Program Philosophy, Goals and Objectives of Dance Education

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Education Dance Education program is to prepare highly skilled and creative artist educators who understand the broad educational and developmental role dance can play for students of grades PreK-12. The program focuses attention on the development of knowledge and skills that prepare the college students to design and implement innovative dance education programs in the public schools, as well as in private schools and dance studios, that promote dance literacy, knowledge of the role of the dance and dancers in diverse cultures, artistic development, skill development, personal development, collaboration with others, and learning in other academic areas. The program is designed to prepare prospective teachers to create productive learning environment through effective planning and execution of instructional activities; effectively assess student learning; address special developmental and educational needs of students from PreK-12; teach students of both genders with a diversity of needs, experiences, cultural backgrounds, languages, disabilities, and special abilities; collaborate effectively with colleagues; and communicate, educate, plan, and work effectively with students’ families, school personnel and the surrounding community, including local arts community.

Specific Program Objectives

1. Develop skill and artistic mastery of dance, choreography, and production, while expanding scientific, theoretical, historical, cultural, aesthetic and pedagogical knowledge of dance.
2. Learn about the significance of dance in the evolution of human thought and expression, and the connections between dance and diverse cultures.
3. Be introduced to music from many cultures, and the varied possible creative relationships between music, dance and dance education.
4. Understand how individuals learn and develop and be able to provide, through dance and creative problem solving activities, opportunities that support PreK-12 students’ physical, creative, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
5. Understand how individuals differ in their approaches to learning and create appropriate instruction adapted to diverse learners.
6. Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a safe learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
7. Use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques and technology to foster inquiry, collaboration, and the ability to take creative chances in dance activities.
8. Plan and implement a variety of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies to develop dance and kinesthetic educated individuals, and that conform to the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts.
9. Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to foster cognitive, creative, physical, social, and emotional development of learners through dance activities.
10. Be reflective practitioners who evaluate the effects of their actions on others and seek to grow professionally.
11. Foster relationships with colleagues, parents/guardians, and community agencies to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the art of dance, and to support learners’ growth and well being.

Program Requirements

During the second semester of the sophomore year (having completed a minimum of 45 semester hours of college work, and DNCE 13 and 17) students may apply for admission to the School of Education, Health and  Human Services through the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership.  An interview will be required. 

The B.S. in Education degree in dance education requires the following:

• DNCE 13 - (CP) Modern Dance III Semester Hours: 2
• DNCE 17 - (CP) Ballet III Semester Hours: 2

Student Teaching Requirements

After completing at least 19 semester hours of professional education course work and an adviser audit of content area course work, students may apply for admission to student teaching. Application forms may be obtained in the Office of Field Placements. Placement criteria are as follows:

1. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better on overall course work or permission of adviser.
2. No grades lower than C- and no unresolved INC grades in professional education course work.
3. A GPA of 2.5 or higher in dance content courses.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of criteria 1 through 8 listed above under Program Requirements.
2. No grades lower than C- and no unresolved INC grades in professional education course work.
3. An overall GPA of 2.75 or better in all course work.
4. A GPA of 2.5 or better in dance course work.
5. An electronic portfolio, illustrating the student’s education course work and professional accomplishments.
6. Completion of all New York State Education Law seminar requirements.

Teacher Certification Requirements

New York State Teacher Certification Examinations:
Effective February 2, 2004, to receive an initial New York State teaching certificate in most fields, you are required to achieve passing scores on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the elementary or the secondary version of the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the appropriate Content Specialty Tests (CST’s) in the area of certification that you will be applying for. Registration bulletins for these examinations are available in the Office of Certification and Educational Support Services.

Notes:

It is strongly recommended that students complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) prior to student teaching, and the Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W) and the Content Specialty Test (CST) during student teaching.  Students not receiving passing scores on these examinations will not be eligible for certification.