CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
and
HUMAN SERVICES
Teacher Candidate Manual
College of E&HS, August 2010 1
CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES
Teacher Candidate Manual
Please read this information carefully. This manual is designed as a guide for teacher candidates as
they progress from their entry level courses through graduation and certification. It will help you
move smoothly through your program and into your teaching profession. It is designed to help you
understand important information about:
Your program organization.
Your program performance evaluation.
Your field experience requirements as a future teacher.
The manual is divided into three sections:
1. Program organization and assessment information.
2. PDE requirements for teacher certification.
3. Legal requirement information,
The professional teacher candidate program is housed in the College of Education and Human
Services. Faculty and staff members in the following departments are here to help you. Their websites
are identified below:
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, http://www.clarion.edu/1092/.
Department of Education, http://www.clarion.edu/1093/.
Department of Library Sciences, http://www.clarion.edu/1095/.
Department of Special Education, http://www.clarion.edu/1096/.
Preparing professional teachers at Clarion University is a campus-wide collaborative effort. Teacher
preparation at the middle levels and secondary levels involve faculty and staff from the College of Arts
& Sciences. Courses related to specific majors in these areas are housed in the following departments.
Their websites are identified below:
Department of Biology, http://www.clarion.edu/1057/.
Department of Chemistry, http://www.clarion.edu/1058/.
Department of English, http://www.clarion.edu/1059/.
Department of Geography, http://www.clarion.edu/987/.
Department of Geology/Earth Science, http://www.clarion.edu/987/.
Department of History (for Social Studies majors), http://www.clarion.edu/1060/.
Department of Mathematics, http://www.clarion.edu/1062/.
Department of Modern Languages (French, Spanish), http://www.clarion.edu/1064/.
Department of Music, http://www.clarion.edu/1065/.
Department of Physics, http://www.clarion.edu/1066/.
If you have questions about the information in this document, please ask an appropriate advisor or the
department chair within your program. Contact information is located on the department websites
listed above.
College of E&HS, August 2010 2
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Understanding Your Program ............................................................................................................... 4
Conceptual Framework of Your Program Structure ............................................................................. 5
Student Advising .................................................................................................................................. 6
Clarion Transitions Program for Advising Support.......................................................................... 6
Assessing Your Knowledge and Skills for Teaching ........................................................................... 7
Program Organization and Assessments .........................................................................................7
PreK-4 Certification Program ............................................................................................................... 9
PreK-4/Special Education K-8 Dual Certification Program ............................................................... 10
Integrated Middle-Level with Special Education ............................................................................... 11
Special Education Intervention Specialist .......................................................................................... 11
Middle Level Grades 4-8 Programs .................................................................................................... 12
Middle Level English/Language Arts ............................................................................................. 12
Middle Level Science ..................................................................................................................... 13
Middle Level Social Studies ........................................................................................................... 14
Middle Level Mathematics ............................................................................................................. 15
Secondary Education Programs ...................................................................................................... 16
K- 12 Programs ............................................................................................................................... 23
Knowledge & Skill Assessment in Your Certification Program ........................................................ 26
Program Admission Requirements ................................................................................................. 26
Grade Point Average & Your Degree Audit ................................................................................... 26
Praxis I Tests................................................................................................................................... 27
What Are Professional Education Courses? ................................................................................... 28
What Are Major Course Requirements?......................................................................................... 28
Your Professional Disposition (Behaviors) Assessment .................................................................... 28
Assessing Your Professional Dispositions ..................................................................................... 28
PDE Requirements & Your Program ............................................................................................29
Grade Point Average (GPA) for Teacher Certification ...................................................................... 29
Praxis Testing Requirements .............................................................................................................. 29
Field Experience Requirements .......................................................................................................... 29
Policy for Praxis II Tests and Student Teaching ................................................................................ 30
Policy: Withdrawal, Reassignment and/or Termination of a Field Experience ................................. 31
Teachers and the Law ....................................................................................................................32
Civil/Criminal Conviction Issue Information ..................................................................................... 32
College of E&HS, August 2010 3
Introduction
Since 1867, Clarion University has been a leader in the certification of teachers for both our
Commonwealth and the nation’s schools. In 1954 Clarion’s teacher preparation programs were among
the first accredited by the organization that has evolved into the National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education (NCATE). Today, all professional education programs in our College of Education
and Human Services are accredited by NCATE and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education (PDE). Additional national program accreditations include:
American Library Association
Association for Childhood Education International
Council for Exceptional Children
Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
International Reading Association
Middle States Commission on Colleges and Schools
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Association of Schools of Music
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
National Council for Social Studies
National Council of Teachers of English
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
National Science Teachers Association
You are an important part of the Clarion University tradition. In the College of Education and Human
Services we know that our influence can shape the nation. Our graduates hold teaching positions in all
fifty states. We make a significant difference in the quality of schools and teachers nationwide. In
turn, these educational professionals influence the happiness, success, and growth of children and
youth numbering in the hundreds of thousands every year. We want the very best for them, and for
you. It will not be easy, but when you complete your program you will be a professional teacher ready
to take your place among our distinguished alumni.
Understanding Your Program
Your program has two main components. You will complete (1) general education courses along with
(2) your professional education sequence. In order to move through your program in the most efficient
manner, you must do the following:
Seek advising from your assigned advisor each semester for scheduling as well as any time
that you have questions or concerns.
Plan ahead.
Maintain good personal records.
Achieve and maintain a strong grade point average (GPA) of 2.8+ with minimum of a 3.0 upon
graduation.
College of E&HS, August 2010 4
Knowing the courses and experiences is only part of understanding how the teacher preparation
program is organized. Just like the curriculum you will develop as a teacher, the preparation program
is organized around key standards. They answer two important questions:
What do you need to know?
What do you need to do?
Conceptual Framework of Your Program Structure
College of Education and Human Services teacher education students, the Candidates, are at the
center of the College’s Conceptual Framework. This framework identifies you as the Candidate who is
the active participant in developing your professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions. You will do
this as you move through coursework by applying new understandings and skills to authentic
situations. As the Candidate, you are surrounded by three triangles depicting your development as you
acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions within the:
Conttextts of individuals, personal differences, diversity, and
Con ex s
societal influences and the
Processes of knowledge development, learning interactions, and
Processes
assessment to facilitate the
Outtcomes of professional decision making, and life-long
Ou comes
learning.
As the Candidate you will demonstrate performance of your
knowledge, skills, and dispositions in each of your program courses.
There are nine components in our College’s Conceptual Framework. They are described below within
the areas of Contexts, Processes, and Outcomes.
The first triangle of the model is Conttextts. Candidates develop within the context of individual
Con ex s
variations, diversity, and societal influences. These contextual influences impact the ways in
which you process and develop knowledge and experience.
The second triangle identifies the Processes of knowledge development, assessment, and
Processes
learning interactions. As a Candidate, you will use these processes to promote growth and
development within yourself as a future professional.
The third triangle reflects the Candidate’s Outtcomes. The College’s programs act as a guide and
Ou comes
help you develop professionalism, decision making skills, and become a life-long learner.
A successful teacher celebrates diversity in schools and communities. You will learn how to prepare
students for active participation in society by nurturing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
College of E&HS, August 2010 5
Student Advising
This section provides a basic overview of academic advising and identifies assistance available to you.
Teacher certification programs consist of three interrelated components.
The first is the general education sequence. Courses intended to develop basic academic
knowledge and skills needed to be a well-rounded professional.
The second component is your academic major. Major courses are taught in specific
disciplines, i.e. mathematics, social studies, economics, English, etc.
The third component is the professional education sequence, courses to prepare you to become
a professional teacher. They include teaching methods, assessment, educational technology,
reading/literacy, multicultural education, human development, and learning strategies.
Clarion Transitions Program for Advising Support
Clarion Transitions is a four-year student success program that includes several components:
Exploration (credit-bearing co-curricular programming during the freshman year)
Sophomore Focus (career experiences during the sophomore year)
Professional Development (career preparation during the junior and senior years)
You should use the Co-Curricular Transcript portion of this program to log and validate required
Field Experiences for your teaching certificate. The Co-Curricular Transcript component begins at
the Transitions website, http://www.clarion.edu/1861/. Directions to set up your student login and
account are located at http://www.clarion.edu/42070/.
Basic University advising concerns can be addressed through the University Advising Services Center
at http://www.clarion.edu/1043/ . Specific teacher certification majors are assigned an advisor. Your
advisor’s name is on your printed schedule. For assistance, ask the department secretary. The majors
and their supporting departments are listed below:
Speech Pathology & Audiology: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders,
http://www.clarion.edu/1092/.
PreK-4, Middle Level 4-8, Environmental Education certificate, all Secondary Education
Majors’ Professional Education Coursework: Department of Education,
http://www.clarion.edu/1093/.
Library Science B.S.Ed.: Department of Library Sciences, http://www.clarion.edu/1095/.
Special Education (SPED), Integrated Middle Level w/SPED, Intervention Specialist (SPED)
w/Reading and Math, Rehabilitative Sciences, Education Specialist: Department of Special
Education, http://www.clarion.edu/1096/.
Biology, General Science: Department of Biology, http://www.clarion.edu/1057/.
Chemistry: Department of Chemistry, http://www.clarion.edu/1058/.
English: Department of English, http://www.clarion.edu/1059/.
Geography: Department of Geography, http://www.clarion.edu/1054/.
Earth Science: Department of Geology/Earth Science, http://www.clarion.edu/1054/.
College of E&HS, August 2010 6
Social Studies: Department of History, http://www.clarion.edu/1060/.
Mathematics: Department of Mathematics, http://www.clarion.edu/1062/.
Spanish, French: Department of Modern Languages, http://www.clarion.edu/1064/.
Music Education: Department of Music, http://www.clarion.edu/1065/.
Physics: Department of Physics, http://www.clarion.edu/1066/.
Assessing Your Knowledge and Skills for Teaching
The College’s teacher preparation programs use performance-based assessment. The National Council
of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE), one of our major accrediting agencies, requires that
we demonstrate what we’ve taught AND what you can do. In other words, this is how we guarantee
that every prospective teacher has mastered the necessary knowledge and skills.
These knowledge and skills are assessed in many ways:
Grades in general education courses,
Grades in professional education courses,
Scores on Praxis tests,
Successful completion of the field experience stages – observation, exploration, and pre-student
teaching field experiences,
Student teaching evaluations.
Program Organization and Assessments
The College of Education and Human Services offers teacher certification in the following programs:
PreK-4 (early childhood) EDUCATION - Single Certificate @ 120 Credits
PreK-4 with Special Education (K-8) - Dual Certification @ 126 Credits
Integrated Middle-Level with Special Education – Dual Degrees and Certificates (B.S. in Middle-
Level, M.Ed. in Special Education) give K-8 certification @ 150 credits (5 year program).
Special Education Intervention Specialist – Dual Degrees and Certificates (B.S. in Special
Education with M.Ed. in Reading Specialist with Mathematics Endorsement) gives K-12
certification @ 150 credits (5 year program).
Middle Level Education - Single Certificate @ 120 Credits. Four degree specializations:
Middle Level with English/Language Arts Concentration (120 credits)
Middle Level with Mathematics Concentration (120 credits)
Middle Level with Science Concentration (120 credits)
Middle Level with Social Studies Concentration (120 credits)
Middle Level (4-8) with Special Education (K-8) - Dual Certification with Dual Degrees
(Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree) @ 150 Credits
College of E&HS, August 2010 7
Secondary Certifications (7-12) - Single Certificate @ 120-123 Credits
Biology
Chemistry
Earth and Space Science
English
General Science
Math
Physics
Social Studies
Grades K-12 Certification - Single Certificate @ 120 Credits
Spanish
French
Library Science
Music
Each program has a specific course sequence and an approved course checksheet. The program check
sheet identifies the required courses that must be completed successfully to receive your degree and
teacher certification. These check sheets can be viewed and printed from the College website,
http://www.clarion.edu/989/. You may also obtain your program checksheet from your advisor and/or
your major’s department office secretary.
Program check sheets are approved by the College Dean prior to the beginning of each academic year.
This correct check sheet has the year and the initials of the College Dean printed at the top that
coincides with the year you started at the University. For example, if you started the PreK-4/SPED
program in either the fall or the spring of the 2009-2010 academic year, your check sheet will have
“2009 JG” in the upper left hand corner. If the year and initials are not at the top of your program
check sheet or do not match with the year that you entered the program, then you have the incorrect
program check sheet.
Sometimes advisors do not receive the most recently approved check sheets for their programs. If you
suspect that this is the case, please question the check sheet with your advisor. Make sure you are
working with the correct check sheet from the beginning of your program. This will ensure that you
move through your 4-year program (for undergraduate programs) or your 5-year program (for dual
degree programs) in the most efficient manner.
The next few pages outline suggested program course sequences for the majority of our teacher
certification programs.
College of E&HS, August 2010 8
PreK-4 Certification Program
The PreK-4 program provides teacher certification for those who want to teach children from birth
through grade four. Many states also refer to this as early childhood education. To complete this 120-
credit program in 4 years or eight full semesters, you should try to follow this semester course
sequence:
PreK-4 Semester Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
1. ENG 111 __________________________ 3 1. ED 121-FES1 ______________________ 3
2. MATH 111 _________________________ 3 2. MATH 211 ________________________ 3
3. Science Choice ______________________ 3 3. Science Choice _____________________ 3
4. Social Science Choice ________________ 3 4. HIST 120 or 121 ____________________ 3
*Submit Clearances to OFS in 102 Stevens before 5. Liberal Ed. Elective __________________ 3
beginning field experiences*
*See your advisor* *By the end of the sophomore year, student should have passed Praxis I and submitted ‘Admission to Program’
application to the Office of Field Services.
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring _____________
1. ECH 231- FES1/2 ___________________ 3 1. ECH 235 – FES1/2 __________________ 3
2. SPED 418 – FES1/2 __________________ 3 2. ECH 260 – FES 2 ___________________ 3
3. Science Choice _____________________ 3 3. Literature Choice ____________________ 3
4. Arts Choice ________________________3 4. Gen Ed Elective _____________________ 3
5. Gen Ed Elective _____________________ 3
Semester Junior Fall_________ Semester Spring Junior
Pre K-K Block – FES3
1. ECH 236 – FES2 ____________________ 3 1. ECH 301 __________________________ 3
2. ECH 245 – FES2 ____________________ 3 2. ECH 413 __________________________ 3
3. SPED 443 __________________________ 3 3. ECH 325 __________________________ 3
4. ED 350 – FES 1/2 ___________________ 3 4. ECH 310__________________________ 3
5. GEOG 100 or 257 ___________________ 3 5. ECH 322___________________________3
6. ECH 323 __________________________ 3
Semester- Fall Senior - Take Praxis II this semester Semester – Spring Senior – FES4
1-4 Block – FES3 1. ECH 424 / 425 _____________________ 12
1. ECH 414 __________________________ 3 2. SPED 442 _________________________ 3
2. ECH 415 __________________________ 3 ______________________________________
3. ECH 416 __________________________ 3 _____________________________________
4. ECH 418 ___________________________ 3 __________________________________________
5. ECH 417 ___________________________ 3 __________________________________________
6. HPE 410 ___________________________ 3
Yellow or shaded indicates the course is spring/fall specific.
Courses listed in black type could be moved to a different semester as needed.
ED and ECH courses should be taken in the sequence shown. Revision date: March 15, 2010
College of E&HS, August 2010 9
PreK-4/Special Education K-8 Dual Certification Program
The PreK-4/Special Education K-8 program provides two teacher certifications. PreK-4 provides
certification from birth through grade 4, and special education certification from kindergarten through
grade 8. This dual certificate program can be completed in 126 credits and within four years if you
follow this eight-semester course sequence:
PreK-4/SPED K-8 Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall_____ Semester Freshman Spring_____
6. ENG 111 _______________________ 3 6. ED 121 – FES 1 __________________3
7. MATH 111 _____________________ 3 7. MATH 211 ______________________3
8. Science Choice __________________ 3 8. Science Choice ___________________3
9. SPED 128 or 129_________________ 3 9. HIST 120 or 121__________________3
10. GEOG 100/257 __________________ 3 10. SPED 128 or 129 _________________3
*Obtain clearances and submit medical record to 11. Gen. Ed. Elective _________________3
Keeling Health Center before beginning ED *Submit copies of Clearances to Stevens 102
courses* before beginning field experiences*
*See your advisor* *By the end of the sophomore year, student should have passed Praxis I and submitted
‘Admission to Program’ application to the Office of Field Services.
Semester Sophomore Fall_____ Semester Sophomore Spring_____
6. ECH 235 – FES 1/2 _______________ 3 5. ECH 236 – FES 2 ________________3
7. SPED 245 – FES 1/2 ______________ 3 6. SPED 350 – FES 2 _______________2
8. Arts Choice _____________________ 3 7. SPED 462 – FES 2 _______________3
9. Science Choice __________________ 3 8. Literature Choice _________________3
10. SPED 381- FES 2 ________________ 3 9. SPED 482 – FES 2 ________________3
11. ED 350 – FES 2 _________________ 3 10. Gen. Ed. Elective _________________3
Semester Junior Fall_____ Semester Spring Junior_____
Pre K-K Block – FES3 SPED Block – FES3
5. ECH 301 _______________________ 3 7. SPED 411 _______________________1
6. ECH 325 _______________________ 3 8. SPED 472 _______________________3
7. ECH 310 _______________________ 3 9. SPED 422 _______________________3
8. ECH 322 _______________________ 3 10. SPED 444 _______________________3
9. ECH 323 _______________________ 3 11. SPED 446 _______________________3
Semester - Fall Senior - Take Praxis II this semester Semester – Spring Senior – FES4
1-4 Block – FES3 2. ECH 424 ________________________6
4. ECH 414 _______________________ 3 3. SPED 450 _______________________6
5. ECH 415 _______________________ 3 ___________________________________
6. ECH 416 _______________________ 3 ___________________________________
4. ECH 418 _______________________ 3 ___________________________________
5. ECH 417 _______________________ 3 ______________________________________
6. HPE 410 _______________________ 3
Yellow or shaded indicates the course is fall/spring specific.
Courses listed in black type (if viewing online) could be moved to a different semester as needed. Revised March 15, 2010
Blocks must be taken in this semester sequence.
College of E&HS, August 2010 10
Integrated Middle-Level with Special Education
Integrated Middle-Level with Special Education – Dual Degrees and Certificates (B.S. in Middle-
Level, M.Ed. in Special Education) give K-8 certification @ 150 credits (5 year program). The
semester-by-semester course sequence can be discussed with your advisor or the department chairs in
Special Education (102 Special Education Center/Stevens Hall) and Education (123 Stevens Hall).
The final approved course sequence is coming to this manual soon.
Special Education Intervention Specialist
Special Education Intervention Specialist – Dual Degrees and Certificates (B.S. in Special Education
with M.Ed. in Reading Specialist with Mathematics Endorsement) gives K-12 certification @ 150
credits (5 year program).
Special Education Intervention Specialist Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
SPED 128 3 cr. SPED 129 3 cr.
MATH 111 3 cr. MATH 211 3 cr.
ENG 111 3 cr. ENG Lit 3 cr.
Soc/behavioral science course 3 cr. Science course 3 cr.
Art/humanities course 3 cr. HPE 111 2 cr.
TOTAL 15 cr Personal Perf 1 cr.
TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
SPED 211 – FES 1/2 3 cr. SPED 230 – FES 1/2 3 cr.
SPED 245 – FES 1/2 3 cr. SPED 350 – FES 1/2 2 cr.
MATH elective 3 cr. MATH elective 3 cr.
Science course 3 cr. Soc/behavioral science course 3 cr.
Soc/behavioral science course 3 cr. Art/humanities course 3 cr.
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 14 cr
Semester Fall Junior Semester Spring Junior
SPED 381 – FES 2 3 cr. SPED 462 - FES 2 3 cr.
SPED 482 - FES 2 3 cr. SPED 442 – FES 2 3 cr.
ENG 459 OR ENG 462 3 cr. MATH elective 3 cr
MATH elective 3 cr. Lib. Ed elective 3 cr.
Gen. Ed. elective 3 cr. Gen. Ed. elective 3 cr.
TOTAL 15 cr Science course 3 cr.
TOTAL 18 cr
Semester Fall Senior – FES 3 (SPED Block) Semester Spring Senior Student Teaching - FES 4
SPED 411 1 cr. SPED 450 6 cr.
SPED 422 3 cr. *COOP 378 3 cr.
SPED 444 3 cr. **SPED 492 3 cr.
SPED 446 3 cr. *SPED 432 3 cr.
SPED 472 3 cr. TOTAL 15 cr
TOTAL 13 cr
1st Semester Graduate 2nd. Semester Graduate
Graduate coursework = 15 cr. Graduate coursework = 15 cr.
Five year program, 2 degrees = 150 credits
*COOP 378 & SPED 432 will be taken concurrently during the other half of the student teaching placement for three (3)
credits each.
** SPED 492 will be taken one (1) day per week throughout the entire student teaching semester for three (3) credits.
College of E&HS, August 2010 11
Middle Level Grades 4-8 Programs
The Middle Level Grades 4-8 program provides teacher certification in one of four specialization areas
for middle school teachers or for grades four through eight. Each certificate program can be completed
in 120 credits and within four years if you follow this semester course sequence for each
specialization. If you choose to complete more than one area of specialization, you will need to take
the specified major courses for the additional specialization. This will extend the completion time
beyond four years and add credits to the original program. Each eight-semester course sequence for
each specialization is identified below.
Middle Level English/Language Arts
The eight-semester course sequence for Middle Level English/Language Arts is:
Middle Level English/Language Arts Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
1. ENG 111 3 1. ED 110 – FES 1 3
2. MATH 111 3 2. MATH 211 3
3. NSCI 150 3 3. NSCI 151 3
4. HIST 120 or 121 3 4. ENG 199 3
5. GEOG 100 3 5. PS 211 3
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
1. ED 122 FES 1/2 3 1. MATH 113 3
2. ENG 263 3 2. ENG 262 3
3. MATH 112 3 3. ENG 207 3
4. SCED 205 3 4. HIST 111, 112 or 113 3
5. HPE PP 1 TOTAL 12 cr
TOTAL 13 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring Middle Level Junior Block – FES3
1. ENG 470 3 1. EDML 324 3
2. SPED 418 – FES 1 3 2. EDML 329 3
3. Science Elective 3 3. ED 350 or ENG 469 3
4. ENG 242, 297, or 350 3 4. EDML 332 3
5. HPE 111 2 5. SPED 441 3
TOTAL 14 cr 6. ENG 339 3
TOTAL 18 cr
Semester Fall Senior Middle Level Senior Block FES 3 Semester Spring Senior Student Teaching – FES 4
1. EDML 322 3
1. EDML 424 6
2. EDML 334 3
2. EDML 425 6
3. EDML 325 3
3. SPED 442 3
4. ED 417 3
TOTAL 15 cr
5. EDML 333 3
Four year program = 120 credits
6. ENG 482 3
TOTAL 18 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 12
Middle Level Science
The eight-semester course sequence for Middle Level Science is:
Middle Level Science Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
1. ENG 111 3 1. ED 110 – FES 1 3
2. MATH 111 3 2. MATH 211 3
3. BIOL 155/165 4 3. BIO 156/166 4
4. HIST 120 OR 121 3 4. ES 150 4
5. HPE Personal Performance 1 5. GEOG 100 3
Total 14 cr Total 17 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
1. ED 122 FES 1/2 3 1. MATH 113 or 221 3
2. ENG 263 3 2. BIO 202 3
3. MATH 112 3 3. PH 252 4
4. CHEM 153/163 4 4. HIST 111, 112 or 113 3
5. PH 251 4 Total 13 cr
Total 17 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Spring Junior - Middle Level Junior Block-FES3
1. ES 280 3 1. EDML 324 3
2. SPED 418 FES 1/2 3 2. EDML 329 3
3. Arts & Hum. Elec. 3 3. ED 350 3
4. PS 211 3 4. EDML 332 3
5. HPE 111 2 5. SPED 441 3
Total 14 cr Total 15 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Middle Level Senior Block-FES3 Semester Spring Senior – FES 4
1. EDML 322 3 1. EDML 424 12
2. EDML 334 3 2. EDML 425 12
3. EDML 325 3 3. SPED 442 3
4. ED 417 3 Total 15 cr
5. EDML 333 3
Total 15 cr Four year program = 120 credits
College of E&HS, August 2010 13
Middle Level Social Studies
The eight-semester course sequence for Middle Level Social Studies is:
Middle Level Social Studies Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
1. ENG 111 3 1. ED 110 – FES 1 3
2. MATH 111 3 2. MATH 211 3
3. NSCI 150 3 3. NSCI 151 3
4. HIST 120 3 4. HIST 121 3
5. HPE Personal Performance 1 5. GEOG 100 3
Total 13 cr Total 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
1. ED 122 - FES 1/2 3 1. MATH 113 3
2. ENG 263 3 2. SCED 205- FES 1/2 3
3. MATH 112 3 3. Science Elective 3
4. HIST 111 3 4. World Hist. Elec. 3
5. PS 211 3 5. ECON 211 3
Total 15 cr Total 15 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Spring Junior-Middle Level Junior Block-FES3
1. World Hist. Elec. 3 1. EDML 324 3
2. SPED 418 - FES 1/2 3 2. EDML 329 3
3. Arts & Humanities Elective 3 3. ED 350 3
4. World History Choice 3 4. EDML 332 3
5. HPE 111 2 5. SPED 441 3
Total 14 cr 6. BIOL 476 3
Total 18 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Middle Level Senior Block-FES3 Semester Spring Senior – FES 4
1. EDML 322 3 1. EDML 424 6
2. EDML 334 3 2. EDML 425 6
3. EDML 325 3 3. SPED 442 3
4. ED 417 3 Total 15 cr
5. EDML 333 3 Four year program = 120 credits
Total 15 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 14
Middle Level Mathematics
The eight-semester course sequence for Middle Level Mathematics is:
Middle Level Mathematics Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
1. ENG 111 3 1. ED 110 FES 1 3
2. MATH 111 3 2. MATH 211 3
3. NSCI 150 3 3. NSCI 151 3
4. HIST 120 or 121 3 4. HIST 111, 112, or 113 3
5. HPE Personal Performance 1 5. GEOG 100 3
Total 13 cr Total 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
1. ED 122 FES 1/2 3 1. MATH 214 or 340 3
2. ENG 263 3 2. SCED 205 FES 1/2 3
3. MATH 113 or 221 or 321 3 3. Science Elective 3
4. PS 211 3 4. MATH 212 or 357 3
5. MATH 112 3 Total 12 cr
Total 15 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Fall Senior - Middle Level Junior Block-FES 3
1. MATH 171 4 1. EDML 324 3
2. SPED 418 FES 1/2 3 2. EDML 329 3
3. Arts & Humanities Elective 3 3. ED 350 3
4. MATH 213, 260 or 270 3 4. EDML 332 3
5. HPE 111 2 5. SPED 441 3
Total 15 cr 6. MATH 215 or 285 2
Total 17 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Middle Level Senior Block-FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – FES 4
1. EDML 322 3 1. EDML 424 6
2. EDML 334 3 2. EDML 425 6
3. EDML 325 3 3. SPED 442 3
4. ED 417 3 Total 15 cr
5. EDML 333 3 Four year program = 120 credits
6. MATH 4XX (TBD) 3
Total 18 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 15
Secondary Education Programs
Our College offers eight secondary education teacher certification programs. Each one can be
completed in four years. The credit requirements vary between 120 and 123 credits. The extra three
credits result in some of the science programs where there are 4-credit courses as well as one-credit
labs. These eight programs are Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, English, General
Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies. Seven of these programs have identified semester
sequences identified in the next few pages. To review an eight semester course sequence for
Secondary Mathematics, you will need to contact the Department of Mathematics, 189 Science and
Technology Center, 814-393-2592.
The eight-semester course sequence for Biology:
Biology Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 FES 1 3
MATH 171 4 Gen ED 3
BIOL 155/165 4 BIO 156/166 4
CHEM 153/163 4 CHEM 154/164 4
Total 15 cr ENG LIT 3
Total 17 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 FES 1/2 3 ED 225 FES 2 3
ES 111-499 3 BIO 203 3
MATH 221 3 CHEM 251/261 4
BIO 202 3 HPE 111 & PP 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
Total 15 cr Total 16 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
BIO 201 3 ED 327 FES 2 3
SPED 418 FES 1/2 3 ED 350 FES 2 3
PH 251 4 BIO 300-499 3
BIO 382 3 BIO 476 3
Gen ED 3 Total 12 cr
Total 16 cr
Semester Fall Senior Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – FES 4
ED 332 3 ED 424 6
ED 329 3 ED 425 6
SPED 441 3 SPED 442 3
ED 417 3 Total 15 cr
BIO 300-499 3 Four year program = 121 cr.
Total 15 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 16
The eight-semester course sequence for Chemistry:
Chemistry Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 - FES 1 3
MATH 270 4 ENG LIT 3
BIOL 111-499 3 ES 111-499 3
CHEM 151/161 4 CHEM 152/162 4
TOTAL 14 cr MATH 271 4
TOTAL 17 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 - FES 1/2 3 ED 225 - FES 2 3
CHEM 251/261 4 CHEM 252/262 3
PH 251 or 252 4 Gen ED 3
Gen ED 3 HPE 111 & PP 3
Arts Elective 3 CHEM 257 2
TOTAL 17 cr CHEM 271 2
TOTAL 16 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
CHEM 354/364 4 ED 327 – FES 2 3
SPED 418 – FES 1/2 3 ED 350 – FES 2 3
CHEM 353/363 4 CHEM 358/368 4
CHEM 270 3 CHEM 355 4
TOTAL 14 cr BIOL 476 3
CHEM 456 & 470 4
TOTAL 21 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – FES 4
ED 332 3 ED 424 6
ED 329 3 ED 425 6
SPED 441 3 SPED 442 3
ED 417 3 TOTAL 15 cr
TOTAL 12 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 17
The eight-semester course sequence for Earth and Space Science:
Earth and Space Science Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 – FES 1 3
MATH 171 3 ES 150 4
BIOL 155/165 4 ES 200 3
CHEM 153/163 4 ENG LIT 3
TOTAL 14 cr TOTAL 13 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 – FES 1/2 3 ED 225 – FES 2 3
ES 260 3 ES 250 4
MATH 221 3 ES 280 3
PH 251 4 HPE 111 & PP 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
TOTAL 16 cr TOTAL 16 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
ES 270 3 ED 327 – FES 2 3
SPED 418 – FES 2 3 ED 350 – FES 2 3
Geology/PM Elective 4 Geology/PM Elective 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
Gen ED 3 ES 476 3
TOTAL 16 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – Student Teaching – FES 4
ED 332 3
ED 329 3 ED 424/425 12
SPED 441 3 SPED 442 3
ED 417 3 TOTAL 15 cr
Geology/PM Elective 3
TOTAL 15 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 18
The eight-semester course sequence for English:
English Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 – FES 1 3
MATH 112 3 MATH Choice 3
Gen ED 3 ENG 221 3
ENG 199 3 ENG 262 3
HPE PP 1 Literature Choice 3
TOTAL 13 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 – FES 1/2 3 ED 225 - FES 2 3
ENG 263 3 ENG 225 3
ENG 222 3 ENG 355 3
Literature Choice 3 Non-Print Media Comp 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
TOTAL 18 cr TOTAL 18 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Spring Junior
ENG 226 3 ED 327 – FES 2 3
SPED 418 – FES 2 3 ENG 482 3
ENG 227 or 228 3 Literature Choice 3
Adv Writing Comp 3 SPED 441 – FES 2 3
HPE 111 2 ENG 459 or 462 or 463 3
ANTH 364 or 457 3 TOTAL 15 cr
TOTAL 17 cr
Semester Fall Senior Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – Student teaching – FES 4
ED 329 3 ED 424/425 12
ED 328 3 SPED 442 3
ED 417 3 TOTAL 15 cr
ENG 470 3
TOTAL 12 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 19
The eight-semester course sequence for General Science:
General Science Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 _____________________________ 3 ED 110 – FES 1 _________________________ 3
MATH 171 ____________________________ 4 ENG LIT ______________________________ 3
BIOL 155/165 _________________________ 4 BIO 156/166____________________________ 4
CHEM 153/163 ________________________ 4 CHEM 154/164 _________________________ 4
Total 15 cr TOTAL 14 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 – FES 1/2 _______________________ 3 ED 225 – FES 2 ________________________ 3
ES 150 ________________________________ 4 ES 200 _______________________________ 3
MATH 221____________________________ 3 Gen ED _______________________________ 3
BIO 202 ______________________________ 3 HPE 111 & PP__________________________3
Gen ED________________________________3 Gen ED ________________________________3
TOTAL 16 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
ES 270 ________________________________ 3 ED 327 – FES 2 _________________________ 3
SPED 418 – FES 2 ______________________ 3 ED 350 – FES 2 _________________________ 3
PH 251________________________________ 4 ES 280 ________________________________ 3
Gen ED _______________________________ 3 PH 252 ________________________________ 4
Gen ED _______________________________ 3 BIOL 476 _____________________________ 3
TOTAL 16 cr TOTAL 16 cr
Semester Fall Senior Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Senior Spring – Student Teaching – FES 4
ED 424 ________________________________ 6
ED 332 _______________________________ 3
ED 425 ________________________________ 6
ED 329 _______________________________ 3
SPED 442 _____________________________ 3
SPED 441 _____________________________ 3
TOTAL 15 cr
ED 417 _______________________________ 3
Gen ED elective (if needed)__________ (3)
TOTAL 12 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 20
The eight-semester course sequence for Physics:
Physics Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall (Even) Semester Freshman Spring (Odd)
ENG 111 3 ED 110 – FES 1 3
MATH 270 4 ENG LIT 3
PH 258/268 4 MATH 271 4
CHEM 153/163 4 PH 259/269 4
TOTAL 15 cr PH Choice (301) 3
TOTAL 17 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall (Odd) Semester Sophomore Spring (Even)
ED 122 - FES 1/2 3 ED 225 – FES 2 3
MATH 272 4 MATH 350 3
PH 351 3 PH Choice (356, 357, or 455) 3
PH 354 3 HPE & PP 3
PH Choice (302) 3 PH Choice (356, 357, 455) 3
TOTAL 16 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Junior Fall (Even) Semester Junior Spring (Odd)
PH 353 3 ED 327 - FES 2 3
SPED 418 – FES 2 3 ED 350 - FES 2 3
PH 371 3 PH 352 3
Gen ED 3 PH 461 1
Gen ED 3 BIO 111-499 3
TOTAL 15 cr BIOL 476 3
TOTAL 16 cr
Semester Fall Senior (Odd) - Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior (Even) – Student teaching – FES 4
ED 332 3 ED 424/425 12
ED 329 3 SPED 442 3
SPED 441 3 TOTAL 15 cr
ED 417 3
PH 372 2
TOTAL 14 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 21
The eight-semester course sequence for Social Studies:
Social Studies Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 – FES 1 3
MATH 112 3 MATH elective 3
Gen ED 3 PS 211 3
HIST 120 3 HIST 121 3
HPE PP 1 GEOG 100 3
TOTAL 13 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 – FES 1/2 3 ECON 211 3
ENG Lit 3 SOC 211 3
ANTH 211 3 PSY 211 3
World HIST 100 + 3 World HIST 100 + 3
Non-Western Comp 3 PS Choice 3
World HIST 200 + 3 GEOG Choice 3
TOTAL 18 cr TOTAL 18 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Spring Junior
World HIST 200 + 3 ED 327 – FES 2 3
SPED 418 – FES 2 3 US HIST 200 + 3
US HIST 200 + 3 ED 350 – FES 2 3
ECON 212 3 SPED 441 – FES 2 3
HPE 111 2 BIOL 476 3
TOTAL 14 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – Student teaching – FES 4
ED 329 3 ED 424/425 12
ED 337 3 SPED 442 3
ED 417 3 TOTAL 15 cr
PS Elective 3
TOTAL 12 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 22
K- 12 Programs
Our College offers four K - 12 teacher certification programs. Each can be completed in four years.
The credit requirements are 120 credits per degree. These four programs are Spanish, French, Library
Science, and Music Education. In the next few pages, you will see the eight-semester course sequence
for Library Science and for both the Spanish and French programs. To review an eight semester
course sequence for Music Education, you will need to contact the Music Department at 814-393-
2287. The department office is located in 221 Marwick-Boyd Hall.
The eight-semester course sequence for Library Science:
Library Science Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 – FES 1 3
MATH 112 3 Gen ED 3
CMST 113 3 ENG LIT 3
ANTH 211 3 LS (ck. w/advisor) 6
LS (ck. w/advisor) 3 TOTAL 15 cr
Total 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 – FES 1/2 3 Gen ED 3
MATH elective 3 HPE and PP 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
LS (ck. w/advisor) 6 LS (ck. w/advisor) 6
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
SPED 418 – FES 2 3 ED 327 – FES 2 3
ENG 252 or 457 3 ED 350 – FES 2 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
LS (ck. w/advisor) 6 LS (ck. w/advisor) 6
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Fall Senior Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – Student teaching – FES 4
ED 338 3 ED (LS Student teaching course) 12
ED 329 3 SPED 442 3
SPED 441 3 TOTAL 15 cr
ED 417 3
LS Methods course 3
TOTAL 15 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 23
The eight-semester course sequence for Spanish:
Spanish Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ENG 111 3 ED 110 – FES 1 3
MATH 112 3 Gen ED 3
CMST 113 3 SPAN 252 3
ANTH 211 3 SPAN 265 3
SPAN 251 3 ENG LIT 3
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
ED 122 – FES 1/2 3 SPAN 282 3
SPAN 281 3 SPAN elective 3
MATH elective 3 Gen ED 3
SPAN elective 3 HPE and PP 3
Gen ED 3 Gen ED 3
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
SPAN 270 3 ED 327 – FES 2 3
SPED 418 – FES 2 3 ED 350 – FES 2 3
SPAN elective 3 SPAN 301 3
ENG 252 or 457 3 Gen ED 3
Gen ED 3 SPAN elective 3
TOTAL 15 cr TOTAL 15 cr
Semester Fall Senior - Secondary Block – FES 3 Semester Spring Senior – Student teaching – FES 4
ED 338 3 ED 421 12
ED 329 3 SPED 442 3
SPED 441 3 TOTAL 15 cr
ED 417 3
SPAN elective 3
TOTAL 15 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 24
The eight-semester course sequence for French:
French Course Sequence
Semester Freshman Fall Semester Freshman Spring
ED 110 3
ENG 111 3 Gen ED 3
MATH 112 3 3
CMST 113 3 3
ANTH 211 3 ENG LIT 3
3 15 cr
15 cr
Semester Sophomore Fall Semester Sophomore Spring
3
ED 122 3 3
3 Gen ED 3
MATH elective 3 HPE and PP 3
3 Gen ED 3
Gen ED____________________________3 15 cr
15 cr
Semester Junior Fall Semester Junior Spring
ED 327 3
3 ED 350 3
SPED 418 3 3
3 Gen ED 3
3 3
Gen ED 3 15 cr
15 cr
Semester Fall Senior Semester
Secondary Block ED 421 12
SPED 442 3
ED 438 3
ED 329 3
SPED 441 3
ED 417 3 15 cr
3
15 cr
College of E&HS, August 2010 25
Knowledge & Skill Assessment in Your Certification Program
Each completed course will be used to determine the depth and breadth of your knowledge and skill
progress towards completion of the teacher certification program. Along with each course completed,
there are other points of evaluation. This section is designed to help determine within the first two
years of the program, whether or not you will be able to achieve program admission by the time you
have completed 68 University credits.
Program Admission Requirements
Teacher Certification Programs in the College of Education and Human Services are clinical programs
with levels of requirements to be met prior to completion. You will not be permitted to progress
beyond 68 credits in any of the College of Education and Human Services teacher certification
programs until you have met these requirements. To meet these requirements, you must follow this
sequence.
First Year:
Fall semester complete all clearances – Act 33/151, Act 34, FBI. Submit them to the Office
of Field Services
Complete the physical exam and TB (Mantoux) Test through Keeling Health Center.
Spring semester complete at least one (1) professional education course with a grade of C or
higher.
Second Year:
Complete a second professional education course with a grade of C or higher.
Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher by the end of the second year or upon
completion of 68 University credits.
By following the above sequence, you will be ready to gain official admission into your Teacher
Certification Program. To complete the official admission process, you must:
Complete all Praxis I tests (Reading, Writing, Math) and submit your passing scores to the
Office of Field Services for electronic recording.
Achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher with a minimum of 68 credits earned.
Complete the Speech & Hearing Screenings through the Speech and Hearing Clinic in the
Keeling Center.
Record on the Co-Curricular Transcript with verification a minimum 40 hours of observation
and exploration activities. These activities are to be completed within education courses.
Submit all clearances (Act 33/151, Act 34, and FBI) to the Office of Field Services for
electronic recording.
Grade Point Average & Your Degree Audit
You may wonder just how well you must do in future semesters in order to raise your grade point
average to some desired level, like 2.8, 3.0 or higher. To determine potential future averages, you can
use the GPA Calculator on the Registrar’s website at http://www.clarion.edu/84631 .
College of E&HS, August 2010 26
Upon entry of your first schedule into the University system, your online degree audit can be reviewed
any time to identify the grade point average (GPA), completed courses and courses that need to be
taken for your program. You can access your degree audit through School Services on the iClarion
Portal. This online degree audit evaluates completed course work and currently registered courses
against a set of degree requirements to determine progress toward obtaining your degree. You can
model new degree requirements (or a new major), and print a degree audit using iClarion Portal at
https://iclarion.clarion.edu/cp/home/displaylogin .
The degree audit is a powerful advisement tool. Functions include
The ability to determine which degree requirements are met and which requirements are
remaining,
The power to request "what-if" scenarios for a new major and determining how completed
courses will apply to another major,
Tracking major(s) GPA.
Please remember that the degree audit is provided to help with advisement. It is not an official record.
If you see problems, please report them to your advisor. If you need further assistance, please contact
your department secretary and or chairperson.
Praxis I Tests
Praxis Tests are conducted by the Educational Testing Service. As a teacher candidate you will be
required to pass tests in both the Praxis I and Praxis II categories. These tests are given at several
testing sites across the country. Clarion University is one of those testing sites.
The Praxis I tests in reading, writing, and mathematics must be passed before moving beyond 68
University credits in your program. These requirements evaluate learning prior to beginning the
University program. Required mathematics and English courses will help improve capabilities in these
areas. Thus, you may want to complete these courses before taking your Praxis I tests. You are
encouraged to take these tests as soon as possible during your freshman or sophomore year.
The main website for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is www.ets.org. At this website, you
should click on the word, “Praxis”, to move into the Praxis test information section. Here you can
register for all tests, view the free test preparation help, and review the test topics. To register for all
Praxis Tests, you need to go to their specific registration link on their website.
Each state identifies the Praxis test scores needed to pass the tests for their state certifications. To
determine the passing scores for all Praxis tests that are needed for the state of Pennsylvania, you need
to go to the ETS website section specifically for Pennsylvania test requirements.
Praxis test scores are your personal property, which means a complete and detailed score report will
automatically be sent to you. When you register to take any Praxis test, you should identify Clarion
University as the higher education institution where the scores are to be sent. If you do this, the score
report should also be sent to the Office of Field Services (OFS) in our College. Once received, the
College of E&HS, August 2010 27
scores will be electronically entered into our student information system (SIS). Then they will appear
in section four of your degree audit. Be sure to keep a score report in your file of program information.
What Are Professional Education Courses?
Professional education courses refer to those courses that have an ED prefix in front of the course
number. The number of professional courses varies by teacher certification requirements. These
courses are listed on the right-hand side of the check sheet.
What Are Major Course Requirements?
Major course requirements are those courses listed on your program checksheet with letters that match
your major. For example, EDML refers to courses that meet major requirements for the Middle-Level
programs, SPED refers to special education courses, and so on. The major courses are also listed on
the right-hand side of your check sheet. If you have any questions about this, make sure that you speak
to your advisor.
Your Professional Disposition (Behaviors) Assessment
Assessing Your Professional Dispositions
Teachers must have the attitudes, ethics and values that make them successful, caring professionals.
This involves much more than caring for children. Teachers must have the ability to develop positive
relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. They serve as models of mature
adulthood to the students in their charge. They need to work effectively in a collaborative school
environment with students and adults from diverse backgrounds.
These professional dispositions include such characteristics as:
Adherence to professional ethics – accepts, models and enforces professional ethics.
Collaboration - works effectively with professional colleagues and other adults
Commitment to diversity - values multiple aspects of diversity; respects children and adults of
various cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, social classes,
abilities, political beliefs, etc.
Commitment to teaching - values the profession of teaching; enthusiastic attitude regarding
schools, teaching, students, and parents.
Emotional maturity - resolves frustration appropriately, poised and professional in demeanor.
Initiative - independence, going beyond what is given, seeking knowledge and professional
development, actively seeking solutions to problems.
Responsibility - attendance, promptness, notification of emergencies, reliability when making
commitments.
Responsiveness to professional feedback - receptiveness and appropriate responsiveness to
professional feedback.
Self-reflection - reflects on and evaluates one's own experience and work, is willing to
recognize difficulties or deficiencies in one's teaching and willing to effect a change.
Student focus - focuses professional decision-making around student needs rather than personal
preference, respects students as valued human beings.
College of E&HS, August 2010 28
The three key sources of assessment information regarding professional dispositions are:
1) Observations from professors,
2) Observations from cooperating teachers in whose classrooms you participate in field
experiences activities,
3) Observations from your cooperating teacher(s) and university supervisor(s) during student
teaching.
You will also be asked to self-evaluate your professional dispositions. This information should help
you identify areas in which you need to work toward professionalism as well as documenting your
progress.
PDE Requirements & Your Program
Grade Point Average (GPA) for Teacher Certification
It is very important to maintain a high GPA up throughout your college career. The Pennsylvania
Department of Education (PDE) requires at least a 3.0 GPA upon graduation to qualify for certification
in Pennsylvania public schools. If your GPA is less than a 3.0 at graduation, you will not receive your
PDE teaching certificate, and you will not receive your degree in teacher education from Clarion
University. It is important to be sure that your GPA is 3.0 or higher before accepting your degree (see
pages 24-25).
Praxis Testing Requirements
PDE has identified specific Praxis tests that must be passed to meet certification requirements. It is
very important to know which tests are required for your certification(s). These tests change
periodically. If you take the wrong test(s), the scores will not meet certification requirements. Always
and frequently check the ETS website for the Pennsylvania-approved tests.
Just like the other components in your program requirements, taking the Praxis test(s) is your
responsibility. When registering for the Praxis test(s), you need to identify the test site where you plan
to take the test(s) as well as where your scores are to be sent. The test dates are the same for all sites
across the country. You may want to take a test at a site closest to where you are at the time of the test.
For example, if you plan to take a Praxis test during the summer months, you may want to schedule it
at a site closer to your home or wherever you may be living during those summer months.
It is also your responsibility to make sure that your test scores are submitted to the Office of Field
Services in 102 Stevens Hall. It is to your advantage to check with the Office of Field Services to
make sure the scores were received. If they have not been received, you can bring in a copy to be
recorded.
Field Experience Requirements
One of the most important components of your teacher certification program is field experience. PDE
has identified a specific structure for completion of all field experience requirements. These
requirements take place during each of the four years in what are identified as four stages. Each stage
has a minimum number of hours that must be completed and documented with official verification by
our College.
College of E&HS, August 2010 29
Every professional education course in your certification program has a field experience component.
The components must be completed and documented by logging into your Co-Curricular Transcript.
Once you do this, your course professor will validate the required Field Experiences for the course.
The Co-Curricular Transcript component begins at this website, http://www.clarion.edu/1861/.
The PDE field experience requirements encompass a total of 190 hours of field experience before
student teaching and then an additional 12 to 15 weeks of student teaching. These hours are divided
into
4 stages:
Stages 1 and 2 include observation and exploration and require a total of 40 hours.
Stage 3 requires 150 hours and is the pre-student teaching stage.
Stage 4 is the student teaching stage and is to be a minimum 12 weeks in length. Clarion
University requires a full semester to meet degree requirements.
Stage Activities that help the candidate acquire Knowledge and/or skill in this stage.
Stage One: Observation of classroom teachers and students in action. Specifically, observe areas the
(First & Second Years) teacher candidate is considering as potential major(s). Observations can take place outside the
Observation structured classroom but must be educationally related, i.e. camp or workshop activities,
20 hrs. minimum weekend programs.
Stage Two: Participating in classroom activities with classroom teachers and their students. These
(First & Second Years) activities can range from one activity within a specific lesson to many activities. Activities
Exploration can be outside as well as inside a regular classroom environment.
20 hrs. minimum
Stage Three: Teacher candidate will work with a teacher and classroom students to further develop
(Third & Fourth Years) knowledge of content areas and standards related to them; knowledge of integrated
Pre-Student Teaching curriculum; ability to plan, implement, assess and reflect on lessons and educational activities;
150 hrs. minimum ability to communicate effectively with students, peers, parents and supervisors.
Stage Four: Ability to successfully use knowledge, skills, and dispositions gained in stages one through
(Fourth Year) three as a teacher candidate.
Student Teaching
12 weeks minimum
Please notice that each field experience stage identifies a minimum number of hours required. You are
encouraged to go beyond that minimum number of hours because the more you observe, explore, and
pre-teach in a school environment, the more you will learn about teaching in a school environment.
The old adage, “practice makes perfect,” definitely applies here. Also keep in mind that the more
classroom teachers observed, the more teaching and learning you will understand. It is just as
important to know what you don’t want to do as it is to know what you want to do, so log those hours,
take advantage of these opportunities, and learn!
Policy for Praxis II Tests and Student Teaching
The policy for Praxis II tests and student teaching involves redesigning the second student teaching
course to include the required objective - candidates will pass the appropriate Praxis II exam(s) as part
of the second student teaching course. The exam(s) may be completed before, during, or after the
College of E&HS, August 2010 30
second student teaching course/placement. The specifics of this new policy are:
All candidates must take the required Praxis II exams before beginning their student teaching
semester.
If a test is not passed, the candidate must register to take the test again during the student
teaching semester.
The candidate must present a copy of the registration or the seat ticket to the Office of Field
Services (OFS) before beginning their student teaching semester.
Once the OFS receives the registration or seat ticket, the candidate may begin student teaching.
The candidate must pass the Praxis II exam(s) by the end of the final student teaching
course/placement.
Candidates will not complete the student teaching course until they have passed the Praxis II
exam(s).
The exam(s) may be completed before, during or after the student teaching field experience.
In the case of failure at the end of the second student teaching course, these options will be available to
the student:
Receive an Incomplete (I) in the second student teaching course which will maintain the option
to complete the bachelor’s degree in education and teacher certification. This Incomplete can
be held for one semester during which time the student must pass the Praxis II test(s) and
report the passing scores to the Office of Field Services. Once the scores are received, the
teacher certificate will be sent to PDE and the degree will be awarded.
Receive a D in the second student teaching course. This then permits these credits to be used
for a degree in Liberal Studies. The student may or may not need to complete additional
credits for this degree.
Repeat the last 6 credit course for student teaching, pass the required Praxis II tests, and then
receive the degree and teacher certification.
Policy: Withdrawal, Reassignment and/or Termination of a Field Experience
Clarion University collaborates with a large number of school districts and agencies each year to
provide field experiences for majors. The University requires these field experiences and so do many
of the licensing boards that govern the specialty areas of many Clarion graduates.
Our College is able to place teacher candidates as guests of the school district or agency. Accordingly,
the candidates must recognize that the University has been given the privilege to place them at field
sites. Therefore, the overriding factor is that the candidate is at all times a guest of that school district
or agency.
The candidates must abide by the University’s Student Rights, Regulations and Procedures Online
Handbook. Copies of this handbook are available in the Office of Judicial Affairs and Mediation, 204
Egbert. This handbook is available online at www.clarion.edu/51580.pdf . The University has
regulations, procedures, institutional practices, and professional expectations which apply when they
College of E&HS, August 2010 31
are assigned to school districts. It is your responsibility to know the expectations (qualifications and
conditions), rules, and the code of conduct at the University. Check the Office of Field Services
website (http://www.clarion.edu/19284 ).
It is the underlying premise of Clarion University that any student will need to meet the qualifications
and conditions for field experiences regardless if the student must do so with or without an assistive
device. If the student, as a field candidate, cannot meet the qualifications and conditions field
experience, then he or she should contact the Director of Field Services. Should a student at any time
believe that he or she needs to be accommodated due to a disability, then that student should contact
not only the Director of Field Services but also the Coordinator of Disabilities Support Services (DSS).
The website for this office is http://www.clarion.edu/1019/ .
A candidate may be removed from a field experience for either unsatisfactory academic performance,
not meeting requirements of the profession, or due to unacceptable behavior. If at any time, the
candidate demonstrates the problem is due to a disability-related issue, the candidate should make the
Director of Field Services aware of this matter in writing. As soon as the Director of Field Services is
aware of such issue, the Director will consult with the Coordinator of the Disability Support Services It
should also be noted that, since each student’s situation is different, each case that falls under this
policy would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The complete University policy for withdrawal, reassignment and/or termination of a field placement
can be reviewed online in the Student Rights, Regulations and Procedures Handbook available at
www.clarion.edu/51580.pdf .
Teachers and the Law
Teachers have many legal responsibilities. Understanding your legal responsibilities will be important
for your career and for the well being of students in your charge. The Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA) is designed to protect students’ privacy. Parents and eligible students have the
right to review educational records and to be protected from unauthorized disclosure of family
information.
Civil/Criminal Conviction Issue Information
Admission and continued enrollment in the teacher preparation programs requires submission of
clearances with regard to your criminal history. The following offenses have been enumerated by the
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as examples that may prevent certification or at least
require administrative review by PDE.
1. Any felony conviction
2. Criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree or an attempt to commit that crime.
3. Child abuse in the third or fourth degree or an attempt to commit that crime.
4. A misdemeanor involving cruelty, torture, or indecent exposure involving children.
College of E&HS, August 2010 32
5. A misdemeanor violation of distributing marijuana on school property,
6. A violation of any section from the Pennsylvania Penal Code in the following areas: breaking
and entering, presence of minor under 17 in places where liquor is sold, lewd and lascivious
behavior, contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a minor, removing items from a
vacant dwelling.
7. A misdemeanor violation from the Pennsylvania Penal Code in the following areas: assault and
battery, domestic violence, selling or furnishing alcoholic liquor to a person less than 21
years of age.
8. More than two: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
(OUIL).
9. A violation of a substantially similar law of another state, of a political subdivision of this state
or another state, or of the United States.
10. More than one minor in possession conviction.
11. More than one misdemeanor of any kind.
Please be advised that teacher candidates with civil/criminal convictions issues are not guaranteed
certification even if they successfully complete a teacher preparation program. The decision to certify
a teacher is made by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The PDE can decide not to
certify candidates with civil/criminal conviction issues regardless of their academic performance.
As a teacher candidate, you are recommended for certification once you complete all program
requirements. If you have any enumerated offense, your application will undergo administrative
review with PDE. Administrative review takes at least 90 days. A teacher candidate with an
enumerated offense is not eligible for a certification letter until after the review is complete, and it is
determined that the teacher candidate is eligible for certification.
College of E&HS, August 2010 33