Natural Science
Department Chairperson - Dr. Penny O’Connor
This program will prepare students to be sophisticated consumers of scientific information, to develop a general level of knowledge of the sciences, and to apply knowledge from the physical, chemical, and biological sciences to their personal and professional pursuits and as the basis for lifelong learning.
Graduates of this program will be well positioned to make informed decisions in those areas of their personal and professional lives requiring knowledge of the sciences. They will be better able to evaluate scientific elements of the issues and controversies of modern society.
By being able to view that world through the multiple lenses offered by major areas of the sciences, students in this program will have an enhanced awareness of the unity of the sciences - how insights and discoveries in one area of science influence and impact others. In conjunction with the liberal arts core, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the “grand synthesis” of intellectual pursuit - the integration and cohesiveness of the broad areas of human investigation.
The program offers preparation for future graduate work and/or entry level into the public or private sectors that have a scientific core or focus. Additionally, this program offered in conjunction with the College’s Elementary Education major will prepare students with a solid grounding in the sciences to become more knowledgeable and effective providers of instruction.
Program Goals and Outcomes
The courses required under this program in the sciences are designed to enable the student to:
- integrate and apply knowledge and experience from chemistry, physics, biology and other disciplines using analytical thinking skills, information tools and computer applications to interpret data and answer questions;
- understand the basic facts, principles, theories, methodologies and processes of science and be able to explain the differences between scientific and other ways of knowing;
- relate their scientific knowledge to both the natural and technological worlds around them, and apply those understandings to develop informed opinions about societal issues with a scientific component;
- employ the methods used by scientists to explore natural phenomena including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, evaluation of evidence and analysis of data utilizing safe practices related to laboratory and field work;
- locate, evaluate and synthesize information on scientific topics and develop effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to compose summaries, develop research papers or persuasive essays, and present the results of their own scientific investigations;
- demonstrate respectful communication and collaboration within groups to function cooperatively in a team setting;
- develop a set of scientific ethics and understanding of how scientific information is shared between peers in modern science, including responsible conduct for acknowledging prior and current contributions; and
- successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in professional and/or graduate schools, in a scientific career in government or industry, in a teaching career in the school systems, or in a related career following graduation.
Requirements for Admission
- Completion of high school coursework in biology, chemistry, and algebra with a “C” or better.
- A combined score of 900 on the 2005 SAT or 980 on the 2016 SAT on the Math and Critical Reading sections of the SAT or a 19 on the ACT.
Education - Secondary Eduction
Department Chairperson - Dr. Marilyn Roseman
Bachelor Degree programs leading to certification in secondary education are available in Biology, English, General Science, and Social Studies through the College’s Secondary Education Program and are designed to provide students with a broad knowledge base in the teaching specialty.
The Secondary Education program at Mount Aloysius College flows naturally from the College’s philosophical roots. Preparation for a career in teaching requires a desire to serve others, engage in life-long learning, and work toward social justice and the common good. The Secondary Education program prepares students to accept people of all faiths and walks of life, respect their individual gifts and talents, and empower those who have been disenfranchised in the system. As guided by the philosophy of Mount Aloysius College, students are expected to value and engage in holistic learning experiences that synthesize intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and creative ways of thinking, and base their own teaching on these principles.
The mission of the Secondary Education certification is to develop teachers whose pedagogy is based on theoretical understandings, who employ frequent reflection, and who are competent in using a wide variety of teaching, learning, and assessment techniques. Recognizing that quality in teaching requires a broad knowledge base and content, Secondary Education students will complete one of the following majors: Biology, English, General Science or History/Political Science to be able to complete a secondary education program.
PA State Department of Education changes in regulations may result in changes in the requirements of education programs.
Education Department Admission
All students interested in teacher certification will enter into their desired major program (Biology, General Science, English or History/Political Science) until all requirements for admission into the education department have been met. The following requirements for academic preparation and performance must be successfully met prior to admission into a certification program.
Education Department Admission Requirements
- Earn a minimum of forty-eight (48) credits and have sophomore standing.
- Successful completion (a grade of “C” or better) in the following coursework:
– six (6) hours in communication/writing (EN 110 /EN 111 )
– six (6) hours in college level mathematics (according to the requirements of the content major)
– Mount Aloysius College Foundation Courses (LA 101 /LA 201 /LA 301 )
– pass ED 225 Child and Adolescent Development for Educators with a C or better
- Successfully pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
- Complete other courses as specified in the College Core Curriculum and content major as directed by the student’s major.
- In compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines meet a minimum overall GP A of 3.0.
- Successful Interview (see Secondary Education Student Teaching Handbook).
Admission to Student Teaching
All students will be charged a Student Teaching Fee. (Please see Tuition and Fees section.)
Student Teaching Admisson Requirements
- A GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Successful completion of all PRAXIS exams as listed above.
- A grade of “C” or better in all education courses.
- A completed application to Student Teaching and Data Sheet.
- An essay describing the student’s interest in and preparation for a career in teaching.
- Successful completion of all required education courses.
- Successful completion of all field experiences.
- Current Act 34 and 151 Clearances (Request for Criminal Record and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance) and FBI Federal Criminal History
- Records for Prospective Employees (fingerprinting).
- Completed Health Appraisal including TB test.
Degree Completion Requirements
- Successful completion of Content Discipline PRAXIS Exams.
- A successful exit interview with College faculty and local school district administrators.
- A portfolio that demonstrates that the student has met each of the learning principles identified in Chapter 354.33, Professional Competencies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education General Standards.
- A satisfactory evaluation from the College supervisor on the state-wide performance evaluation and inventory of student teachers (PDE 430).
- Successful completion of all student teaching assignments.
Important Information Regarding the Praxis Exams
- Praxis bulletins and test information can be obtained from any education faculty member. Please see your advisor or any education faculty member for guidance and assistance regarding any facet of the PRAXIS exam.
- Students should carefully read the bulletin to avoid problems in registering for the test and to mark test dates so that tests can be completed as required for admission into the department.
– NOTE:.Testing Centers might not offer all the tests for each testing date. Regular testing is not available during the summer months. The PPST can be taken more frequently via the computerized format. Please read the Praxis Bulletin carefully and plan accordingly.
Below is the timeline for completion of PRAXIS tests and the required passing scores in Pennsylvania:
- Sophomore, end of 1st Semester
– completed 45 credits by end of the semester
– completed six (6) hours in communication/writing (EN 110 /EN 111 )
– completed six (6) hours in college level mathematics (according to the requirements of the content major)
– passed ED 225 with a C or better
– passed PY 221 with a C or better
– passed the Mount Aloysius College Foundation Courses (LA 101 /LA 201 /LA 301 )
– Recommended: complete a PRAXIS prep course or use PLATO or use practice tests
- Sophomore, 2nd Semester - by end of the semester,
– successfully completed PRAXIS Series I exams including:
PPST Reading - passing score 172
PPST Writing - passing score 173
PPST Math - passing score 173
OR
A composite score of 521 with PA Minimum State Score Requirements (see ETS PA State Standards (www.ets.org)
PPST Reading - passing score 171
PPST Writing - passing score 170
PPST Math - passing score 171
– completed sixty (60) credits with a 3.0 GPA
- Junior, 1st Semester - prior to the start of the semester,
– submit formal application to the coordinator of Secondary Education
– successfully complete interview with Secondary Education Admission Committee (see Secondary Education Handbook for admission requirements and interview information)
- Junior, 2nd Semester
– complete and submit student teaching application
- Senior, 1st Semester
– take Content area PRAXIS Exam
Biology 7-12 Test Code 20235 Passing Score 147
English 7-12 Test Code 10041 Passing Score 160
General Science 7-12 Test Code 10435 Passing Score146
Social Studies 7-12 Test Code 10081 Passing Score 157
– apply for graduation
- Senior, 2nd Semester
– submit certification form
Prior to admission to Secondary Education, all students declare a major in a content area: Biology, English, General Science, or History/Political Science. All candidates for Secondary Education will have two advisors, one for the content area and one for education to aid in the scheduling of the courses.
Clearances
The Education Department requires all students enrolled in a certification program to develop and maintain a sound professional record. Students applying to the Education Department must submit a Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Federal Criminal History Record (fingerprinting) for review.
Copies of these reports will be kept on file in the department. If individuals have offenses on the report, they may not be allowed to participate in practicum experiences or student teaching depending upon the policy of the public school district with which the College has a working relationship and to which they are assigned. This will mean they may not be able to complete a certification program and be recommended by the department’s certification officer for certification. If offenses show on these reports, students should see their Education Department advisor to discuss their situation and possibly consider other career options.
Transfer Students Admission Requirements
All transfer students interested in Secondary Education certification are subject to all current requirements for entrance to, retention in, and completion of the Secondary Education certification program including the GPA requirements.
Because of the nature of our certification programs, many education credits completed elsewhere will not be transferable. The transfer of education credits will be evaluated individually to be sure they meet the standards as addressed in the education coursework at Mount Aloysius College. The transfer of field experiences will be evaluated individually.
Students Admission with Completed Bachelor Degrees
Students who desire Secondary Education certification and who already have a bachelor’s degree will be admitted into the program after having completed one semester of coursework, demonstrating through transfer or Mount Aloysius coursework successful completion of college level mathematics and communications courses. Applicant must pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Transfer students with bachelor degrees must complete all coursework as specified in the program.
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