Roane State Community College
Department of Education
Handbook
“RSCC's education department's purpose is to provide a program of study that will contribute to
the preparation of future teachers. Through instruction, outreach efforts with public schools and
the use of technology, the department strives to prepare its students to transfer to four-year
colleges where they will be successful in attaining a degree and license to teach.
The courses are taught by specialists in their field of study who constantly strive to provide
research-based instruction that enhances learning through critical thinking, knowledge of
human development and the psychology of teaching. The faculty also strives to educate students
regarding the behaviors of a multi-cultural pluralistic society in which they will teach.
RSCC's Education Department offers classes for students transferring to a four-year university
to complete their bachelor's degree and obtain a teaching license. Currently, we offer programs
for early childhood (Pre-k-3), elementary (K-6), and secondary (7-12) education.”
http://www.roanestate.edu/?6063-Education-Department
Stacie Bradshaw
Assistant Professor of Education
Cody Villarreal
Assistant Professor of Education
1|Page
Table of Contents
EDU Faculty Bios & Contact Information
3
RSCC Contact Information
4
EDU Course Descriptions
5
Field Experience/Observation/Service-Learning
6
Advising Flowchart
8
EDU/ECED Comparison
9
Elementary Education
10
Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) Degree Plan
11
AST 2-year Curriculum Map
12
AST Degree Checklist
13
TTU 2+2 Information
14
Secondary Education
15
Special Education
16
Praxis Core Information
17
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EDU Faculty
Stacie Bradshaw
Stacie Bradshaw graduated from Roane State in 2007 with her A.S. degree in
Elementary Education and then went on to participate in the 2+2 program with
Tennessee Tech. She graduated from TTU in 2009 with her B.S. degree in
Multidisciplinary Studies (K-6), where she was then granted her K-6 teaching
license. From there she went on to pursue her master’s degree and earned her
M.S. in Teacher Education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in
2010. Since then Stacie has worked at Roane State in the Education
department.
Stacie Bradshaw
Assistant Professor of Education
Roane County Campus, O-228
276 Patton Lane
Harriman, Tn. 37748
865.354.3000 ext. 4773
bradshawsn@roanestate.edu
Cody Villarreal
S. Cody Villarreal is a graduate of Roane State with her A.S. degree in General
Studies. She then went on to Brigham Young University to earn her B.A. in
History. After graduation from BYU, Cody went to Tennessee Tech University to
receive her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction as well as her Grades 7-12 Social
Studies teaching license. Cody has worked for Tennessee Tech University and
University of Phoenix, Las Vegas and Reno, NV campuses. From August 2009
until July 2012 Cody was an adjunct education instructor for Roane State.
Cody Villarreal
Assistant Professor of Education
Oak Ridge Branch Campus, 340
701 Briarcliff Avenue
Oak Ridge, Tn. 37830
865.354.3000 ext. 5312
villarrealsc@roanestate.edu
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Important Contact Information
2+2 Advisors
TTU, Elementary Education
Vani Gaddam, Advisor
VGaddam@tntech.edu
Jackie Jacobson, Advisor
jjacobson@tntech.edu
Rick Moles, Advisor
RMoles@tntech.edu
RSCC Graduation
Sheila Eason, Graduation Analyst
865.354.3000 ext. 4734
easons@roanestate.edu
http://www.roanestate.edu/?5464-GraduationOffice
http://www.roanestate.edu/?6-AdvisingResource-Center-ARC
RSCC Learning Center
865.882.4677
Mike Hill, Director
hillm@roanestate.edu
Abigail Griffith
griffithag@roanestate.edu
RSCC Counseling Services
http://www.roanestate.edu/?6143-LearningCenter
RSCC Advising Resource Center (ARC)
865.882.4597
advising@roanestate.edu
865.882.4546 (Roane County)
865.481.2003 (Oak Ridge)
http://www.roanestate.edu/?5490-CounselingServices
RSCC Disability Services
865.882.4546 (Roane County)
865.481.2003 (Oak Ridge)
http://www.roanestate.edu/?5488-DisabilityServices
RSCC Financial Aid
865.882.4545
1.866.GO2.RSCC x4545
http://www.roanestate.edu/?5357-Financial-Aid
Download the RSCC Mobile App!
http://www.roanestate.edu/?8587-RoaneState-Mobile-App
Like us on Facebook!
Roane State Education Department
Follow us on Twitter!
@EducationRSCC
RSCC Library
865.882.4553 (Roane County)
865.481.2004 (Oak Ridge)
librarystaff@roanestate.edu
http://www.roanestate.edu/library/
RSCC Service Learning
John Brown
865.354.3000 ext. 5050
brownjn2@roanestate.edu
http://www.roanestate.edu/?8340-ServiceLearning
RSCC Student Activities
Sarah Hooper
865.882.4638
hooperse@roanestate.edu
http://www.roanestate.edu/?5470-StudentActivities
RSCC Testing Centers
865.882.4661 (Roane County)
865.481.2000 ext.2251 (Oak Ridge)
http://www.roanestate.edu/?5446-TestingCenters
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Course Descriptions
EDU 101: Introduction to the Teaching Profession
Credits: 2
Survey of the roles and responsibilities in the teaching profession and of current
educational issues, practices, and problems. Information on employment opportunities,
legal issues, changing social expectations of education institutions. Students will be
provided experiences with preparation of instructional materials using a variety of media
and will be required to develop instructional media. F, Sp
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway.
EDU 111: Introduction to Educating Exceptional Children
Credits: 3
Examination of categories of exceptionality (mental retardation, giftedness, deafness,
blindness, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, etc.). Brief review of
educational strategies used with particular problems. Site visits to acquaint the student
with services, settings, and teacher roles. F, Sp
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway.
EDU 210: Child & Adolescent Development
Credits: 3
Comprehensive overview of human physical, psychological, and social development
from prenatal to late adolescent development. F, Sp
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway.
EDU 211: Educational Psychology
Credits: 3
Focus on making classroom education more effective by applying specific principles
from the following areas of psychology: development, learning, motivation, evaluation,
individual differences, and adjustment. (Prerequisite: EDU 101 or permission of
instructor) F, Sp
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway.
EDU 223: Instructional Aids & Equipment
Credits: 1
Basic operation of audiovisual hardware and selection, as well as the utilization of
materials for developing instructional media. Students will be provided experiences with
preparation of instructional materials using a variety of media. (Prerequisites: EDU 101
and computer skills) F, Sp
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway.
EDU 231: Field Experiences I
Credits: 2
A cooperative classroom experience for the student and local school systems. Student
exposure to duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the teaching profession. F, Sp
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway.
EDU 232: Field Experiences II
Credits: 2
A cooperative classroom experience for the student and local school systems. Student
exposure to duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the teaching profession. (as
needed)
Not part of a TN Transfer Pathway
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Field Experience/Observation/Service Learning Guidelines
EDU 101: 20 hours of observation
EDU 111: 10 hours of service learning
EDU 211: 10 hours of service learning
EDU 231: 50 hours of field experience
EDU 232: 50 hours of field experience
Every EDU course requires a certain amount of hours spent working with the K-12 population. This can be
done in one of three ways: Field Experience, Observation, or Service-Learning. Your course instructor will go
over all guidelines to meet this requirement. Below are some of the required documents for the requirement:
Liability Insurance: Unfortunately, it is necessary for teachers, or anyone who is working in the school
system, to have some type of liability insurance. There are several difference agencies that offer liability
insurance. We are not endorsing either of these groups nor are we suggesting that these are the only two ways in
which you can secure liability insurance. The important thing is not where you get the insurance, but rather that
you have some type of insurance prior to going into the schools. This has been added to the requirements of
EDU 101, 231, and 232 for your protection.
• TEA/NEA: (www.nea.org)
o For more information go to:
https://sites.nea.org/HowToJoin/stateStudent.do?mbrType=STUDENT&sea=tn.
o The membership fee is around $25.00 (plus any local fees).
• Professional Educators of Tennessee (PET)
o For more information go to: http://www.teacherspet.com/.
o The membership fee is around $20.00 (plus any local fees).
Hold Harmless Form: (For Service Learning courses) For the service learning component students are
required to sign the RSCC Service Learning Hold Harmless form and turn into your EDU instructor.
Sexual Harassment: All students who will be completing a field component are required to undergo sexual
harassment training. RSCC provides this free of charge for all students. Students will simply log in, complete
the training, successfully complete the quiz, print the certificate, and turn it into the course instructor. The quiz
can be found at the following link: http://www.roanestate.edu/?5579-RSCC-Sexual-Harassment-On-LineTraining-Course
Confidentiality Statement: Because of the nature of information that EDU students will have access to, it is
vital that all information gained inside a public classroom remains confidential. Students are required to sign a
statement in which they are informed of the policy and that they agree to the terms. No student will be allowed
in the classroom without this completed form.
Promotional Release: All EDU majors are required to sign the RSCC Promotional Release form for
themselves. This allows RSCC to use photos on our website, social media sites, etc.
Promotional Release for Minors: RSCC does have a “Promotional Release for Minors” form that is provided
to EDU majors. This form is to be signed by the child’s guardian if an EDU student elects to take photographs
during their field/observation/service-learning placement for use in required assignments. It is important to note
that under no circumstance, regardless of a signed release, will an EDU major be allowed to post pictures of
their students on their personal social media sites.
6|Page
Dress Code: While students are completing their hours in the field, they are required to adhere to the dress code
of the school in which they are placed. They must present themselves as professional at all times. This means
that they are not to wear clothes with holes in them, no clothing with inappropriate images or words, and all
clothing must be neat and professional in nature. We recommend that EDU field placement students follow the
teacher dress code.
Background Checks (and other testing): Some school districts require students to obtain a background check
or submit for alcohol and drug testing. This will be done following individual district guidelines and will be the
student’s responsibility.
Badges: Please note that all students must wear their RSCC Student ID while completing hours in a k-12 school
system.
Additional Required Documents: Please understand that the EDU instructor may require additional
documentation in order to secure a placement or approve a service-learning project. It is important to know that
all paperwork must be completed by the due date set by the instructor, and no hours may be counted until all
paperwork has been submitted. Examples of such documents may include, but are not limited to:
• Academic Misconduct Policy
• Course Policy & Conduct Contract
• Placement Request
• Observation Hour Agreement
• Service-Learning Proposal
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Advising Flowchart
The following flowchart will hopefully help you decide the path you need to take in order to complete the
correct degree in education. If you have any questions, please meet with one of our EDU faculty members.
What do I want to do?
Teach Kindergarten - 5th
grade
Teach 6th - 12th grade
Teach Special Education
Teach only PreK - 3rd
grade
Own or Work in A
Daycare OR Teach
HeadStart
I don't know
AS Special Education/
TTP- Speak to Transfer
Univeristy and an RSCC
EDU Advisor
AST PreK-3- Speak to
RSCC ECED Advisor and
Transfering University**
Early Childhood AAS
AS General- Speak with
an RSCC EDU Advisor
ASAP
Transfer to TTU through
the 2+2?
Transfer to any TBR
University*
Transfer to UT, Private
University, or other
university
Select Content Area
AST K-5 Degree
AST K-5 Degree
AS General- Speak to
Transfer Univeristy and an
RSCC EDU Advisor
AS Secondary EducationSpeack to Transfer
Univeristy and an RSCC
EDU Advisor
Please see one of the following advisors based on the major you select:
AST K-5 or AS General
Stacie Bradshaw, Assistant Professor of Education (Roane County)
bradshawsn@roanestate.edu or 865.354.3000 x4773
Cody Villarreal, Assistant Professor of Education (Oak Ridge)
villarrealsc@roanestate.edu or 865.354.3000 x5312
Early Childhood AAS/ AST PreK-3
Saundra Stiles, Assistant Professor/Program Director for Early Childhood Education
stilessl@roanestate.edu or 865.354.3000 x4844
*TBR Universities include: APSU, ETSU, MTSU, TSU, TTU, & UofM
**Please check with transfer university for specific course/licensure requirements.
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Early Childhood Education (ECED) & K-12 Education (EDU)
Comparison Chart
Early
Childhood
Education
(ECED)
Birth - age 8
Technical Certficate
24 credit hours
See ECED Requirements
AAS ECED
61 credit hours
For Childcare Programs, Head
Start
NOT designed to transfer to a
university
See ECED Requirements
K-12
Education
-Must complete a
Bachelors degree and
get a teaching license
in order to teach in a
TN Public School
-Obtain an AS degree
and work with a school
system will lead to
becoming a teaching
assistant
-Praxis: Required to
graduate with an AST
degree. However,
please note it is
required for acceptance
into all K-12 Teacher
Ed programs at the
university, even though
it may not be a RSCC
degree requirement.
PreK- 3rd grades
Associate of Science in
Teaching, TTP
Speak to transfer univeristy and
academic advisor
Elementary
Education
Associate of Science in
Teaching (AST) Degree
Transfer to TBR Univeristy
AS General Degree
Speak to transfer university and
academic advisor
K - 5th Grades
Secondary
Education
AS General Degree
Speak to transfer university and
academic advisor
Students must select content
area such as Math, Social
Studues, Language Arts, etc.
6th - 12th Grades
Special
Education
Transfer to TTU 2+2 program
AS General Degree
Speak to transfer univeristy and
academic advisor
Modified or
Comprehensive
K - 12th Grades
9|Page
Elementary Education
Students who wish to teach grades K-5 will follow an elementary education path.
For those who are interested in elementary education, there are typically two paths to follow to obtain your
degree. The most common path would be to obtain an Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degree. This
degree will provide a seamless transfer to any TBR university. The second option is to obtain an AS General
degree.
When you meet with your advisor, or EDU faculty, they will ask you several questions. The answers you
provide will help guide the process in creating a degree plan for you. One of the first questions asked will be
“Where do you plan to transfer when you leave RSCC?”
So, where do you plan to transfer?
The university in which you plan to transfer to will play an important part in the courses you take. Once your
university is selected, we will then determine the best course to follow when it comes to selecting your degree
plan.
• TBR University*: Those students who wish to complete their elementary education degree at a TBR
university an Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degree will be followed. This degree was
designed for a seamless transfer between TBR community colleges and universities. Because of this,
there are additional requirements that must be met. These include:
o GPA of 2.75 or higher
o Successful Completion of Praxis Core**
o Successful scores on 3 disposition forms
• Non-TBR University: For those students who wish to transfer outside of the TBR system, it is
important to meet with your academic advisor or EDU faculty member. We will typically advise an AS
General Degree based on the degree plan of your transfer university. For this, we will work with the
student to select appropriate courses for the 19 credit hours of electives, which will include EDU
courses. We also advise that you reach out to your university of choice to make sure your courses will
transfer.
Please understand that in order to become a licensed teacher in the state of Tennessee, you must obtain a
bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
* TBR Universities include: APSU, ETSU, MTSU, TSU, TTU, & UofM
**Please note that if a student has an ACT composite of 22 or higher, or an SAT score of 1020 upon entrance to
RSCC, then Praxis Core is not required.
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Associate of Science in Teaching
(AST)
The A.S.T. curriculum is designed for students who wish to
complete the first two years of a program toward teacher
certification in K-6 (elementary education) and then transfer to a
Tennessee Board of Regents University for the completion of their
four year degree. This curriculum will meet the lower division
requirements for transfer to a Tennessee Board of Regents senior
institution granting the bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Due to varying requirements of four-year institutions, students are
encouraged to select courses in consultation with an education
advisor. Students who plan to transfer to the University of
Tennessee or any other non-TBR university should contact
their advisor for appropriate degree and transfer information.
Degree Checklist
Communication: All Required
ENGL 1010 Composition I
(pre-requisite: Completion of English Learning Support)
ENGL 1020 Composition II
SPCH 1010 Fundamentals of Speech
Literature: One course*
ENGL 2110 American Lit I
ENGL 2120 American Lit II
ENGL 2210 British Lit I
ENGL 2220 British Lit II
ENGL 2310 World Lit I
ENGL 2320 World Lit II
*(ENGL1020 is prerequisite)
Humanities/Fine Arts – 2 courses
ARTH 1030 Art Appreciation
OR
MUS 1030 Music Appreciation
AND one of the following:
ARTH 2010 Survey of Art History I
ARTH 2020 Survey of Art History II
ARTH 1030 Art Appreciation (if not taken)
MUS 1030 Music Appreciation (if not taken)
PHIL 1030 Intro to Philosophy
PHIL 121 Elementary Ethics
PHIL 201 Intro to Religions of World
THEA 1030 Intro to Theater
Any other ENGL Literature course*
*(ENGL1020 is prerequisite)
Social Science – 2 courses
GEOG 2010 World Regional Geography
AND
POLS 1030 American Government
OR
SOCI 1010 Intro to Sociology
History – 2 courses
HIST 2010 US History I
AND/OR
HIST 2020 US History II
AND/OR
HIST 2030 TN History
Natural Science: 3 courses
ASTR 1010 Astronomy I
OR
GEOL 1040 Physical Geology
OR
GEOL 1050 Historical Geology
AND
BIOL 1110 General Biology I
AND
MSC 1012 Physical Science
Mathematics – both required
MATH 1410 Number Concepts/Algebra Structures
(pre-requisite: Completion of Math Learning Support)
MATH 1420 Problem Solving/Geometry
(pre-requisite: Completion of MATH1410)
MATH Elective - Choose one from the following:
MATH 1130 College Algebra
(pre-requisite: 21 ACT in math or MATH1000)
MATH 1530 Probability and Statistics
(pre-requisite: 19 ACT or Completion of Math Learning
Support)
MATH 1630 Finite Math
(pre-requisite: 22 ACT in math or MATH1130)
MATH 1720 Trigonometry
(pre-requisite: MATH1130)
MATH 1730 Pre-Calculus
(pre-requisite: 23 ACT in math or MATH1130)
MATH 1830 Calculus for Business
(pre-requisite: 24 ACT in math or MATH1130)
MATH 1910 Calculus I
(pre-requisite: 26 ACT in math or MATH1130 and
MATH1730)
Area of Emphasis Requirements:
9 hours required
Course
Credit Hrs.
EDU 101 Intro to Teaching Profession
EDU 111 Intro Educ Exceptional Child
EDU 211 Educational Psychology
OR
EDU 212 Child Develop & Psychology 3
3
3
3
Additional Degree Requirements:
1. Attainment of a 2.75 cumulative grade point
average
2. Successful completion of PRAXIS Core or ACT
composite score of 22 or higher
3. Satisfactory rating on an index of suitability for
the teaching profession (3 disposition forms)
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Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) 2-year
Curriculum Map with Milestones
1st Semester (16 credit hours)
COLS 1010 (college requirement)
EDU 101
ENGL 1010
BIOL 1110
SPCH 1010
Attend EDU Advising Session
2nd Semester (15 credit hours)
EDU 111
ENGL 1020
Math Elective (MATH 1530 recommended)
POLS 1030 or SOCI 1010 (POLS 1030 recommend)
ARTH 1030 or MUST 1030
Attend EDU Advising Session
3rd semester (16 credit hours)
Lit Elective
MATH 1410
ASTR 1010 or GEOL 1040 or GEOL 1050
HIST 2010
GEOG 2010
Attend EDU Advising Session
Praxis Core Workshop (As needed)
Take Praxis Core Exam (If needed)
4th Semester (16 hours)
EDU 211
MATH 1420
HIST 2020
Humanities Elective
MSC 1012
Attend EDU Advising Session
Disposition Forms Due
Praxis Core Workshop (As needed)
Re-Take Praxis Core (If needed)
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Associate of Science in Teaching Degree Checklist
______ 1. Successfully complete course requirements as describe in the Roane State Community
College Academic Catalog. The catalog can be found online at www.roanestate.edu/catalog.
Click on Academic Programs and look up the Associate of Science in Teaching.
______ 2. Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test with scores of 150 in Math,
156 in Reading, and 162 in Writing. This requirement can also be satisfied with an ACT score of
22 or higher or SAT score of 1020 or higher.
• To register for the Praxis, please visit www.ets.org/praxis
• If ACT or SAT score satisfies this requirement, scores must be on your student
record. See the Records office to verify score is on file.
______ 3. Obtain a GPA of 2.75 on all college level courses taken at Roane State Community
College.
______ 4. Request three people complete the disposition evaluation. Dispositions requests can be
found at http://www.roanestate.edu/?6702-22-Elementary-Education-Program and click on
Forms. The evaluators need to include:
• One K-12 teacher or principal who has seen you work with children
• One professor from an education or early childhood education course
• One professor of a college level course
______ 5. Meet with your advisor to complete the Intent to Graduate form and transcript
evaluation. Return your completed Intent to Graduate form and evaluation to the Graduation
Office.
______ 6. Take the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP) Exam.
______ 7. Order your cap and gown through the bookstore. Go to graduation!
Other Recommendations
• Check your Roane State RaiderNet email often! Communication from RSCC comes here,
including announcements specifically for Education majors.
• Schedule periodic meetings with your advisor for transcript evaluation and go over any
program updates.
The Associate of Science in Teaching degree transfers into any elementary education licensure
teaching program in the Tennessee Board of Regents system, as well as Carson-Newman
University and Bethel University.
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2+2 Elementary Education Program
with
Tennessee Technological University
“The TTU's 2+2 program for elementary education enables students to complete a bachelor's
degree in Elementary Education on one of four RSCC campuses: Cumberland, Oak Ridge,
Roane, or Scott. The first two years of coursework are taken with RSCC by completing the AST
degree. The last two years of coursework are taken through TTU while allowing students to
remain on a RSCC campus. Most classes are day classes, but schedule is determined by TTU and
may change.”
2+2 information may be picked up from one of the EDU faculty members. It is important to
remember that this program only starts every fall with a new cohort. Below is an overview of the
guidelines that must be met prior to starting the TTU 2+2 program:
•
•
•
•
•
Must apply to TTU and the College of Education.
Must make sure official transcripts are sent at the end of each semester and once your
degree has posted.
Intent to Participate Due No Later than March 1st of the year you wish to enroll.
Background Check must be completed prior to starting the program.
Entrance Interview must be completed prior to starting the program.
For more information and the needed forms you may find those at:
http://www.tntech.edu/education/2plus2/
Or contact one of the 2+2 Advisors listed below:
Roane County Campus:
Vani Gaddam
931-372-6385
VGaddam@tntech.edu
Cumberland County & Oak Ridge Campuses:
Jackie Jacobson
931-372-3549
jjacobson@tntech.edu
Scott County Campus:
Rick Moles
931-372-3532
RMoles@tntech.edu
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Secondary Education
Those students who wish to teach grades 6-12 will follow a secondary education path. It is
important to note that a secondary education student will need to select a content area in which
they wish to teach. Examples of this include: History, English, Math, etc.
For those students interested in secondary education, there are several ways in which to obtain
your degree. We strongly encourage you to speak with your academic advisor, or the EDU
faculty, in order to make sure you are following the correct path.
When you meet with your advisor, or EDU faculty, they will ask you several questions. The
answer you provide will help guide the process in creating a degree plan for you.
What content area do you wish to teach?
The content area you wish to teach will help in the selection of which electives you take. It will
also determine the correct articulation path to follow (if applicable).
Where do you wish to transfer?
The university in which you plan to transfer to will play an important part in the courses you
take. Once your university is selected we will then determine the best route to follow when it
comes to selecting your degree plan.
• Articulation Agreement: RSCC has articulation agreements with several universities.
These allow for our students to follow a set degree plan that will transfer easily to that
university. If your university has an articulation agreement with RSCC for secondary
education in your content area, you will follow that plan.
• AS General Degree: For students who select a university that we do not have an
articulation agreement with, we will typically follow an AS General degree plan. This
will include your general education courses, and then we will help determine the courses
you need to take for your 19 credit hours of electives. For those electives, we will
typically recommend you take the three main EDU courses (12 hours), and then take an
additional 7 credit hours of courses in your selected content area.
It is important to know that when it comes to secondary education majors, every student’s degree
plan may differ. Because of this, we strongly encourage you to meet with your academic advisor
or a member of the EDU faculty as soon as possible. We also strongly encourage you to reach
out to the university in which you plan to transfer as soon as possible to make sure your courses
will transfer.
Please understand that in order to become a licensed teacher in the state of Tennessee, you must
obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
15 | P a g e
Special Education
For those students interested in special education, there are several ways in which to obtain your
degree. We strongly encourage you to speak with your academic advisor, or the EDU faculty, in
order to make sure you are following the correct path.
When you meet with your advisor, or EDU faculty, they will ask you several questions. The
answer you provide will help guide the process in creating a degree plan for you.
Where in special education do you wish to teach?
The concentration area you wish to teach will help in the selection of which electives you take. It
will also determine the correct articulation path to follow (if applicable). Typically, there are two
concentrations a student can focus on in special education: Modified (mild/moderate disabilities)
and Comprehensive (severe/profound disabilities). However, each university may vary in the
special education concentrations they offer.
Where do you wish to transfer?
The university in which you plan to transfer to will play an important part in the courses you
take. Once your university is selected we will then determine the best route to follow when it
comes to selecting your degree plan.
• Articulation Agreement: RSCC has articulation agreements with several universities.
These allow for students to follow a set degree plan that will transfer easily to that
university. If your university has an articulation agreement with RSCC for special
education, students will follow that plan.
• AS General Degree: For students who select a university that we do not have an
articulation agreement with will typically follow an AS General degree plan. This will
include the general education courses, and then we will help determine the courses you
need to take for the 19 credit hours of electives. For those electives, we will recommend
students take the three main EDU courses (12 hours), and then take an additional 7 credit
hours of courses based on the university’s recommendations that students receive in
advising from the university.
It is important to know that when it comes to special education majors, every student’s degree
plan may differ. Because of this, we strongly encourage you to meet with your academic advisor
or a member of the EDU faculty as soon as possible. We also strongly encourage you to reach
out to the university in which you plan to transfer as soon as possible to make sure your courses
will transfer.
Please understand that in order to become a licensed special education teacher in the state of
Tennessee, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
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Praxis Information
Every student wishing to pursue an AST degree with Roane State Community College must
successfully complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test. The only exceptions
to this are an ACT score of 22 or higher or an SAT score of 1020 or higher.
It is recommended that students attempt the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test no
later than the first semester of their sophomore year. This will allow sufficient time for scores to
be sent to our records department as well as allow time for retesting (if necessary).
Roane State does provide free online tutoring to students who wish to complete it before
attempting the test for the first time. You will need to contact RSCC’s learning center in order to
have an account set up for you.
There are three parts to the Praxis exam: Math, Reading, and Writing. The following scores
represent passing:
Math: 150
Reading: 156
Writing: 162
You can register for test through the following website: www.ets.org. The testing codes and
prices are as follows:
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics
5732
$90
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading
5712
$90
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing
5722
$90
Core Academic Skills for Educators: Combined
5751
$150
You will need to make sure that you have your scores sent to RSCC and the university in which
you plan to transfer. Listed below are codes that you may need:
RSCC: RA1656
TTU: RA1804
UTK: RA1843
Knoxville Testing Center Address:
Prometric Testing Center
215 Center Park Drive
Suite 700
Knoxville, TN. 37922
Phone: 865.690.2677
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