Our program offers the Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree with a major in Elementary Education K-6. The performance-based undergraduate program in elementary education is designed to prepare candidates for positions as teachers in grades K-6.
Upon completion of the program, candidates are expected to: (a) understand and apply knowledge related to the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of elementary education; (b) possess knowledge and skills to effectively teach all content areas including literacy/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies; (c) know the way children learn and develop; (d) use knowledge of how children learn and develop to design and implement age appropriate instruction; (e) understand language acquisition, cultural influences on learning, emotional and social development, exceptionalities, diverse student populations, inclusion and equity in classrooms and schools; (f) integrate technology into instruction and learning; (g) use research and developmentally appropriate practices in their teaching; and (h) know the roles and responsibilities of the profession of teaching.
Candidates who successfully complete this program, the state required licensure exams (PRAXIS II) and background checks will be eligible to seek an initial AR teacher’s license in K-6 Elementary Education.
While we welcome any out of state candidates, completion of any program, other than an initial licensure program, may not lead to licensure or endorsement in Arkansas or in the state in which you reside. It is your responsibility to check with your state’s department of education to determine if the license or endorsement requirements are met through the program of study. If you are a potential out of state candidate, please contact the program coordinator directly.
| BSE Elementary Education K6: | Program Coordinator: | |
|---|---|---|
| Mashburn 150 | Ashley Cox | |
| University of Central Arkansas | Phone: 501.450.5426 | |
| 201 Donaghey Ave | acox22@uca.edu | |
| Conway, AR 72035 |
Act 1063 of 2017, the Right to Read Act, states: “Beginning no later than the 2022-2023 school year, each state-approved educator preparation program shall post on its website information describing its program to prepare teachers to teach reading using scientific reading instruction aligned with but not limited to the content measured by the stand-alone reading assessment adopted by the State Board of Education under § 6-17-402.”
Candidates enrolled in Elementary Education K-6 programs must complete coursework and pass the Foundations of Reading test to be considered proficient in scientific reading instruction to obtain a license. The Undergraduate Elementary K-6 program at the University of Central Arkansas is proud to be an approved awareness pathway in knowledge and practice of the Science of Reading.
In 2019, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education approved UCA’s College of Education pathways to meet this requirement. The pathways are aligned to the appropriate Foundations of Reading Competencies – Proficiency Level or Foundations of Reading Competencies – Awareness Level. DESE – Approved Course/Modules lists approved courses/modules for all approved licensure programs in Arkansas.
Candidates enrolled in all other licensure area programs must complete the coursework to be considered awareness level in scientific reading instruction to obtain a license.