About
We welcome you to the Elementary Education and Bilingual Education program. You are about to embark on an exciting academic career that will involve a rich and challenging array of learning experiences to prepare you for New Jersey certification of Kindergarten - Grade 6 (K-6).
To aid in this pursuit, the department will help you examine and utilize the knowledge, skills and values/dispositions necessary to work effectively with children in a multicultural, inclusive school environment. These components will be developed through learning experiences in professional classes at Kean University and in three semester-long field experiences held in various public-school classroom settings.
You will develop knowledge of the field by learning about the development of educational thinking and practices, including those of John Dewey and Jean Piaget, and discussing various topics, including lesson and unit planning, technology, assessment and multiple intelligences. You will demonstrate a broad background in humanities, mathematics and sciences; and have an in-depth understanding of one academic discipline.
In addition to knowledge of these areas, you will convert this information into professional skills in methods classes on language arts, social studies and math/science. This will involve writing lesson plans, employing learning techniques, developing uses for technology in the educational process, and creating reading, writing and thinking activities for children at various developmental levels.
Finally, professional values/dispositions will be constantly examined and reinforced as you progress through the program. You will be asked to reflect on reasons for choosing elementary education as a career, the needs of all children in school and society, the role of school in developing effective citizens, consideration of a diverse yet unified America in a global society, and a lifelong desire to continue to learn and grow as a member of the academic profession. Your knowledge, skills and values/dispositions are dynamic and will continue to grow and develop during your career at Kean University and as a teacher for years to come.
B.A. in Elementary Education Certification for K-6 (129 Semester Hours)
Students must complete the following requirements to become a declared Elementary Education K-6 major:
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits of course work;
- Achieve a combined 3.0 (beginning September 2012) cumulative grade point average inclusive of prior institutions if you are transfer student;
- Earn a B- or higher in General Education Courses: ENG 1030, MATH 1000, COMM 1402, BIO 1000, HIST 2303 OR 2304, and EMSE 2800;
- Pass the three parts of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam
- Gain acceptance into an academic major;
- Complete the application for admission; and
- Complete an interview with department chair or designee.
B.A. in Elementary Education Option in Bilingual Education Certification for K-6 (128-129 Semester Hours)
Students must complete the following requirements to become a declared Elementary Education K-6 major:
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits of course work;
- Achieve a combined 3.0 (beginning September 2012) cumulative grade point average inclusive of prior institutions if you are transfer student;
- Earn a B- or higher in General Education Courses: ENG 1030, MATH 1000, COMM 1402, BIO 1000, HIST 2303 OR 2304, and EMSE 2800;
- Pass the three parts of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam
- Gain acceptance into an academic major;
- Complete the application for admission; and
- Complete an interview with department chair or designee.
Additionally, for the Bilingual Option, students must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in both languages or instruction; for example, English and Spanish as measure by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Assessment. The passing scores for Bilingual Education candidates are:
- English: Oral/Advanced High; Written/Advanced Mid
- Other Languages: Oral/Advanced High; Written/Advanced Mid
- The ACTFL test must be completed before being declared a bilingual option major. Registration and administration of this test is done in the Elementary Education & Bilingual Education Department located in Hutchinson Hall, HH-330.
All students also are required to complete one "Writing Emphasis" (WE) course. The WE course should be within the major program. EMSE 4440 satisfies this requirement for your professional major. However, you should consult your content major program advisor for any requirements in the respective program.
B.A. in Elementary Education Option in Bilingual Education Certification for K-6 and 5-8 (131-132 Semester Hours)
Students must complete the following requirements to become a declared Elementary Education K-6 major:
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits of course work;
- Achieve a combined 3.0 (beginning September 2012) cumulative grade point average inclusive of prior institutions if you are transfer student;
- Earn a B- or higher in General Education Courses: ENG 1030, MATH 1000, COMM 1402, BIO 1000, HIST 2303 OR 2304, and EMSE 2800;
- Pass the three parts of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam
- Gain acceptance into an academic major;
- Complete the application for admission; and
- Complete an interview with department chair or designee.
Additional Information for the Elementary Education Program (all options)
Students must be accepted to the respective program and achieve a combined G.P.A. 3.0 (beginning September 2012) or higher from Kean plus all transfer credits in order to register for all 3000-4000 level courses. New students to the programs must complete their respective program application no later than three weeks before the start of announced registration dates. Maintaining a combined G.P.A. of 3.0 (beginning September 2012) is required for continuation in and graduation from the program. Students must earn a “B-” or higher in each education course in order to register for EMSE 4800 or EMSE 4804.
Students wishing to teach children from K-6 grade may choose a career in elementary education. Successful completion of the program will qualify the student for New Jersey certification (K-6). The student majoring in elementary education must also choose an academic major in English, mathematics, history, Spanish, or the sciences (biology, chemistry/physics and earth science). There is a new academic major available to Elementary Education majors in Mathematics, Science and Technology. That major may be found under programs in Biology, Earth Science, Mathematics, and Technology.
For a complete list of course descriptions and degree requirements, click here.
