Exceptional Student Education (BS)

Program Overview

The Exceptional Education B.S. program at UCF prepares students to become certified K-12 Exceptional Education teachers with Reading and ESOL endorsements. It emphasizes practical experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach students with disabilities. Graduates are in high demand and may qualify for funding under the TEACH grant. The program includes a Learning and Language Track option.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Exceptional Education B.S. program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a community-embedded teacher preparation program. It culminates in certification in Exceptional Education K-12 with Reading and ESOL endorsements. This program is designed for students interested in working with students with disabilities in K-12 settings.

• Objectives: The program aims to prepare students to become certified Exceptional Education teachers, equipped to work with diverse learners in K-12 classrooms.
• Description: The program emphasizes practical experience and community engagement, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach students with disabilities.
It includes coursework in teaching strategies, classroom management, behavior management, assessment, and technology for teaching exceptional students. Students also gain experience through internships and practicums in local schools.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Via by Watermark platform:
Students upload key assignments for faculty assessment, demonstrating proficiency in Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.
• ESOL standards assessment tracking: Students complete ESOL standards assessment tracking requirements in Via for the ESOL endorsement.
• Florida Teacher Certification Examination: Students must pass all applicable sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
• Criteria:
• Minimum GPA:
Students must achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 within the major, in education core coursework, and in specialization coursework.
• Via requirements: Completion of all Via requirements is mandatory for graduation.
• ESOL endorsement: Passing ESOL standards assessment tracking requirements in Via.
• Florida Teacher Certification Examination: Passing all applicable sections of the exam.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Exceptional Education B.S.
program are prepared for careers as:
• Exceptional Education Teachers:
Working with students with disabilities in K-12 settings.
• Opportunities: The program prepares students for employment in a critical shortage area, potentially making them eligible for funding under the TEACH grant.
• Outcomes: Successful completion of the program leads to certification in Exceptional Education K-12 with Reading and ESOL endorsements, enabling graduates to pursue teaching positions in public and private schools.

Other:

• Program Tracks/Options: The program offers a Learning and Language Track.
• Departmental Exit Requirements:
• Achieve a minimum overall 2.5 GPA.
• Achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in the education core coursework.
• Achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in the specialization coursework.
• Upload key assignments using the Via by Watermark platform.
• Complete ESOL standards assessment tracking requirements in Via for the ESOL endorsement.
• Pass all applicable sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
• University Minimum Exit Requirements:
• A 2.0 UCF GPA.
• 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed.
• 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded.
• 30 of the last 39 hours of coursework must be completed in residency at UCF.
• A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
• Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.
• Total Undergraduate Credit Hours Required: 120
• Foreign Language Requirements: State University System foreign language admission requirement: two years in high school or one year of college instruction in a single foreign language.
(This requirement applies to those students admitted to the University without the required two units of foreign language in high school.)
• Program Academic Learning Compacts: Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: http://www.oeas.ucf.edu/alc/academic_learning_compacts.htm