Elementary Education Certification-Only Alternate Path Program: Grades 1-5

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education (Certification-Only Alternate Path Program Grades 1-5) allows individuals who have earned a non-teacher education baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university to fulfill state requirements for Elementary Education Certification Grades 1-5.

Admission Requirements

1. be accepted to the university;

2. possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university and have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on all undergraduate coursework;

3. pass the following Core Academic Skills PRAXIS tests: Reading (5712), Writing (5722), and Mathematics (5732). The requirement is waived for those possessing an ACT score of 22+, or an SAT score of 1030+, or a master’s degree;

4. pass PRAXIS II: Elementary Education Content Knowledge 5001:

• Content Subtest Reading 5002;

• Content Subtest MATH 5003;

• Content Subtest Social Studies 5004;

• Content Subtest Science 5005;

5. complete the admissions application and submit to the Department of Education;

6. complete background check with LSUA or parish in which observation and participation requirements will be met;

7. receive Department of Education faculty approval of completed application for entry into LSUA’s Certification-Only Alternate Path Program: Grades 1-5, Elementary Education.

Residency Requirements EDCI 4900  

Applications for Residency must be submitted no later than four weeks following the first day of classes in the semester prior to Residency. Late applications cannot be guaranteed consideration. To be admitted to Residency, students must meet the following criteria:

1. possess a grade point average of at least 2.6 in all coursework required for certification;

2. pass PRAXIS II: Principles of Learning and Teaching 5622;

3. complete all coursework (with a grade of “C’ or higher in all professional courses). Note for Residency: no additional coursework may be taken without special permission of the department chair. Such permission is granted only in unusual circumstances. If a student is completing the two-semester Residency, three hours for each semester during Residency may be scheduled; however, EDCI 4200  may not be taken during the last semester of Residency;

4. complete at least 2 days a week/50 FEX hours in field placement school.

Request for Certification

When program completers have met all of the above criteria and completed all requirements, they are proposed to the Louisiana State Department of Education for certification to teach Grades 1-5.

Course Requirements