Biology Adolescence Education Major

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Description

This major is designed to prepare students for initial certification (single certification major) as a Biology teacher with extension to teach Biology in grades 5 and 6.
The major in Biology Adolescence (7-12) Education with Grades 5 and 6 Extension includes 36 credits of EDI (Education and Human Development), and 57-58 credits to complete the Biology Content Core. This curriculum meets the requirements for initial certification as outlined by The New York State Education Department (SED) for Adolescent Education (grades 5 through 12).

Admission to the Program

Students will need to meet SUNY 3.0 GPA requirements for admission in one of the following ways:

First-year students must meet at least one of the following admissions criteria:

  • High School GPA of a B or better
  • High School Rank in top 30%
  • SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing+Math) ≥ 1140
  • ACT ≥ 24
  • Brockport GPA ≥ 3.0 based on at least 12 credits

Transfer students must meet at least one of the following admissions criteria:

  • High School GPA of a B or better
  • High School Rank in top 30%
  • SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing+Math) ≥ 1140
  • ACT ≥ 24
  • Transfer GPA ≥ 3.0 based on at least 12 credits
  • Brockport GPA ≥ 3.0 based on at least 12 credits

Students must also demonstrate preparation for entry into mathematics coursework at the 112 (or higher) level. Students entering the Bilingual Multicultural track must demonstrate preparation for entry into Spanish coursework at the 112 (or higher) level.

Students will need to meet SUNY 3.0 GPA requirements for admission, and students must meet NYSED requirements for minimum acceptable grades during completion of the program, including grades of C or above for all Content Core and Pedagogical Core coursework. Students must re-take courses where grades have not met this minimum acceptable grade standard.

General Education Requirements (28 credits)

Pedagogy Coursework (36 credits)

Pre-Phase

  • EDI 430: Education and Society (3 credits)
  • EDI 459: Adolescent Development and Learning (3 credits)

Phase 1

  • EDI 431: Teaching Literacy in Middle & High School Content Areas I (pair w/ 447) (3 credits)
  • EDI 447: Inclusive Middle Level Teaching in Science (3 credits)
  • PRO 430: Adolescence Field Experience I (corequisite EDI 447) (1 credit)
  • EDI 409: Teaching Students with Special Needs Across the Curriculum (3 credits)

Phase 2

  • EDI 331: Adolescence Classroom Management (corequisite 468) 1 cr
  • EDI 432: Teaching Literacy in Middle & High School Content Areas II (pair w/ EDI 467, prerequisite EDI 431) (3 credits)
  • EDI 467: Teaching Science Inclusively (Spring only, prerequisite EDI 447) (3 credits)
  • PRO 431: Adolescence Field Experience II (corequisite EDI 467) (1 credit)

Student Teaching

  • EDI 475: Seminar in Adolescence Inclusive Education (corequisite PRO 433) (3 credits)
  • PRO 433: Practicum in Adolescence Inclusive Education (corequisite 464) (9 credits)

Content Area Course Work Plus Co-Requisites (57-58 credits)

  • BIO 201 Biology I* (4 credits)
  • BIO 202 Biology II* (4 credits)
  • BIO 221 Survey of Anatomy & Physiology (4 credits)
  • BIO 302 Genetics (4 credits)
  • BIO 303-Ecology(4 credits)
  • BIO 310 Biological Chemistry (3 credits)
  • BIO 311 Biological Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
  • BIO 315 Cell Biology (3 credits)
  • BIO 411 Evolution (3 credits)
  • CHM 205 College Chemistry I* (4 credits)
  • CHM 206 College Chemistry II (4 credits)
  • CHM 305 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
  • PHS 205 Introduction to Physics I (4 credits)
  • PHS 210 Introduction to Physics II (4 credits)
  • MTH 122 Pre-Calculus (4 credits)

Prerequisites (0-3 credits)

  • MTH 111 College Algebra (3 credits)

Total Credits (121-122 credits)

  • A minimum grade of "C" in BIO 201 and BIO 202 is required before Biology majors are allowed to take further biology courses in the major
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
  • Completion of all college-wide degree requirements

*denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements

Certification

College Endorsement

Students must complete this program and submit the recommendation form to be eligible for the College's recommendation for New York State certification. Students should consult the Brockport Certification Office for the full list of New York state requirements for certification.

New York State Initial Teacher Certification Exams

Prospective Adolescence Education Teacher candidates must pass the following New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) to obtain initial certification in the State of New York:

Certification Exams

  • Educating All Students (EAS)
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) – Biology

Workshops

Students must complete the following workshops and trainings for program completion:

Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment: Mandated Reporter Training (CAD)

School Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshop (SAVE)

Harassment and Bullying Prevention Certification Training (DASA)

Continuation Requirements (Once Enrolled) 


  • Maintain ≥ 2.0 cumulative Brockport GPA
  • Earn ≥ C in all content core, EDI, PRO, and modern languages courses
  • Complete prerequisite course(s) before moving to the next program phase 
  • Minimum grade levels apply to transfer courses. Community college advising guides are available here
  • Demonstrate the dispositions necessary in the teaching profession
  • Acquire and maintain an acceptable level of professional performance
  • A ≥ 2.5 cumulative Brockport GPA is required to student teach


Continuation in the program may be denied to any teacher candidate whose level of performance and/or dispositions do not adequately meet academic or professional standards. Decisions with respect to retention or dismissal of a teacher candidate are made by the faculty and staff of the Department of Education and Human Development, in consultation with the faculty in the Department of Biology, and not by any one person. 


Students should note that admission into most graduate education programs in New York State will require a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for admittance.

Program Co-Advisors

Laurie B. Cook, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
(585) 395-5757
lcook@brockport.edu
 
Peter Veronesi, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
(585) 395-5544
pveronesi@brockport.edu

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of life processes at the biochemical, molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of developmental and physiological processes.
  3. Understand the learning needs of all students, and utilize their professional knowledge and skills, including the implementation of assessments and technology, to create effective learning experiences.
  4. Continuously evaluate the impact of their work with students, reflecting on their success as teachers and addressing their needs for continuing professional improvement.
  5. Practice professional ethics, including dedication, respect, intellectual integrity, positive outlook, self-awareness, and professionalism.
  6. Produce evidence that they engage students in meaningful activity that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills