NLU/AUSL Resident Handbook

Transcription

1 NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION NLU/AUSL Resident Handbook Edition This version includes the Master of Arts in Teaching Addendum: Elementary and Secondary Education 1

2 WELCOME TO NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY The National College of Education (NCE) faculty of National Louis University (NLU) welcomes students to our Master of Arts in Teaching programs (MAT) in Elementary, Secondary and Special Education and to our Master s of Education (M.Ed.) programs in Special Education and Urban Education. The purpose of this NLU/AUSL Program Handbook is to outline the university courses, policies, procedures, and services related to the NLU/AUSL program. The faculty of National College of Education is committed to providing a rich set of experiences that will assist students in becoming successful teachers. We expect this Handbook to be used in conjunction with information from the university faculty, the Graduate Catalog, and the Student Guidebook and Calendar to guide students and to make the journey through National Louis University and National College of Education valuable and memorable. The president and the officers of National Louis University reserve the right to change the requirements for admission or graduation, the arrangement, schedule, credit, or content of courses, the books used, fees charged, regulations affecting students, and to refuse to admit or readmit, and to dismiss any student any time should it be deemed to be required in the interest of the student or the university to do so. National Louis University admits students to all programs and activities and administers all educational, employment, and other policies without discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, handicap, or national or ethnic origin. 2

3 NCE Conceptual Framework A Professional Community Advocating for All Learners NCE Faculty and candidates use scholarly habits of mind and methods of inquiry in order to affect P-12 student learning by: Envisioning, articulating, and modeling democratic and progressive education Designing powerful learning environments that: o integrate appropriate technologies o utilize multiple meaningful assessments o enable self-directed learning Working collaboratively in diverse communities and with diverse learners to achieve learning goals Advocating for democratic values, equity, access and resources to assure educational success for all NCE Faculty and candidates continuously demonstrate a high standard of professional ethics by: Cultivating curiosity and excitement for learning in themselves and others Respecting and learning from other peoples, cultures, and points of view Demonstrating a caring attitude in recognizing the needs of others and acting to promote their growth Acting with confidence and self-knowledge to assume professional leadership roles and responsibilities Using information from self and others to continuously improve 3

4 NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Alison Hilsabeck Dean Dr. Arlene Borthwick Associate Dean Dr. Joan Fedota Assistant Dean Dr. Sherri Bressman Director, Teacher Preparation Unit Dr. Sy Karlin Director, Teacher Preparation Unit Scott Sullivan Director of AUSL/NLU Partnership Dr. Shaunti Knath M.ED AUSL Program Coordinator Janet Lorch MAT/AUSL Program Coordinator: Elementary Education Dr. Laura Swartzbaugh MAT/AUSL Program Coordinator: Secondary Education Dr. Donna Wakefield MAT/AUSL Program Coordinator; Special Education Elizabeth Castillo AUSL Academic Advisor Grover Wake Learning Support Contact 4

5 ADMISSION TO THE NLU/AUSL PROGRAM Students admitted to the NLU/AUSL program are considered students of National Louis University (NLU) and residents in the Academy of School Leadership (AUSL) program. In this handbook, residents will refer to NLU students in the AUSL program. GENERAL NLU/AUSL PROGRAM INFORMATION RESIDENT/STUDENT SERVICES Academic, campus, and university policies procedures and services of NLU are documented in the NLU Guidebook. The guidebook is available on campus through the Office of Student Affairs and at TECHNOLOGY AND STUDENT ACCOUNTS The NLU Helpdesk is available 24/7 at to assist students with login questions or other questions related to technology at NLU. NLU maintains a website at Information about NLU services and a link to the NLU portal can be found on this site. Residents are able to access their grades, unofficial transcripts, account balances, financial aid, tuition bills, and student schedules through the NLU portal. NLU provides every registered student with a personal account. This account is an official form of communication between the University and students. Students (other than those with a relevant ADA-certified disability) are responsible for checking their account regularly. It is NLU policy to send information to students only through the NLU accounts and it is the students responsibility to check the NLU frequently to stay aware of university policies and deadlines. Contract the Registrar s Office for policies if you wish to opt out of using NLU . Once registration has been officially processed by the Academic Advising Center, an NLU portal and student accounts will be created automatically. Please follow these steps to access your accounts: 1. Connect with the internet at 2. Log in with the User Name which was provided in an from the University at the time of registration. 3. The Initial Password is National + birth year (YYYY). Once logged in, change the password by accessing the password tool channel. 4. Contact the NLU Helpdesk for assistance if needed. In addition, AUSL residents have an AUSL administered account. NLU can be forwarded to this account for ease of management. Instructions on how to forward external mail to the NLU account as well as how to set up NLU on smartphones and external devices is located on the NLU portal homepage or from the NLU Helpdesk. Residents are responsible for the content of all NLU s. It is the residents responsibility to forward their NLU to their AUSL account. Computer labs for NLU student use are conveniently located at each campus. 5

6 TEXTBOOKS Residents are responsible for buying textbooks and/or other related materials. A list of required texts for summer courses is handed out at the summer information session in order to give ample time to purchase texts before classes begin. Some texts may be used for multiple terms. Textbooks may also be available on-line through the Virtual Bookstore at: Starting class with the required texts is important so make sure to order books and/or materials early. NLU LIBRARY There is a library branch on each NLU campus. The Chicago library is on the 6 th floor. Many resources are also available online at The NLU Library provides access to materials online and in print that support the academic programs and research interests of the NLU community, including locally produced scholarship, archives and special collections. Library faculty are partners in teaching at the University and offer instruction, credit courses and Library Guides on a variety of research topics. Chicago Campus Library Regular Hours: Monday Thursday: 8:30am 8pm Friday: 9am 5pm Saturday: 9am-2pm Sunday and Holidays: Closed LEARNING SUPPORT *National Louis University s Learning Support staff provides free tutoring and other support for NLU students. Call or [email protected] to make a free face-to-face tutoring appointment. With the Smarthinking online tutoring service, live chat with a tutor is available in your subject area. ALL NLU students can also submit a writing sample for tips and suggestions and expect a reply in 24 hours or less. For more information go to To make an appointment to meet with one of the Learning Support staff, or for more information about their services, call or [email protected]. Learning Support provides these free resources for all NLU Students: Smarthinking online tutoring support Face to Face tutoring Test Preparation RESIDENT PORTFOLIOS/LIVETEXT An electronic portfolio is required of all residents in the NLU/AUSL programs. To create this portfolio, residents are required to register for an online account with LiveText at There is a fee for this account. Each NLU/AUSL programs has its own requirements for LiveText. Program specific requirements will be discussed at orientation and in summer courses. For support using LiveText, check NLU s LiveText website at In addition, while logged into your LiveText account, a Help button appears in the upper right of the screen. This will bring you to an information page with many forms of support. The NLU LiveText Support Team can be reached at (312) , or via at [email protected]. Finally, LiveText can be contacted directly at (866) L-I-V-E-T-E-X-T - (866) , or send an to [email protected]. 6

7 DESIRE TO LEARN (D2L) D2L is NLU s official Learning Management System that is used for face-to-face, blended and online courses. For more information about D2L as well as a complete list of supporting materials please visit: INFORMATION ABOUT NLU/AUSL COURSEWORK GRADES OF C OR BELOW IN NLU COURSES Due to the accelerated nature of the NLU/AUSL coursework, grades are an important factor in a resident s ability to continue in the program. When a resident receives a grade below a B in any course, the appropriate Program Coordinator will be contacted by the NLU instructor. If remediation is not an option or is not possible due to the time frame or other factors, the resident may need to be released from the NLU/AUSL program. Specific program requirements can be found in each program s handbook addendum. WAIVER OF OBSERVATION HOURS Due to the nature of the AUSL year-round residency, observation hours required for coursework may be waived at the discretion of the NLU instructor. MIDDLE SCHOOL ENDORSEMENTS Earning a Middle Level Endorsement to teach grades 6 8 is an option for MAT and M.ED residents. Both elementary and secondary AUSL programs make a resident certificate eligible with the potential to teach middle level students, the Type 03 (K-9) or Type 09 (6 12). The endorsement is completed after taking two courses: MLE 500 and MLE 502. MLE 500 Middle Level Education: An Overview Candidates are challenged and empowered to be developmentally responsive middle level educators. Candidates develop current best middle level practices, competencies and instructional strategies. Candidates will advance their knowledge of the unique developmental characteristics and culture of young adolescents (10-14 year olds) and how these characteristics impact middle level education and teaching. The course distinguishes middle level education history, philosophy and practices as a distinct pedagogy from elementary and secondary education. MLE502 Middle Level Curriculum Teacher candidates explore appropriate curricular models for young adolescent learners. Teacher candidates work individually and collaboratively to develop strategies for teaching and leadership in diverse middle level classrooms. Inquiry, creativity and critical thinking are encouraged through the infusion of fine and applied arts as well as production and use of technology. Teacher candidates learn strategies for differentiated instruction and assessment. Standards-based, content teaching and learning processes are addressed. Teacher candidates create curriculum that is challenging, exploratory, integrative and relevant for their students. 7

8 ADDITIONS TO ALL NLU/AUSL SYLLABI Attendance Attendance is important to the accomplishment of university curriculum objectives. Regular attendance, active participation and preparedness in all classes and seminars is required. In case of an unexpected emergency, contact the instructor in writing ( ) and if possible, in advance of the seminar or class being missed, and an alternate assignment will be required based on the instructor's policy. Residents who miss more than one class or seminar may not be able to fulfill the requirements for passing the course and may have to withdraw. An unexcused absence may result in a lowering of the final grade. Online and Blended Course Attendance For courses that are blended or meet online, there are lab resource days scheduled to use computer labs on campus to finish the coursework. The online courses have start and stop dates just like a regular face to face class, so please don t put things off thinking that, because they re online, there are no deadlines. Use the time available to you to finish work in the course of the school day. Coursework Assignments are due on time, and collegiate quality of written work is expected. Considerations for late submissions should be arranged in advance with the instructor and may not receive full credit without prior consent of the instructors. All work must be typed; 12pt. font, double spaced, and be grammatically and mechanically correct. Instructors may place additional requirements on coursework. Residents will be notified as soon as possible if performance on any of the classroom expectations needs improvement or falls below the passing level. Incompletes/In-Progress Due to the accelerated nature of the Residency program, Incomplete/In-progress grades are highly discouraged. In instances of actual emergency an In Progress grade may be appropriate after a conversation with your instructor, but receiving an In Progress grade should be avoided and can only be given if 75% of the work of the course is completed, and will only be given by the discretion of the Instructor. This is not a traditional program and courses cannot be dropped and completed later without impacting your degree and certification status. Classroom Expectations The cohort model is an intentional construction of a learning group for a desired outcome. As part of a cohort, the expectation is that residents take part in group assignments and projects, build a sense of support and community, and contribute intellectually to the growth of the group as well as the individual. Dissent and discontent can happen in a cohort but they should be managed respectfully and professionally. This expectation of civility, respect, and involvement includes outside of classroom behaviors and online interactions. It is the expectation that all residents are acting in a professional manner in class. Professional expectations include following the class attendance policy, arriving on time and prepared for class, completing and submitting assignments on time, showing respect for classmates, teachers, and others, contributing to class discussions, and demonstrating effective communication skills (written and oral). If there are issues with professional expectations, the instructor will set up a meeting with the resident. A plan for improvement in the areas of concern will be put in place with steps needed to improve. Concerns and a plan to address these concerns will be documented in writing and a copy will be sent to the resident s NLU . 8

9 NLU/AUSL Writing Expectations Graduate level writing is expected on all assignments. The rubric below will be used for all written work submitted. Instructors reserve the right to assign a portion of the grade to writing, and may also refuse to accept any assignment that does not meet the writing expectations. In this case the resident will need to revise before submitting the assignment for a grade. Residents who exhibit writing deficiencies will be supported through the Writing Support Process and support will be documented on the Student Support Plan. Support will be coordinated by the course instructor, program coordinator, and NLU s Learning Support* staff. The NLU/AUSL Learning Support contact is Grover Wake ([email protected]; ). Writing Support Process Meets Partially Meets Doesn t Meet Graduate Writing Expectation Free or nearly free of writing errors: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, verb tenses Contains occasional errors likely careless and not carefully proofread Action to be taken None After 2 papers have been submitted that need revision in a course, a meeting with the instructor will be required. Support None Meet with instructor to discuss writing competencies. Student referred to Learning Support. Document results of meeting and copy Program Coordinator Contains many errors; errors interfere with meaning or flow of text Papers in this category will require a meeting with the instructor to determine next step. Meeting with instructor to decide plan for remediation. Student referred to Learning Support. Document results of meeting and copy Program Coordinator Instructors will send course information to the resident s NLU account through the NLU portal. Residents are responsible for the content of all NLU s. It is the residents responsibility to forward their NLU to their AUSL account. For help with this contact the NLU help desk at Cell Phone and Laptop Use Please mute all cell phones. Laptops may be used for note taking and for in class projects. There may be "screen free" times requested by the instructor. In class texting is discouraged except in extreme circumstances. Social Networking During Class Refrain from accessing unnecessary online resources during class. Do not update statuses, comment on classroom activities, colleagues, or course content online during class. If you are using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or computer in class, it is expected that you are only doing academic work at that time. Instructors may request screen free times during class. 9

10 NCE/NLU CANDIDATE DISPOSTIONS ASSESSEMENT TOOL The purpose of the NCE Candidate Dispositions Assessment tool is to support teacher candidates growth in professional dispositions within the university classroom (not field/clinical) as they relate to the NCE Conceptual Framework. Please note that the ratings candidates indicate on this self-assessment will not be factored into course grades. The tool will be completed at the beginning and at the end of each NLU/AUSL program. Please see the specific program addendum for more information about the specific courses in which the tool will be applied. EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY All requests for exceptions to NLU program policies are to be submitted in writing to the appropriate NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator. NCE GRADUATE ADMISSION & RETENTION COUNCIL The purpose of the NCE Graduate Admission & Retention Council is to consider student petitions regarding, but not limited to, the following NLU/NCE policies: admission to graduate study, retention in graduate study, extension of time limitation to complete degree, core course waivers, acceptance of more than nine hours prior to admission, transfer of credit beyond six hours, acceptance of extension or workshop credit beyond the maximum, grade appeals. The Council is composed of representatives of the graduate faculty and graduate student body. Currently it meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month during the academic year from September through June except December. Petitions must be received by the Chair of the Council at least two weeks in advance of the meeting so that there is time to distribute materials to members of the Council. The academic advisor must sign the petition. All information and documentation related to the petition must accompany the petition. Advisors have copies of the Student Petition to the NCE Graduate Admission & Retention Council. The petition is also available online. If a petition is denied, students have the right to appeal the Council s decision to the Associate Dean of the National College of Education. An appeal to the Associate Dean is not a rehearing of the petition. The purpose of the appeal is to review the process only. RESIDENT/STUDENT CONCERNS Concerns regarding the quality of the NLU/AUSL program or fairness of policies should be discussed with the Program Coordinator. If the concern remains unresolved and has far reaching effects, contact the Director of AUSL/University Partnerships directly. If still unresolved, contact the Unit Director for the Teacher Preparation Unit. 10

11 NLU/AUSL REVIEW PROCESS (This plan is a revision of the Traditional NCE Review Process to reflect the needs of the AUSL resident) When difficulties arise in the classroom or placement, an NLU faculty member or coordinator, AUSL Mentor Resident Coach (MRC) and/or mentor teacher meet with the resident to discuss the concerns. This could be initiated at the request of the resident, the mentor, the NLU representative, the MRC, or a school administrator. This process is used to openly discuss any concern[s], provide assistance, and facilitate a decision regarding the concern[s]. STEP 1 Classroom Level School A specific, written remediation plan will be developed by the NLU representative and the MRC that clarifies the nature of the concern[s], the agreed upon outcome[s], and the timeline for implementation. Most difficulties can be resolved at the classroom level through open, professional levels of communication. The NLU representative submits a copy of the written remediation plan to the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator. The remediation plan becomes part of the resident s record at NLU. A letter from the AUSL or from the MRC will be accepted as an alternative to the Remediation Plan. STEP 2 Classroom Level University If the matter remains unresolved or intensifies, or is not able to be resolved without intervention from AUSL and/or the university, the NLU representative, MRC and resident discuss the concern[s], relevant information, and documentation. In some cases the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator, mentor teacher and/or school administrator may also be involved. A decision will be made regarding continuation in the placement or university course. If the decision is that the resident will continue in the current placemen or course, or if offered a change of placement by AUSL, a new written remediation plan will be developed by the NLU representative and AUSL MRC that outlines the continued concern[s], the agreed upon outcome[s], and the timeline for implementation. The NLU representative will discuss and document the impact of the problem[s] on the grade for the field experience with the practicum seminar leader. The NLU representative will inform the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator about the concerns raised in this situation and send a copy of all written documentation. The remediation plan becomes part of the resident s record at NLU. A letter from AUSL or from the AUSL MRC will be accepted as an alternative to the Remediation Plan. If the matter warrants a removal from the school or from the AUSL residency, the matter is referred to the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator and moves to Step 3. Step 3 Program Level When a resident has been removed or leaves a school the resident (this could be initiated by the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator, school administrator or by AUSL) the resident will meet with the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator and Director of AUSL/University Partnerships to discuss the concern[s], relevant information, and all documentation. This discussion must occur within 5 days of the notification of removal. A decision will be made regarding the options available to the resident. The resident will be notified of the Program Level decision in writing within 5 days of the meeting. The NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator will also notify the Academic Advising Center, the unit chair, and the dean s office of the decision in writing. One of the following options will be followed: 11

12 Option A If there were special conditions or situations that have encumbered the resident, the resident may be eligible to apply to enter a traditional NCE program. A Remediation Plan will be written that will stipulate the conditions of remediation for receiving a placement during a later quarter. The resident should follow the process listed on the NLU/AUSL Release Form. Option B If it is the combined judgment of the Program Coordinator, NLU representative and Director of AUSL/University Partnerships that the resident is unable to assume the roles and responsibilities of a classroom teacher, the resident will not be assigned another placement and will be released from AUSL and from NLU. The resident will be advised to reconsider career goals. This automatically makes the resident ineligible for entry into any NLU traditional teacher preparation program and terminates progress toward certification. Step 4 College Level Residents who wish to appeal the decision at STEP 3 must submit a petition to the appropriate Undergraduate or Graduate Admission and Retention Council within 30 days of the receipt of the written decision. Residents must contact the Graduate Advising Center for assistance in submitting the petition (advisor signature is required). 12

13 NLU/AUSL REMEDIATION/ STUDENT SUPPORT PLAN Date Resident Name ELE SEC SPE NLU ID # Course # School Grade Level Initiated by Role Brief description of the nature of the concerns Agreed upon solution Timeline for implementation Grade Implication (if appropriate): Signatures (as appropriate) Resident Mentor Teacher NLU Faculty Liaison NLU Instructor AUSL MRC NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator Attach AUSL Documentation if appropriate Copy to Faculty Liaison and NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator 13

14 RESIDENTS RELEASED FROM AUSL When a resident chooses to leave AUSL, or if a resident is released from the AUSL program by AUSL, there is not an automatic transfer into a traditional NLU program. When a resident is released by AUSL, the AUSL Director will send a letter to the resident and the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator. This letter will detail the reasons for dismissal. If the resident is interested in applying for acceptance into the traditional program, the resident must fill out the NLU/AUSL Request to be Admitted to Traditional Program form and send it via to the appropriate NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator may also request input from Faculty Liaisons, MRC, mentor teachers, and/or course instructors as appropriate. Residents who are approved to enter a traditional program may be subject to additional admission requirements such as deficiency coursework, tests, and minimum GPA. Additional coursework may also be required for certification and for the degree. See the appropriate handbook supplement for details. It is important to note that this process may take up to several weeks. A decision will be communicated to the resident within 30 days of receipt of this form by the Program Coordinator. If the resident is accepted into a traditional NLU program, he or she should set up a meeting with the appropriate Program Coordinator to review courses fill out the application for a program change, determine necessary coursework, and fill out the applications for placement. Placements may take up to two terms to confirm, therefore residents should not expect to transition to the traditional program immediately. Once released from AUSL, the resident is no longer registered for any existing or remaining NLU coursework. It is the responsibility of the resident to drop all courses. Failure to do so could result in failing grades posted or additional fees charged. 14

15 NLU/AUSL Release Request to be Admitted to Traditional NLU Program Resident Name NLU Contact MRC Date of release from AUSL Voluntary Release (Yes or No) Date NLU/AUSL Release Form received by Program Coordinator: The AUSL Resident should respond to the following questions. Please provide complete answers and details when appropriate. Consider why you should be allowed to enter the traditional program. Why did you leave AUSL? Please give detailed reason(s). To which NLU program are you planning to apply? Why do you believe you can successfully complete a traditional Program? Please address any concerns that were documented in the AUSL Release Letter. Responses should be sent via to the NLU/AUSL Program Coordinator. NLU/AUSL Release Checklist - The following items need to be received by the Program Coordinator: NLU/AUSL Release form completed by AUSL Resident Copies of NLU Competency Appraisals from Mentor Teacher and University Liaison (if appropriate) Copy of Release Letter from AUSL Once approved for admittance into the Traditional NCE Program, the following are required: Program Change Form Updated General Education Assessment Application for Practicum II/ Student Teaching Note: this application is due at least 2 terms in advance. (ELE students only) It is the responsibility of the resident to withdraw in writing from NLU coursework. Information about withdrawing can be obtained at 15

16 NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION NLU/AUSL Resident Handbook Master of Arts in Teaching Addendum: Elementary and Secondary Education Edition 16

17 WELCOME TO THE MAT/AUSL PROGRAM The National College of Education (NCE) faculty of National Louis University (NLU) welcomes students to our Master of Arts in Teaching program (MAT) in Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of this Master of Arts in Teaching Program Handbook Addendum is to outline the university courses, policies, procedures, and services related to the Elementary and Secondary Education programs leading to initial teacher certification. We expect this information to be used in conjunction with information from the NLU/AUSL Handbook, university faculty, the Graduate Catalog, and the Student Guidebook and Calendar to guide students and to make the journey through National Louis University and National College of Education valuable and memorable. ADMISSION TO THE MAT/AUSL PROGRAM GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (GERs) An assessment is made of the transcripts submitted during the application process. All transcripts must be provided to document general education coursework completed at two-year and four-year institutions. After transcripts have been evaluated, residents receive a report that describes the areas (if any) in which GERs remain. The NLU/AUSL Advisor can assist in determining how these may be completed. Secondary Education residents must complete all General Education Requirements (GERs) before beginning NLU coursework. It is in the best interest of the Elementary Education AUSL resident to fulfill any General Education Requirements before beginning the MAT/AUSL Program. All GERs must be completed before degree can be posted and before certification. Elementary Education residents must have a minimum of 18 SH in a single liberal studies discipline and at least 2 semester hours in the following areas: Communication Mathematics [6 SH required]** Science History or Political Science Global/Multicultural Studies Literature ** Deficiencies in Mathematics must be fulfilled before the beginning of the fall term. Failure to do so may result in the resident needing to withdraw from the NLU/AUSL program. Successful completion of MHE450 Math for Teachers (grade C or better) will satisfy the math deficiency. Acceptance into the NLU/AUSL program does not guarantee acceptance in any other NLU program. GRADE REQUIREMENTS AND OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS A grade of C or higher is required in order to receive credit for any specific GER. When completing these GERs at the undergraduate level, residents are advised to make certain the course carries college credit and thus is not considered high school equivalent/college preparatory in nature. 17

18 Official transcripts for all GERs should be sent to the attention of Micah Bell on the Lisle campus. Transcripts are then filed with the Office of Admissions. Certification applications will not be processed unless all official transcripts are on file. INFORMATION ABOUT MAT/AUSL COURSEWORK GRADES OF C OR BELOW IN NLU COURSES Due to the accelerated nature of the NLU/AUSL coursework, grades are an important factor in a resident s ability to continue in the program. When a resident receives a grade below a B in any course, the appropriate Program Coordinator will be contacted by the NLU instructor. If remediation is not an option or is not possible due to the time frame or other factors, the resident may need to be released from the NLU/AUSL program. Residents who receive a grade of C in ELE587, ELE 597 or any SEC course will not be permitted to enroll in additional NLU/AUSL coursework or field experiences. Residents must contact the MAT/AUSL Program Coordinator to determine their future in the college and possibility of entry into a traditional MAT program. A grade of D or F indicates that a resident cannot continue in the MAT/AUSL program. This decision would be communicated to all MAT/AUSL Program faculty and the Registrar s Office, and the resident would not be eligible to enter the traditional MAT program. If a grade below a B is received in any methods class, residents are required to schedule a meeting with the NLU Program Coordinator. Residents may invite any instructors who can contribute information to the record in order to provide evidence that residents are ready to continue in the MAT/AUSL program. Residents may be required to retake a methods class or take an advanced methods class before continuing on in the program. A grade of D or F in a methods course indicates that a resident cannot continue in the MAT/AUSL program. Grades below a C are not accepted for certification A Resident needs to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above to continue in the MAT/AUSL program. If the GPA falls below 3.0 the resident may be released, pending a conversation with the MAT/AUSL Program Coordinator. FACULTY LIAISON/SUPERVISION Feedback and support are important components of the NLU/AUSL experience. Supervision in the AUSL program involves NLU Faculty Liaisons who are directly assigned to each training academy. NLU Faculty Liaisons provide a link from the classroom experience of the resident to the university instructors and their feedback contributes to the grade of these courses. The following NLU classes will have supervision from NLU as part of the coursework: ELE587, ELE597, SEC597 18

19 GRADUATE STUDY PLANS NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION M.A.T. Elementary Education Resident Teacher Program (RTP): Total Hours for Degree is 36 SH Number Title SH *EPS 511 Human Development & Learning in Instructional Contexts 3 FND 510 Social Justice Perspectives on the History & Philosophy of American 3 Education ESR 514 Research in Action: Becoming Practitioner Researchers 3 SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children & Adolescents 3 RLR 538 Reading Methods K-4 2 RLL 539 Reading Methods Grades MHE 480B Methods for Teaching Elementary Mathematics 2 SCE 480B Methods for Teaching Elementary Science 2 CIS 480B Methods for Teaching Social Studies 2 TIE 535 Instructional Design for Technology Across the Curriculum 3 ELE 545 Methods for Teaching Arts Education 1 ELE 547 Methods for Teaching Health & Physical Education 1 ELE 587 Resident Teacher Practicum in Elementary Education 3 *ELE 597 Resident Student Teaching in Elementary Education 6 FOR ALL RESIDENTS IN MIDDLE LEVEL PLACEMENTS: Middle Level Course Requirements MLE 500 Middle Level: Overview 3 MLE 502 Middle Level: Curriculum 3 MHE 485 Advanced Methods/Middle School Math [**ONLY for those seeking Math Endorsement] 3 ** M.A.T. Secondary Education Resident Teacher Program (RTP): Total Hours for Degree is 35 SH Number Title SH *SEC 502 Introduction to Teaching at the Secondary Level 4 SEC 525 American Urban Education: Cultural & Sociopolitical Contexts 3 TIE 535 Instructional Design for Technology Across the Curriculum 3 SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children & Adolescents 3 SEC Teaching (subject area) in the Secondary Level 4 CIL 505 Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language 3 RLL 540 Teaching Content Area Literacy at the Middle and Secondary Level 3 EPS 511 Human Development & Learning in Instructional Contexts 3 SEC 527 Politics and Policy of Urban Education and Data Management 3 *SEC 597 Student Teaching Secondary School (Subject Area Sections A-F) 6 OPTIONAL FOR RESIDENTS WANTING MIDDLE LEVEL ENDORSEMENTS: Middle Level Endorsement Course Requirements MLE 500 Middle Level: Overview 3 MLE 502 Middle Level: Curriculum 3 MHE 485 Advanced Methods/Middle School Math [**ONLY for those seeking Math Endorsement] 3 ** * NCE/NLU Candidate Disposition Tool will be applied in these courses. 19

20 MIDDLE SCHOOL ENDORSEMENTS All MAT residents who are placed in a Middle Level classroom (Grades 6-8 content area such as math, science, reading/language arts) as well as all MAT residents who are in an art or music placement are required to take the two courses leading to middle level endorsement in order to be certified to teach in these areas. Failure to register and pass these courses could lead to a loss of placement and could impact the ability to remain in the AUSL program. These courses are: MLE 500 The Middle School: An Overview and MLE502 Middle School Curriculum. DIPLOMAS AND GRADUATION While residents are integrating theory and practice, learning to teach, and preparing to enter the teaching profession, there are some other tasks they need to attend to regarding NLU graduation and issuance of a diploma. All residents must apply to graduate and receive their diplomas. Diploma applications are available at (click on link to Degrees and Diplomas ). The Diploma and Degree Finalization Form should be filled out during the winter term. Commencement ceremonies are held once a year in June. Residents are eligible to participate in the ceremony if they have completed their programs or will complete all degree requirements by the end of August. Participation in the commencement ceremony does not confirm graduation. Graduation is dependent upon completion of all degree requirements. CERTIFICATION The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is an Illinois approved program for initial certification in Elementary (Type 03) or in Secondary Education (Type 09, or Type 10 for Foreign Language). Residents completing the coursework of the elementary or secondary MAT program are eligible to apply for their Initial certificate, which is valid for 5 years, unless there are state changes. The application for the initial certificate is completed during the spring term. Residents need to have official transcripts on file at NLU documenting all general education requirements and all professional education requirements, and have a zero balance with NLU. The application is submitted to the Registrar s Office along with information regarding general education requirements and endorsement requests. Upon receipt of grades for NLU coursework, the Registrar s Office will sign and emboss with the university seal each resident s application for certification. This will be returned to the resident with and instructions for completing the application process. Residents will also need to send official transcripts from colleges where content area requirements (deficiencies) were completed, and one from National Louis University to the Illinois State Board of Education when the application for certification is submitted and to the hiring district when a teaching position is obtained. An OFFICIAL transcript bears the signature of a college or university official and is embossed with the college/university seal. NOTE: The Illinois State Board of Education is in the process of revising certification requirements. Please check with the NLU/AUSL Advisor for current information regarding certification requirements. 20

21 CERTIFICATION TESTS All Illinois certification residents need to pass three tests in order to be eligible for an initial certificate. It is the resident s responsibility to register for these tests and to make sure the tests are taken at the appropriate time in the MAT program. Contact the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) at (800) or go to for more information including study guides and registration and test dates. Specific questions about testing should be directed to the NLU/AUSL Advisor. The three required tests are: Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)- must be passed in order to be admitted to the MAT program. Elementary Education Residents: Content-Area Test 110 for Elementary/Middle Grades A passing score on the Elementary and Middle Level Content Test 110 must be passed in order to be admitted to the AUSL program. Assessment of Professional Teaching: Grades K-9 (APT 102) A passing score must be received in order to receive an initial certificate with the State of Illinois. It is recommended that residents take this test during the winter or spring term. Secondary Education Residents: Content-Area Test must be passed in order to be admitted to the AUSL program. Assessment of Professional Teaching: Grades 6-12 (APT 103) or Grades K-12 (APT 104 for foreign language residents) -A passing score must be received in order to receive an initial certificate with the State of Illinois. It is recommended that residents take this test during the winter or spring term. 21