Teacher Education Teacher Education Note: The Pre-Professional Skills Tests of Reading, Mathematics, and Writing are three separate standardized achievement tests designed to measure basic proficiency in each of these areas. The Reading test assesses the ability to read and understanding and insight by testing skills in the literal comprehension, analysis, and evaluation of a text. The test has 40 multiple choice questions and a total testing time of 50 minutes. The Mathematics test measures competencies acquired in the course of studying mathematics at least through high school. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions and a testing time of 50 minutes. The Writing test assesses the ability to use grammar and language appropriately and to communicate effectively in writing. The Writing test has two separately timed 30 minute sections. Each test costs $20 with an additional $20 fee for scoring and reporting results. Further information regarding Teacher Education admission may be obtained from the following: • The Office of Teacher Education Admission, Education 230A; Telephone 626-6636. • Teacher Education Operations Center, Education 319, Telephone 626-6282 TEACHER EDUCATION RETENTION POLICY Students are expected to maintain all standards at or above levels required for admission to the Teacher Education Program, and demonstrate expected levels of competence in all course work leading to teacher certification. Additionally, students are expected to adhere to standards of personal integrity and citizenship commonly expected of professional educators. All assignments and written work turned in for credit must be the student's own work, unless otherwise specifically directed by the instructor. Cheating on exams, plagiarism, false reporting, or unauthorized collaboration of any kind is prohibited. Students found in violation of this standard will be subject to receiving a failing grade for the module/course and referred to the Teacher Education Retention Committee for disciplinary action that may include suspension from the Teacher Education Program. LIMITATION ON T GRADES The "T" grade will be given where all requirements in an education core block are not satisfied within the quarter of registration. Students who receive "T" grades will be required to re-register for the block and meet current minimum competency requirements to receive credit. Students who receive "T" grades in education core blocks will be notified in writing that they may re-register for the block one time only and must satisfactorily complete all requirements for the block during that quarter. If the student does not complete the block by the end of the second registration, the student's admission to Teacher Education will be suspended for one calendar year. REFERRALS Students may be referred to the Teacher Education Admission and Retention Committee by faculty or staff members when maintenance of standards is in question, or when concerns arise that seemingly would impair a student's potential to perform successfully as a classroom teacher. SUSPENSION When it becomes necessary to suspend a student's admission to the Teacher Education Program, the Retention Committee will notify the student in writing of the terms and period of suspension. When the terms and period of the suspension have been satisfied, a student desiring to resume teacher education studies may petition the Retention Committee in writing for re-admission to the Teacher Education Program under current policies. POLICY FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS All transfer students must have their credits evaluated by the Director of Teacher Education Advisement and meet the following conditions: I. Recency Requirements: Professional education courses completed more than five (5) years prior to transfer to the Weber State Teacher Education Program will be evaluated for currency standards; such courses older than five (5) years will not be counted. II. Teaching Practicum: Student teaching experience will be permitted only when the following conditions have been satisfied: A. The student has been admitted to the Weber State Teacher Education Program. B. The student has completed all professional course work as required at Weber State (or approved equivalents). C. The student has fulfilled residency requirements as follows: 1. Elementary and Early Childhood Education and Special Education Endorsements: have completed a minimum of nine (9) quarter hours of professional education courses at Weber State. 2. Secondary Education: (a) have completed the Weber State secondary methods course; and (b) have demonstrated competency in the major and minor areas as approved and verified by the academic departments. Each department is encouraged to have transfer students meet the department requirements by demonstrating competency through criterion referenced tests or in successful completion of relevant course work. EXCEPTIONS AND APPEALS Students may request exceptions to established admission standards by submitting to the Chair of the Admission and Retention Committee a written request detailing reasons why special consideration should be given. Submit such requests to the Office of Teacher Education Admission. Appeals of decisions rendered by the Teacher Education Admission and Retention Committee should be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Department in the area of certification of Teacher Education, who will then review the decision(s). DUAL CERTIFICATION Dual Certification is a possibility for a student who desires to qualify to teach at both elementary and secondary teacher levels. Ordinarily this requires two or more quarters of work beyond that required for the single certificate. An outline of the requirements for dual certification may be obtained from the Teacher Education office. Persons interested in dual certification must receive approval of the Chair of the Teacher Education department. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION The Departments of Child and Family Studies and Teacher Education offer a major in Early Childhood Education with certification for teaching programs which serve children from age three through eight years of age (grades K-3). See Department of Child and Family Studies or the Department of Teacher Education for requirements. PROGRAM: SPECIAL EDUCATION- MILD/MODERATE ENDORSEMENT Weber State University Teacher Education Department offers course work leading to certification in Special Education-Mild/Moderate Endorsement. This Endorsement allows the holder to teach mild and moderately handicapped children at all levels kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Special Education-Mild/Moderate Endorsement may be earned concurrently with the Early Childhood or Elementary Education Certificate. Course work leading to this endorsement constitutes an area of concentration for students majoring in either of these. Requirements: • Student must hold a current teaching credential or be admitted to the Teacher Education program for Early Childhood/Elementary Education. • Students holding elementary, secondary, or early childhood certification who are seeking the Endorsement must make application to the Teacher Education Department (Certification Office) for admission to the Special Education Program. • Interview with Special Education Director is required (see admission requirements to Teacher Education). • Computer literacy Specific requirements: • Course Work (32 credits): Educ 365 (3), 565 (3), 566 (3), 567 (3), 568 (3), 569 (3), 570 (4), 571 (4), 479 (6). Application to student teach is required one quarter in advance. All other course work must be completed. Courses listed are offered 2 quarters yearly, with the exception of 479 (student teaching) which is offered each quarter. The requirements for this Endorsement may change as the program is revised to meet the needs of employing districts and state certification requirements. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MAJOR Students preparing to teach in first through sixth grade in the elementary schools graduate with a major in Elementary Education. Elementary Education majors may have one or two content areas of specialization or a teaching minor and one 15-hour area of specialization that permits the student to teach the minor through eighth grade. Students preparing to teach in preschool programs or kindergarten through third grade select the Early Childhood major. This program is described under the Department of Child and Family Studies. The Director of Advisement in Teacher Education and faculty members from the Department of Teacher Education are available to advise each prospective teacher. A program study guide is available from the offices in Rooms 230 and 224 in the Education Building. It is to the students' advantage to begin their program planning early. Student Services Science 180 181