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Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) as the degree leading to teacher certification at the elementary level. Through this degree, students obtain a broad based preparation in the academic areas that comprise the elementary school curriculum and a reading specialization.

Emphases

Several emphases are available within the degree.

EC - 6 Generalist with ESL- leads to certification at the elementary or middle school levels (Early Childhood- 6th Grade).
Middle School Generalist with ESL
Middle School Math with ESL - leads to 4th-8th grade math certification.
Middle School Science with ESL - leads to 4th-8th grade science certification.
Middle School Math/Science- leads to 4th-8th grade math and science certification.
Middle School Language Arts/Social Sciences with ESL - leads to 4th-8th grade language arts, reading, and socials studies certification.
All Level Special Education and EC-6 Generalist with ESL Certification

A reading specialization is part of each IS emphasis with the exception of Middle School Math/Science.

Special Endorsements

A Special Education endorsement may be added to Middle School certification..

Advisor Assignment

Students must first be granted admission status to the university before they can be assigned an advisor. It is necessary to fill out a request for advisor form that can be obtained in the main office (E.J. Howell Building, room 320). At that time, office staff will assign the student a specific academic advisor. Please make appointments directly with your advisor when you need help. Check registration dates in the semester class schedules for registration and open advising times.

Certificate and Degree Plans

Certificate and Degree Plans are not formally completed and filed until students apply to the Teacher Education Program. A Degree Plan outline may be obtained from the main office. Students may also refer to the university catalog which also has the same information concerning course requirements and typical curriculum by semester for a degree in IS. 

Teacher Education Program

Teacher Education is one of the major programs at Tarleton State University. It emphasizes broad general education as a foundation for mastery of teaching skills and specialized knowledge in an academic discipline. The primary purpose of teacher education is to prepare highly qualified teachers for Texas and the nation.

Formal application for admission to the Teacher Education Program should be made by the student during the first semester of the junior year while enrolled in EDU 320. Deadlines for applications are October 15, February 15 and June 15. Formal admission to this program shall be prerequisite to taking any professional development courses beyond EDU 320.

Strict criteria must be met for admission to the Teacher Education Program as an Interdisciplinary Studies major. A list of criteria can be found in the school catalog and also in the Handbook for Teacher Certification which is required text for EDU 320. (www.tarleton.edu\~certification)

Goal of the Tarleton Teacher Education Program

The goal of the Tarleton State University Teacher Education Program is to develop teachers who:

  • possess appropriate knowledge and abilities in specific content areas of teaching fields;
  • communicate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals;
  • apply the principles of instructional planning in the development of curriculum;
  • utilize effective teaching practices;
  • formally and informally evaluate student performance and use the results of such assessment in the instructional decision-making process;
  • promote critical thinking and participatory citizenship;
  • are skilled in the use of instructional technology;
  • are proficient in mathematical skills;
  • operate within the legal guidelines and uphold the ethics of the teaching field;
  • demonstrate concern for the general welfare of students and are committed to continued professional growth and development.

Secondary and All-Level Education

Students working toward secondary and all-level certification will pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major and/or minor, if applicable, in academic disciplines. Students will also take professional education courses to meet certification requirements. While not offering a major in secondary education, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction does offer the courses required to obtain secondary- and all-level certification.

Students obtain academic advisement for secondary and all-level certification programs in the department of their major. Application for admission to the Tarleton Teacher Education Program must be made during the first semester of the junior year while enrolled in Education 320. Requirements for admission, retention, and admission to student teaching are described in the University Catalog and in the Handbook for Teacher Certification (www.tarleton.edu/eps/certification). To be admitted to the teacher education program, students must complete the THEA requirements.