Educational Studies, B.A.

The B.A. in Educational Studies is designed to appeal to a broad student body audience; undecided majors; transfer students; first-year freshmen and those interested in a pathway to secondary education. There is sufficient flexibility in the program to accommodate students’ interests and prepar students with knowledge and skills that align with service-oriented career paths. Field experiences in B.A. Educational Studies will mirror those of B.S. Education degree students but will occur in a blend of K-12 school and community-based organizations. Educational Studies students are not eligible for a teaching license. Therefore, the B.A. Educational Studies program and community-based field experiences prepare Educational Studies majors for community agencies, healthcare institutions, and religious organizations and future pathways to teaching.

Accreditation

Teacher education programs are accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the undergraduate Educational Studies program candidates will demonstrate proficiencies that enable them to:

• Apply a variety of pedagogical strategies to develop clients’ deep understanding of knowledge and application of skills
• Recognize patterns of learning and developmental diversity that guide design and implementation of appropriately challenging curriculum and learning experiences, both in inclusive and non-inclusive settings
• Understand diversity in cultures and communities that impact clients’ learning
• Create learning environments that motivate clients’ individual and collaborative learning and positive social interaction
• Understand content disciplines that guide creation of mastery-level learning experiences for clients
• Engage clients by connecting concepts and using different perspectives to collaboratively problem solve through critical and creative thinking approaches
• Understand and use multiple assessment methods to monitor clients’ learning progress

At the completion of the undergraduate Educational Studies program students will also demonstrate the following proficiencies:

• 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. (INTASC Standard 1)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 2)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 3)
• Content Knowledge: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (INTASC Standard 4)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 5)
• Instructional Practice 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. (INTASC Standard 6)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 7)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 8)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 9)
• 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. (INTASC Standard 10)

Licensure

Educational Studies students are not eligible for a teaching license. However, all other USF Education programs have been revised to conform to State of Indiana REPA licensing criteria.