College of Education

Dr. Jill Burk, Dean

E. J. Howell Building, Room 105

(254) 968-9089

http://www.tarleton.edu/~coe

Dr. Diane Taylor, Certification Officer

(254) 968-9817

Ms. Sue Owens, Testing Coordinator for Certification

(254) 968-1908

Dr. Jill Burk, Director

Tarleton Center for Professional Development of Educators

(254) 968-9809

        The College of Education includes the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the Department of Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology, and the Department of Health and Physical Education. The mission of the College of Education is to provide students in health and physical education, professional education, and other human services with a quality education through academic, cultural, and leadership experiences, and to provide leadership through scholarship and service to the extended community and professions. Programs in the College of Education prepare students for challenging, gratifying, and socially significant careers.

        Degree programs offered include the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Studies; Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies; Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Master of Science with majors in educational psychology and counseling psychology; and the Master of Education degree with majors in curriculum and instruction, educational administration, physical education, and counseling. Several teaching supplemental and professional certificates are also offered in conjunction with different academic departments.

        In addition to its teaching function, the college has a strong service commitment to public schools, human service agencies, and the University Interscholastic League. Each year the college plays host to a variety of professional development institutes for educators and interscholastic events for public schools. Tarleton professors actively provide consultation and technical assistance to schools and human service agencies.

        Please consult the section on undergraduate degree requirements on pp. 38-41.

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

        Teacher Education, one of the major programs at Tarleton State University, emphasizes broad general education as a foundation for mastery of teaching skills and specialized knowledge in an academic discipline. The primary purpose of teacher education is to prepare highly qualified teachers for Texas and the nation. The goal of Tarleton State University's Teacher Education Program is to develop teachers who:

1. possess appropriate knowledge and abilities in specific content areas or teaching fields;
2. communicate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals;
3. apply the principles of instructional planning in the development of curriculum;
4. use effective teaching practices;
5. formally and informally evaluate student performance and use results of such assessment in the instructional decision-making process;
6. promote critical thinking and participatory citizenship;
7. are skilled in the use of instructional technology;
8. are proficient in mathematical skills;
9. operate within the legal guidelines and uphold the ethics of the teaching profession;
10. demonstrate concern for students' general welfare; and
11. are committed to continued professional growth and development.

        A student must meet TASP/THEA or Stamford Achievement Test (for students who are deaf) requirements prior to enrolling in any teacher education course work or being admitted to an alternative certification program. Exemptions from TASP/THEA may be based on ACT, SAT, or TAAS/TAKS scores; or meeting admission standards to the College of Graduate Studies on the GRE with an appropriate writing score. Any other TASP/THEA exemptions must be approved by the Certification Officer.

        Tarleton State University’s Title II Institutional Report for 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 may be accessed at www.tarleton.edu/~coe.

ADMISSION TO THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM*

<www.tarleton.edu/~certification>

Secondary and All-Level Certification

1.     Formal application for admission to the Teacher Education Program should be made by the student during the first semester of the junior year while enrolled in EDU 3303. Application deadlines are October 15 for the fall semester, February 15 for the spring semester, and June 15 for the summer. Formal admission to this program shall be a prerequisite to taking any professional development courses beyond EDU 3303.

The student must submit the following items in a manila folder to the Office of Admissions for Teacher Certification:

Application for admission to the Teacher Education Program;

1. Checklist for application packet;
2. A completed and signed certificate plan provided by the Certification Office; and
3. A $20 application fee.

The student must have completed 60 semester hours toward a degree not including developmental courses.

2.     The following criteria must be met for admission to the Teacher Education Program:

1. Minimum GPA of 2.6 (on a 4.00 scale) on all courses in the following areas: professional development, teaching field(s), or supplemental coursework;
2. Minimum GPA of 2.6 on all courses listed on the secondary certificate plan;
3. No grade lower than C on professional education course work;
4. No grade lower than a C in teaching field(s), supplemental coursework
5. Satisfaction of TASP/THEA requirements;
6. Completion of EDU 3303 and PSY 2203 or 3033 with a grade of C or better;
7. Completion of 12 hours of required English with a grade of C or better in each course;
8. Completion of University Writing Proficiency requirement;
9. Evidence of good moral character and the mental, emotional, and physical ability to function effectively in a classroom;
10. Completion of COMS 1013 or its equivalent with a grade of B or better;
11. Completion of the prescribed critical thinking skills test;
12. Approval of the Teacher Education Council based on recommendations from the department head of the student's teaching field(s), or supplemental course work and the Certification Officer; and
13. Completion of any required documented professional development and/or leadership activities. Check with individual departments for specific requirements.

3.     The applicant will receive written notification from the chair of the Teacher Education Council regarding his/her acceptance into the Tarleton Teacher Education Program.

*   Appeals of any admissions requirements must be made in writing to the Certification Officer. Appeals are reviewed by the Teacher Education Council at the next regular meeting.

Note: The State Board for Educator Certification may require disclosure of previous arrest, conviction and/or deferred adjudication and may refuse to issue an educator certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a moral turpitude crime which relates to the teaching function. Pursuant to §22.082, Texas Education Code, the State Board for Educator Certification may access any criminal history information pertaining to you and held by any law enforcement or criminal justice agency. The State Board for Educator Certification may refuse to confer state certification based on such criminal history information.

      Pursuant to §22.083, Texas Education Code, a school district orprivate school may access any criminal history information pertaining to you and held by any law enforcement or criminal justice agency. A school district or private school may refuse to provide a placement for field experience or employ you based on your criminal history. A school district or private school must report to the State Board for Educator Certification if the school district or private school obtains or has knowledge that an applicant or holder of an educator certificate has a criminal history.

Interdisciplinary Studies and Elementary Certification

1.     Formal application for admission to the Teacher Education Program should be made by the student during the first semester of the junior year while enrolled in EDU 3303. Application deadline dates are October 15 for the fall semester, February 15 for the spring semester, and June 15 for the summer. Formal admission to this program shall be prerequisite to taking any professional development courses beyond EDU 3303.

2.     The student must submit the following items in a manila folder to the Office of Admissions for Teacher Certification:

        a.     Application for admission to the Teacher Education Program;

        b.     Checklist for application packet;

        c.     A $20 application fee;

        d.     Acknowledgment/Responsibility Form (dated and with all signatures);

        e.     Substitution form (if applicable; dated and with all signatures);

        f.      Online degree/certificate audit;

        g.     Reference/Acknowledgment Form with 2 typed responses; and

        h.     3 letters of recommendation.

3.     The following criteria must be met for admission to the Teacher Education Program as an Interdisciplinary Studies major:

1. Minimum 2.6 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and no grade lower than C in all courses in the following areas: professional development, emphasis area(s), reading, and supplemental coursework;
2. Minimum GPA of 2.6 on all courses listed on the certification plan;
3. Satisfaction of TASP/THEA requirements;
4. Completion of EDU 3303 and PSY 2203 or 3033 with a grade of C or better;
5. Completion of 12 hours of required English with a grade of C or better in each course;
6. Completion of University Writing Proficiency requirement;
7. Completion of COMS 1013 or its equivalent with a grade of B or better;
8. Completion of prescribed critical thinking skills test;
9. Completion of MATH 1073 or higher;
10. Evidence of good moral character and the mental, emotional, and physical ability to function effectively in a classroom; and
11. Recommendation from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

        Recommendation for Admission to Teacher Education: Interviews will be conducted by two-member teams comprised of Tarleton State University faculty and/or invited public school educators. Students will be asked questions similar to those that might be asked in a job interview, and the responses will be evaluated according to established interview criteria (oral communication, thought processes, leadership potential, and human interaction). Students should expect interviews to last approximately 15-20 minutes.

        After the interviews, the candidates will be given a prompt to respond to in writing. Candidates will also be allowed to provide, in writing, any explanations or additional thoughts that might have occurred after the interview. The writing samples will be graded according to established criteria (mechanics, organization of content, and appropriateness of content).

        Only those applicants who are selected by the Interdisciplinary Studies Admissions Committee and have maintained the above academic standards will be recommended for admission to the Tarleton Teacher Education Program. At the beginning of the semester following selection, the Tarleton Teacher Education Council members will vote on those candidates recommended for admission to the Program. Should limitations on resources require restrictions to be placed on the number of students admitted in a given semester or year, the Teacher Education Council will admit students based on a total score which is an aggregate of all the above criteria. Students not admitted must reapply.

RETENTION IN THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

        Retention in the Teacher Education Program requires maintenance of standards required for admission, plus evidence of satisfactory academic progress and professional development. If the above-stated criteria for admission and retention are not maintained, a student will receive written notification from the Director of Teacher Education, and he/she will be placed on probation for one long semester. If the deficiency is not corrected by the end of the probationary period, the student will be removed from the program and must reapply for admission to the Teacher Education Program to be eligible for enrollment in additional professional education courses.

        Tarleton State University reserves the right to monitor a student's professional ethics according to those standards specified in the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators (adopted by the Teachers' Professional Practice Commission, revised March 1, 1998) as it relates to the performance of his or her role as a student teacher or in a field-based activity in the elementary or secondary schools. Appropriate disciplinary action, which may include removal from the Teacher Education Program, may be instituted for violations of ethical conduct or professionalism.

ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING <www.tarleton.edu/~teacherfield>

        Prior to admission to student teaching, students must be admitted to the Tarleton Teacher Education Program (see "Admission to the Teacher Education Program" in this section of the catalog). Students are urged to study requirements for admission and retention in the program. Application for student teaching must be submitted to the Director of Field Experiences no later than October 15 of the fall semester or February 15 of the spring semester prior to the corresponding fall or spring semester in which the student expects to student teach. (i.e., Application for student teaching must be submitted one year before the semester in which the student expects to student teach.)

        Candidates for certification who do not satisfactorily complete student teaching are automatically dropped from the Teacher Education Program. In order to regain eligibility for student teaching and be recommended for certification, a candidate must reapply and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

        To be admitted to student teaching, all admission requirements to the Tarleton Teacher Education Program must be maintained. Moreover, the following requirements must be completed:

Early Childhood Through Grade 4 Generalist and

All-Level Special Education*

1. Senior classification and prior admission to the Teacher Education Program;
2. Completion of EDU 3303, 3353, 3943, 3963, 4043, EDSP 3613, and 6 hours of required Human Sciences courses with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
3. Completion of at least 16 hours of Generalist coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
4. Completion of RDG 3113, 3843, 4093, and 4103 and ENGL 3503 with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
5. Completion of at least 75% of any supplemental coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
6. A GPA of 2.6 on all course work that is listed and has been completed on the certificate plan;
7. Formal approval of the Tarleton Teacher Education Council;
8. Removal of all incomplete grades prior to the first day of the semester in which student teaching is done; and
9. Presentation and/or documentation of acceptable professional development and leadership activities. Requirements are available from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, E.J. Howell Building Room 320.

Grades 4 - 8 Middle School Emphases*

1. Senior classification and prior admission to the Teacher Education Program;
2. Completion of EDU 3303, 3353, and 4303 with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than a C;
3. Completion of at least 20 hours of coursework in a single academic emphasis with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C, or completion of at least 42 hours in composite emphases coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
4. Completion of at least 15 hours of reading with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
5. Completion of at least 75% of any supplemental coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
6. A GPA of at least 2.6 on all coursework that has been completed on the certificate plan;
7. Formal approval of the Tarleton Teacher Education Council;
8. Removal of all incomplete grades prior to the first day of the semester in which student teaching is done; and
9. Presentation and/or documentation of acceptable professional development and leadership activities. Information about requirements is available in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, E.J. Howell Building Room 320.

Secondary and All-Level*

1. Senior classification and prior admission to the Teacher Education Program;
2. Completion of EDU 3303, 3353, 4303, PSY 2203 or 3033, and RDG 3513 with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and no grade lower than C;
3. No grade lower than a C and a minimum grade point average of 2.6 in the teaching field(s) or supplemental course work;
4. Completion of at least 75% of the hours in each teaching field, or supplemental course work (Specific information may be obtained in the Office of Field Experiences.);
5. A GPA of 2.6 on all course work that is listed and has been completed on the certificate plan;
6. Formal approval of the Teacher Education Council;
7. Removal of all incomplete grades prior to the first day of class of the semester during which student teaching is done; and
8. Presentation and/or documentation of acceptable professional development and leadership activities. Requirements are available from individual departments.

*  It is recommended that students be within 12 hours of completing certification and degree requirements, excluding EDU 4906 and EDU 4353.

PLACEMENT OF STUDENT TEACHERS

        The Tarleton Center for Professional Development of Educators (TCPDE) governs the placement of student teachers. Student teaching must be accomplished under supervision of Tarleton State University in a school approved by the TCPDE.

OBTAINING A TEACHING CERTIFICATE

        The Certification Office must verify the following before a student will be recommended for certification online.

1. Degree earned;
2. Passing scores on each portion of the TASP/THEA test;
3. Passing scores on all ExCET/TExES tests required for initial certification;
4. Completion of all course work on certification plan;
5. Written documentation and advisor approval for course substitutions; and
6. Minimum 2.6 GPA in required areas on certificate plan and a minimum 2.6 GPA overall on certificate plan.

To apply online go the State Board for Educator Certification web site at www.sbec.state.tx.us click on “Online Services for Educators” and follow the instructions.

SBEC Information: 1 (888) 863-5880 – Toll Free, M – F, 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST.

Letters of Completion: SBEC will email a letter acknowledging receipt of online application for certification and another e-mail will be sent when Tarleton State University has recommended the online certificate.

        In addition to degree requirements, students must attain passing scores on the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) and/or the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES). Because Tarleton State University must verify eligibility for the ExCET/TExES, students must consult with their academic advisors or the Testing Coordinator for Certification to determine which exams to take and when to take them.

        Before the student is granted permission to register for the test, all departmental requirements must be met. Requirements may include a practice exam and/or review sessions. Registration bulletins for the ExCET/TExES may be obtained by contacting the Testing Coordinator for Certification in Room 101, E. J. Howell Building or by calling 254-968-1908. Additional testing information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/~excet.

DEFICIENCY PLANS

        Tarleton State University may provide a deficiency plan for an individual who seeks certification while teaching in a public school. A processing fee of $50.00 will be charged for the preparation of each deficiency plan. The Certification Officer will prepare a deficiency plan using the following guidelines:

1. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
2. The applicant must meet all criteria for admission to the Tarleton Teacher Education Program at the time that the deficiency plan is issued.

An applicant who wants a deficiency plan in counseling or educational diagnostician should contact his or her advisor for additional departmental requirements.

Please contact the Certification Officer for information concerning forms and documentation necessary for preparation of a deficiency plan.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

        Tarleton State University welcomes students who transfer credits from other universities or neighboring community colleges. Persons seeking elementary certification will work toward the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students will be assigned to a specific academic advisor to evaluate transfer credits and plan a course of study. Transfer students should contact the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (E.J. Howell Building Room 320; phone 254-968-9097).

        Transfer students working toward secondary and all-level certification will be advised in the academic department of their major. Information about education courses and all-level certification requirements may be obtained in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (E.J. Howell Building, Room 320; Phone 254-968-9097).

        Policies governing the acceptance of transfer course work for credit toward teacher certification include the following:

1. All transfer students are required to submit official transcripts to the University Admissions Office for analysis. The Certification Officer will require official transcripts to develop certification plans for students who already hold a bachelor's degree.
2. Transfer students from other Texas institutions and institutions in other states are expected to meet Tarleton's program requirements for certification.
3. Academic advisors and the Certification Officer reserve the right to disallow course work on certification plans that is more than seven years old. Because of changing certification requirements, it is possible that previous course work taken for certification will not count toward the current application.
4. Typically, students will not be allowed to transfer more than three hours of professional developmental (education) course work into the program at Tarleton and will be required to meet all institutional requirements for the degree and certification.
5. A minimum of one-third of the semester hours required in each teaching field or areas of emphasis sought must be completed at Tarleton.
6. Individuals who have a degree but are not certified will be evaluated for certification requirements by the Certification Officer (Administration Annex, Room 101; phone 254-968-9817). The Certification Officer also evaluates credentials of individuals with expired certificates. A $50 transcript evaluation fee will be charged.

Note: Individuals who have a degree and a valid teaching certificate from another state and who seek Texas teacher certification must apply directly to the State Board for Educator Certification  to obtain their credentials.

TARLETON WARRANTY FOR FIRST-YEAR TEACHERS

        Because Tarleton State University believes that teacher education is a collaborative process between the University and public schools, and because this University is dedicated to achieving excellence in teacher education, the teaching performance of all Tarleton State University graduates is warranted by the University. Should a graduate of Tarleton's Teacher Education Program receive a Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) domain (I-IV) rating that is less than "satisfactory" on his/her annual appraisal, the University will provide additional professional development aimed at remediating deficiencies at no additional cost to the individual or district.

PROVISIONS

1. The warranty applies only to first-year Texas teachers who graduated from Tarleton State University in the preceding 12 months.
2. To be eligible for the professional development program, the teacher must have received a domain rating(s) of below expectation or unsatisfactory on his/her annual appraisal.
3. All requests for services must be in writing from the superintendent of schools.
4. In cooperation with the independent school district, a professional growth plan will be developed, and the requirements of the plan will be addressed in the professional development program.
5. The program will be limited to one summer and will not include the cost of room and board.