Social Studies (B.S.)

Student Learning Outcomes for Social Studies certification:

Students will be able to:

• Plan, design, and implement research-based instructional and assessment practices appropriate for students between seventh and twelve grades.

• Develop and apply instructional methodologies, including the use of technology, appropriate for students between seventh and twelve grades.

• Demonstrate content knowledge in the disciplines of social studies - history, economics, geography, civics and government, sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

• Critically apply content knowledge and skills germane to the disciplines of social studies to facilitate student learning appropriate for students between seventh and twelve grades.

• Create, organize, and maintain an effective and safe classroom environment conducive to the learning and development of students between seventh and twelve grades.

• Design and implement successful interventions responsive to the needs of students between seventh and twelve grades.

• Exhibit the qualities that characterize a professional individual, including professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities of a certified teacher.

• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continued professional development and service.

Students pursuing a Social Studies certification acquire a mastery of the various subject fields that are part of a secondary social studies curriculum. In addition, the program provides training in the techniques of teaching, along with actual teaching experience in a social studies classroom. Upon successful completion of the program, students are certified to teach social studies in secondary schools in Pennsylvania and, by reciprocal agreement, in several other states.