Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science - Physical Education and Health Education Concentration

Meeting the Praxis Requirement

Effective January 1, 2014, the following assessments are required for all candidates who are seeking a license to teach.

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests include Reading (5712), Writing(5722), and Mathematics (5732). These tests require a passing score for each of the three subtests. There is not a composite passing score for the assessments. If a passing score is not obtained on each subtest, a subtest may be retaken as a stand-alone test. The passing score on the reading subtest is 156; writing 162; and mathematics 150.

SAT as a substitute for Praxis Core requires a score of 1000 with at least 450 on the verbal and 510 on the mathematics test if taken prior to April 1, 1995. After April 1, 1995 a score of 1100 with at least 530 on the verbal and 530 on the mathematics tests is required. 

ACT as a substitute for Praxis Core requires a composite score of 21 with the ACT mathematics score no less than 21 and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 37 if taken prior to April 1, 1995. After April 1, 1995 a composite score of 24 with the ACT mathematics score no less than 22 and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 46.

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) as a substitute for Praxis (reading and writing) can be used to meet the Praxis requirement along with the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5732) subtest or equivalent SAT or ACT test scores. A composite score of 470 on the VCLA with subtest scores of at least 235 on writing and 235 on reading may be combined with a qualifying score of 150 on the mathematics portion of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test.

Admission to Teacher Education Guidelines

Students applying for admission to the teacher education program must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average with no grade below a C and must have passed Praxis I or the equivalent tests. Applicants are required to complete a portfolio that contains two letters of recommendation, a copy of their philosophy of education, an update on any disposition documents on file, as well as participate in an interview, and meet any other requirements as outlined in the guidelines provided at Center for Professional Development webpage https://www.nsu.edu/education/cpd/index

Students are to be admitted to teacher education prior to enrolling in any professional education observation participation course. Students must continue to maintain a 2.5 GPA and earn at least a grade of “C” for continuance I the teacher education program.

Observation, Observation Participation, Field Placements and Clinical Practice

The introductory course, Foundations of Education has an observation experience that is designed to help students decide if teaching is the right choice for them. All methods of teaching courses have an observation participation requirement that must be met in an appropriate, licensed setting. Students are required to have current negative TB test results and a current background verification form in order to request field experience placements. Students must pass Praxis I and meet the requirements for admission to teacher education before participating in an observation participation field experience. A provisionally licensed teacher may participate in observation participation if s/he has a letter from the Virginia Department of Education listing the course as a needed requirement and has passing VCLA scores.

Teacher Education Assessments and Applying to Student Teach or the Practicum

In order to student teach and obtain a Virginia teaching license, all teacher education students must attain passing scores on the appropriate teacher licensure assessments. 

It is recommended that the VCLA be taken after students have completed their English and reading course requirements.

The RVE is required for licensure and should be taken after all reading courses have been completed, if applicable.

Candidates should take the Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency after completing the English courses.

Candidates must receive training on the recognition of child abuse and neglect in the designated course and keep the certificate to submit with the licensure application.

Candidates are required to pass the appropriate Praxis II specialty area assessment with scores established by the Virginia Department of Education.

Candidates are required to complete the Emergency First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) training. Documentation of training must be submitted to the Center for Professional Development before you begin your student teaching. Obtain the application and due dates to student teach at the Center for Professional Development’s webpage. All coursework and other program requirements must be completed before beginning student teaching.

Prior to placements in practicum or internship, candidates must earn a 3.0 GPA and may be required to complete a universal background check, the Child Protective Service Central Registry Release of Information (032-02-1515/1), and a fingerprint check by the school division. Students may be liable for all costs incurred. Candidates must adhere to guidelines outlined in the field experience handbook and located at the Center for Professional Development’s webpage.

Summary of Graduation Requirements

Curriculum

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Must pass Praxis core before enrollment will be permitted.

Note: Students must pass Praxis Core and apply for admission to Teacher Education at the end of 60 hours.

Students are strongly advised to take: PED 179 First Aid or American Red Cross equivalent 2 Credits.

Health Endorsement

Driver Education Endorsement

Enrollment requires completion of Requirements for admission to teacher education 

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Department Requirement