Admission to the program involves completing an application packet and collecting all the required documentation for possible acceptance. Three letters of recommendation are required as well as a standardized literary measure. Students also participate in a group interview with faculty members from the program. When candidates demonstrate success on all admission criteria, they are informed in writing of their acceptance to the program. They will spend the next 2 years with the same cohort of approximately 30 students.

Admission Application Packet and Requirements

The junior and senior years are divided in semesters known as Professional Semester I through Professional Semester IV. Throughout the 2 years, pre-service teachers have numerous practicum experiences in local elementary classrooms and apply what they learn from coursework.  The culminating experience for the program includes a minimum of 10 weeks of student teaching, wherein, pre-service teachers assume all responsibilities in their respective classroom placements.

Program Assessment

As part of the larger mission of the Dixie State College, the upper-division courses required in the elementary education program are part of a select group of baccalaureate degrees designed to meet local and state needs. In addition to receiving a B.S. in Elementary Education, Dixie State College graduates will also receive an ESL endorsement. 

The goal of the B.S. Elementary Education Degree at Dixie State College is to prepare teacher candidates with the necessary knowledge, skills, disposition, and performances needed to become highly qualified teachers.  The goal is reached by instructing teacher candidates in the ten INTASC standards, TEAC principles, and the D.E.S.E.R.T. Conceptual Model.   These standards are recognized by the State as viable standards of teacher competency and are being used successfully with most programs in the State of Utah.  These standards and principles are integrated into all education courses and content methods courses.  In addition to assessing these standards, academic content knowledge is assessed by the ETS Praxis II subject content test.