MA Information Packet in Secondary Education and Single Subject K-12: Master s Degree and Class A Teacher Certification

Transcription

1 July 26, 2014 Information Sessions for prospective MA applicants: Thursdays 4:00-4:45 pm Please confirm your attendance by ing Dr. Spezzini at MA Info Sessions take place in the Education Building (EB) - Room 100. Physical Location: th St. South & th St. South, Birmingham MA Information Packet in Secondary Education and Single Subject K-12: Master s Degree and Class A Teacher Certification Welcome to UAB s MA program for teachers of single-subject teaching fields in grades 6-12 (English, mathematics, science, social science) and in grades PK-12 (art, music, ESL, French, and Spanish). The first purpose of this program is to guide educators in meeting the evolving needs of learners within today s rapidly changing society. This program s second purpose is to deliver cutting-edge instruction through a standards-based, inquiry-focused approach based on constructivism that prepares educators to use state-of-the-art instructional strategies in their own classrooms. Its third purpose is to ensure that a quality program is available to educators unable to come to campus during traditional class hours. This program is unique in how it combines online support from Canvas with a variety of delivery formats: blended (online and face-to-face evenings), flexible summer programming, totally online platforms, and Saturday classes. Faculty Members 2 Requirements for Seeking Admission 2 Master s Degree and Class A Certification 3 Content Courses and Program Courses 4 Admission as a Degree-Seeking Student 5 Some Test-Taking Strategies 6 Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking Student 6 QuickLinks, Applications, and Deadlines 7 To-Do List 8 Inquiry Sheet from Prospective MA Students 9 Driving and parking information is provided under the ABOUT tab at page In this information packet, the words student and candidate are used interchangeably. Candidate refers to current and prospective students in UAB s School of Education (SOE). The following information corresponds to UAB policies and procedures in effect on the date of this packet and also to codes and regulations mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Updated versions of this packet will take precedence over what is stated here. Such updates are usually in response to changes in ALSDE codes. The ALSDE periodically updates its codes to provide Alabama schools with educators prepared to meet the changing needs of today s society. NOTE: If an updated certification checklist offers more advantages to already-admitted students, these students may request switching to the updated checklist. Dr. Lynn Kirkland, Department Chair Department of Curriculum and Instruction EB 100, , lkirk@uab.edu Dr. Susan Spezzini, Program Director Secondary Education and Single-Subject K-12 EB 100, , spezzini@uab.edu

2 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 2 Traditional Master s Information Packet Faculty Members School of Education English Language Arts Dr. Tonya Perry EB 110A tperry@uab.edu Mathematics Dr. Tommy Smith EB tsmith@uab.edu Science Dr. Lee Meadows EB lmeadows@uab.edu Social Science Dr. Jeremiah Clabough EB jclabou2@uab.edu Reading and Diversity Dr. Michele Jean Sims EB mjsims@uab.edu English as a Second Language College of Arts and Sciences Music Instrumental Choral Dr. Sue Seay Dr. Josie Prado Dr. Denise Gainey Dr. Brian Kittredge EB 111 EB 119 HC 241 HC sueseay@uab.edu jprado@uab.edu dschmidt@uab.edu briank@uab.edu Visual Arts Dr. Doug Baulos HB 305B dbaulos@uab.edu French and Spanish Dr. Krista Chambless HB 405A kristachambless@uab.edu Requirements for Seeking Admission to UAB s Traditional MA Program 1) Becoming Informed Attend an MA information session: Thursdays (4:00-4:45) in EB 100!Confirm your attendance by sending an to the Program Director, Dr. Spezzini, at spezzini@uab.edu Visit the Department of Curriculum and Instruction website and access webpages: Forms & Documents: Click Traditional Master s Information Packet (which is what you are reading) Program of Study Checklists: Select GRADUATE, then Traditional Master s, and then the teaching field 2) Class B certification in the same teaching field from the ALSDE Class B certification must be valid when seeking admission to the traditional MA and a Class A program 3) Official Transcripts Request official transcripts from all colleges attended, even if you took just one course and it s on another transcript. Have transcripts from all colleges (except UAB) sent to this address (NOTE: These will be used for admission): UAB Graduate School, nd Avenue South, Lister Hill Library G03, Birmingham AL AND, have transcripts from all colleges (including UAB) sent here (NOTE: These will be used for certification): SOE Office of Student Services (OSS), nd Ave. South EB 232; Birmingham, AL ) Admission Exams: Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Miller Analogies Test (scaled score 388 = raw score 35): or Graduate Record Exam (score of 290 current or 850 former): NOTE: If you have a passing score from several years ago, you may request a waiver of the 5-year limit. To do so, scan your score report and send it as an attachment to Dr. Spezzini at spezzini@uab.edu. 5) Other Students must take a Special Education course (ECY 600) if they have not yet had such a course. Students must complete their master s program within 5 years of completing their first course.

3 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 3 Traditional Master s Information Packet Master s Degree and Class A Certification (31-34 credit hours) English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Visual Arts Prerequisite: Class B in Secondary Teaching Field At UAB, the traditional MA program guides already-certified teachers in becoming highly skilled, reflective educators. Its first purpose is to help teachers meet the evolving needs of learners in single-subject classes at the secondary level (6-12) and across grade levels (PK-12). Based on constructivism, its second purpose is to deliver cutting-edge instruction through a standardsbased, inquiry-focused approach that prepares educators to use state-of-the-art instructional strategies in their own classrooms. Its third purpose is to ensure that a quality program is available to teachers who are unable to attend class on a regular basis. Program Courses 4 courses in curriculum and instruction (12 hours) EHS 651 Innovative Practices in Secondary Schools (online) EDC 655 Curriculum Principles and Practices (online) EDC 706 Dynamics of Educational Change (online) Methods: EHS 612 English, 614 Social Science, 615 Science, 616 Mathematics, EDA 680 (varied formats) 4 content courses in your teaching field (12 hours) English language arts, social science, science, mathematics, or visual art (varied delivery formats) NOTE: Acceptable content courses are provided on the following page. 1 course for introducing the program (1 hour) EDU 600 Education as a Profession (online) 2 courses (6 hours) from among the following: EPR 688 Measurement and Evaluation (online) EDF 600 Urban Education (online) EDF 602 Critical Social Issues in American Education (online) Advisor-approved course: 600+ level in education or 500+ level in teaching field (varied formats) Projected Timeline based on a student s first semester in the MA program FALL Plan A (5 terms) Plan B (4 terms) Fall 2014 EDU 600 & EHS 651 EDU 600, EHS 651, & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602 Spring 2015 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 Summer 2015 EDC 655 & two content course EDC 655, two content courses, and another course Fall 2015 EPR 688, EDF 600/602, and/or another course two content courses Summer 2015 two content courses SPRING Plan A (5 terms) Plan B (4 terms) Spring 2015 EDU 600 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 EDU 600, EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 Summer 2015 EDC 655 & a content course EDC 655, two content courses, and another course Fall 2015 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602 Spring 2016 EDC 706 & a content course Two content courses Summer 2016 Two content courses SUMMER Plan A (5 terms) Plan B (4 terms) Summer 2015 EDU 600, EDC 655, & a content course EDU 600, EDC 655, & 2 content courses Fall 2015 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or EDF 602 Spring 2016 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 Summer 2016 Two content courses 2 content courses & another course Fall 2016 EPR 688, EDF 600/602, and/or another course Program Courses for Music, ESL, French, and Spanish are provided on the following page.

4 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 4 Traditional Master s Information Packet Content Courses: English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Visual Arts credit hours Program courses were provided on the preceding page. English Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Science Visual Arts Biology Chemistry Physics General History General ALSDE-approved courses at the level in each of the Teaching Fields (TF) 1 You should meet with your advisor before selecting content courses in your teaching field (TF). You must adhere to stipulations listed below in order to meet requirements on your checklist. 12 graduate credit hours 2 with 9 hours from English & 3 hours from another area English: 3 courses with an EH prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor. Theater: THR 520 or THR 562 (offered during alternating summers) 12 credit hours in math: Courses with an MA prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor 12 credit hours in biology: Courses with BY prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor 12 credit hours in chemistry: Courses with CH prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor 12 credit hours in physics Courses with PH prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor 12 graduate credit hours with courses 2 from at least 2 areas, selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor: Biology: Courses with a BY prefix Chemistry: Courses with a CH prefix Physics: Courses with a PH prefix Geology/Earth Science: ES credit hours in history: Courses with an HY prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor 12 graduate credit hours with courses 2 from at least 2 areas, selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor History: Courses with HY prefix Psychology: PY 702, 703, 704, 705, 707, 708, 709 Political science: MPA 601, 605, 662, 668 Sociology: SOC 716, 740, 755, 759, 760, 775, 778 Economics: EC 520, EC Criminal justice: JS 540, 541, 544, 583, 601, 603 Geography: GEO 590 Anthropology: ANTH 605, 606, 607, 609, 655, 657, 660, 664, credit hours of advisor-approved courses in major fields of art (painting, sculptor, printmaking, drawing, photography, ceramic sculptor, time-based media, graphic design, art history); and also 3 hours in studio art (for art history majors) or in art history (for majors other than in art history) Content Courses and Program Courses: Music, ESL, French and Spanish Music (32-35 hours) Choral & Instrumental ESL (34-37 hours) Foreign Languages (31-34 hours) Dual Certification (43-46 hours) Music: EMU 502, MU 521, MU 529/530, MU 615, MU 629 Music Ensemble (2 hours: MUP 520, 535, 536), Music Theory (3 hours: MU 545, 548, 555, 558) Music History (3 hours: MU 561, 564, 566); Applied Music (2 hours: MUP 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590) Education: EDU 600 (first term), Education (6 hours: EPR 688 or EDF 600/602, or other) EDU (first term), EESL (first term fall or spring), EESL (first term summer), EESL , EESL 620 5, EESL , EESL , EESL , EESL , EESL 690 5, EEC , and an elective credit hours in French (FR), EDU (first term), EHS (even years, e.g., 2014, 2016), EESL (first or second term), EESL , EESL , a practicum course or field study course 345 and an elective 345. One graduate French course is offered each term (fall & spring). Since these courses might conflict with French other courses, candidates may consider studying abroad for a summer. NOTE: Candidates cannot receive credit towards certification for a 500-level course that has the same title as a 400-level course or that meets concurrently with a corresponding 400-level course that they used towards their Class B certificate. 12 credit hours in Spanish (SPA), EDU (first term), EHS (even years: 2014, 2016, ), EESL (first or second term), EESL , EESL , a practicum course or field study course 345 and an elective 345. Spanish Usually 2 graduate Spanish courses are offered in fall and spring, and one course in the summer. Students cannot receive credit towards teacher certification for a 500-level Spanish course that has the same title as a 400-level course or that meets concurrently with a 400-level course that they used towards Class B. EDU (first term), EESL (first term fall or spring), EESL (first term summer), EESL , ESL/French EESL 620 5, EESL , EESL , EESL , EESL , EESL 690 5, EHS (even years, e.g., 2014), and 12 credit hours in French (FR). Same comment as above for French EDU (first term), EESL (first term fall or spring), EESL (first term summer), EESL , ESL/Spanish EESL 620 5, EESL , EESL , EESL , EESL , EESL 690 5, EHS (even years, e.g., 2014), and 12 credit hours in Spanish (SPA). Same comment as above for Spanish 1 Some courses may have UG prerequisites. If candidates have not yet had the prerequisite UG courses, they must first take those prerequisites. 2 Before taking a graduate content course at another institution, candidates must first receive SOE approval. 3 4 Usually in Fall Usually in Spring 5 Usually in Summer (scheduling is subject to change) NOTE: If you have already completed graduate courses in your TF and/or earned a graduate degree, you might be able to use some of these content courses towards your traditional Class A teacher certification from the ALSDE. This possibility does not apply to education courses taken at another institution. Since each applicant s situation is different, individual approval must be sought. After submitting your application for admission to UAB, send your transcripts and course syllabi electronically to Ms. Ekandrea Tarver (edtarver@uab.edu), Certification Specialist in our SOE Office of Student Services. In your , ask Ms. Tarver for help in submitting your request. Do this before starting to take MA courses. That s because the content courses that you took before seeking admission to the MA program will count towards the 5-course limit that you can take before being admitted to the MA program.

5 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 5 Traditional Master s Information Packet Admission as a Degree-Seeking Student 1. Submit degree-seeking application and required documents by deadline (it s OK if your exam scores arrive a few days later): Nov. 1 st (admission to spring) April 1 st (admission to summer) July 1 st (admission to fall) NOTE: If degree-seeking deadline has passed, consider submitting a non-degree application - page Submit a degree-seeking application on the ApplyYourself website (which is easily accessed on the Graduate School website). Go to and click on the large, green APPLY NOW link in the left column. Create an application account (be sure to write down your ApplyYourself username and password) and then log out. Log into your newly-created ApplyYourself account and prepare your application. Upon finishing, click SUBMIT. NOTE: If you had submitted earlier applications to UAB, you must now create another ApplyYourself account. Program and Degree to which you are applying: On a drop-down menu, select from among the following. Education High School Education (MAE) English, math, biology, chemistry, physics, general science, history, general social science, French, Spanish Although the UAB category says High School Education, certification is for grades 6-12 (In French/Spanish, it is P-12). Education Arts Education (MAE) music-choral, music-instrumental, or visual arts (Certification is for grades P-12.) Education English as a 2 nd Language traditional (MAE) ESL certification, ESL & French certification, or ESL & Spanish certification (Certification is for grades P-12.) Admission Exams: DATE Give the approximate month/year when you took the test or plan to take it. (This is required!) SCORE Leave this part blank. That s because UAB will use the score on your official score report. Narrative Question: Provide a polished response (We suggest you write your essay in a Word document and then insert.) References: Include the names and addresses of three people for providing recommendations. When you click submit, UAB will automatically a recommendation form to these people. Application Fee: Pay $45 ($60 for int l candidates) and click SUBMIT. It is highly recommended that this fee be paid online with a credit card or debit card. NOTE: Mailing a check may delay your application by several weeks. 3. Non-native speakers of English: Oral and written language assessments at Graduate School naramor3@uab.edu International applicants: Take the TOEFL (or IELTS) and apply to UAB s English Language Institute (ELI) eli@uab.edu. Pass the ELI s language placement test or successfully complete Level 5 courses in the Intensive English Program. Meet requirements in UAB s booklet for International Students (click on link at bottom left) 4. Be available for an interview, if called. 5. Check application status periodically ( and click on the green APPLY NOW link in the left column). You may also inquire about your status by contacting the Graduate School ( ) gradschool@uab.edu. After your application materials have been received, if will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks for your application to be processed. If you experience difficulties in confirming the status of your application, you could contact Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu). 6. After you are admitted as a degree-seeking student, you will receive an from the Graduate School with the following subject line: UAB Graduate School Admission Decision. This will prompt you to log into an account and will provide a PIN and password to view your online decision letter. This decision letter will include the following information: Your student number (letter B followed by 8 digits) NOTE: You will need this number for identification purposes. Your program (High school 5 th year, Arts education 5 th year, or ESL 5 th year) and your concentration (teaching field) Your residency status as a resident (with in-state tuition) or as a non-resident (with out-of-state tuition) Be sure to read this information very carefully in order to make sure that everything is correct. 7. Follow the instructions in your admission letter with respect to processing a BlazerID. You must immediately process your BlazerID at the BlazerNet Central If you were previously a UAB student and already have a BlazerID, you MUST reactivate your BlazerID. Your BlazerID will serve as your UAB account (Select 8 letters/digits that convey a professional image.) NOTE: You should check your UAB regularly and must always use it in official communication with UAB. 8. Contact your faculty advisor. You will receive an from the C&I Program Director with your advisor s name and . Faculty advisors are assigned by teaching field. They are not listed on BlazerNet (such as are the advisors for UG students). 9. Obtain medical clearance from UAB by the middle of your first semester. You will need this clearance to register for your second semester of classes. For more information, go to In the left column, click on non-clinical domestic graduate students. After you are admitted as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student, you will receive s with instructions for creating an account at This will be followed by an evite from with instructions for uploading your medical documents. 10. Register for class and pay tuition by the deadlines on the calendar. During the year, the first hour of graduate coursework for in-state residents is $585; each additional hour is $370. During each term, a student s first 3-hour course is $1,325; each additional 3-hour course is $1,110. The online fee is $150 per course. NOTE: Yearly increments often occur.

6 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 6 Traditional Master s Information Packet Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking Student UAB Graduate School, gradschool@uab.edu 1. Access the ApplyYourself website: Go to and click on the green APPLY NOW tab (left column). 2. Create an application account, write down your ApplyYourself username and password, and log out. 3. Log back into your ApplyYourself account and select non-degree seeking application. 4. Select education as your intended major and choose Ed Cert Other (or something similar) from the drop-down menu(s). Pay $40 online (debit card or credit card) and click on SUBMIT. NOTE: Mailing a check greatly delays this process. 5. Request official transcripts from all colleges attended, even if you took just one course at a given institution. 6. A few days after your transcript(s) and application have arrived at the Graduate School, you will receive an with the admission decision. Follow the instructions in this , process (or reactivate) your BlazerID, and register for class. 7. Because of your non-degree seeking status, you will not be able to register for class until 3 weeks before the term starts. You will also need overrides to register for courses. You can request a degree level override for education courses by sending an to Dr. Spezzini with your student ID number ( B followed by several digits) and the number, name and CRN (course registration number) for the education course(s) you wish to take. 8. With non-degree status, you can take only 12 credit hours towards your degree. During the semesters in which you take courses with non-degree seeking status, you are not eligible for financial aid. Some Test-Taking Strategies Test-taking strategies 1) Test takers should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the test is scheduled to start. Test-takers must be inside of the designated testing room before the time indicated on the instructions. For example, if test-takers are told to arrive by 10:30, this means that the door of the testing room closes at 10:30 and no one else is permitted to enter. 2) If test takers do not know the answer to a question, we recommend that they should simply mark C". Test takers should not be concerned about marking C numerous times. Simply marking C works well since the passing score on the MAT corresponds to correctly marking only 35% of questions. NOTE: This approach will not work as well when a higher score is required. This approach also does not work on other types of exams such as Advanced Placement or Nursing Boards; it depends on the test. 3) Of the questions to which test takers "simply mark C", about 25% will be correct. For example, if they "simply mark C" on 40 questions, about 10 will be correct. For some test takers, this is the difference between passing and not passing. 4) If test takers are slow readers, they should not get bogged down with trying to understand complicated questions. Many of the MAT questions are like puzzles that take a long time to figure out; other questions might be very confusing. When test takers see a seemingly unsolvable puzzle or confusing question, they should not even attempt to read it. Instead, they should simply mark C" and go on to the next question. If they have time left at the end, they can come back to questions where they had simply marked C. 5) Test takers should wear a watch with clear numbers on it when taking a paper-based test (time appears on the screen for computerbased testing). Test takers cannot rely on their cell phone for telling time because they are not allowed to bring cell phones into the testing room. Moreover, test takers cannot rely on the wall clock because sometimes it is not easily visible. Test takers should write down the time when they start the test and write down when the test is supposed to end. One minute before the end, they should simply mark C" on all the remaining questions. That way, if they run out of time, they will have responded to all of the questions. Tips to prepare for the MAT 6) Students can access a limited amount of test preparation materials online at the MAT website. They can also purchase a test preparation book at the UAB book stores as well as at major book stores in shopping malls. When doing so, be sure the materials say MAT (and not GMAT when is for business administration). 7) An excellent way to prepare for the MAT is by taking several practice tests (included in the online and purchased test preparation materials) in a secluded area and by setting a timer for the allotted time. 8) If students have a disability, they should register with UAB s Disability Support Services (205) This takes time. So, if students plan to seek a disability designation at UAB, they must start this process at least 3 months before the test date. Once students have been designated by UAB's Student Disability Services as having a disability, they will probably be allowed to take the MAT with accommodations, such as extra time. The exact accommodation depends on the type of disability. 9) By following these test taking strategies and study tips, students are usually able to do better on the MAT. The important thing is to prepare well, go into the testing room with confidence, and implement test-taking strategies before and during the test.

7 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 7 Traditional Master s Information Packet QuickLinks Click on and look in the top right corner, under SEARCH. Education Quicklinks Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction Class Schedule Financial Aid Graduate School (applications & much more) Office of Clinical Experiences (internship) Office of Student Services/OSS (applications) Scholarship Opportunities Sterne Library Student Teaching (internship) Tuition and Fees Task Stream Applications and Deadlines UAB Quicklinks Academic Calendar Apply (seeking admission) Ask IT (technology problems) BlazerExpress (bus system) BlazerNET (registering, paying, etc.) Campus Map Canvas (online course access) Directory (names and contact info) (accessing your account) Emergency/B-Alert (bad weather) 1) Application for Admission Graduate School (LHL G03) Projected Admission Degree-seeking Admission* Non-Degree Seeking Admission* (F 14: 8/18/14) Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School Spring 2015 November 1, 2014 December 19, 2014 Summer 2015 April 1, 2015 April 24, 2015 Fall 2015 July 1, 2015 August 14, 2015 *Subject to change; updates will be posted here: 2) Application for Degree All SOE graduate students must submit their Application for Degree to the OSS (Suite 232) by the SOE deadlines**. Anticipated Graduation **SOE Deadline: OSS - Suite 232 Graduate School Deadline*** Spring 2015 November 1, 2014 SOE students must meet the OSS deadline. Summer 2015 April 1, 2015 SOE students must meet the OSS deadline. Fall 2015 July 1, 2015 SOE students must meet the OSS deadline. ***This deadline is for the OSS to send the SOE graduate students Applications for Degree to the Graduate School. The School of Education (SOE) recommends students to UAB s Graduate School for graduating with a master s degree. After approving the recommendation, the Graduate School awards the master s degree. Requirements: Completion of degree program (based on the corresponding certification checklist) with GPA of at least 3.0 Electronic assessment portfolio (TaskStream) to be explained and started in the EDU 600 course Satisfactory completion of key assessments - to be explained and started in EDU 600 Satisfactory professional dispositions throughout program - to be explained and started in EDU 600 3) Application for Certification Suite 232 Detailed information is provided here: Certification Handbooks Anticipated Graduation Due Date for Preferential Processing Spring 2015 April 1, 2015 Summer 2015 July 1, 2015 Fall 2015 November 1, 2015 The SOE recommends candidates to the ALSDE for Class A Teacher Certification in the targeted teaching field. After approving the recommendation, the ALSDE issues the certification. Requirements Completion of the certification checklist (without any course substitutions) Fulfillment of all criteria stipulated by the ALSDE in its teacher certification codes and regulations

8 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 8 Traditional Master s Information Packet To-Do List Preparing for Admission (summary of page 2) 1. Participate in an information session for prospective MA students: a) Contact Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu ) and confirm that you would like to attend b) Attend Thursday, 4:00 to 4:45, in EB 100 (Education Building, th Street South) 2. Receive this Information Packet for Prospective MA Students: a) Complete the Inquiry Sheet on page 9 b) Give this Inquiry Sheet to Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu) c) Read this Information Packet 3. Meet all admission requirements: a) Have a valid Alabama Class B certificate in the area required for your targeted Class A program b) Order official transcripts from all colleges attended (even if just one course) and have them sent to UAB s Graduate School and to UAB s School of Education (if not already on file) 4. Obtain a passing score on either the MAT (388+) or GRE (290+ current or 850+ former) prior to the deadline for submitting an application for admission. Information about these exams is provided on page 2 and also at these websites: and NOTE: An acceptable alternative is to have registered to take the MAT or GRE by the application deadline. However, although you will not yet have received your test score, you must submit your admission application to the Graduate School by the deadline. If you already have a passing score from several years ago, you may request a waiver of the 5-year limit. To do so, scan your score report and send it as an attachment to Dr. Spezzini at spezzini@uab.edu. 5. Take ECY 600 Intro to Exceptional Learners if not already taken as an UG (ECY 300 in your UG program) DONE: Check off Applying for Admission (summary of page 5) 6 Submit your degree-seeking application by the deadline (Nov. 1 st for spring, April 1 st for summer, July 1 st for fall), list 3 people as references, and pay $45 preferably online. 7 Periodically check the status of your application and accompanying materials by clicking on 8. Follow up with the three people that you listed for providing letters of recommendation. 9. After receiving your admission from the Graduate School, do the following: a) Process or reactivate your BlazerID b) Follow all other instructions in your admission letter 10. Obtain medical clearance from UAB by the middle of your first semester. You will need this clearance to register for your second semester of classes. For more information, go to In the left column, click on non-clinical domestic graduate students. After you are admitted as a degreeseeking or non-degree seeking student, you will receive s with instructions for creating an account at This will be followed by an evite from with instructions for uploading your medical documents. 11. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English Contact Graduate School (naramor3@uab.edu) and sign up for the oral and written language assessments. 12. International applicants a) Take either the internet-based TOEFL or the IELTS. b) Meet all other criteria at the following website: Peace Corps: If interested in combining your master s degree with 2 years of teaching overseas, please contact Dr. Spezzini.

9 Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 9 Alternative Master s Program (AMP) - 5 th year Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL Information Packet: July 23, 2014 Inquiry Sheet from Prospective MA Students I would like to obtain an MA in the following teaching field (please circle) Mathematics English Science Social Sciences Visual Arts Music French Spanish ESL Official Name Preferred Name/Nickname All former names Name on Teaching Certificate Home Home Phone Cell Home Address Date of Birth Work Work Phone City State zip Undergraduate degree: major minor college/univ. year graduated Graduate: degree major minor college/univ year graduated Certification: Class B (bachelor s level) For certification purposes, where and when did you take an introductory course to special education? Current Employment as a Teacher: Former Employment as a Teacher: Total years of full time teaching in an accredited school: Prerequisites: Valid Class B Teacher Certification from the ALSDE in the area required by the targeted Class A certification Passing score on the MAT (388+) or GRE (290+ current or 850+ former) Non-native speakers of English: Take the Graduate School language assessments International students: Take TOEFL or IELTS, apply to UAB s ELI & pass Level 5 after arriving at UAB I am aware of the following: 1) Applicants should read and follow the stipulations in this information packet and keep themselves informed regarding any changes. 2) All regulations described in this information packet are valid only up until the date on this packet. 3) Policies are established by the ALSDE, these policies are subject to change, and all candidates must abide by all such changes. 4) Candidates must submit their admission applications to UAB s Graduate School by the deadline. However, it is usually OK for exam scores to arrive a few days after the deadline. 5) When communicating with UAB faculty and staff by , candidates should always use professional etiquette, should fully identify themselves, and should also provide some background information. 6) After candidates have obtained a UAB , they must check it frequently and always use it in official communication. 7) Candidates must take all of the education courses on their certification checklist (no substitutions) and follow all procedures to earn an MA degree from UAB and also Class A certification from the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). 8) If recommended by a course instructor or the program director, candidates must take GRD 727 Academic Writing. 9) Candidates must always demonstrate a high level of professional dispositions worthy of the teaching profession. Failure to do so will result in being exited by the SOE. 10) Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to continue from semester to semester and also to be eligible for earning an master s degree and Class A certification. The Graduate School exits candidates following the second semester of academic probation. 11) Candidates must confer with their SOE faculty advisor or with their program director whenever they have questions concerning their program. Advisors and program directors give advice but that they are not responsible for a candidate s program or degree. 12) Candidates must submit an Application for Degree to the program director and/or to the SOE Office of Student Services about 7 months before their anticipated graduation. Failure to do so may delay their graduation by a full semester. 13) Candidates must submit an Application for Certification to the Office of Student Services during their final semester. 14) After the MA degree has been posted on their transcript, candidates should submit a request to UAB for an official transcript to be sent to their school system in order to become reclassified in a new salary bracket. This salary reclassification will be finalized after the school receives official notification of the Class A certificate. 15) Upon discontinuing studies for more than a year, even with leave of absence, candidates must follow the program in effect upon re-entry. Prospective Student s Signature: Date spezzini@uab.edu TEL (205) FAX (205)