education Option

Overview

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The Associate in Science with Secondary Education Option is a major within the School of Education. If you have questions regarding this program, please contact dsu.hawk@dickinsonstate.edu or call 1-800-279-HAWK.

The Associate in Science in Secondary Education degree includes courses in General Education and professional education. A grade of "C" or better is required in all professional education courses graded on an "A" through "F" letter basis, and a grade of "S" is required in all professional education courses grades on an "S/U" letter basis.

Degree Requirements:

  • General Education
  • Professional Education Courses
  • Elective Courses

Degree available DSUlive

Student Learning Outcomes for the Teacher Education Program

The ten InTASC (Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) standards comprise the program outcomes for the Teacher Education Program.  All coursework and experiences in the program are designed to enhance candidates' proficiency in the InTASC standards, which articulate the basic competencies that should be mastered by a beginning teacher.

Graduates of the Teacher Education Program will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions in these areas:

I. The Learner and Learning

InTASC Standard 1: Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and X.)

InTASC Standard 2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.  (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, V, VI, IX, and X.)

InTASC Standard 3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, V, VI, and X.)

II. Content Knowledge

InTASC Standard 4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) that he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, III, IV, V, and VII.)

InTASC Standard 5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes II, IV, V, VI, and VII.)

III. Instructional Practice

InTASC Standard 6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes IV, V, VI, and VII.)

InTASC Standard 7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V and VI.)

InTASC Standard 8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and X.)

IV. Professional Responsibility

InTASC Standard 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice 

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes I, V, VI, and X.)

InTASC Standard 10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities  to take responsibility for student learning; to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession. (This learning outcome directly addresses Institutional Learning Outcomes V, VI, and X.)

Students’ achievement of these program outcomes is assessed with multiple measures at points throughout the program. Program assessment tools specify indicators that are related to each outcome and that are aligned with the seven Institutional Learning Outcomes for Dickinson State University.

Career Options

Why should you pursue an Associate in Science Degree - Secondary Education Option?

The Associate in Science in secondary education is beneficial for those who are working as paraprofessionals in the school district or parents who may want to gain some pedagogy for working with their own children. This program provides students with some content and pedagogy required of students in bachelor’s programs. This program transitions into bachelor’s degree programs in content specific areas of secondary education.

Possible Career Paths

  • Paraprofessional
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Tutor

Requirements

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science degree in Secondary Education

The university's general education requirements as set forth in the catalog must be met. Students who want to continue with a BS in Education should contact their intended major school for general education courses that may be required in the major. The following general education course is a requirement for the Associate in Science Secondary Education degree.

General Education Courses
Total Credit Hours:39-43

Complete as part of General Education:
PSYC 111Introduction to Psychology

3

Education Core:

EDUC 250Introduction to Education

3

EDUC 280Education of Exceptional Learners

3

EDUC 300Teaching For Diversity

3

EDUC 360Managing the Learning Environment

3

EDUC 405Educational Psychology

2

ENGL 382Adolescent Literature

3

PSYC 353Adolescent Psychology

3

Total Credit Hours:20

Students will select 2-3 credits from the following:

EDUC 305Philosophy and Curriculum of Middle School

2

ELED 281Foundations of Teaching Reading in the Elementary Classroom

3

MATH 277Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I

3

SEED 370Teaching Reading, Assessment and Intervention in the Content Area

2

Total Credit Hours:61-66

Semester Sequence

First Semester

CSCI 101Introduction To Computers

3

ENGL 110College Composition I

3

PSYC 111Introduction to Psychology

3

UNIV 100Freshman Seminar

1

General Education Select one General Education course from Group II, List B

3-4

General Education Select one General Education course from Group III, List A

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Second Semester

EDUC 250Introduction to Education

3

ENGL 120College Composition II

3

COMM 110Fundamentals Of Public Speaking

3

General Education Select one General Education course from Group II, List D

2

General Education Select one General Education course from Group III, List B

3

General Education Select one General Education course from Group III, List C

3-4

Total Credit Hours:17-18

Third Semester

EDUC 280Education of Exceptional Learners

3

EDUC 300Teaching For Diversity

3

PSYC 353Adolescent Psychology

3

General Education General Education Elective

3

General Education Select one General Education course from Group II, List C

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Fourth Semester

EDUC 405Educational Psychology

2

ENGL 382Adolescent Literature

3

SEED 360Classroom Management in the Secondary School

2

General Education Select one General Education course from Group III, List D

3

General Education Select one General Education course from Group III, List E

4

Total Credit Hours:14