Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Elementary Education (K-6) Informational Packet 2015-2016 UAA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution. The University of Alaska Anchorage is in full compliance with the institutional reporting requirements mandated in Title II of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998. Please contact the College of Education for a copy of the completed report.
Fall 2015 Dear Prospective Student, The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education is a program in the College of Education that provides excellent preparation for those who have baccalaureate degrees and seek a career as an elementary classroom teacher. Admission to the program requires two applications: one to UAA and one to the College of Education (COE) Department of Teaching and Learning. To apply to UAA, you will need to complete an Undergraduate Application for Admission and submit it to Enrollment Services at the University Center. You can also apply online through UAOnline at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/ Click on Apply for Admissions, select the campus, then select Bachelor-Prior College for the application type. Under planned course of study, select Elementary Education (K-6) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate; complete the application. The application to the COE can be found in this information packet. Note: Admission to the Department requires Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests that must be completed before an admission decision can be made. The program culminates with an internship for a full academic year in a public school classroom along with classes that provide the methods for teaching. It follows the host school s calendar. Over the course of the year, you gradually spend more time in the elementary school setting and less in the university setting. The internship allows you to apply theory to practice. It has been demonstrated that yearlong internships better prepare students to begin their teaching careers. If you are unsure about what grade to teach, what subject(s) to teach, or would like more information about teaching, we highly recommend enrolling in EDFN A101 Introduction to Education. This is an elective class that provides a comprehensive introduction and allows you to observe education in a local school. Thank you for your interest in our program. The COE Academic Success Coordinator provides advising and is your initial contact with the Elementary Education Program. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment to discuss your options for teacher certification, please call the Student Services office (786-4401) located in PSB 218. Sincerely, Marc Robinson Coordinator, Elementary Education Program College of Education K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 2
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Admission to the University of Alaska Anchorage: Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Complete the UAA Undergraduate Application for Admission and submit it along with the appropriate fee to the Office of Enrollment Services at the University Center along with official transcripts from all schools previously attended by the appropriate deadline date: June 15 th Fall Semester* November 1 st Spring Semester April 15 th Summer Semester You can also apply online through UAOnline at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/ Click on Apply for Admissions, select the campus, then select Bachelor-Prior College for the application type. Under planned course of study, select Elementary Education (K-6) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. When Enrollment Services has compiled all the information, your application will be forwarded to the College of Education. Admission to the College of Education s Elementary Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Elementary Education Program In order to be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements: 1. Complete an application for admission to the Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program. (For financial aid purposes, applicants must adhere to the deadlines established for the UAA Undergraduate Application for Admission.) 2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 for the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. 3. Have completed a course in child development. An example of an UAA course that meets this requirement is EDSE A212. An alternate course will also be considered. 4. Undergraduate preparation in content areas relevant to Elementary Education: English, mathematics, science, social sciences, art, physical education, and health. 5. Successfully complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination or other Alaska Early Education and Development (EED) approved basic competency exam requirement (www.eed.state.ak.us/teachercertification). Contact the College of Education for current passing scores. 6. Satisfy required background check for teacher certification field experiences. Please note that if you intend to complete your program within 4 consecutive semesters, you can apply directly for Student Teacher Authorization (see the application process below) : http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/coe/currentstudents/field-experiences/background-checks.cfm Note: Admission to the program is competitive. Qualified applicants are accepted on a space-available basis. K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 3
Admission to Field Experiences Admission to field experiences is separate from admission to the program and may be limited by community partners. See the Field Placements link on the College of Education website http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/coe/currentstudents/field-experiences/index.cfm. Applications for EDEL A495A, Elementary Education Practicum II, and Elementary Internship courses must be submitted the semester prior enrolling in EDEL A495A. Qualified applicants are accepted on a spaceavailable basis. Admission to the Department of Undergraduate and Initial Certification does not guarantee admission to the field experiences. The Elementary Programs Admission Committee determines a candidate s readiness to enroll in all field experiences. The candidate must realize that requirements set forth below constitute minimum preparation, and it may be the judgment of the committee that the candidate needs further work to develop content knowledge or skills to work with children. EDEL A495A, Elementary Practicum II and Internship Application Criteria EDEL A495A, Elementary Education Practicum II, increases the time in the classroom and the planning and teaching experiences, with focus on the classroom environment, math and science. The Elementary Internship includes a capstone seminar and extensive, supervised teaching experiences in an elementary classroom. Emphasis is placed on meeting the Alaska Beginning Teacher Standards. Criteria include the following: 1. Meet all the requirements for and be admitted to the Department of Undergraduate and Initial Certification as an Elementary Education major. 2. Submit an application form for admission to Practicum II and Internship. 3. Participate in a screening interview, if requested. 4. Complete all prerequisite courses. 5. Successfully complete the Praxis II: Elementary Education Content Knowledge (5014). Contact Student Services for current passing scores. 6. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. 7. Have a GPA of 3.00 in Major Requirements. 8. Apply for the Student Teaching Authorization Certificate. This application includes fingerprinting and a criminal background check. Fee required. Contact Student Services for more information. 9. A current Student Teaching Authorization Certificate is necessary for Internship. ACADEMIC PROGRESS All Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to obtain an institutional recommendation for elementary teacher certification. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Complete the University Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Certificates. Complete the Background Check Requirements as outlined in Field Placements located in the overview the College of Education. Complete the Major Requirements below. K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 4
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 1. Complete the following foundation area courses. (12 credits). Field experience in public schools required as part of most courses. EDFN A300 Philosophical and Social Context of American Education (3) 3 or EDFN A304 Comparative Education (3) EDFN A301 Foundations of Literacy and Language Development 3 EDFN A478 Issues in Alaska Native Education, K-12 3 EDSE A482 Inclusive Classrooms for All Children 3 2. Complete the following method courses. Concurrent enrollment in a practicum is required. See an advisor for details. (15 credits) EDEL A325 Teaching Literacy in Elementary Schools 6 EDEL A327 Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools 3 EDEL A426 Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools 3 EDEL A428 Teaching Science in Elementary Schools 3 3. Complete the following practicums, seminars, and internship. (14 credits) EDEL A395 Elementary Education Practicum I: Literacy and Social Studies 2 EDEL A492B Elementary Education Seminar III: Teaching Capstone 3 EDEL A495A Elementary Education Practicum II: Learning Environments, Mathematics and Science 3 EDEL A495B Elementary Education Internship 6 4. A total of 41 credits is required for the certificate. A minimum of 29 approved credits, including the courses EDEL A395, EDEL A495A and EDEL A495B must be completed after the award of the baccalaureate degree. TEACHER CERTIFICATION Teacher certification and endorsements are granted by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), not by the University of Alaska Anchorage. However, the University must recommend students for certification and endorsement. Students will learn the process for applying for teacher certification in the internship seminar. INSTITUTIONAL RECOMMENDATION, ELEMENTARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION (K - 6): Following are the requirements for an institutional recommendation: 1. All course requirements completed with a grade of C or higher. 2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate courses. 3. Passing scores on the Praxis CORE and Praxis II examinations. 4. Internships satisfactorily completed. K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 5
Full Name Address Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Elementary Education (K-6) Program Application for Admission Student ID # Phone Work Phone Email Cell Phone Bachelor s Degree Major: Date Received: Have you done the following? Submitted an Undergraduate Application for Admission to Enrollment Services Submitted evidence of baccalaureate degree conferred and 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA (requested that official transcripts be sent to Enrollment Services) Taken the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exams and requested your scores be sent to UAA Enrollment Services (see page 9 of this packet for testing information) Reading (156) Writing (162) Math (150) Have completed a course in child development. An example of an UAA course that meets this requirement is EDSE A212. An alternate course will also be considered. Have you included the following with this application? Student Teacher Authorization (STA) application and fingerprinting card. Copy of Praxis CORE Score Report Signature Date Official Use: COE Student Services Verification of Admissions Requirements Complete Name: Signature: Date: K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 6
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Elementary Education (K-6) Advising Worksheet 2015-2016 Name Advisor s Name Student ID Catalog Year Those students who already have a baccalaureate degree may obtain an Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate by completing the following requirements. Note: All courses required for this program require a minimum grade of C. Complete and submit the Undergraduate Application for Admission form. Take Praxis I and Praxis II tests (see testing information on page 8 of this packet). Apply to Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program, Elementary Education (K-6) (see application in this packet) by deadline date. Complete required coursework. INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION Introductory course for candidates exploring education as a possible career choice EDFN A101 Intro to Education (3) elective-not required MINIMUM ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION: A. PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) Reading 156 Writing 162 Math 150 B. CUMULATIVE GPA OF 2.75 C. BACCALAUREATE DEGREE D. STA APPLICATION COMPLETED E. PRAXIS II: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (#5014) 153 An acceptable score will fall within the middle of the average performance range. K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 7
REQUIRED COURSES CERTIFICATION ROUTE I: 41 credits, for applicants with a baccalaureate degree Field experience in elementary programs may be required as part of most courses. FOUNDATION AREA COURSEWORK 12 credits Term Taken / Notes Course Name EDFN A300 or Philosophical and Social Context of American Education or 3 EDFN A304 Comparative Education EDFN A301* Foundations of Literacy and Language Development 3 EDFN A478 Issues in Alaska Native Education, K-12 3 EDSE A482 Inclusive Classrooms for All Children 3 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION METHODOLOGY COURSEWORK 15 credits Term Taken / Notes Course Name EDEL A327 Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Schools 3 EDEL A325 Teaching Literacy in Elementary Schools 6 EDEL A426 Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools 3 EDEL A428 Teaching Science in Elementary Schools 3 PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP AND SEMINAR 14 credits Term Taken / Notes Course Name EDEL A395 Elementary Education Practicum I: Literacy and Social 2 Studies EDEL A495A Elementary Education Practicum II: Mathematics and 3 Science EDEL A492B Elementary Education Seminar III: Teaching Capstone 3 EDEL A495B Elementary Education Internship 6 *EDFN A301 is a prerequisite before you can start your Practicum I. Recommended that you take this course in your first semester. In order to take this course you must be fully admitted to the program. SAMPLE PLAN (4 terms) Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 EDFN A300 (3) EDFN A301 (3) 6 Credits EDSE A482 (3) EDEL A327 (3) EDEL A325 (6) EDEL A395 (2) 14 Credits EDFN A478 (3) EDEL A426 (3) EDEL A428 (3) EDEL A495A (3) 12 Credits EDEL 492B (3) EDEL A495B (6) 9 Credits K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 8
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION College of Education 3211 Providence Drive, Professional Studies Building COE Student Services PSB 218 For advising appointments and general inquiries 907-786-4401 Outside Anchorage 888-866-8976 Fax 907-786-4444 Email Contact coe@uaa.alaska.edu Website http://coe.uaa.alaska.edu/ Office Hours Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. General Information Advising and Testing Center (UC 112) 786-4500 http://advise.uaa.alaska.edu Enrollment Services (UC106) 786-1480 http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/enrollmentservices/ Student Financial Assistance (UC 105) 786-1586 http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/financialaid/index.cfm Testing Information Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) Academic Skills Assessment (#5751) Praxis II Elementary Education, Content Knowledge (#5014) When you take the Praxis exams, be sure to provide the following score report recipient codes: University of Alaska Anchorage - R4896 State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development - R7027 Computer-based version: Register by calling 800-853-6773 (TTY: 800-529-3590) or visit www.ets.org. Administered in Anchorage by: Test Center #5210 Prometric Testing Center 615 E 82nd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 349-0029 State and Municipal Contacts State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP) Anchorage School District Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Kenai Borough School District Kodiak Island Borough School District http://www.eed.state.ak.us/ http://www.alaskateacher.org/ http://www.asdk12.org/ http://www.matsuk12.us/ http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/ http://www.kodiakschools.org/ K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 9
Teacher Certification in Alaska The Alaska Board of Education and Early Development (EED) has approved a tiered certification system for Alaska teachers. Effective September 2005, all teachers new to the Alaska teaching system will be placed in Tier I, Initial Certification. Initial Certification requires the following: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution Passing scores on the Praxis (CASE), CBEST or other approved test Satisfactory background check Completion of (or enrollment in) an approved teacher preparation program Initial Certification is valid for three years and is not renewable. To remain certified to teach in Alaska beyond three years, teachers placed in Tier I must meet the requirements for Tier II, Professional Certification. Professional Certification requires the following: Completion of Alaska Studies 3 approved credits Completion of Multicultural Education 3 approved credits Passing scores on a content area exam Demonstration of performance standards through two assessments (effective September 1, 2006) Professional Certification is valid for five years and is renewable with six credits, three of which may be determined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. With the exception of the two performance assessments for Tier II, the above requirements for Tiers I and II are met through successful completion of UAA s Master of Arts in Teaching program, the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Elementary Education K-6 and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Early Childhood PreK-3 rd Grade. Information about tiered certification, including Tier III, Master Certification, may be found at EED s web site at http://www.educ.state.ak.us/. K6 Cert Info Packet 15-16 10