Nov 22, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education


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Assistant Professor K. Brown (Chair); Professor McGlinn; Associate Professors Ruppert, Sidelnick; Assistant Professor Ruffin; Visiting Assistant Professor Adcock; Lecturers Chapman, Crave; Director of Teaching Fellows Davis; Technology Coordinator Randall; Outreach Coordinator Kessaris; Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Martinez

The UNC Asheville Teacher Education Program, approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI), requires completion of a disciplinary major and offers professional education courses necessary to qualify for North Carolina Standard Professional I Teaching Licensure in areas described after the following general information.

Teacher Education Formal Admission

All students interested in teacher licensure must meet with the appropriate advisor in the Department of Education upon first interest, and at least once per semester thereafter. For formal admission, students must have:

  • earned at least 30 semester hours (sophomore standing);
  • earned a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) on all UNC Asheville course work;
  • achieved a grade of C or higher in both  EDUC 210  and EDUC 211   
  • received acceptable scores, as established by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, on the SAT or ACT, or the PRAXIS I: Academic Skill Assessment/Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or Computer-Based Test (CBT). (See appropriate advisor in the department for more information);
  • a satisfactory evaluation on the abilities/characteristics listed on the Dispositions Checklist administered in  EDUC 210  and other relevant courses; and have
  • a satisfactory evaluation of performance in all field experiences.

Continuing Requirements

Once formally admitted to the teacher education program, candidates for licensure must demonstrate at least satisfactory achievement in the areas of content knowledge, pedagogy, and professionalism. Candidates must have:

  • a grade of C or better in all Education courses (a C or better in MATH 211  and MATH 215  is also required if completing K-6 licensure);
  • a satisfactory evaluation of performance in all field experiences; and
  • a satisfactory evaluation on the abilities/characteristics listed on the Dispositions Checklist in relevant courses.

Student Teaching

To be admitted to student teaching, candidates must have fulfilled all continuing requirements. In addition, candidates must have:

  • a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all courses taken at UNCA;
  • completed the requirements for a major in an approved discipline with a GPA of 2.0 or higher;
  • a satisfactory evaluation on the abilities/characteristics listed on the Dispositions Checklist in relevant courses; and
  • a satisfactory evaluation on the unit plan and the field experience in the capstone methods course.

UNC Asheville students seeking licensure should consult the Department of Education Policies and Procedures Manual for more specific information related to obtaining North Carolina Standard Professional I Teaching Licensure through UNC Asheville and should meet with an education advisor to develop an individual licensure plan. Visit http://education.unca.edu/ for additional information.

Recommendation for North Carolina Standard Professional I Teaching Licensure

To receive this recommendation, candidates for licensure must have completed all requirements for admission to student teaching. In addition, candidates must:

  • complete the student teaching experience as indicated on the Exit Criteria form with at least an “At Standard” rating on the criteria for content knowledge, pedagogy, professionalism, and on overall performance, and a “Met” rating on all standards indicated on the Certification of Teaching Capacity;
  • attain passing scores on PRAXIS II: Specialty Area Tests if seeking K–6 licensure. Middle school (6–9) licensure students must also complete these tests if they do not have 24 hours in the content areas.

Areas of Licensure

The Education Department is accredited to recommend candidates for licensure in:

  • Elementary Education (K–6);
  • Middle School (6–9): Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies;
  • Secondary Education (9–12): Biology, Chemistry, Comprehensive Science, Earth Science, English, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies; and
  • Kindergarten–12 (K–12): Art, Foreign Language (French, German and Spanish), Health and Physical Education, Theatre Arts

Areas of Major

Students receiving K-12 or 9-12 licensure must complete a specific disciplinary major, which is the core for their licensure area. Middle school licensure candidates (6–9) must major in a specific discipline appropriate to language arts, mathematics, science or social studies. Those desiring to teach at the K–6 level may major in any department.

Licensure for Post-Baccalaureate Candidates

The department offers opportunities for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees or higher and desiring (a) initial North Carolina Standard Professional I Teaching Licensure, (b) licensure in another area, (c) renewal credits, or (d) fulfillment of lateral entry or Regional Alternative Licensure Center (RALC) requirements.

These individuals meet with an Education Department advisor to plan their course of study.To be licensed, post-baccalaureate candidates must meet the same course requirements as other UNC Asheville candidates seeking licensure in the same area, and have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 or have completed a master’s degree or higher. Post-baccalaureate students with an undergraduate GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 must meet with an Education advisor to design a plan of study and are required to have acceptable scores, as established by NCDPI, on the SAT, ACT, or PRAXIS I: PPST/CBT.

Required Document Completion

All students must sign and date the following:

  • a Request for Advisor in the Education Department;
  • a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the potential effect criminal convictions may have on those seeking licensure;
  • a Request for Formal Admission to the licensure program with the appropriate advisor, and a formal contract for licensure. This is done after successful completion of  EDUC 210 and EDUC 211, achievement of at least a 2.5 overall GPA, and satisfactory performance on the SAT, ACT, or PRAXIS I:PPST/CBT;
  • a Placement Request for the Professional Year;
  • an Application to Student Teach, including health screening and criminal background check, submitted to the Coordinator of Field Placements no later than the third week of the semester prior to student teaching; and
  • the final evaluation Exit Criteria form and Certification of Teaching Capacity upon completion of student teaching. In addition, the student must insure that all appropriate request-for-licensure forms are submitted to the department chair upon completion of student teaching. (See Education advisor for details).

Mandated Qualifying Examinations

 The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction mandates that all undergraduate students have acceptable scores on the SAT, ACT, or PRAXIS I: PPST/CBT before being granted formal admission to the teacher licensure program. Passing scores on PRAXIS II: Specialty Area Tests are required for students seeking K-6 licensure. Middle school (6–9) licensure students must also complete these tests if they do not have 24 hours in the content areas. Students needing Praxis I are expected to take it during the semester they are enrolled in EDUC 210  and EDUC 211 .

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Education

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