Teacher Leader, Secondary Education, and ESL

Transcription

1 July 26, 2014 Information Sessions for prospective EdS applicants: Mondays 6:15-6:45 pm Please confirm your attendance by ing Dr. Spezzini at EdS Info Sessions take place in the Education Building (EB) - Room 100. Physical Location: th St. South & th St. South, Birmingham EdS Information Packet for an EdS Degree and Class AA Teacher Certification: Teacher Leadership, Secondary Education, and ESL Welcome to UAB s Educational Specialist (EdS) program in Teacher Leadership, Secondary Education, and ESL. This EdS program prepares teachers to become dynamic leaders and effective change agents at the site and district levels by developing their capacity as lead teachers, department heads, instructional coaches, professional development facilitators, and program specialists. The EdS equips teachers with state-of-the-art instructional strategies for meeting the evolving needs of diverse learners, with collaborative skills for serving as reflective practitioners to guide school change, and with mentoring techniques for positively impacting student achievement and school improvement. This quality program is available to educators unable to come to campus during traditional class hours. In UAB s EdS program, the education courses are offered online and/or in a blended format (online with occasional face-to-face on Saturdays or evenings). page Faculty Members 2 Requirements for Seeking Admission 2 Secondary EdS Program 3 Content Courses in Secondary Teaching Fields 4 English as a Second Language EdS Program 4 Teacher Leader EdS Program 5 Admission as a Degree-Seeking Student 6 QuickLinks Applications, and Deadlines 7 To Do List 8 Inquiry Sheet from Prospective EdS Students 9 Driving and parking information is provided under the ABOUT tab at 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 Teacher Leader, Secondary Education, and ESL EB 100, , spezzini@uab.edu

2 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 2 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 Dr. Sue Seay Dr. Josie Prado EB 111 EB sueseay@uab.edu jprado@uab.edu Teacher Leader Dr. Susan Spezzini EB spezzini@uab.edu 1) Becoming Informed Requirements for Seeking Admission Attend an EdS information session: Mondays, 6:15-6:45 in EB 100!Confirm your attendance by sending an to the Program Director, Dr. Spezzini, spezzini@uab.edu Visit Department of Curriculum and Instruction website and also the following sites: Forms and Documents: Click on EdS Info Packet (which is what you are reading). Program of Study Checklists: Select GRADUATE, then EdS, and finally the teaching field 2) Class A certification in the same teaching field from the ALSDE Class A certification must be valid at the time of applying to the EdS and a Class AA program. 3) Official Transcripts 3.0 cumulative GPA on degree-issuing master s transcript from a regionally accredited college 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 Avenue 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 your passing score is from several years ago, you may request a waiver of the 5-year limit. To do so, scan your student score report and send it as an attachment to Dr. Spezzini at spezzini@uab.edu. 5) Experience Form (just for applicants to the Teacher Leader EdS) 3 full years of full-time teaching as demonstrated on the Supplemental Experience Form: EXP Click on Application Forms (right column), and then on Experience (in alphabetical order). Your school must mail this to the OSS at nd Avenue South EB 232; Birmingham, AL ) Other Students must take a Special Education course (ECY 600) if they have not yet had such a course. Students must complete their EdS program within 5 years of completing their first course.

3 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 3 Secondary EdS Program Innovative, Interdisciplinary Program (31 credit hours): English, Math, Science, Social Science 3 courses in curriculum and instruction (9 hours) EDC 707 Introduction to Teacher Leadership (online or blended) EDC 711 Analysis and Evaluation of Teaching (online) EDC 720 Problems and Issues in Education (online) 4 courses in your teaching field (12 hours) English language arts, social science, science, or mathematics (varied delivery formats) NOTE: Approved teaching field courses are provided on the following page. 2 research courses (6 hours) EPR 596 Action Research using Qualitative Methods (evenings in spring & online in summer) EHS 720 Individual Research in Education* (TBA) 1 course for introducing the program (1 hour) EDU 700 Education as a Profession (online) 1 elective (3 hours) Advisor-approved course*: 600+ level in education or 500+ level in teaching field (varied formats) *National Board certified teachers may substitute these courses with EHS 680 and EHS 681 (if not already used). Projected Timelines based on a student s first semester in the EdS program FALL Plan A (6 terms) Plan B (5 terms) Fall 2014 EDU 700 & EDC 711 EDU 700, EDC 711, & a content course Spring 2015 EDC 707 & a content course EDC 707 & a content course Summer 2015 EDC 720 & EPR 596 EDC 720, EPR 596, & a content course Fall 2015 EHS 720 EHS 720 Spring 2016 A content course & an elective A content course & an elective Summer 2016 Two content courses SPRING Plan A (6 terms) Plan B (5 terms) Spring 2015 EDU 700 & EDC 707 EDU 700, & EDC 707 Summer 2015 EDC 720 & EPR 596 EDC 720, EPR 596, & a content course Fall 2015 EDC 711 and a content course EDC 711 & a content course Spring 2016 A content course & an elective EHS 720 & a content course Summer 2016 EHS 720 & a content course A content course and an elective Fall 2014 A content course SUMMER Plan A (6 terms) Plan B (5 terms) Summer 2015 EDU 700 & EDC 720 EDU 700, EDC 720, & a content course Fall 2015 EDC 711 & a content course EDC 711 & a content course Spring 2016 EDC 707 & a content course EDC 707 & EPR 596 Summer 2016 EPR 596 & a content course EHS 720 & two content courses Fall 2016 EHS 720 and a content course An elective Spring 2017 Elective (and finish EHS 720 research) NOTE: Students must complete their EdS program within 5 years of having taken the first course.

4 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 4 Content Courses in the Secondary Teaching Fields (TF) English Language Arts Mathematics Biology Chemistry Physics Science General History Social Science 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 Geography: GEO 590 Economics: EC 520, EC Political science: MPA 601, 605, 662, 668 Anthropology: ANTH 605, 606, 607, 609, 655, 657, 660, 664, 675 Psychology: PY 702, 703, 704, 705, 707, 708, 709 Criminal justice: JS 540, 541, 544, 583, 601, 603 Sociology: SOC 716, 740, 755, 759, 760, 775, 778 EdS Program in English as a Second Language (ESL) (grades PK-12) English as a Second Language 5 ESL courses (15 hours) EESL 647 Instruction and Assessment: Reading and Writing (Fall: Saturdays) EESL 657 Instruction and Assessment: Listening and Speaking (Spring: TBA) 2 additional EESL courses: EESL 617, EESL 627, EESL 637, EESL 687 (varied delivery) Elective: EDC 732 or another EESL-prefix course (Saturdays) EDU 700 (1 hour) 3 Teacher Leader modules (15 hours) EDC 731-L-R Curricular Design and Implementation (Fall: odd years) ECT 720-L-R Universal Design for Learning (Spring: even years) EPR 700-L-R Data-based Decision Making (Summer: even years) 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 Class AA 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 EdS courses. That s because the content courses that you took before seeking admission to the EdS program will count towards the 5-course limit that you can take before being admitted to the EdS program.

5 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 5 Teacher Leader EdS. Class AA teacher certification in Teacher Leadership The Teacher Leader Program prepares teachers to become dynamic leaders and effective change agents at the site and district levels by developing their capacity as professional development facilitators, instructional coaches, lead teachers, department chairs, curriculum coordinators, and/or program area specialists. The Teacher Leader Program differs from the Instructional Leadership Program which leads to employment as an assistant principal, principal, or superintendent. Career Enhancement and Advancement State-of-the-art instructional strategies for you to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners in your classes Collaborative skills for you to serve as a reflective practitioner in guiding school change and effectiveness Mentoring techniques for you to positively impact student achievement and school improvement Innovative, Interdisciplinary Program Varied delivery formats of the teacher leader (TL) courses Blended courses: face-to-face evening classes alternating with online sessions Courses with professional learning communities (PLCs) and Saturday sessions Totally online courses 1 academic focus each term over a 2-year period 1 TL module per term (fall, spring, summer): offered on a rotating schedule 2 instructors for most terms: a UAB faculty member and a school practitioner 5 credit hours per term: eligibility for financial aid 3 courses in each TL module, specially designed with an interactive, learner-centered approach Standards-based content course = 3 credit hours (course numbers and titles listed below) Inquiry-focused field experience course = 1 credit hour (course number followed by an L) Research course based on a school problem = 1 credit hour (course number followed by R) 6 teacher leader modules on a 2-year rotation (each module consists of 5 credit hours) EDL 711-L-R Collaborative Problem Solving Spring 2015 blended EDL 735-L-R Professional Leadership Summer 2015 blended EDC 731-L-R Curricular Design and Implementation Fall 2015 blended ECT 720-L-R Universal Design for Learning Spring 2016 online EPR 700-L-R Data-based Decision Making Summer 2016 blended EDC 732-L-R Culturally & Linguistically Relevant Instruction Fall 2016 PLCs 30 credit hours of teacher leader courses plus a 1-hour intro course EDU 700 Education as a Profession first term online Prerequisites Class A certification: teaching field, instructional leadership, counseling, library media or school psychometry 3 full years of full-time teaching as demonstrated on the Supplemental Experience Form: EXP 3.0 GPA on degree-issuing master s transcript from a regionally accredited college Miller Analogies Test (score 388) or Graduate Record Exam (score of 290 current or 850 former) Portfolio showing Teacher Leader potential Admission and Registration Contact the TL Program Director: Dr. Susan Spezzini, spezzini@uab.edu Read Teacher Leader Website, Handbook, and Certification Checklist Have your school mail the EXP form to Ms. Sha Niethia Johnson (araccot@uab.edu) at: SOE Office of Student Services, nd Ave South EB 232; Birmingham, AL Set up an application account ApplyYourself and select the following from the drop-down menu: Education-Teacher Leader (EdS) Submit degree-seeking application by deadline: Nov. 1 st for spring, April 1 st for summer, July 1 st for fall Prepare your Teacher Leader portfolio: page 13 in Handbook and participate in an interview Receive admission from the Graduate School and UAB s Information Packet for EdS students Pay tuition by deadlines on the UAB calendar. In , the first hour of graduate coursework for in-state residents is $585; each additional hour is $370. During each term, a Teacher Leader 5-hour module is $2,065. The online fee is $150 per course. NOTE: Yearly increments often occur.

6 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 6 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) Initial admission as non-degree seeking (except for Teacher Leader): If the deadline has passed to submit a degree-seeking application, you may still take EdS courses during the targeted term by submitting a non-degree seeking application to the Graduate School. To do so, follow the instructions provided under #2 below and select Non-Degree. As your intended major, click Ed Cert, Other, or equivalence from the drop-down menu(s). Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid, must wait to enroll until 3 weeks before term, must obtain a registration override, and cannot take over 12 credit hours. 2. 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. 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. NOTE: When you submit your application, UAB will automatically a recommendation form to these people. Program and Degree to which you are applying: On a drop-down menu, select from among the following. Education Education (EdS) Secondary (or perhaps it says High School) Education Education (EdS) Teacher Leader Education English as a Second Language (EdS) Application Fee: Pay an application fee of $45 ($60 for international candidates). It is highly recommended that you pay this fee online with a credit card or debit card. NOTE: Mailing a check may delay the application process by several weeks. 3. Participate in admission interview (if called). Teacher Leader applicants must bring an admission portfolio to the interview. 4. 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). 5. 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) 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 Your BlazerID will serve as your UAB account (Select 8 letters/digits that convey a professional image.) If you were previously a UAB student and already have a BlazerID, you MUST reactivate your BlazerID!! 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.

7 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 7 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 an EdS degree. After approving the recommendation, the Graduate School awards the 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 700 course Satisfactory completion of key assessments - to be explained and started in EDU 700 Satisfactory professional dispositions throughout program - to be explained and started in EDU 700 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 AA 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 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 8 To-Do List Preparing for Admission (summary of page 2) 1. Participate in an information session for prospective EdS students: a) Contact Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu ) and confirm that you would like to attend b) Attend Monday, 6:15 to 6:45, in EB 100 (Education Building, th Street South) 2. Receive this Information Packet for Prospective EdS 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 A certificate in the area required for your targeted Class AA 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. Detailed information about these exams is provided 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 have a passing score from several years ago, you may request a waiver of the 5-year limit. To do so, send your score report as a scanned 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) Applying for Admission (summary of page 6) 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 the internet-based TOEFL or the IELTS b) Meet all other criteria at the following website: DONE: Check off 13. Peace Corps: If interested in combining your master s degree with 2 years of teaching overseas, please contact Dr. Spezzini.

9 Ed.S. and Class AA Certification: Teacher Leadership, Secondary Education, and ESL July 14, 2014 UAB/SOE Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction page 9 Inquiry Sheet from Prospective EDS Students I would like to pursue an EdS degree and Class AA certification in the following area (please circle) Teacher Leader Mathematics English Science Social Sciences ESL Official Name Preferred First name 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) Class A (master 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 A Teacher Certification from the ALSDE in the area required by the targeted Class AA certification Minimum GPA of 3.0 on degree-issuing master s transcript from a regionally-accredited college 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 and 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 maintain a 3.25 GPA in UAB s EdS program in order to continue from semester to semester and also to be eligible for earning an EdS degree and Class AA certification. 8) Candidates must take all of the education courses on their certification checklist (no substitutions) and follow all procedures to earn an EdS degree from UAB and also Class AA certification from the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). 9) If recommended by a course instructor or the program director, candidates must take GRD 727 Academic Writing. 10) Candidates must always demonstrate a high level of professional dispositions worthy of the teaching profession. 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 EdS 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 AA 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