COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
The Florida State University's College of Education's conceptual framework is based on a model that engages faculty, professional partners and candidates in a continuing process of Preparing Educational Leaders for our global and diverse society. The Florida State University prepares educational leaders who uphold high professional and academic standards, and employ scientific inquiry and assessment as a basis for the continual improvement of student learning. They address the needs and abilities of diverse students through the use of appropriate instructional strategies and technology. These qualities are developed as candidates study and work within a community of professional partners.
Dean: Richard C. Kunkel; Executive Associate Dean: Steve Rollin; Associate Deans: Carolyn Herrington, Lee Jones
The primary purpose of the College of Education is to prepare teachers and a variety of human services practitioners for a wide range of educational careers. The faculty of the College of Education provides the experiences that enable students to acquire professional competencies required in each field.
The college believes that all of its students should acquire a solid grounding in the liberal arts and an understanding of human learning and behavior and social action. The responsibility for meeting these academic goals is shared by the college and by other colleges, schools, and departments in the University.
The College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 27 fields of study. The programs prepare students for positions primarily in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, vocational centers, and organizations that provide counseling services, recreational services, athletic training, and instructional design.
Programs of study leading to the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree include early childhood education, elementary education, English education, health education, recreational and leisure services administration, mathematics education, multilingual multicultural education, physical education, rehabilitation services, science education, social science education, and special education.
Departments, Majors and Teacher Preparation Programs of the College of Education
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Adult education*
- Comprehensive vocational education*
- Educational administration/leadership*
- Foundations of education*
- History and philosophy of education*
- International/intercultural development education*
- Social science and education*
- Higher education*
- Higher education*
- Institutional research*
- Certificate in college teaching*
- Certificate in educational policy*
- Certificate in human resource development*
Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems
- Counseling and human systems*
- School psychology*
- Combined program in counseling psychology and school psychology*
- Educational psychology*
- Learning and cognition*
- Sports psychology*
- Measurement and statistics*
- Research and evaluation methods*
- Program evaluation*
- Instructional systems*
- Open and distance learning*
- Certificate in program evaluation*
- Certificate in educational technology*
Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
- Early childhood education +
- Elementary education +
- Reading education*
Department of Middle and Secondary Education
- English education (middle and secondary English)
- Health education (school health and community health)
- Mathematics education (middle and secondary mathematics)
- Multilingual/multicultural education (French, German, Latin, and Spanish)
- Science education (biology, chemistry, earth-space science, middle grades science, and physics)
- Social science education
- Certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages*
Department of Special Education
- Emotional disturbance/learning disabilities +
- Mental Disabilities +
- Rehabilitation services
- Special education*
- Visual disabilities +
- Certificate in early childhood/special education*
Department of Sport Management, Recreation Management and Physical Education
- Physical education
- Sports management
- Sports administration*
- Recreation and leisure services administration +
- * graduate only
- + limited enrollment
Admission Standards for University Teacher Education Programs
All teacher education programs at The Florida State University are governed by State of Florida Board of Education Rules and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards. These rules require that all students must meet specific criteria to be admitted into a teacher education progam. See "Planning Guide to Teacher Education Programs" later in this chapter.
In addition, early childhood education, emotional disturbances/learning disabilities, elementary education, education of the mental disabilities, and visual disabilities are limited enrollment programs with capped enrollments. Students who satisfy the minimum requirements listed in this General Bulletin are not guaranteed admission to these programs. The programs will accept the most qualified students.
Many departments have retention and exit standards that exceed normal University requirements. Refer to the department section for specific admission requirements and check with a departmental advisor.
The College of Education is committed to increasing the proportion of teacher candidates who have historically been underrepresented among Florida's public school teachers. Applicants representing such groups will be considered as exceptions to the general admissions criteria.
Planning Guide to Teacher Education Programs
Florida Statute 1004.04 and State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066
The Florida State University teacher education programs have been designed to address the importance of democratic values and institutions, the contributions of various ethnic groups to society and to stress character development, which encourages appreciation of diversity in a pluralistic society. Students planning to complete one of the following undergraduate teacher education programs at The Florida State University must meet all the conditions listed below to be eligible to have a bachelor's degree conferred.
Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs at The Florida State University
- Art education (School of Visual Arts and Dance)
- College of Education (see listing earlier in this chapter of the General Bulletin)
- Family and consumer sciences education (College of Human Sciences)
- Interdisciplinary secondary science and/or mathematics teaching (College of Arts and Sciences)
- Music education (School of Music)
Teacher Preparation General Education Requirements
Note: students should consult with an advisor to determine how to simultaneously satisfy The Florida State University liberal studies requirements and the teacher preparation general education core curriculum requirements.
- Mathematics:
- Nine (9) semester hours in mathematics to include college algebra or above and geometry;
- English:
- Nine (9) semester hours in English to include writing, literature, and speech;
- History/Social Sciences:
- Twelve (12) semester hours in social sciences to include American history and general psychology;
- Humanities/Fine Arts:
- Six (6) semester hours in humanities to include philosophy and fine arts;
- Natural Sciences:
- Nine (9) semester hours in science to include earth science, life science, and physical science, with a minimum of one associated laboratory.
State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites
Revisions to the 2003-2004 State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites were not available at the time this document went to press. Please refer to http://www.facts.org and click on "Academic Reference Manual." Select the 2003-2004 catalog year under the 'Common Prerequisites Manuals' subheading. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor prior to making any decisions based on these prerequisites.
The State of Florida has identified common course prerequisites for University degree programs. Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper division programs and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to these programs. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites, but may not be admitted into the program.
The following lists the common prerequisites or their substitutions necessary for admission into upper-division teacher education degree programs:
Education Core Prerequisites
- EDF 1005
- EDG 2701
- EME 2040*
In addition to EDG 2701, the student must take six (6) additional semester hours with an international or diversity focus. The eligible courses will be determined by the institution where the student is currently earning his or her AA or baccalaureate degree. Education courses may not be used to meet these communications, mathematics, natural and/or physical science, humanities, or social science requirements. Contact department and/or advisor for details.
Note: courses marked with an asterisk (*) may have at least one acceptable substitute, depending upon department degree program. Contact the department for details.
Department/Program Prerequisites
See department listings in the General Bulletin for each department/program's common course prerequisites.
Common prerequisites and total program length for state-approved teacher preparation programs are subject to revision based on changes in Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes, Public Accountability and State Approval for Teacher Preparation Programs, and State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066, Approval of Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs.
Criteria for Admission and Application to a Teacher Education Program
- Have at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) for the general education courses of the undergraduate studies; and
- Have a grade of "C–" or better in each required general education (liberal studies) English and each general education (liberal studies) mathematics course; and
- Take and achieve a passing score on all sections of the CLAST (this requirement cannot be waived or met by alternative means); and
- Complete an application for admission to a teacher education program in the Office of Academic Services, 108 Stone Building. This is distinct from admission to a college or school.
- Be approved by the appropriate teacher education department in accordance with departmental criteria; and
- Receive final approval by the Office of Academic Services.
Note: these are minimum standards. Some programs may set higher standards.
Note: there is no longer a required minimum composite score on the ACT or the SAT for admission to teacher education. However, programs with limited enrollment status may require submission of the score, and may use that score in determining which students will be admitted.
Subject Area Specialization/Professional Education/Clinical Experience Curricula
- At least thirty (30) semester hours completed in the subject specialization area as determined by the student's program;
- Professional education coursework to include: a) reading-literacy acquisition for the appropriate certification level; b) integrated classroom management, school safety, professional ethics and educational law; c) human development and learning; and d) assessment to include understanding the content measured by state achievement tests, reading and interpreting data, and using data to improve student achievement;
- A series of clinical experiences in diverse settings throughout the program that culminates with a full-time student teaching experience of at least 10 weeks duration in an approved setting.
Note: students should consult with a program advisor for specific course requirements.
Program Completion Requirements of a Teacher Education Program
Students must complete the following requirements to graduate from a teacher education program:
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or above in all upper-division course work (some programs may require a higher GPA);
- Demonstrate achievement of standards and completion of specific course work requirements set by the program;
- Meet all University graduation requirements, including requirements mentioned above under "Planning Guide to Teacher Education Programs";
- Achieve a passing score on each of the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Skills Test, and the Subject Area Test on the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) prior to completion of program requirements;
- Successfully complete the student teaching experience including the successful demonstration of the Educator Accomplished Practices at the preprofessional level;
- Receive verification from the appropriate academic program of successful demonstration of the Educator Accomplished Practices at the preprofessional level, which includes the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to help all students learn; and
- Obtain final approval of the appropriate academic program and the Office of Academic Services.
Recommendation for a Teaching Certificate
Upon completion of an approved teacher education program and conferral of a degree from The Florida State University, students are eligible to receive a recommendation for a standard teaching certificate.
Honors Program
The College of Education offers honors in the major work in several departmental and interdepartmental programs. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Program and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Office of Academic Services
Director: Kenneth B. Tellis
The Office of Academic Services provides a wide array of professional and administrative services to students and faculty in the college and throughout the University. The primary responsibilities of this office are the following: 1) to provide centralized academic advisement for undergraduate studies students interested in majoring in education and to coordinate advisement services in the other areas of the college and University for students who are interested in pursuing teacher education curricula; 2) to process applications for admission and readmission to the College of Education; 3) to maintain the dean's academic records for all students who are pursuing curricula in education; 4) to monitor student's degree progress; 5) to screen and approve students for admission to teacher certification; 6) to conduct required graduation clearance and approve students for teacher certification; and 7) to provide consultative and administrative services for the students and faculty in the college.
Office of Clinical Partnerships
Director: Charlotte S. Minnick
The Office of Clinical Partnerships is responsible for the assignment of students for student teaching experiences. The director works with teacher education programs in the University and the public schools of Florida in the organization of student-teaching centers and the selection of supervising teachers for student teaching. Faculty members work with supervising teachers and student teachers in planning and carrying out the student-teaching experience. The Office of Clinical Partnerships is responsible for the final identification and screening of all students who make application for student teaching.
Students are assigned for the student-teaching experience in those counties listed below at the rate of at least two representing the same academic program. Academic programs may, at their discretion, establish a minimum group size greater than two and restrict placement to particular counties among those identified. Exceptions to this policy will be made only through successful appeal on the part of a student to the University Student Teaching Appeals Committee. Student teachers representing the programs of human sciences, communication disorders, visually impaired, music, and vocational home economics education will also be concentrated in those counties listed but may be placed in additional locations should program certification requirements dictate their use.
Placement Locations
Area I: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.
Area II: Bay, Calhoun, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington counties.
Area III: Brevard, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
Area IV: Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.
Area V: Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
Other areas as determined by the University Director of Teacher Education.
Academic programs are expected to inform their students of departmental placement policies well in advance of the semester of student teaching so that students may have the opportunity to plan appropriately.
Applicants are specifically not guaranteed assignment to their home county nor to the immediate and general vicinity of the campus. Submission of an application by a candidate constitutes an agreement to accept assignment in the school and county where it is determined that the candidate's academic program objectives for student teaching can best be achieved.
A candidate is expected to meet professional standards as expressed in the pertinent school laws of the state of Florida. Candidates are also informed that, consistent with applicable law, information pertaining to all matters of public record, such as arrest and/or convictions in a court of law, may be routinely furnished to public schools as well as prospective employers. Finally, fingerprinting, drug testing, and background checks may be required for placement in some counties.
Application to Student Teaching
An application for student teaching must be submitted to the Office of Clinical Partnerships according to the following schedule:
Note: application materials are available only online at http://www.coe.fsu.edu/student_teaching/stforms.html.
Third Monday in September for spring semester student teachers;
Second Monday in February for fall semester student teachers;
First Monday in April for summer term student teachers (restricted).
Criteria for Admission to Student Teaching
The following criteria are required for placement to student-teach:
- Admission to teacher education outlined above under 'Criteria for Admission and Application to a Teacher Education Program';
- Successful completion of at least one semester of residence at The Florida State University;
- Successful completion of subject area specialization and professional education coursework outlined above under 'Subject Area Specialization/Professional Education/Clinical Experience Curricula' prior to student teaching;
- Achieve an overall GPA of 2.5 in all upper-division course work (a higher GPA may be required by some academic programs for particular core courses);
- Achievement of senior status; and
- Successful completion of standards, specific clinical experiences set by the program or the University.
Office of Minority Affairs
Director: Bruce Daniels
The Florida State University's College of Education Diversity Commission is designed to assist the college in its efforts to provide access to, recruit, and retain under-represented students, faculty, and staff of racial and ethnic origin. To achieve this mission, the College of Education will provide an inclusive climate that enhances the growth and vitality of the college through an appreciation of and respect for diversity.
The College of Education Office of Minority Affairs takes the lead in assisting the College of Education at The Florida State University in its efforts to become a wholesome environment for under-represented students. The support of educational goals for under-represented students is provided by activities that encompass the academic, social and professional realms of education.
In addition, the Office of Minority Affairs is actively dedicated to recruiting, and more importantly, retaining the students who diversify the ethnicity of the College of Education. In accomplishing this goal, we have considered national and state demographic trends in making the aggressive efforts necessary to address the demands of an ever-changing student population. Working directly with all minority students is the major intention; however, every effort will be made to be responsive to the needs of all students.
One of the great opportunities available through the Office of Minority Affairs includes the annual Graduate Recruitment Day for interested students who are planning to continue their post-secondary education. This event allows prospective students to meet with faculty, staff, and current students in the College of Education. Information concerning degree requirements, financial assistance, housing, campus organizations, and other activities will be provided to make students aware of the important issues of their university. The Foundation for Under-represented Students in Education (FUSE), is a student organization that offers minority students within the college a social arena as well as a provision for peer support.
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