Alabama State University



ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE OF EDUCATION Policies and Procedures Manual Revised 10/2014Table of ContentsPurpose…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………1Alabama State University Mission Statement………………………………………………..………….…2College of Education Mission Statement …………………………………………………………………..3The Conceptual Framework………………………………………………………………………………...4Glossary of Terms…………………………………………………………………………………………..5Undergraduate Policies and Procedures…………………………………………………………………..6Policy 001—University College Undergraduate Policies and Procedures for Transfer to College of Education ……………………………………………………..………..…….11Policy 002—Preparation for Admission to Teacher Education Programs (Undergraduate)……………………………………………………………………….....13 Policy 003—Admission to Teacher Education Programs (Undergraduate)….………….14 Policy 004- Coursework Requirements on ALSDE approved checklist (Undergraduate)………………………………………………………………………….17 Policy 005- Internship (Undergraduate)……….………………………………………...21 Policy 006- Change of Program Curriculum Checklist………………………………….23Policy 007-Courses Repeated for Credit…………………………………………………24Policy 008-Retention Policy (Undergraduate)…………………………………………...25 Policy 009-Candidate Requirements for Class B Certification……………………...…..26Alternative Class A Policies and Procedures…………………………………………………..………...27Policy 010-Fifth Year (Alternative A) Candidate’s Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School………………………………………………….…………......28Policy 011-Preparation for Unconditional Admission to Fifth-Year(Alternative A)Program………………………………………………….……................31Policy 012- Unconditional Admission to Fifth-Year (Alternative A) Program…………………………………………………………………………………..32Policy 013 Coursework Requirements on the ALSDE Alternative Class A Checklist…………………………………………………………………………………33Policy 014-Praxis II in lieu of 4x12 or 32/19…………………………………................38Policy 015-Internship (Graduate)………………………………..……………................39Policy 016- Alternative “A” Candidates Completing Alternative Baccalaureate Certification……………………………………………………………………………...41Policy 017- Alternative A Candidates Completing Special Alternative Certificate……………………………………………………………………………..…42Policy 018- Candidate Requirements for Alternative Class A Certification……………………………………………………………………...………44Policy 019- College of Education Retention Policy (Graduate)………………………………………………………………………...……...45Traditional Class A Policies and Procedures………………………………………...………………...46Policy 020- Traditional (A) Master’s Candidate’s Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School (Teaching Field)…………….………………...…………………….....47Policy 021 – Unconditional Traditional (A) Admission to the Graduate School (Teaching Field) ………………………………………….………………………………………...50Policy 022- Traditional (A) Coursework Requirements on the ALSDE Checklist…………………………………………………………………………………52Policy 023- Candidate Requirements for Traditional (A) Certification……………………………………………………………………………...55Policy 024- Traditional Class (A) Reading Specialist Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School……………………………………………………….……….56Policy 025- Unconditional Traditional Class (A) Reading Specialist Admission to the Graduate School…………………………………………………………………………58Policy 026-Candidate Requirements for Traditional (A) Reading Specialist Certification……………………………………………………………………………...60Policy 027- Traditional Class (A) Special Alternative Certification………………………………………………………………………….…..61Traditional Class A Instructional Support Programs Policies and Procedures………………..……62Policy 028-Traditional (A) Master’s Candidate’s Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School (Instructional Support Programs)………………….…….…..…….…..63Policy 029- Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class (A )Master’s Level Programs in the College of Education(Instructional Support)…………………………...................66Policy 030- Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A Instructional Support Programs…………………………………………………………………………………68Policy 031- Instructional Support Programs Special Alternative Certification………………………………………………………………...……………69Policy 032- Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class (A) Master’s Level Programs in the College of Education (Instructional Leadership)…………………………………70Policy 033- Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A Instructional Leadership Program………………………………………………………………………………….72Policy 034- Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class (A) Master’s Level Programs in the College of Education (Library Media)……………………………………… ……75Policy 035- Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A Library Media…………………………………………………………………………………….76Policy 036- Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class (A) Master’s Level Programs in the College of Education (School Counseling)………………………….……………77Policy 037- Candidates Requirements for Certification in Class (A) School Counseling……………………………………………………………………………….78Traditional Class AA Teaching Fields, Instructional Leader and Teacher Leader Programs Policies and Procedures………………………………………………………………………………….….….…..80-161925118935500Policy 038- Class AA (Education Specialist) Program Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School (Teaching Fields)………………………………………..……81Policy 039- Class AA (Education Specialist) Unconditional Admission to the Graduate School (Teaching Fields)……………………………………………………….……....83Policy 040- Class AA Program for Teaching Fields Coursework Requirements on the ALSDE Checklist…………………………………………………………………….....85Policy 041- Candidate Requirements for Class AA Programs for Teaching Fields……………………………………………………………………………….…...87Policy 042- Class AA Candidates Completing Requirements for Special Alternative Certification……………………………………………………………………………..88Policy 043- Class AA (Education Specialist) Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School (Instructional Support Programs)………………………………….…89Policy 044- Class AA (Education Specialist) Unconditional Admission to the Graduate School (Instructional Support Programs)…………………………………………..…....91Policy 045- Candidates Requirements for Certification in Class AA Instructional Support Programs…………………………………………………………………..…………..…93Policy 046- Class AA (Education Specialist) Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School (Teacher Leader Program)…………………..…………………...……94Policy 047- Class AA (Education Specialist) Unconditional Admission to the Graduate School (Teacher Leader Program)……………………………………………………....96Policy 048- Candidates Requirements for Certification in Class AA Teacher Leader Program…………………………………………………………………..……………. 97Policy 049- Retention Policy (Educational Specialist)….……………………………….98Policy 050- The Grading System………………………….……………………………..99Policy 051- Faculty Recency Requirement……....……………………………….…….100Policy 052- New Program………………………………………………………………101Policy 053 – Discontinued Program……...…………………………………….……....102Policy 054- Institutional Credit by Examination (ICBE) …….………………...…..….103Candidate Grievance Process……………………………..…………………………………………...105Forms…………….……………………………………….……….…………………………………..…109Certification Application Authorization Form…………………………………………110Application for Unconditional Admission to Program…………………………………1114X12 Checklist…………………………………………………………………………11232x19 Checklist………………………………………………………………………...113Policy 005: Professional Internship (Undergraduate) Form……………………….…...114Policy 006: Change of Program Curriculum Checklist Form…………………………..115Policy 010: Application Checklist Form – State Department of Education………….116 Policy Number 016: Professional Internship (Alternative Class A) Form……….……117PurposeThe purpose of Alabama State’s College of Education Policies and Procedures Manual is to provide faculty and staff with policies, procedures and general information about the College. It contains and/or references college and university policies and procedures for the governance of the academic unit. Faculty members should refer to additional college and university manuals, guides, and/or handbooks for more complete and detailed coverage of university policies and procedures. Alabama State UniversityMission StatementAlabama State University is a candidate-centered, nurturing, comprehensive and diverse public historically Black University committed to achieving excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University fulfills its mission through fostering critical thought, artistic creativity, professional competence and responsible citizenship in its candidates; by adding to the body of knowledge to enhance the quality of life through research and discovery-- and by helping to advance the state and nation through thoughtful public service. Offering baccalaureate through doctorate degrees, the University maintains a scholarly and creative faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a living atmosphere in which all members of the campus community can work and learn in pleasant and rewarding surroundings. Consistent with its assurance that race, gender nor economic status inhibits intelligence, creativity or achievement, ASU offers a bridge to success for those who commit to pursuing the building blocks of development, focus, persistence and reward.The mission and goals include the provision of “quality programs of undergraduate and graduate instruction,” “public service,” and “research”. The mission’s emphasis on the University as “candidate-centered,” and “its assurance that race, gender nor economic status inhibits intelligence, creativity or achievement,” is consistent with the Unit’s commitment to diversity and recognition of each candidate’s unique background. Vision 2020, the mission and goals also reflect the university’s commitment to diversity for employees as well.College of EducationMission Statement In keeping with the university’s mission, the College of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs of instruction and promotes research and public service. Through these programs, the college aims “to produce highly qualified graduates who will become leading professionals in their respective fields of teaching, administration, counseling, instructional supervision, and library education media programs.” The general objectives of the Unit’s programs are to:prepare prospective teachers for meeting the educational needs of all children, youth, and adults;prepare support personnel for meeting the educational needs of the schoolsassist schools with the improvement of instructional programs;conduct research to expand, enhance and evaluate instructional programs and personnel;offer professional preparation in areas other than teaching that combine theoretical studies and practical experiences to prepare graduates for both immediate employment and advanced study; andgive all possible service to the communities of Alabama through assistance to their educational programs and related activities.The aforementioned objectives are interwoven by the mission of the College of Education which follows:The College of Education seeks to prepare teachers, instructional support personnel, and other professionals to be decision makers who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to ethically and effectively integrate theory and practice in carrying out the goals of their professions. These professionals will possess the understanding of our diverse culture, the technological capabilities, the intellectual rigor, and the critical thinking and problem solving skills required to make informed and responsible decisions, to engage in reflective assessment, to implement positive change, and to pursue learning as a lifetime endeavor.The Conceptual Framework13620755397500The Conceptual Framework for the College of Education (COE) describes the vision which provides coherence for both the initial and advanced programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel. Focusing on the theme “Educator as Decision Maker,” the Unit seeks to prepare professional educators who will be capable of applying knowledge and skills, reflecting on and refining practices, and identifying and solving problems in an increasingly diverse, complex, and dynamic technological society. The “Educator as Decision Maker” must be a reflective practitioner, a change agent, and a lifelong learner. This organizing theme reflects the assumption that effective educators must make reasonable judgments, and make careful and conscientious decisions and choices with the intent of optimizing candidate learning outcomes; it emphasizes the view of decision making as an ongoing, interactive, and empowering process.The nature of the vision is evident in presentations and discussions at Unit and university- wide faculty and committee meetings; at orientations for candidates, part-time faculty, cooperating teachers, site supervisors, and university supervisors at collaborative sessions with community, school, and alumni groups. This vision is integrated into undergraduate and graduate course syllabi, assessments, and program handbooks; it is publicized in brochures, newsletters, and other campus publications.Glossary of Terms32/19. The semester hours required in a teaching field, including at least 32 semester hours of credit in a teaching field with at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit.4x12.At least 12 semester hours of acceptable credit, as verified on official transcripts, in each of the following areas: English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studiesAcademic Major. The specialized area of study in a discipline that meets the institution’s requirements for an Arts and Sciences major and is on the individual’s official transcript. For the purpose of program approval, the major must require a minimum of 32 semester hours of credit with at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit. All courses required in the Arts and Sciences major must appear on the approved program checklist. This requirement applies to certification for secondary (6-12), middle school (4-8), and P-12. (The intent of this definition is to designate majors outside the department/school/college of education.) The academic major must be open to persons not pursuing certification. Programs in early childhood education, elementary education, driver and traffic safety education, health education, career and technical education, physical education, and special education do not require an academic major but do require at least 32 semester hours of credit in the teaching field with at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit. AECTP: Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program. This test has two parts. Part I is the basic skills component and part II is the subject assessment which is tested on the Praxis II. This testing program was previously known as the APTTP—Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program. For more information regarding the AECTP, please refer to alsde.edu/teacher testingALSDE: Alabama State Department of Education.Approved Program. A teacher education program at an institution of higher education that has been formally approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. All of the courses in an approved program shall be indicated on an Alabama State Department of Education form called a checklist. Programs approved based on Alabama standards shall be designated as State-approved. Programs approved by any state other than Alabama shall be designated as state-approved.Candidates. Pre-service or in-service persons enrolled in higher education for the purpose of earning initial or advanced certification in a teaching field or area of instructional support or for professional development purposes. The term candidates are reserved in the Teacher Education and Teacher Certification Chapters of the Alabama Administrative Code for references to persons enrolled in P-12 schools. Certification. Issuance of certificates to persons who have met the requirements of the Alabama State Board of Education. An individual who completes an Alabama State-approved program must submit an application for Alabama certification within 60 calendar months of the program completion date. Certification Officer. Person authorized to represent the unit as the certification officer, who certifies to the Alabama State Department of Education that an applicant for a certificate has successfully completed the approved program for the certificate sought and is recommended for certification.Clinical Practice. Internship that provides candidates with an intensive and extensive culminating experience. Candidates are immersed in the learning community and are provided opportunities to develop and demonstrate competence in the professional roles for which they are preparing. Alabama uses the word internship in lieu of candidate teaching.Conceptual Framework. An underlying structure in a professional education unit that gives conceptual meanings through an articulated rationale to the unit’s operation and provides direction for programs, courses, teaching, candidate performance, faculty scholarship and service, assessment, and unit accountability.Dispositions. The commitments and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward candidates, families, colleagues, and communities and affect candidate learning, motivation, and development as well as the educator’s own professional growth. Dispositions are guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, and responsibility. For example, dispositions might include a belief that all candidates can learn, a vision of high and challenging standards, or a commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.Field Experiences. Prior to the internship, a variety of early and ongoing field-based contacts in P-12 schools which are provided as a part of the instructional program available through observation, study of school situations, assisting in instruction, and supervised teaching which contribute to the understanding and competence of the teacher education candidate. GWCT: (Graduate Writing Competency Test): this test is administered to ASU candidates who did not make the following score on the GRE (analytical above a 3.5; verbal above 450) or a 33 or above on the MAT.GPA. Grade Point Average. In this chapter, all GPA requirements pertain to calculations on a 4-point scale. Appropriate adjustments shall be made for other scales. GPAs may not be rounded. For example, a GPA of 2.49 cannot be rounded to 2.50. The official overall GPA is the overall GPA posted on the official transcript. At the undergraduate level, a grade of P (Pass) is considered equivalent to a grade of C. At the graduate level, a grade of P is considered equivalent to a grade of B. ICBE: Institutional Credit by Examination, this term is being placed on transcripts to indicate when candidates have taken an in-house exam or cleared an evaluation for course credit.Initial Certificate. The first Alabama certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support. (Examples: If a person earns a first Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate in elementary education, that person would have earned an initial certificate in elementary education. If that person earns a Class A Professional Educator Certificate in elementary education, that person would have earned an advanced certificate in elementary education. If an individual with a Class B Professional Educator Certificate in elementary education earns a Class B Professional Educator Certificate in mathematics, that individual would have earned an initial certificate in mathematics. Similarly, if a person with a Class B Professional Educator Certificate in elementary education earns a Class A Professional Educator Certificate in library media, that person would have earned an initial certificate in library media. The same examples are applicable to a teacher whose initial certificate is issued at the Class A level.Intern Supervisor. A person assigned by the college or university to supervise interns.Internship. Experiences in public P-12 schools or regionally accredited private schools culminating in the exercise of responsibility for the teaching or instructional support role for which the candidate is preparing under the supervision of personnel from that public school system or regionally accredited private school and the institution of higher education in which the candidate is enrolled. Levels of Alabama Professional Educator Certificates.(a) Class B: Bachelor’s degree level.(b) Class A: Master’s degree level.(c) Class AA: Planned sixth-year program which may result in an education specialist degree. LEA. Local Education AgencyP (Pre-school). Any level prior to kindergarten.Practicum. A unit of instruction in the field of specialization of the candidate that combines formal study and instruction with practical experience in the area of specialization. A practicum must be in a public P-12 school or regionally accredited private school.Professional Studies. A coordinated and integrated program of courses and experiences that includes foundations, methodology, curriculum, evaluation, reading, technology, and direct observation and participation in a variety of school settings.Program Checklist. An official document identifying all courses required to complete a State-approved teacher education program. Checklists are submitted by an institution and approved by the Alabama State Board of Education following a review. The official State-approved checklist will be used as the basis for issuing a certificate. If institutions modify the format of the State-approved checklist to facilitate advisement, all requirements on the official checklist must be included on the modified forms.Regional Accrediting Agency. The six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education are: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education for institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (b)New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education for institutions of higher education in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. (c)North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission for institutions of higher education in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, including schools of the Navajo Nation. (d)Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities for institutions of higher education in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. (e)Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges for institutions of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.(f)Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities for institutions of higher education in California, Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Regionally Accredited. Refers to action taken by one of the regional accrediting agencies and is specific to the status of the institution at the time credit or degrees were earned.Remedial Courses. Other than remedial, these courses may be called compensatory, developmental, or basic skills. These courses are usually numbered below 100. Remedial courses may not be used to meet approved program requirements. This requirement became effective for candidates admitted to Class B programs or Alternative Class A programs on or after August 1, 2009.SBE: Alabama State Board of Education.SPAs. Specialized Professional Associations.Student: Children and youth attending P–12 schools as distinguished from teacher candidates.Teaching Field. The specific discipline or concentrated area of study in a State approved program that leads toward teacher certification; e.g., elementary education, grades K-6; middle-level English language arts, grades 4-8; middle-level mathematics, grades 4-8; secondary English language arts, grades 6-12; secondary history, grades 6-12; or choral music, grades P-12.TEAIC: (Teacher Education Assessment and Intervention Committee): this committee meets every semester and votes to accept or deny admission based upon criteria for admission to candidates who have applied to the Teacher Education Programs. TEP: Teacher Education Program.Transfer Credit: this is credit for a course that has been taken prior to the candidate being admitted to Alabama State University. The grades earned in these classes will not be factored into the candidate’s GPA.Transient Credit: this is credit for a course that is taken at another university while a candidate is enrolled at Alabama State University. The grades earned in these courses will not be factored into the candidate’s GPA. (Permission must be granted prior to being enrolled at another institution).Upper-Division. Coursework designated by an institution of higher education to be at the junior or senior level of undergraduate study.UNDERGRADUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURESPolicy Number and Title: 001 –Undergraduate Policies and Procedures for Transfer from General Studies Core to the College of Education (COE)Policy Statement: This policy outlines the steps that undergraduate candidates must follow once they prepare to transfer to the College of Education. Prior to the transfer, the candidate must complete 24 hours of the general studies requirements on the ALSDE approved checklist with no grade below a “C”. The academic record should be transferred after the candidate has earned 24 semester hours. Once the candidate’s academic record is transferred to the College of Education from the ASU Advisement Center, the following steps will be taken:The dean’s administrative assistant receives the transferred candidate’s folder and generates a list of all candidates transferred.The dean sends a welcome letter* to the candidates and forwards the letter to the appropriate department chairperson.The department chairperson assigns the candidate an academic advisor.The candidate contacts the academic advisor for evaluation and initial advisement, including but not limited to, requirements for admission to the TEP, enrollment in EDU 100 and maintaining a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA. *Admission to a College of Education academic program is NOT equivalent to unconditional admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Admission to the TEP requires an application.Prior to candidates applying for admission to the TEP, the academic advisor ensures that the candidate meets the following criteria:Minimum GPA of 2.5 (cumulative, professional studies, and teaching field)Only the coursework identified on the ALSDE approved checklist (including EDU 100 and EDU 300) may be taken prior to being admitted to the TEPSuccessful performance evaluations during pre-professional field experiencesABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and ClearanceShow evidence of securing a minimum of personal liability insurance commensurate with that available through membership in SAEA, andPassing scores on the AECTP—Part I (Basic Skill Assessments)Reading for InformationApplied MathematicsWritingTransfer Requirements — A minimum grade of “C” is required on all college coursework completed at a regionally accredited college or university. No transfer credits will be accepted from non-regionally accredited universities. Transfer credits will NOT count in the overall GPA calculation. NOTE: Remedial courses may not be used to meet approved program requirements.Policy Number and Title: 002- Preparation to the Admission to Teacher Education Program (Undergraduate) EDU 100Policy Statement: EDU 100 for undergraduate candidates is a mandatory one (1) hour course. This is a preparation course for admission to teacher education programs. Candidates must take and pass EDU 100 with a grade of C or better prior to applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program. All three portions of the AECTP—Part I must be passed before being accepted into the Teacher Education Program. NOTE: Effective no later than the beginning of fall 2008 semester, any candidate applying for admission to a State-approved teacher education program shall be required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the Alabama State Department of Education to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to Act 2002-457.Policy Number and Title: 003 – Admission to the Teacher Education Program (Undergraduate)Policy Statement: This policy outlines the process for undergraduate admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Admission to the institution does not qualify an individual for admission to a teacher education program. Applicants will be notified in writing whether their application for admission to a specific teacher education program has been accepted. To be eligible for admittance to the TEP, the following requirements must be met:Criteria for Admission to the TEP:A formal written application for admission to TEP.A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.50 in accordance with ASU policy, 2.50 GPA in professional studies listed on the ALSDE approved checklist for the program, and 2.50 GPA in the teaching field listed on the ALSDE approved checklist for the program must be earned prior to program admission.Remedial courses may not be used to meet approved program requirements.No grade below a “C” in any coursework completed on the ALSDE approved checklist. Passing score on all three portions of the AECTP—Part I (Basic Skill Assessments):Reading for InformationApplied MathematicsWritingCompletion of EDU 100, EDU 300, and up to 3 additional professional studies courses that have been identified on the ALSDE approved curriculum checklist as being able to be taken prior to being admitted to the TEP.Successful performance in the pre-professional field experiences (EDU 300 and any of the additional professional studies courses that are identified on the ALSDE checklist as those that can be taken prior to admission to TEP).The completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s personal qualities, dispositions, and potential for teaching.Satisfactory Live Text or other technology proficiencies portfolio submissions.The receipt of one (1) recommendation and disposition evaluations from each of the following persons: the academic advisor, a COE faculty member or appropriate subject area faculty member, and an ASU professor that has taught the candidate; andABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance completed by service provider approved by the ALSDE. The candidate is responsible for the nonrefundable, nontransferable fee.Steps for Unconditional Admission to the TEP:Step 1:The candidate completes the application to the Teacher Education Program.Step 2:The academic advisor verifies that the criteria have been met and submits the following documentation with the application to the Teacher Certification Office by the established deadline date:4x12 or 32/19 (all 4x12 or 32/19 courses do not need to be completed prior to applying for admission to the TEPA minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 calculations (cumulative, professional studies, and teaching field)Remedial courses may not be used to meet approved program requirements.AECTP—Part I scores (three parts)The completion of the appropriate coursework according to the ALSDE approved checklist.Satisfactory interviews designed to provide information on whether the applicant's dispositions and interests are consistent with the requirements for successful teaching. Appropriate dispositions from the academic advisor, content area and COE facultyExperiences in the schools designed to assist the candidate in making wise career choicesShow evidence of securing a minimum of personal liability insurance commensurate with that available through membership in SAEA, andShow proof of personal liability insurance, and show proof of fingerprinted ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance completed by service provider approved by the ALSDE. (If suitability determination is issued, documentation must be provided to the Certification Office. All revocations, suspensions, and unsuitable determinations have a right to due process in accordance with Rule 290-3-2-.34)Step 3:The application is submitted to the certification office with all appropriate signaturesStep 4:The certification director presents the application and accompanying documentation to the Teacher Education Assessment and Intervention Committee (TEAIC). The TEAIC will make an admission decision for each of these candidates. Each candidate admitted to the TEP will receive a letter and admission from the Certification Office indicating that the candidate has been formally admitted to the TEP. Candidates that are denied admission will receive a letter indicating the reason for denial of admission from the chairperson of the TEAIC, and their application packet will be returned to the academic advisor.NOTE:A candidate may enroll in no more than five professional studies courses before meeting all criteria for unconditional admission to the TEP. Any restrictive coursework taken prior to being admission in the TEP may jeopardize the candidate’s ability to be admitted to the program and or becertified.Policy Number and Title: 004 - Coursework Requirements on ALSDE approved checklist (Undergraduate)Policy Statement: A candidate must complete the required coursework on an ALSDE approved checklist in effect at the time of the candidate’s admission to be recommended for certification to the Alabama State Department of Education. Courses, Credits and/or Programs Acceptable Requirements:Any courses and/or credits verified on an official transcript and used to meet State-approved program requirements must come from a regionally accredited institutions.Transferred courses and/or credits used to meet approved program requirements in professional studies, instructional support, or other approved program requirements (courses other than general studies and Arts and Sciences type courses used to meet academic major requirements) must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution that prepares teachers on the same degree level of certification. Courses, credits, and/or degrees accepted from institutions outside the United States shall be substantiated by an evaluation of the foreign credentials from a state, federal, or private foreign credential evaluation service recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education Teacher Education and Certification Office. The evaluation must show that courses, credits, and/or degrees were earned at an institution equivalent to a regionally accredited institution in the United States.Remedial courses may not be used to meet approved program requirements.Coursework used to meet Class B certification requirements may not be used to meet requirements for Class A certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support.A candidate cannot be recommended for certification based on completion of a program for which State approval expired more than (7) seven years prior to the date of program completion. Individuals in undergraduate programs may enroll in master’s-level courses in an approved Class A or Alternative Class A program in accordance with written institutional policies and State standards for program admission. Such courses count toward the limit of courses that may be taken prior to unconditional admission to a program. Only courses from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted for transfer courses to meet requirements on the checklist.Professional studies courses may only be accepted from an Alabama institution that has teacher education programs. Prior to taking a course at another university, it is recommended that the candidate must complete a request for transient credit form. This form must be approved by the academic advisor, department chairperson, and/or the director of teacher certification before the transient credit can be accepted. The completed form must be submitted to the university Registrar so that the credits can be applied to the transcript.Appropriate course substitutions are made only upon the recommendation of the advisor, department chairperson, and the certification director, and/or dean. If a course is not deemed a suitable replacement, the appropriate course must be taken for credit before the candidate can complete the ALSDE approved program.Course substitutions must meet Alabama Quality Teacher Standards and Professional Assessment Standards.If coursework has been completed on the quarter system, the hours must be converted to the semester equivalents. The following formula will be used for the conversions:Quarter hours x .67 = Semester hoursA candidate may enroll in up to (5) five professional studies courses prior to being unconditionally admitted. These courses are designated on the Class B program checklist by the statement, “MAY be taken prior to admission to TEP.” In addition, a candidate may enroll in *all teaching field courses on the State-Approved checklist (*consult academic advisor). Prior to program, admission, a candidate may repeat any of the five courses professional studies courses in which he or she has received a grade of C or below. However, candidates are required to obtain permission from the Dean of the College of Education before repeating a course in which a grade of C is earned.A survey of special education course is required if not previously completed.Each candidate, on a Class B checklist, shall be required to take in the teaching field area at least one methods course specific to the teaching field. This course cannot be combined with other methods courses of other teaching fields. If an individual completes a Class B program at an institution and wants to return to the same institution for a new Class B program, professional studies courses common to both approved checklists are not subject to the five-course limit. However, if the individual has taken more than five professional studies courses on the checklist of the second program, no additional professional studies courses may be taken prior to unconditional admission. Courses, Credits and/or Programs Acceptable Requirements Continued:General Studies:Candidates are required to complete general studies courses and experiences. General studies shall include courses in humanities, social studies, mathematics, and science. Other requirements are listed below:Candidates in the Class B programs in early childhood education, elementary education, early childhood special education, or collaborative special education teacher (K-6 or 6-12) shall have earned at least 12 semester hours of acceptable credit, as verified on official transcripts, in each of the following areas: English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Teaching Field:Candidates should attain academic competence in the content area in which they teach. For example:Completion of a teaching field for most middle/secondary and P-12 teaching field programs shall ensure that the candidate has completed all requirements for an academic major in the teaching field. Programs in early childhood education, elementary education, driver and traffic safety education, health education, career and technical education, physical education, and special education do not require an academic major. Major Requirements:The Class B middle-level, secondary, and P-12 teaching fields shall include one of the following options:A comprehensive teaching field in English language arts, general science, or general social studies that includes both an academic major in an area included in the broad area and coursework in the other areas within the comprehensive field. The academic major must meet the 32/19 requirements. For example, the 32/19 requirement for an English language art major may include courses in English, grammar, reading, speech, drama, theatre, and journalism.A single teaching field with an academic major that includes a minimum of 32 semester hours of credit with at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit in a single teaching field, such as biology or history.Policy Number and Title: 005 – Professional Internship (Undergraduate)Policy Statement: The policy describes the following criteria that must be met prior to the beginning of a professional internship (12 semester hours—undergraduate).The criteria for admission to the professional internship specify that a candidate must:Complete the internship application by the deadline date posted in the Field and Clinical Placements Handbook.Have senior standing.Meet admission requirements to the Teacher Education Program and any additional requirements of the COE. Have a grade of “C” or better in all professional education courses; a 2.5 GPA in the teaching field, a 2.5 GPA in professional studies coursework, and a 2.5 cumulative GPA.Satisfactorily complete the required early field experiences in schools designed to assist the candidate in making a wise career choice. Show evidence of securing a minimum of personal liability insurance commensurate with that available through membership in SAEA. Have recommendations from major advisor and appropriate department faculty regarding competencies.The advisor and appropriate department faculty shall ensure that a candidate's competency to begin his or her professional role in schools is assessed prior to completion ofxe " Candidates, Ensuring Competence " the program and/or recommendation for plete the verification form indicating that all requirements for candidate teaching have been met.Pass Praxis examinations as required by the ALSDE (if appropriate).Show proof of fingerprinted ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance completed by service provider approved by the ALSDE. (The candidate is responsible for the nonrefundable, nontransferable fee).Special Circumstances:Under normal circumstances, no courses may be taken while completing the internship. In special circumstances, one course may be taken concurrently with the internship if prior written permission has been given by the Dean of the College of Education. Under extenuating circumstances, if a candidate has any coursework remaining on the ALSDE approved checklist, he/she may take the internship before completing the coursework with prior written permission given by the Dean of the College of Education. (Consult academic advisor)Only under extenuating circumstances, the Dean will only provide permission for a candidate to begin internship prior to passing the Praxis PLT assessment. The candidate must make a written appeal to the TEAIC. The TEAIC makes a recommendation to the Dean. The Dean will make a decision and provide the candidate with a letter documenting the decision.After reviewing the appeal, the Dean will make a decision and provide the candidate with a letter documenting the decision.Note: All candidates must apply for graduation and certification prior to thecompletion of the professional internship. Policy Number and Title: 006 – Undergraduate Change of Program Curriculum ChecklistPolicy Statement: This policy describes the steps necessary to propose and obtain approval to move or switch to an approved ALSDE checklist. The form related to this type of curricular action is located in the Appendices.A candidate, with the approval of the candidate’s academic advisor and department chairperson, may elect to switch to the most recent ALSDE approved checklist while matriculating in the program.Candidate may not decide to complete a program based upon a checklist that expired prior to their start date. Additionally, candidates may not graduate based upon a checklist that was ALSDE approved following the completion of all coursework and the internship for their program.Policy Number and Title: 007– Undergraduate Courses Repeated for Credit PolicyPolicy Statement: A candidate may repeat courses in his/her major area of specialization to satisfy minimum achievement requirements of the College or department. This may involve specific courses or a pattern of courses prescribed for readmission into certain areas. In such cases, all grades are included in the computation of cumulative grade point average. This policy is located in Alabama State’s 2012-2014 Undergraduate Catalog on pgs.46-47.A candidate may repeat a course in which a grade of D or F is received. The first D or F grade will be excluded or “forgiven,” from the cumulative grade point average (GPA) calculation. The highest grade received will be the grade used in computing the cumulative grade point average on the first repetition attempt. If a course is repeated more than once, all subsequent grades received in the repeated course will be calculated in the cumulative grade point average, including a D or F grade. Special Circumstances:A candidate may repeat a course in which a grade of C is received with the approval of the dean of the college involved.A candidate may not repeat a course after graduation in order to alter the cumulative grade point average after the degree has been conferred.The repetition policy may be applied only one time per course. No course can be used more than once toward degree requirements, unless the course is specifically designated by the department as a repeatable credit.Policy Number and Title: 008 – College of Education Undergraduate Retention Policy Policy Statement: In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, candidates must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.50 in the teaching field, 2.50 in professional studies, and 2.50 cumulative. Candidates who fail to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50 while pursuing studies in the College of Education but are eligible to continue their studies at the university will be referred to their advisor. The advisor will assist the candidate in developing an appropriate class schedule that shall not include additional professional studies courses. If after two semesters, the candidate has not achieved the required 2.50 GPA (cumulative, professional studies, and teaching field); he/she will be dismissed from the Teacher Education Program and counseled about other majors available at Alabama State University for the completion of academic studies. Policy Number and Title 009—Candidate Requirements for Class B Certification Policy Statement: Class B candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the state-approved program. Candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be recommended:Provide an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned bachelor’s degree.Provide proof of satisfactory completion of the state approved program with a minimum GPA of 2.50 cumulative, 2.50 in the teaching field, and 2.50 in professional studies with no grade below a C in professional studies courses.Show successful completion of an internship. Present a passing score on a comprehensive assessment(s) documenting mastery of the curriculum of professional studies and the teaching field which may include a written examination. Additionally, an oral examination may be required.Ensure application for initial certification meets the requirements of the Alabama Educators Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certificationALTERNATIVE CLASS A POLICIES AND PROCEDURESPolicy Number and Title: 010 – (Fifth-Year) Alternative Class A Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School (Graduate School):Policy Statement: This policy outlines the steps that graduate candidates must follow in order to be admitted to the Alternative Class A program. The Alternative Class A program is identical to the purposes for preparing teachers at the Class B level in the same teaching field, except that persons who complete the Alternative Class A program shall have acquired knowledge and skill above the level required for completion of a Class B program, including content knowledge, teaching and learning, literacy, diversity, and pletion of the program requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior-level certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support. *Admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program.*Criteria for Admission to the Graduate School:Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the graduate school.Step 2: The graduate school will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The application.A bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) overall of 2.50. This GPA must be documented on the official transcript of the degree granting institution and must be the GPA that was used as the basis for granting the degree. The person must meet one of the following:Earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; Earned a bachelor’s degree from a non-regionally accredited institution and an earned master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, and has attained a passing score on the prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP). This option is permitted only when both of the following conditions are met:At the discretion of the administrative head of the unit and in accordance with institutional policy, andIf there is a prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the AECTP.Earned a bachelor’s degree from a non-regionally accredited institution and holds a valid professional educator certificate in the state where the institution is geographically located, and has attained a passing score on the prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP). This option is permitted only when both of the following conditions are met:At the discretion of the administrative head of the unit and in accordance with institutional policy, andIf there is a prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the AECTP.MAT or GRE scores;Three (3) professional letters of recommendation;GWCT score, if applicable; andDocumentation of either passing scores on the AECTP or registration for the Praxis II (Content Knowledge).Step 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s folder by departmental faculty in the College of Education to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcript,Test scores,Letters of recommendation, and Interview by faculty to assess dispositions. (Required for all certification programs)Step 4: Admission ProcessAdmission to the Graduate School (Conditional Admission to TEP)When admitted to the graduate school, the Dean of the College of Education will send a letter to the candidate informing him/her that admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. A candidate admitted on or after October 1, 2009, may complete in no more than five professional studies courses before meeting all criteria for unconditional admission to the TEP. Any restrictive coursework taken prior to admission in the TEP may jeopardize the candidate’s ability to be admitted to the program. Step 5: Department Chairperson notifies the Graduate School of acceptance or rejection of candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The Graduate School sends letters to candidates regarding admission status (cc: Chairperson of the department).Admission to the Graduate School Denied See step 5NOTE: Any coursework taken prior to unconditional admission beyond five (5)courses on the ALSDE approved checklist prior to unconditional admittance will eliminate the candidate’s ability to be admitted to THE PROGRAM.Policy Number and Title: 011 – Preparation for Unconditional Admission to (Fifth-Year) Alternative Class A Program EDU 500Policy Statement: The course, EDU 500 for Alternative Class A candidates is a mandatory one (1) hour course. This is a preparation course for unconditional admission to the Alternative Class A program. Candidates must take and pass EDU 500 with a grade of “B” or better prior to applying for unconditional admission to the ALTA Program. All three portions of the AECTP—Part I must be passed before being accepted into the Teacher Education Program.NOTE: Effective no later than the beginning of fall 2008 semester, any candidate applying for admission to a State-approved teacher education program shall be required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the Alabama State Department of Education to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to Act 2002-457.Policy Number and Title: 012 – Unconditional Admission to (Fifth-Year) Alternative Class A ProgramPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Fifth-Year (Alternative Class A) Program. To be eligible to apply for unconditional admission, the following criteria must be met:Steps for Unconditional Admission to the Alternative Class A Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application for unconditional admission/candidacyfrom the graduate school.Step 2:The advisor verifies that the candidate has met the following criteria:Completion of all prerequisite (undergraduate) courses if applicableCompletion of the 12 graduate hour requirement (Please list the twelve hours completed and grades on the application)Completion of the 4x12 or 32/19 requirement (all courses on the 4x12 or 32/19 will need to be completed prior to applying for admission)Verify cumulative GPA of 3.00AECTP—Part I score (Basic Skill Assessments)Completion of the appropriate coursework according to the ALSDE approved checklistSatisfactory interview ratingsAppropriate dispositions; andABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance.Step 3:The candidacy form (application for graduate admission) and documentation are submitted to the certification office with all appropriate signatures.Step 4:The Certification Director presents the form and accompanying documentation to the Teacher Education Assessment Intervention Committee (TEAIC). Step 5:The TEAIC will vote and make an admission decision. Candidates that are denied admission will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial of admission.Step 6:The Certification Director will send a list of candidates that have been admitted to candidacy to the graduate school. NOTE: Any coursework taken prior to unconditional admission BEYOND FIVE (5) courses on the ALSDE approved checklist prior to unconditional admittance will eliminate the candidate’s ability to be admitted to the program.Policy Number and Title: 013 – Coursework Requirements on the ALSDE Alternative Class A Checklist Policy Statement: This policy outlines an Alternative Class A candidate’s required coursework on an ALSDE approved checklist to be recommended for certification to the Alabama State Department of Education. Courses, Credits and/or Programs Acceptable Requirements:Only courses from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted for transfer to meet requirements on the checklist.Professional studies courses may only be accepted from an Alabama institution that has teacher education programs. Prior to taking a course for credit from another institution, the candidate’s request form must be approved by the academic advisor, department chairperson, and the director of teacher certification before the credit can be accepted. The completed form must be submitted to the Graduate school Studies so that the credits can be applied to the transcript.Appropriate course substitutions are made only upon the recommendation of the advisor, department chairperson, certification director, and dean. If a course is not deemed a suitable replacement, the appropriate course must be taken for credit before the candidate can complete the ALSDE approved program.Course substitutions must meet Alabama Quality Teacher Standards and Professional Assessment Standards.Coursework for which credit was earned prior to the completion of all requirements for the bachelor’s degree may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification.Coursework for which credit was earned prior to the completion of all requirements for the master’s degree may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification.Coursework for which credit was applied toward the issuance of a previous level of certification, in any area, may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification in any area.Teaching field course requirements specified in Rule 290-3-3-.44(3)(d) must be met prior to unconditional admission unless a graduate course will be used to meet the requirement of a course in each of the areas listed in a comprehensive middle level or secondary teaching field (English language arts, general science, general social studies).Courses that were taken as part of the degree used to meet the admission requirement in Rule 290-3-3-.44(3)(b) for a bachelor’s or higher degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 cannot be used again to meet Alternative Class A program requirements.If an individual completes an Alternative Class A program at an institution and wants to return to the same institution for a new program on the same degree level, courses common to both approved checklists are not subject to the five-course limit. However, if the individual has taken more than five courses on the checklist of the new program, no additional courses may be taken until the individual is unconditionally admitted. A special education course is required if not previously completed.A program in a given teaching field shall be designed to develop appropriate Class B teaching competencies. The teaching field should have at least one-third of the total number of graduate hours in the program.For secondary majors, English language arts, general science, and general social studies programs are required at least one course in two areas within the broader field.Alabama Quality Teaching Standards require study in the following areas: content knowledge; curriculum; methods of teaching; meeting the needs of diverse populations, including, but not limited to, students with student needs; literacy, including mathematics and technology; professionalism; and using assessment data to improve student learning.For all majors, each Alternative Class A teaching field shall be supported by at least one methods course specific to the teaching field or to the general area of the teaching field (e.g., science methods or social studies methods). Methods courses for specific teaching fields or for the general area of the teaching field shall not be combined with methods courses of other teaching fields or general areas (e.g., mathematics and biology).Coursework should pertain technology proficiencies are required as specified in Rule 290-3-3-.42(4)(b).Field experiences may be required in coursework if applicable. The field experiences must comply with Rule 290-3-3-.02(6)(a).Each Alternative Class A program for a teaching field shall ensure that each program completer has demonstrated the Five Core Propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, namely:Teachers are committed to students and their learning.Teachers know the subjects that they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experienceTeachers are members of learning communities.If coursework has been completed on the quarter system, the hours must be converted to the semester equivalents. The following formula will be used for the conversions:Quarter hours x .67 = Semester hoursIf graduate coursework is used to meet 4x12 or 32/19 requirements, that coursework cannot later be exchanged with undergraduate coursework once a candidate has been unconditionally admitted to the program. This coursework must remain on the program admission documentation; these courses may not be transferred later to the teaching field. Additional graduate coursework must be submitted to satisfy the teaching field requirements on the ALSDE approved checklist.Courses, Credits and/or Programs Acceptable Requirements Continued:General Studies: Alternative Class A candidates are required to complete general studies courses and experiences. General studies shall include courses in humanities, social studies, mathematics, and science. Other options are listed below:Alternative Class A programs in early childhood education, elementary education, early childhood special education, or collaborative special education teacher (K-6) shall have earned at least 12 semester hours of acceptable credit, as verified on official transcripts, in each of the following areas: English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies or, effective May 4, 2009, earned the current passing score on the prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program.Alternative Class A programs in collaborative special education teacher (6-12) shall have earned at least 12 semester hours of acceptable credit, as verified on official transcripts, in each of the following areas: English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studiesAlternative Class A programs in teaching fields other than early childhood education, elementary education, early childhood special education, collaborative special education (K-6 or 6-12):Candidates admitted before October 1, 2009, must meet general studies requirements for courses including humanities, social science, science, and mathematics.Candidates admitted on or after October 1, 2009, are not required to meet general studies requirements for courses including humanities, social science, science, and mathematics. Teaching Field: Prior to unconditional admission, an Alternative Class A candidate who wishes to earn certification in a teaching field shall use one or more of these options below:For any teaching field, effective May 4, 2009, in lieu of Rule 290-2-3-3-.44(3)(d)2. through 5., verification of a current passing score on the prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program.Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Collaborative Special Education Teacher K-6, Collaborative Teacher 6-12: At least 32 semester hours with at least 19 semester hours at the upper-division level courses appropriate to the curriculum indicated in Alabama Courses of Study and/or related pedagogy or, at a minimum, the institution must require 12 semester hours in each of the four areas of general studies as prescribed in Rule 290-3-3-.44(3)(c)1. and 2. The institution may have additional requirements as it deems appropriate. Single Teaching Field for Middle Level or Secondary: An academic major in the teaching field, or if an academic major is not on the official transcript, 32 semester hours appropriate to the teaching field including at least 19 semester hours of upper-division prehensive Middle Level or Secondary Teaching Fields: English Language Arts: An academic major in an area included in English language arts—e.g., English, speech, drama/theatre, and journalism—and at least one course in each of the other listed areas of English language arts. If an academic major is not on the official transcript, then the admission requirement shall be 32 semester hours of credit appropriate to English language arts, including at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit. At a minimum, coursework must include courses in literature, grammar, reading skills, writing, speech, theatre, and print or broadcast journalism. If an applicant does not have a course in each of the areas indicated, but meets all other admission requirements, then credit for that course(s) must be earned prior to program completion.General Social Studies: An academic major in an area included in the social studies—e.g., economics, geography, history, and political science—and at least one course in each of the other areas listed in the social studies. If an academic major is not on the official transcript, then the admission requirement shall be 32 semester hours of credit appropriate to the social studies with at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit and at least one course in each of the following areas: economics, geography, history, and political science. If an applicant does not have a course in each of the areas indicated, but meets all other admission requirements, then credit for that course(s) must be earned prior to program completion.P-12 Programs: An academic major in the teaching field or, if an academic major is not on the official transcript, 32 semester hours of credit appropriate to the teaching field including at least 19 semester hours of upper-division credit. Policy Number and Title: 014- Praxis II? Content Knowledge (Subject Assessment) in lieu of 4x12 or 32/19Policy Statement: This policy is applicable to candidates entering any Alternative Class A Program offered at ASU. For any teaching field, if a candidate does not have an academic major in the subject for which certification is sought and is first admitted to the graduate school to complete the 4x12 or 32/19 and takes and passes the appropriate Praxis II examination, effective May 4, 2009, in lieu of Rule 290-3-3-.44 (3) (d) 2. through 5. A candidate may submit verification of current passing score on the prescribed Praxis II subject assessment of the Alabama Educators Certification Testing Program and may cease taking courses for the 4x12 or 32/19 and submit the passing score report for the Praxis II to satisfy this portion of program admission requirements. NOTE: This option is only available to candidates who have not taken no more than five (5) courses on their appropriate checklist.Policy Number and Title: 015– Professional Internship (Alternative Class A)Policy Statement: This policy outlines the professional internship of an Alternative Class A candidate.The candidate shall complete a nine hour internshipxe "Internship" in Alternative Class A programs that shall be full-time in the schools for a full semester in the teaching field for which certification is sought and may include more than one classroom or grade level, xe "Internship:Length"with experiences of the intern progressing to the full responsibilities of the teacher for at least 20 full days including at least 10 consecutive days. This internship must comply with Rule 290-3-3-.02(6)(c) regarding dividing the internship and it must show a clearly identified entry and exit for the internship. The criteria for admission to the professional internship specify that a candidate must:Complete the placement application by the deadline date posted in the Field and Clinical Placements Handbook.Meet admission criteria to the Teacher Education Program and meet any additional requirements of the COE. Have a 3.0 GPA. Demonstrate Competence to teach students.Show evidence of securing a minimum of personal liability insurance commensurate with that available through membership in AEA. Have recommendations from major advisor and appropriate department regarding plete the verification form indicating that all requirements for candidate teaching have been met.Pass Praxis II examinations as required by the ALSDE (if applicable) unless a letter has been provided by the dean indicating that the candidate may begin internship prior to passing the Praxis II PLT.Show proof of ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance completed by service provider approved by the ALSDE.Special Circumstances:Under normal circumstances, no courses may be taken while completing the internship. In special circumstances, one course may be taken concurrently with the internship if prior written permission has been given by the Dean of the College of Education. Under extenuating circumstances, if a candidate has any coursework remaining on the ALSDE approved checklist, he/she may take the internship before completing the coursework with prior written permission given by the Dean of the College of Education. (Consult academic advisor)Only under extenuating circumstances, the Dean will only provide permission for a candidate to begin internship prior to passing the Praxis PLT assessment. The candidate must make a written appeal to the TEAIC. The TEAIC makes a recommendation to the Dean. The Dean will make a decision and provide the candidate with a letter documenting the decision.After reviewing the appeal, the Dean will make a decision and provide the candidate with a letter documenting the decision.Note: All candidates must apply for Graduation and certification prior to thecompletion of the professional internship.Policy Number and Title: 016— Alternative Class A Completing Alternative Baccalaureate Certification ABCPolicy Statement: This policy defines the criteria for candidates who have been unconditionally admitted to the ALT A programs that receive a Class “B” certificate through the Alternative Baccalaureate Certification (ABC) route while completing the Alternative “A” program.The certification based on the Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certificate Approach or the Career and Technical Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certificate Approach may ONLY be requested by an employing Alabama county/city superintendent or eligible non-public school administrator. The Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certificate Approach is for K-12 and 6-12 teaching fields. The Career and Technical Alternative Baccalaureate-Level Certificate Approach is for 6-12 teaching fields. An individual should contact the school system or eligible non-public school in which employment is desired for information concerning certificate eligibility. A candidate may not switch to a traditional Master’s program once Class “B” certification has been obtained. All requirements for the Alternative “A” program must be completed to be recommended for a Class “A” Teaching Certificate. (Please refer candidate to the Certification Office).NOTE: Institutions responsible for the preparation of teachers and other school personnel shall inform all prospective candidates of the alternative approaches to certification.Policy Number and Title: 017— Alternative Class A Completing Special Alternative Certificate SACPolicy Statement: This policy defines criteria for A Special Alternative Certificate (SAC) that allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant part or full time who is completing requirements for Class A certification in a teaching field through a State-approved Alternative Class A program at an Alabama institution. (Refer candidate to the Certification Office).This certification approach is based on the Special Alternative Certificate which may ONLY be requested by an employing Alabama county/city superintendent or eligible non-public school administrator. An individual should contact the school system or eligible non-public school in which employment is desired. The Special Alternative Certificate may be requested for the following categories of applicants: (1) Those unconditionally admitted to an Alternative Class A Program provided by an ALABAMA college or university; OR(2) those unconditionally admitted to a Traditional Class A Program provided by an ALABAMA college or university in an area of special education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Instructional Leadership, Library Media, School Counseling, and Reading Specialist; OR (3) those unconditionally admitted to a Traditional Class AA Program provided by an ALABAMA college or university in an area of Special Education; OR(4) those unconditionally admitted to a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program in School Counseling at an ALABAMA university. Special provisions for holders of Special Alternative Certificates shall include, but are not limited to the following options: A valid Special Alternative Certificate for early childhood education (or early childhood special education) and is teaching above the kindergarten level may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum at the preschool and/or kindergarten level to meet the internship requirements applicable to the early childhood education program (or early childhood special education program). Similarly, a teacher who is employed based on holding a valid Special Alternative Certificate for early childhood education (or early childhood special education) and is teaching at the kindergarten level or below may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum in Grades 1, 2, and/or 3 to meet the internship requirements applicable to early childhood education (or early childhood special education) programs. A teacher who is employed based on holding a valid Special Alternative Certificate for elementary education (or collaborative special education K-6) and is teaching at the lower elementary level (grades K, 1, 2, and/or 3) may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum at the upper elementary level (grades 4, 5, and/or 6) to meet the internship requirements applicable to the elementary education (or collaborative special education K-6) program. Similarly, a teacher who is employed based on holding a valid Special Alternative Certificate for elementary education (or collaborative special education K-6) and is teaching at the upper elementary level may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum at the lower elementary level to meet the internship requirements applicable to the elementary education (or collaborative special education K-6) program. A teacher who is employed based on holding a valid Special Alternative Certificate for a teaching field that spans Grades P-12 and is teaching at the elementary level (K-6) may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum at the secondary level (6-12) to meet the internship requirements applicable to the P-12 program. Similarly, a teacher who is employed based on holding a valid Special Alternative Certificate for a teaching field that spans Grades P-12 and is teaching at the secondary level (6-12) may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum at the elementary level to meet the internship requirements applicable to the P-12 program. A teacher who is employed based on holding a valid Special Alternative Certificate for collaborative special education teacher (K-6) or (6-12) and who is enrolled in a collaborative special education program for both K-6 and 6-12 but whose employment is limited to the grade span for which certification is held may, at the discretion of the unit, complete a three semester hour practicum at the level for which certification is not held to meet the internship requirements applicable to both programs.Policy Number and Title: 018— Candidate Requirements for Alternative Class A CertificationPolicy Statement: Alternative Class A candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the state-approved program. Candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be recommended:. ALTA candidate’s readiness to serve as a teacher shall:Provide an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Show satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved teacher education program. Provide competence to teach students as demonstrated in an internship as described in Rule 290-3-3.-02(6) (a) and (c).Provide a passing score on a comprehensive assessment(s) documenting mastery of the curriculum of the curriculum of the Alternative A program this may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.Make application for initial certification through the completion of an Alternative Class A program must meet the requirements of the Alabama Educators Certification Testing Program (AECTP). Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.42(6).Policy Number and Title: 019— College of Education Graduate Retention PolicyPolicy Statement: In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, candidates must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 cumulative.Candidates who fail to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 cumulative while pursuing studies in the College of Education but are eligible to continue their studies at the university will be referred to their advisor. The advisor will assist the candidate in developing an appropriate class schedule that precludes the candidate from taken any additional courses from the approved program checklist until the minimum 3.0 GPA has been achieved. If after two semesters, the candidate has not achieved the required 3.0 GPA; he/she will be dismissed from the College of Education and counseled about other majors available at Alabama State University for the completion of academic studies.NOTE: This policy applies to Alternative Class A and Traditional Class A candidates in the College of Education.Traditional Class A Teaching Fields and Reading SpecialistPolicies and ProceduresPolicy Number and Title: 020– Traditional Class A Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate SchoolTeaching FieldsPolicy Statement: The purpose of a Class A program shall be to help teachers more effectively serve the purposes defined for the same teaching field at the Class B level provided such programs exist. The intent of the Class A program shall be to help the teacher develop higher levels of competence than is possible in the Class B program. Candidates interested in being admitted to the Traditional A Master’s program in the College of Education must first submit an application for admission to the graduate school. Completion of a Class A program for a teaching field requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior-level certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support. Admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the Graduate School.Step 2: The graduate school will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The application;All transcripts (a minimum of 2.5 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA as outlined on the transcript is required) from regionally accredited institutions;MAT or GRE scores;Three (3) professional letters of recommendation;GWCT score, if applicable; Copy of teaching certificate (an Alabama professional Class B certificate is required for admission to a traditional master’s certification program)Admission to a traditional Class A Program for Teaching Fields requires a Class B professional educator teaching certificate in the same teaching field in which the Class A professional educator teaching certificate is sought, except for special education, English for speakers of other languages, and reading specialist.English for speakers of other languages, reading specialist, and special education programs require a Class B professional educator certificate in any teaching field; andTwo years of full-time teaching experience in a K-12 setting for the reading specialist program.Teaching FieldsStep 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s folder by departmental faculty in the College of Education to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcript(s),Test scores,Letters of recommendation, Teaching certificate, andInterview by faculty (assessing dispositions) (Required for all certification programs)Step 4: Admission ProcessAdmission to the Graduate School Candidates admitted to the institution or graduate school on or after August 1, 2012, to enroll in courses in a Class A teaching field program may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the program.Step 5: Department chairperson notifies the graduate school of recommendation for candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The graduate school sends letters to candidates regarding admission status.When admitted to the graduate school, the Dean of the College of Education will send a letter to the candidate informing him/her that he/she may take no more than five (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist until he/she has completed ALL program admission requirements. If candidate has taken a course for undergraduate credit he/she may not take same course for graduate credit. At the Class A level, the teacher may complete any of three types of programs, each of which requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior level certification in any teaching field. Teaching Fields Admission to Graduate School Denied See step 5Note: If an individual admitted to a Class A program based on a bachelor’s level professional educator certification from another state completes a Class A program and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must earn Alabama Class B certification before applying for Class A certification. The Class B certificate should be applied for as soon as possible.Policy Number and Title: 021– Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class A Programs in the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate SchoolTeaching FieldsPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the traditional Class A Master’s Level Programs. The graduate school admission is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. To be eligible to apply, the following criteria must be met:Requirements for Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class A Programs:Requirements for unconditional admission shall include a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in the same teaching field(s) in which the Class A Professional Educator Certificate is sought, except for special education and as prescribed in the rules for Alternative Class A programs, English for speakers of other languages, and reading specialist. Unconditional admission to a Class A special education program requires at least a valid bachelor’s-level certificate in any teaching field. Advisor ensures that Class B competencies as well as Class A competencies are met at the completion of a Class A program for which the student does not hold a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate. If an individual is unconditionally admitted to a Class A program based on a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certification from another state completes a Class A program and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must hold valid Alabama Class B certification before applying for Class A certification. A valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in the same teaching field(s) in which a Class A Professional Educator Certificate is sought, except for Alternative Class A, English for speakers of other languages, and special education programs. English for speakers of other languages, reading specialist, and special education programs require a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in any teaching field. Additional Requirements include:At least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degree.The completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for teaching.The receipt of three (3) professional recommendation letters.Appropriate Teaching Certificate. Teaching FieldsABI/FBI Background and Criminal History Clearance.MAT or GRE; andGWCT if applicable.STEPS for Unconditional Admission:Step 1:The candidate completes an application/ candidacy form for unconditional admission to the Graduate School degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Curriculum and Instruction; Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; Instructional Support Programs).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the application and documentation.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School.Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.:Policy Number and Title: 022– Traditional Class A Coursework Requirements on the ALSDE ChecklistPolicy Statement: A candidate must complete the required coursework on an ALSDE approved checklist to be recommended for certification to the Alabama State Department of Education. Only courses from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted for transfer to meet requirements on the checklist.Professional studies courses may be accepted only from an Alabama institution that has teacher education programs. Prior to taking a course for credit at another institution, it is recommended that the candidate must complete a transient credit form (Appendix D). This form must be approved by the academic advisor, department chairperson, and the director of teacher certification before the credit can be accepted. The completed form must be submitted to the Graduate school Studies so that the credits can be applied to the transcript.Appropriate course substitutions are made only upon the recommendation of the advisor, department chairperson, certification director, and dean. If a course is not deemed a suitable replacement, the appropriate course must be taken for credit before the candidate can complete the ALSDE approved program.Course substitutions must meet Alabama Quality Teacher Standards and Professional Assessment Standards.Coursework for which credit was earned prior to the completion of all requirements for the bachelor’s degree may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification.Coursework for which credit was earned prior to the completion of all requirements for the master’s degree may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification.Coursework for which credit was applied toward the issuance of a previous level of certification, in any area, may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification in any area.A special education course is required if a course has not been previously completed.Teaching field course requirements must be met prior to unconditional admission unless a graduate course will be used to meet the requirement of a course in each of the areas listed in a comprehensive middle level or secondary teaching field (English language arts, general science, and general social studies).Teaching FieldsCourses that were taken as part of the degree used to meet the admission requirement for a bachelor’s or higher degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 cannot be used again to meet Traditional Class A program requirements.If an individual completes an Traditional Class A program at an institution and wants to return to the same institution for a new program on the same degree level, courses common to both approved checklists are not subject to the five-course limit. However, if the individual has taken more than five courses on the checklist of the new program, no additional courses may be taken until the individual is unconditionally admitted. Traditional teacher education programs require that the teaching field should have at least one-third of the total number of graduate hours in the program; English language arts, general science, and general social studies programs are required at least one course in two areas within the broader field.For all majors, each Traditional Class A teaching field shall be supported by at least one methods course specific to the teaching field or to the general area of the teaching field (e.g., science methods or social studies methods). Methods courses for specific teaching fields or for the general area of the teaching field shall not be combined with methods courses of other teaching fields or general areas (e.g., mathematics and biology).Coursework should pertain technology proficiencies are required as specified in Rule 290-3-3-.42(4)(b).Field experiences may be required in coursework if applicable. The field experiences must comply with Rule 290-3-3-.02(6)(a).Each traditional Class A program for a teaching field shall ensure that each program completer has demonstrated the Five Core Propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, namely:Teachers are committed to students and their learning.Teachers know the subjects that they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experienceTeachers are members of learning communities.Individuals in a master’s program may enroll in courses in an approved Class A or Class AA program in accordance with written institutional policies and State standards for program admission. Such courses count toward the limit of courses that may be taken prior to unconditional admission to a program.If an individual completes a Class A, Alternative Class A, or Class AA program at an institution and wants to return to the same institution for a new program on the same degree level, courses common to both approved checklists are not subject to the five-course limit. However, if the individual has taken more than five courses on the checklist of the new program, no additional courses may be taken until the individual is unconditionally admitted.If coursework has been completed on the quarter system, the hours must be converted to the semester equivalents. The following formula will be used for the conversions:Quarter hours x .67 = Semester hoursIf graduate coursework is used to meet 4x12 or 32/19 requirements, that coursework cannot later be exchanged with undergraduate coursework once a candidate has been unconditionally admitted to the program. This coursework must remain on the program admission documentation; these courses may not be transferred later to the teaching field. Additional graduate coursework must be submitted to satisfy the teaching field requirements on the ALSDE approved checklist.Policy Number and Title: 023- Candidate Requirements for Traditional Class A CertificationPolicy Statement: Traditional Class A candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program. Traditional Class A candidate’s readiness to serve as a teacher shall:Provide an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Prove satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved teacher education program.Demonstrate successful completion of an internship in the Alternative Class A Program, English for speakers of other languages, reading specialist, and speech and language impaired programs. In all disciplines except Alternative Class A programs, internship experiences may be integrated throughout the program, or Demonstrate successful completion of a practicum for initial certification in a special education teaching field.Provide a passing score on a comprehensive assessment(s) documenting mastery of the curriculum of professional studies and the teaching field, this may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination. Show evidence of a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in the same teaching field(s) in which a Class A Professional Educator Certificate is sought, except for Alternative Class A, English for speakers of other languages, and special education programs. English for speakers of other languages, reading specialist, and special education programs require a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in any teaching field. Ensure application is made for initial certification through the completion of an Alternative Class A program must meet the requirements of the Alabama Educators Certification Testing Program (AECTP). Policy Number and Title: 024–Traditional Class A Reading Specialist Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Reading SpecialistPolicy Statement: The purpose of a Class A Reading Specialist program is designed for applicants in early childhood, elementary education, or collaborative special education teacher (K-6 or 6-12) to be certified reading specialists, with a minimum of two years of successful teaching experience. A comprehensive examination is required. And since this degree is considered by Alabama State Department of Education to be an initial certification program, the Praxis II ? Content Knowledge is also required.Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the Graduate School.Step 2: The graduate school will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The applicationAll official transcripts (a minimum of 2.5 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA as outlined on the transcript is required) from a regionally accredited institutionMAT or GRE scoresThree (3) professional letters of recommendationGWCT score, if applicable; and Copy of teaching certificate (an Alabama professional Class B certificate is required for admission to a traditional master’s certification program)Step 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s folder by departmental faculty in the graduate school to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcriptTest scoresLetters of recommendation, andInterview by faculty assessing dispositions (Required for all certification programs).Step 4: Admission Process A. Admission to the Graduate SchoolReading SpecialistWhen admitted to the Graduate school Studies, the Dean of the College of Education will send a letter to the candidate informing him/her that admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. A candidate admitted on or after August 1, 2012, to enroll in courses in a Class A reading specialist program, may complete no more than five professional studies courses before meeting all criteria for unconditional admission to the program. Any restrictive coursework taken prior to being admission in the TEP may jeopardize the candidate’s ability to be admitted to the program. Step 5: Department chairperson notifies the graduate school of recommendation for candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The graduate school sends letters to candidates regarding admission status.B. Admission to Graduate School Denied See step 5Note: If an individual admitted to a Class A program based on a bachelor’s level professional educator certification from another state completes a Class A program and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must earn Alabama Class B certification before applying for Class A certification. The Class B certificate should be applied for as soon as possible.Policy Number and Title: 025– Unconditional Admission to Traditional Class A Reading Specialist in the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Reading SpecialistPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class A Reading Specialist. Requirements for unconditional admission to the Class A Reading Specialist Program shall include the following:At least a 3.00 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degreeThe completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for teachingThe receipt of three (3) professional recommendation lettersAppropriate Teaching CertificateABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance.MAT or GRE scoreGWCT if applicableAn official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree. A special education course is required if not previously completed.A valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in early childhood education, elementary education, or collaborative special education teacher (K-6 or 6-12) and two full years of full-time, successful classroom teaching experience; orA valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in any area of education, two full years of full-time, successful classroom teaching experience, and completion of two reading courses, including an introduction to reading course.If an individual is unconditionally admitted to an Alabama Class A program based on a valid bachelor’s- or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate from another state, completes a Class A program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must hold at least Class B certification before applying for Class A certification. Reading SpecialistSTEPS for Unconditional Admission to the Traditional Class A Reading Specialist Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Curriculum and Instruction).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 026—Candidate Requirements for Traditional Class A Reading Specialist CertificationPolicy Statement: Class A Reading Specialist candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate, in conjunction with the Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the state-approved program. Candidates must meet the following requirements in order to be recommended:Readiness to serve as a Reading Specialist shall: Provide an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Prove satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved teacher education program.Demonstrate competence to serve as a reading specialist as demonstrated in an internship of at least 300 clock hours that complies with Rules 290-3-3-.02(6)(a) and (d) and 290-3-3-.42(5)(c). Show proof of a passing score on a comprehensive assessment(s) documenting mastery of the curriculum of professional studies and the teaching field, this may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination. Provide a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field. Make application for initial certification as a reading specialist through the completion of a Class A program must meet the requirements of the Alabama Educators Certification Testing Program (AECTP). Policy Number and Title: 027— Class A Completing Special Alternative Certificate SACPolicy Statement: This policy defines criteria for A Special Alternative Certificate (SAC) that allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant who is completing initial Class A certification.A Special Alternative Certificate (SAC) allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant who is completing requirements for initial Class A certification in a teaching field through a State-approved Class A program at an Alabama institution. Additional information, including requirements and restrictions, is provided in Rule 290-3-2-.06. This certification approach is based on the Special Alternative Certificate which may ONLY be requested by an employing Alabama county/city superintendent or eligible non-public school administrator. An individual should contact the school system or eligible non-public school in which employment is desired. The Special Alternative Certificate may be requested for those individuals unconditionally admitted to a Traditional Class A Program provided by an ALABAMA college or university in an area of special education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Instructional Leadership, Library Media, School Counseling, and Reading Specialist; OR Traditional Class A Instructional Support ProgramsPolicies and ProceduresPolicy Number and Title: 028—Class A Instructional Support Programs Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Instructional Support ProgramsInstructional Support ProgramsPolicy Statement: The purposes of a Class A program shall be to prepare educators to serve effectively in instructional support positions. Candidates interested in being admitted to the Traditional (A) Master’s program in the College of Education must first submit an application for admission to the Graduate school Studies. Individuals must be unconditionally admitted to the Class A program in instructional leadership before taking any coursesCompletion of all Class A program for instructional support programs require at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior level certification in the same field.Admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved programSteps for Admission to Graduate School in Class A Instructional Support Personnel:Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the graduate school.Step 2: The graduate school will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The application.All transcripts (a minimum of 2.5 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA on the transcript is required) from regionally accredited institutions.MAT or GRE score.GWCT score, if applicable; andProvide copy of teaching certificate :Admission to a traditional Class A program for areas of Instructional Support Personnel shall require a Class B or Class A professional educator teaching certificate in a teaching field or a master’s level certificate in another area of instructional support.Admission to an Instructional Leadership Program requires the following criteria:A minimum of 3 full years of full-time, satisfactory professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, which must include P-12 teaching experience if admitted prior to August 2010 or have a minimum of three full years of full-time, acceptable professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, which must include at least one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience if admitted on or after August 1, 2010 is required for the Instructional Leadership program; andInstructional Support ProgramsAn admission portfolio prior to the interview which must contain the following:3 letters of recommendation to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor;Completed copy (all forms) of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component, if available;Evidence of ability to improve candidate achievement; Evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most recent accomplishments in the area of educational leadership;Summary of candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification; andSummary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program.Pass an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty.Individuals must be unconditionally admitted to the Class A instructional leadership program before enrolling in any instructional leadership courses in the program. NOTE: If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class A program based on a bachelor’s ormaster’s level professional educator certificate from another state, completes a Class Aprogram, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, thenthe individual must earn at least a Class B Professional Educator Certificate beforeapplying for Class A certification.Step 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s decision by departmental faculty in the College of Education to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcript,Test scores,Letters of recommendation and entrance portfolio, Verification of experience,Teaching certificate, andInterview by faculty (required for all certification programs).Step 4: Admission ProcessAdmission to the Graduate School A candidate may take no more than five (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist prior to unconditional admittance. In addition, Class A programs in the areas of instructional support, on or after August 1, 2012, may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the programInstructional Support ProgramsAfter the completion of five (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist, a block will be placed by the Graduate School so that the candidate will not be allowed to register any further until ALL admission requirements have been satisfied.When admitted to the Graduate school Studies, the Dean of the College of Education will send a letter to the candidate informing him/her that admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. Step 5: Department chairperson notifies the graduate school of recommendation for candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The graduate school sends letters to candidates regarding admission status.B. Admission to Graduate School Denied See step 5Note: If an individual admitted to a Class A program based on a bachelor’s level professional educator certification from another state completes a Class A program and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must earn Alabama Class B certification before applying for Class A certification. The Class B certificate should be applied for as soon as possible. Policy Number and Title: 029—Unconditional Admission to Class A Instructional Support ProgramsInstructional Support ProgramsPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class A Instructional Support Programs. Requirements for unconditional admission to the Class A Instructional Support Program shall include the following;At least a 3.00 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degree;The completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for teaching;The receipt of three (3) professional recommendation letters;Appropriate Teaching Certificate; andABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance.MAT or GREGWCT if applicableAn official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree. A special education course is required if not previously completed.Other than instructional leadership program requirements for unconditional admission, a valid bachelor’s-level or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or a valid master’s-level certificate in another area of instructional support.For other Class A programs in areas of instructional support, candidates admitted to the institution or graduate school on or after August 1, 2012, may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the program. STEPS for Unconditional Admission to Class A Instructional Support Programs:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Instructional Support).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Instructional Support ProgramsStep 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 030—Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A Instructional Support ProgramsPolicy Statement: Class A Instructional Support candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate or Professional Leadership Certificate, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program.Readiness to serve in an instructional support capacity shall include: An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program, including an internship, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved program for instructional support personnel.Two full years of full-time, acceptable educational experience except for instructional leadership, which requires three full years of full-time, acceptable educational experience at the P-12 level which must include at least one full-year of full-time P-12 teaching experience.At least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field, or a Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or in another area of instructional support, or a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate.A passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum, which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral exam.Applicants for initial Class A certification in an instructional support area must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certification. Policy Number and Title: 031—Special Alternative Certificate in Instructional for Instructional Support Programs SACPolicy Statement: This policy defines criteria for A Special Alternative Certificate (SAC) that allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant. (Refer candidate to the Certification Office).Special Alternative Certificate (SAC) allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant who is completing requirements for Class A certification in library media, school counseling, or instructional leadership through a State-approved Class A program at an Alabama institution. Additional information, including requirements and restrictions, is provided in Rule 290-3-2-.07. A Special Alternative Certificate is not issued for school psychometry or sport managementThe Special Alternative Certificate may be requested for those individuals unconditionally admitted to a Traditional Class A Program provided by an ALABAMA college or university in an area of special education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Instructional Leadership, Library Media, School Counseling, and Reading Specialist; OR Candidates that are unconditionally admitted to a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program in School Counseling at an ALABAMA university. This only option applies to applicants at the level for which certification is not held to meet the internship requirements applicable to both programs.This certification approach is based on the Special Alternative Certificate which may ONLY be requested by an employing Alabama county/city superintendent or eligible non-public school administrator. An individual should contact the school system or eligible non-public school in which employment is desired. Policy Number and Title: 032—Unconditional Admission to a Class A Instructional Leadership Instructional LeadershipPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class A Instructional Leadership.Requirements for unconditional admission to the Class A Instructional Leadership program shall include the following;At least a 3.00 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degreeThe completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for leadershipThe receipt of three (3) professional recommendation lettersAppropriate Teaching Certificate ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance.MAT or GRE scoreGWCT (if applicable)An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree. A special education course is required if not previously completed.In addition to a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area, the applicant shall:Have a minimum of three full years of full-time, satisfactory professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, which must include P-12 teaching experience if admitted prior to August 2010 or have a minimum of three full years of full-time, acceptable professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, which must include at least one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience if admitted on or after August 1, 2010.Submit an admission portfolio before an interview. The portfolio will contain the following:Three letters of recommendation to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor. Each local superintendent will establish requirements for recommendations from the principal and/or pleted copy (all forms) of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component, if available.Evidence of ability to improve candidate achievement; Evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most recent accomplishments in the area of educational leadership.Instructional LeadershipSummary of candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification.Pass an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty.Individuals must be unconditionally admitted to the Class A instructional leadership program before enrolling in any instructional leadership courses in the program. STEPS for Unconditional Admission to Class A Instructional Leadership Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Instructional Support).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 033—Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A Instructional LeadershipInstructional LeadershipPolicy Statement: : Class A Instructional Leadership candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate or Professional Leadership Certificate Application for, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program.Readiness to serve as an instructional leader shall include:An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved program in instructional leadership.A passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum of the instructional leadership program, which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.A valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area.An internship that allows candidates to benefit from purposeful hands-on experiences that would prepare them to lead the essential work of school improvement and higher student achievement prior to being placed at the helm of a school. Components: Candidates in Alabama instructional leadership preparation programs must experience an internship in which the following occur:Collaboration between the university and LEA that anchors internship activities in real-world problems instructional leaders face, provides for appropriate structure and support of learning experiences, and ensures quality guidance and supervision,An explicit set of school-based assignments designed to provide opportunities for the application of knowledge, skills, and ways of thinking that are required to effectively perform the core responsibilities of a school leader, as identified in state standards and research and incorporated in the preparation programs’ design.A developmental continuum of practice progresses from observing to participating in and then to leading school-based activities related to the Instructional Leadershipcore responsibilities of instructional leaders, with analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of real-life problems at each level.Field placements provide opportunities to work with diverse students, teachers, parents, and communities.Handbooks or other guiding materials clearly define the expectations, processes, and schedule of the internship to participants, faculty supervisors, directing instructional leaders (principals), and LEA personnel.Ongoing supervision provided by program faculty who have the expertise and time to provide frequent formative feedback on interns’ performance that lets them know how they need to improve.Directing instructional leaders (principals) model the desired leadership behaviors and know how to guide interns through required activities that bring their performance to established standards.Rigorous evaluations of interns’ performance of core school leader responsibilities based on clearly defined performance standards and exit criteria and consistent procedures.Leadership is learned through studying the key concepts and skills used by effective leaders, observing good models, and by experiencing one’s own trial and error in the workplaceDesign. Universities and LEAs collaborate to insure that candidates have meaningful and practical experiences in actual school settings during the course of the instructional leadership preparation program.The internship is designed to place candidates in the cooperating school during critical times of instructional planning. This collaborative model requires that LEAs provide release time for candidates and for universities to work with LEAs so that the candidate’s experiences are comprehensive and valuable. The internship experiences are the total sum of practical experiences, either field or clinical, as part of every course taken for preparation, plus a residency.The residency is uninterrupted service in an active school with students present. A residency shall be no less than ten consecutive full days in the school setting with students present. The residency allows interns to experience leadership in as many of the Alabama Leadership Standard indicators as possible. Instructional LeadershipCandidates shall prepare and maintain a comprehensive portfolio which indicates the level of experiences and knowledge gained in instructional leadership during the intern experiences. The portfolio shall be juried by a committee of university and cooperating school staff before the candidate is Recommended by the University for Instructional Leadership Certification.Applicants for initial certification in instructional leadership through the completion of a Class A program must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certification.Policy Number and Title: 034—Unconditional Admission to a Class A Library Media ProgramLibrary MediaPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class A Library Media Program. The study of library media begins at the Class A level. Requirements for unconditional admission shall include: A valid bachelor’s-level or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or valid master’s-level certification in another area of instructional support. If an individual is unconditionally admitted to an Alabama Class A program based on a valid bachelor’s- or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate from another state, completes a Class A program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must hold at least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class A certification. Candidates admitted to the institution or graduate school on or after August 1, 2012, to enroll in courses in a Class A library media program may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the program.STEPS for Unconditional Admission to Class A Library Media Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Instructional Support).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 035—Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A Library MediaLibrary MediaPolicy Statement: : Class A Library Media candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate is made by the applicant, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program. Readiness to serve as a library media specialist shall include:At least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field, a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate, or a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or in another area of instructional support.An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved program for library media petence to perform as a library media specialist in internship experiences which total at least 300 clock hours, with at least half of the time in one or more P-12 school libraries, including elementary and secondary grades.Internships in P-12 schools must be supervised by individuals who hold a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in library media and who are employed as librarians.Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum of the library media program, which may include but may not be limited to, an oral examination.Two full years of full-time, acceptable educational experience.Applicants for initial certification in library media through the completion of a Class A program must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certification.Policy Number and Title: 036—Unconditional Admission to a Class A School Counseling School CounselingPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class A School Counseling Program. The study of school counseling begins at the Class A level. Requirements for unconditional admission shall include: a valid bachelor’s-level or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another area of instructional support.If an individual is unconditionally admitted to an Alabama Class A program based on a valid bachelor’s- or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class A program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class A level, then the individual must hold at least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class A certification. Candidates admitted to the institution or graduate school on or after August 1, 2012, to enroll in courses in a Class A school counseling program may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the program.STEPS for Unconditional Admission to the Traditional Class A School Counseling Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Instructional Support).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 037—Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class A School CounselingSchool CounselingPolicy Statement: : Class A School Counseling candidates may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program.Readiness to serve as a school counselor shall include:At least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field, a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate, or a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or in another area of instructional support.An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree.Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved program for school counseling.Practicum. For candidates admitted prior to August 1, 2010, a practicum that includes a minimum of 30 clock hours of supervised, direct service work in individual and group counseling with early childhood/elementary and secondary school students.For candidates admitted on or after August 1, 2010, a practicum of at least 100 clock hours in a school-based setting, including a minimum of 40 clock hours of supervised, direct service work in individual and group counseling with early childhood/elementary and secondary school students, effective for candidates admitted on or after August 1, 2010.For candidates admitted prior to August 1, 2010, competence to perform all activities that a school counselor is expected to perform as demonstrated in a supervised elementary and secondary school-based internship of at least 300 clock hours, begun subsequent to completion of the practicum.For candidates admitted on or after August 1, 2010, competence to perform all the activities that a school counselor is expected to perform as demonstrated in a supervised elementary and secondary school-based internship of at least 600 clock hours in a school-based setting, begun subsequent to the completion of the practicum, including a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service work with early childhood/elementary and secondary school students.Internships in P-12 schools must be supervised by individuals who hold a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in school counseling and who are employed as counselor.School CounselingA passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum of the school counseling program, which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.Two full years of full-time, acceptable educational experience.Applicants for initial certification in school counseling through the completion of a Class A Program must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP).Class AA Teaching Fields Instructional Leader and Teacher Leader Policies and ProceduresPolicy Number and Title: 038—Class AA Teaching Fields Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Teaching FieldsPolicy Statement: This program will prepare Class AA educators on the sixth year level to serve effectively in teaching positions. Persons who complete Class AA programs shall have acquired knowledge and skill above the level required for completion of a Class A program. The essential objective of the Class AA program shall be to extend upward the level of competence of the teacher. The curriculum shall be in work approved by the graduate school or division of the institution as meeting its standards of quality for study at the sixth-year levelAdmission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. A Class AA program for a teaching field must require at least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior-level certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support. Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the Graduate School:Step 2: The Graduate School will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The applicationAll official transcripts should have a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA as outlined on the transcript is required) from regionally accredited institutionsMAT or GRE scoresThree (3) professional letters of recommendationGWCT score, if applicable Copy of teaching certificate (an Alabama professional Class A certificate is required for admission to this certification program)Step 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s decision by departmental faculty in the College of Education to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcriptTest scoresLetters of recommendation and entrance portfolioVerification of experienceTeaching certificate, andInterview by faculty (required for all certification programs).Step 4: Admission Process Admission to the Graduate SchoolWhen admitted to the Graduate School, the Dean of the College of Education will send a letter to the candidate informing him/her that admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. A Candidate admitted to the institution or graduate school on or after August 1, 2012, to enroll in courses in a Class AA teaching field program may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the program.Step 5: Department chairperson notifies the graduate school of recommendation for candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The graduate school sends letters to candidates regarding admission status.B. Admission to Graduate School Denied See step 5Policy Number and Title: 039 Class AA Teaching Fields Unconditional Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Policy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class AA Programs for Teaching Fields. Requirements for unconditional admission to the Class AA Programs for Teaching Fields shall include the following;At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degreeThe completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for teachingThe receipt of three (3) professional recommendation lettersAppropriate Teaching CertificateABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance.MAT or GRE scoreGWCT if applicableAn official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree A special education course is required if not previously completedRequirements for unconditional admission shall include a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in the same teaching field(s) in which the Class AA Professional Educator Certificate is sought, except as prescribed below. Special Circumstances:A teacher with a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in early childhood education and a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in reading may be unconditionally admitted to a Class AA program in early childhood education.A teacher with a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in elementary education and a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in reading may be unconditionally admitted to a Class AA program in elementary education.A teacher with a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in any teaching field and a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in English for speakers of other languages may be unconditionally admitted to a Class AA program in the same teaching field for which the teacher holds a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate.A teacher with a valid bachelor’s-level professional educator certificate in English language arts and a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in reading may be unconditionally admitted to a Class AA program in English language arts.Teaching FieldsA teacher with a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in a teaching field may be unconditionally admitted to a Class AA program in special education.If an individual is unconditionally admitted to an Alabama Class AA program based on a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class AA program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class AA level, then the individual must hold at least a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class AA certification. STEPS for Unconditional Admission to the Class AA Teaching Fields Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Curriculum and Instruction).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 040—Class AA Program for Teaching Fields Coursework Requirements on the ALSDE ChecklistPolicy Statement: A candidate must complete the required coursework on an ALSDE approved checklist to be recommended for certification to the Alabama State Department of Education. Only courses from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted for transfer to meet requirements on the checklist.Professional studies courses may only be accepted from an Alabama institution that has teacher education programs. Prior to taking a course for credit, it is recommended that the candidate must complete a transient credit form (Appendix D). This form must be approved by the academic advisor, department chairperson, and the director of teacher certification before the credit can be accepted. The completed form must be submitted to the Graduate school Studies so that the credits can be applied to the transcript.Appropriate course substitutions are made only upon the recommendation of the advisor, department chairperson, certification director, and dean. If a course is not deemed a suitable replacement, the appropriate course must be taken for credit before the candidate can complete the ALSDE approved program.Course substitutions must meet Alabama Quality Teacher Standards and Professional Assessment Standards.Coursework for which credit was earned prior to the completion of all requirements for the bachelor’s degree may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification.Coursework for which credit was earned prior to the completion of all requirements for the master’s degree may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification.Coursework for which credit was applied toward the issuance of a previous level of certification, in any area, may not be used toward the issuance of higher level certification in any area.A special education course requirement is required if not previously completed.At least one-third of the program shall consist of teaching field courses.English language arts, general science, and general social studies programs shall require at least one course in two areas within the broader field.If coursework has been completed on the quarter system, the hours must be converted to the semester equivalents. The following formula will be used for the conversions:Quarter hours x .67 = Semester hoursIf graduate coursework is used to meet 4x12 or 32/19 requirements, that coursework cannot later be exchanged with undergraduate coursework once a candidate has been unconditionally admitted to the program. This coursework must remain on the program admission documentation; these courses may not be transferred later to the teaching field. Additional graduate coursework must be submitted to satisfy the teaching field requirements on the ALSDE approved checklistPolicy Number and Title: 041—Candidate Requirements for Class AA (Sixth-Year Level) Programs for Teaching Fields Policy Statement: A Class AA Teaching fields candidate may complete an application for the Professional Educator Certificate, in conjunction with Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program. Readiness to serve in the Class AA Teaching Fields shall include:Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved teacher education program as verified on an official transcript.Successful completion of a practicum shall be required for initial certification in a special education teaching field.A passing score on a comprehensive written assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum of the teacher education program, which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.A valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in the same teaching field(s) which was used as a basis for admission to the Class AA program, except for areas of special education.At the present time, there is no testing requirement for Class AA certification for teachers except for teachers who earn initial Class AA certification as a collaborative special education teacher (K-6). Such teachers must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certification.Policy Number and Title: 042—Teaching Fields Special Alternative CertificateSACPolicy Statement: This policy defines criteria for A Special Alternative Certificate (SAC) that allows a superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant. (Refer candidate to the Certification OfficeSpecial Alternative Certificate (SAC) allows superintendent or administrator to employ an applicant who is completing requirements for initial Class AA certification in special education teaching field through a State-approved Class AA program at an Alabama institution. Additional information, including requirements and restrictions, is provided in Rule 290-3-2-.06.Policy Number and Title: 043— Class AA Instructional Support Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Instructional Support ProgramsPolicy Statement: The purposes of a Class AA program shall be to prepare educators on the sixth-year level to serve effectively in instructional support positions. Persons who complete Class AA programs shall have acquired knowledge and skill above the level required for completion of a Class A program. The curriculum shall be in work approved by the graduate school or division of the institution as meeting its standards for study at the sixth-year level. In addition, programs in instructional leadership shall require mentor training and a problem analysis project. Completion of a Class AA program for instructional support personnel requires at the least 30 semester hours of graduate credit not used for prior level certification in any teaching field or area of instructional support. Admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved program. Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the Graduate School Step 2: The Graduate School will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The applicationAll transcripts (a minimum of 2.5 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA as outlined on the transcript is required) from regionally accredited institutionsMAT or GRE scoresGWCT score, if applicableCopy of teaching certificate Individuals seeking a Class AA Professional Educator Certificate in instructional leadership shall hold a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate as a superintendent/principal, superintendent, principal, supervisor, vocational administrator, educational administrator, or instructional leader.Step 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s folder by departmental faculty in the College of Education to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcriptTest scoresLetters of recommendation or entrance portfolio Verification of experienceTeaching certificate, andInterview by faculty (assessing dispositions) (Required for all certification programs)Step 4: Admission ProcessAdmission to the Graduate SchoolWhen admitted to the Graduate school Studies, the candidate may take no more than five (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist prior to unconditional admittance. In addition, Class AA programs in the areas of instructional support, on or after August 1, 2012, may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the programAfter the completion of (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist, a block will be placed by the Graduate school Studies so that the candidate will not be allowed to register any further until ALL admission requirements have been satisfied.Step 5: Department chairperson notifies the graduate school of recommendation for candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The graduate school sends letters to candidates regarding admission status.B. Admission to Graduate School Denied See step 5Policy Number and Title: 044—Class AA Instructional Support Unconditional Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Instructional Support ProgramsPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class AA Instructional Support Program. Requirements for unconditional admission to the Class A Instructional Support Program shall include the following;At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degreeThe completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for teachingThe receipt of three (3) professional recommendation lettersAppropriate Teaching CertificateABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and ClearanceMAT or GRE ScoresGWCT ( if applicable)An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree. A special education course is required if not previously completed.A valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in the instructional support field in which the Class AA Professional Educator Certificate is sought, except for programs in school psychology as prescribed in Rule 290-3-3-.54(2), and at least two full years of full-time acceptable experience. Individuals seeking a Class AA Professional Educator Certificate in instructional leadership shall hold a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate as a superintendent/principal, superintendent, principal, supervisor, vocational administrator, educational administrator, or instructional leader.Other requirements for admission to a Class AA program in instructional leadership are in Rule 290-3-3-53.01(2).If an individual is unconditionally admitted to an Alabama Class AA program based on a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class AA program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class AA level, then the individual must hold at least a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class AA certification. Individuals who hold an out-of-state professional educator certificate in another state must meet all requirements, including experience requirements in Rule 290-3-2-.22(d) or (e).STEPS for Unconditional Admission to the Class AA Instructional Support Programs:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Instructional Support).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 045—Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class AA Instructional Support Programs Policy Statement: Application for the Professional Educator Certificate or Professional Leadership Certificate is made by the applicant, in conjunction with the Alabama State University, upon completion of all requirements of the State-Approved Program. Other than instructional leadership programs, readiness to serve in an instructional support capacity at the Class AA level shall include: Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all courses in the approved program as verified on an official transcript.A passing score on a comprehensive written examination covering the content of the area of instructional support which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.A valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in the instructional support field or a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate which was used as the basis for admission to the Class AA program, except as prescribed in Rule 290-3-3-.54(2)(a). Applicants for initial certification in an instructional support area through the completion of a Class AA program must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Prospective Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certification. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.01(3).Policy Number and Title: 046— Class AA Teacher Leader Admission to the Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School Policy Statement: To enhance school leadership among teacher leaders in Alabama resulting in the improvement of academic achievement for all students, prospective teacher leaders will achieve the standards below. It should be assumed that the prospective teacher leader will have opportunities to work collaboratively with school administrators, colleagues, students, parents and families, and the larger community to achieve school-wide goals Candidates interested in being admitted to the Traditional AA (Sixth-Year Level) Teacher Leader Program in the College of Education must first submit an application for admission to the Graduate school Studies. Initial certification for a teacher leader shall be at the Class AA level.Admission to the graduate school is not equivalent to unconditional admission to an approved programCompletion of all Class AA program for instructional support programs require at least 30 semester hours of graduate coursework at the sixth-year level or above. In addition, a minimum of six semester hours shall be reserved for a problem based research project in a school or school system.Step 1: Submit an application for admission to the Graduate SchoolStep 2: The Graduate School will send a copy of the applicant’s folders to the appropriate department in the College of Education to be reviewed. The application folder will include:The applicationAll transcripts (a minimum of 3.25 graduate GPA as outlined on the transcript is required) from regionally accredited institutionsMAT or GRE scoresGWCT score (if applicable)A Copy of a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support. A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional supportA minimum of three full years of full-time, satisfactory professional educational experience in a P-12 setting. If an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class AA teacher leader program based on a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or area of instructional support from another state, completes the Class AA teacher leader program, and subsequently applies for Class AA teacher leader certification, then the individual must earn at least a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or area of instructional support before applying for Class AA certification.Submit an admission portfolio before an interview. The portfolio will contain the following:Evidence of ability to positively affect student achievement,Evidence of collaborative leadership potential.Step 3: Program Review Critical review of the candidate’s folder by departmental faculty in the College of Education to include an analysis of the following documents:Official transcriptTest scoresLetters of recommendation or entrance portfolio Verification of experienceTeaching certificate, andInterview by faculty (assessing dispositions) (Required for all certification programs)Step 4: Admission Process Admission to the Graduate SchoolWhen admitted to the Graduate school Studies, the Dean of the College of Education will send a letter to the candidate informing him/her that he/she may take no more than five (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist prior to unconditional admittance. In addition, Class AA programs in the areas of AA Teacher Leader on or after August 1, 2012, may complete no more than five approved program courses prior to unconditional admission to the programAfter the completion of (5) graduate courses on the ALSDE approved program checklist, a block will be placed by the Graduate school Studies so that the candidate will not be allowed to register any further until ALL admission requirements have been satisfied.Step 5: Department chairperson notifies the graduate school of recommendation for candidates and assigned advisor if applicable.Step 6: The graduate school sends letters to candidates regarding admission status.B. Admission to Graduate School Denied See step 5\Policy Number and Title: 047—Unconditional Admission to Class AA Teacher LeaderPolicy Statement: This policy outlines the process for unconditional admission to the Class AA Instructional Support Program. Requirements for unconditional admission to the Class A Instructional Support Program shall include the following;At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA on transcript from the regionally accredited institution where the candidate obtained degreeThe completion of a satisfactory interview by department faculty to determine the candidate’s interests, dispositions, and potential for teachingThe receipt of three (3) professional recommendation lettersAppropriate Teaching CertificateABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and ClearanceMAT or GRE ScoresGWCT if applicableAn official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degreeA special education course is required if not previously completedIf an individual is admitted to an Alabama Class AA program based on a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another state, completes a Class AA program, and subsequently applies for Alabama certification at the Class AA level, then the individual must hold at least a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Class AA certification. STEPS for Unconditional Admission to the Class AA Teacher Leader Program:Step 1:The candidate completes an application with required documents for unconditional admission to the College of Education degree program. Step 2:A department committee reviews the candidate’s credentials and submits a recommendation to the Department Chairperson (Instructional Support).Step 3:The department chairperson reviews and validates the material.Step 4: If the candidate has met requirements, he/she is recommended for unconditional admission to the Dean of the Graduate School Step 5:The Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter to the candidate (cc. Dean of the College of Education) informing him/her of the decision.Step 6:The Dean of the Graduate School forwards a list of candidates unconditionally admitted to the University Registrar.Policy Number and Title: 048—Candidate Requirements for Certification in Class AA Teacher LeaderOther than instructional leadership programs, readiness to serve in an instructional support capacity at the Class AA level shall include: Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all courses in the approved program as verified on an official transcript.Satisfactory completion of problem-based research project.A passing score on a comprehensive written examination covering the content of the area of instructional support which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.A valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in the instructional support field or a valid Class A Professional Leadership Certificate which was used as the basis for admission to the Class AA program, except as prescribed in Rule 290-3-3-.54(2)(a). Applicants for initial certification in an instructional support area through the completion of a Class AA program must meet the Praxis II requirements of the Alabama Prospective Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) as a precondition for certification. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.01(3).Policy Number and Title: 049—College of Education Class AA Retention Policy Policy Statement: In order to remain in the Teacher Education Program, candidates must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 overall.Candidates who fail to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.25 while pursuing studies in the College of Education but are eligible to continue their studies at the university will be referred to their advisor. The advisor will assist the candidate in developing an appropriate class schedule that precludes the candidate from taken any additional courses from the approved program checklist until the minimum 3.0 GPA has been achieved. If after two semesters, the candidate has not achieved the required 3.0 GPA; he/she will be dismissed from the College of Education and counseled about other majors available at Alabama State University for the completion of academic studies.Policy Number and Title: 050—The Grading SystemPolicy Statement: Comprehensive examinations are given each semester. The following are used to label and identify the quality of work completed in courses. A 4 grade points/semester hour (Exceptional)B 3 grade points/semester hour (Proficient)C 2 grade points/semester hour (Basic)D 1 grade point/semester hour Minimum (Unacceptable)F No grade points Failure (Counted in GPA) I No grade points Incomplete (See below) WF No grade points Withdrawal/Failure (Counted in GPA)The following symbols are substitutes for grades, but are not grades themselves and are not counted in the GPA: W No grade points: Withdrawal in good standing IP No grade points: In progress (see below) AU No grade points: Audit X No grade points: Non-Attendance An “I’’ (incomplete) grade is assigned in instances in which a candidate is likely to pass the course upon completion of requirements to change the “I” grade. To yield credit for a course for which a grade of “I” has been assigned, coursework must be completed by the end of the next semester of enrollment. If the candidate has not fulfilled the course requirements and the course instructor has not submitted the necessary documentation for the removal of the “I” by the end of the semester; the “I” grade will automatically be replaced with a grade of “F”. The next enrollment period cannot exceed two calendar years. At the end of the second calendar year, if the necessary coursework has not been completed; the grade of “I” will automatically be replaced with a grade of “F.” An “IP” (in progress) grade is assigned in instances in which the academic term has ended and all academic work has not been completed for the course or a final grade has not been assigned or received. This grade is only used for cross-enrolled courses and/or courses resulting in the completion of a thesis, dissertation or extensive coursework. This grade is not to be assigned in the place of an “I” (incomplete) grade. Candidates receiving veteran’s benefits are required to adhere to the regulations of the Veterans Administration in addition to those requirements set by the university for all candidates.Policy Number and Title: 051—Faculty Recency RequirementPolicy Statement: Faculty members in the College of Education are required to complete recency hours in local P-12 schools.If the faculty members who teach methods courses have not had recent P-12 teaching experience that has provided knowledge of the trends and issues in the P-12 setting, then each methods course shall be team taught with a P-12 teacher who holds at least a valid master’s-level certificate in an appropriate teaching field or shall be taught by that P-12 teacher.Each semester, unit faculty shall have a minimum of 10 clock hours of on-going, structured real-world experiences in P-12 school setting(s) to complement and add to their past educational experiences.The criteria for promotion, tenure, and merit pay raises should include recognition of ongoing participation in real-world experiences in the P-12 setting. This criterion also includes recency. Policy Number and Title: 052—New Program PolicyPolicy Statement: This policy defines the procedure that must be followed for a new authorized academic degree program. New programs should be approved before candidates are enrolled in courses unique to a proposed program.Authorization by the Alabama State Board of Education shall be secured before a proposal for a new program is reviewed. Candidates shall not be enrolled in courses unique to a proposed program prior to program approval.Policy Number and Title: 053—Discontinuation of Program PolicyPolicy Statement: This policy defines the procedure that must be followed for the discontinuation of an authorized academic degree program. Discontinuation is defined as the elimination of a program.The State Superintendent of Education should be notified of the decision to discontinue a program or place it on inactive status.If an institution chooses to discontinue a program or place it on inactive status, the unit head shall give written notification of this decision to the State Superintendent of Education. The notification shall include the names and other identifying information of candidates who have been admitted to the program to be discontinued or placed on inactive status. Receipt of that notification shall be confirmed by the State Superintendent of Education. No other candidates shall be admitted to the program.If the Alabama State Board of Education chooses to eliminate standards for a teaching field or area of instructional support, the State Superintendent of Education will communicate directly with unit heads.Institutions that do not provide requested data in a timely manner may have any or all of the unit’s program approval rescinded as authorized in Rule 290-3-3-.56Policy Number and Title: 054-- Institutional Credit by Examination (ICBE)Policy Statement: A candidate in the College of Education may take the appropriate final examination given by university faculty for course credit. Permission must be granted by the Dean of the COE prior to the request being made for an examination to be administered for institutional credit. If the candidate passes the final examination credit will be shown on the official ASU transcript using the following statement:(Date: month, year)ICBE (course subject, number, and title) credit hoursInstitutional Credit by ExaminationThis credit will be used for any courses offered on the ALSDE program checklist with the written permission of the College of Education Dean. For courses that require experiences, the faculty must document the experiences that the candidate has participated in for fulfillment of the course credit. This documentation must be submitted in writing to the Dean of the COE.NOTE: An ICBE may be used at the Undergraduate and Graduate levels in the College of Education.HANDBOOKCANDIDATE GRIEVANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURESALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE OF EDUCATIONEDUCATOR AS DECISION MAKERCandidate Grievance Policies and ProceduresPoliciesAlabama State University’s College of Education Candidate/Candidate Grievance Policies and Procedures document acknowledges the rights of candidates enrolled in the College of Education programs, other candidates enrolled in classes in the College of Education, and faculty. (This document shall from herewith refer to the grievant as the candidate). The purpose of the Candidate Grievance Policies and Procedures shall be to enable the candidate to seek redress of grievances by utilizing an impartial review as established in the Title IX Grievance Manual of the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, ASU, and the College of Education. This ensures that the rights of candidates are properly recognized and protected. A grievance may arise out of a decision or action reached or taken in the course of official duty by a member of the faculty of Alabama State University.The Candidate Grievance Policies and Procedures of the College of Education provide an impartial review of any decisions regarding admission, internship, graduation, or grades:When an instructor refuses to (or cannot) assign a grade,When the instructor is not available to review possible computational error,When the candidate believes the grade assigned is inequitable or capricious, unreflective of course performance, inconsistent with other grade assignments in the course, or reflective of discrimination.When the candidate believes that a partial or biased decision was made regarding his/her matriculation in the College of Education.The Candidate Grievance Policies and Procedures do not provide for departure from curricular requirements or policies. In no event shall a challenge be pursued on the basis of the standards employed in setting grades, so long as those standards are employed impartially The professional judgment of the instructor is not a matter to be challenged or appealed in this process.Additionally, this process is not designed to help candidates circumvent the policies set forth in the College of Education. The intent of this Grievance Policy is to ensure that all candidates are being treated consistently and help candidates with a resolution when it is believed that there is a discrepancy between the written policy and its application.The Candidate Grievance Policies and Procedures as set forth herein apply to candidates enrolled in programs in the College of Education as well as other candidates in classes within the College of Education at Alabama State University.Filing a GrievanceSteps in the Grievance Procedures for Course and Grades are:Candidate-Instructor Informal DiscussionA good faith effort to settle a dispute must be made before filing a formal grievance. Most disputes can be resolved by informal discussion between the candidate and the faculty member who assigned the grade. The faculty member has 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) to resolve the dispute.Candidate-Instructor Formal DiscussionIf the candidate still has a grievance after conferring with the faculty member/director, the candidate may present the complaint in writing to the department chair or unit head in which the course if offered (or the dean of the college, if the instructor is the department chair). The department chair (or the dean of the college) is responsible for preparing summary of the points discussed. A copy of the summary is given to the candidate, the candidate’s advisor, the faculty member, the department chair or appropriate director, the dean, and the designated Title IX grievance representative (if applicable).The appeal must b presented within 30 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) after the beginning of the next semester. A candidate who is not enrolled in the summer term must appeal within the first 30 days of the fall semester if the disputed appeal came in the spring semester. A candidate who fails to file an appeal within the 30-day period forfeits the right to any appeal. In cases of appeal, the department chair, (or dean of the college) shall consider the matter in consultation with the instructor and the candidate and seek to exercise his or her influence toward mediation.If the department chair (or the dean of the college) fails to mediate the dispute, the dean shall appoint a committee consisting of the chair of the department, who shall chair the committee, two faculty members (other than the one involved in the dispute) of the department offering the course or another program director, and two candidate participants chosen from the honor societies. If the instructor in dispute is the dean of the college, the vice president for academic affairs will appoint the committee.After consideration of evidence presented by the candidate and by the instructor, the committee shall announce a decision, which shall be binding. This decision shall be made by mid-semester.The candidate may appeal to the pro-vost and vice president for academic affairs but only on procedural grounds.Important NumbersCertification Officer334-229-4271?It is our pleasure to assist you as you matriculate through your program in the College of Education. We are a support office that offers assistance with admissions for both undergraduate and graduate students. The Certification Department is responsible for unconditional admission, graduation review, and certification. We hope that the information provided here is helpful.?Campus Police334-229-4400ASU is a very safe campus. Our campus and residence halls are supervised 24 hours a day, and our campus gates are locked between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. We also offer an escort service for any student who must walk on campus at night alone. ASU Counseling Center334-229-4382We know that college and being away from home can be stressful, that’s why we offer a range of counseling and consultation services, from personal and crisis counseling to leadership training and more.Career Services334-229-4156Whether you need to hone your?interview skills,?enhance your resume, find an?internship?or search for career opportunities?after graduation, Alabama State University’s Career Services program can connect you with the resources and tools you need to succeed.Disability Services334-229-4241The program will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals qualifying under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other state and federal laws and regulations. The service is dependent upon verifiable student needs. Examples of services provided or coordinated include note takers, scribes, print enlargers, reading for the visually impaired, provision of keys to elevators, personal counseling, speech therapy referral, proofreading and cooperation with vocational rehabilitation agencies.?Records and Registration334-229-4217Alabama State University’s Office of Records & Registration is your source for academic records. We provide a number of services for faculty, students and alumni, including course registration, transcript requests, printing and distributing course books and catalogs, degree verification, facilitating the process to add/drop a course and more.Student Health Center334-229-4436If you’re sick or injured, the?University Health Services Center?and its staff are here to help you with well and sick visits, diagnostic tests, referrals, medicines and more. All you need to receive service is your student ID.Housing334-229-4357ASU has?13 residence halls on campus that are available to all students, from freshmen to graduate students. We’re proud of our suite-style accomodations, many of which are new or have been recently renovated. Our campus housing is safe, and it offers a range of amenities, including furniture, parking, recreation rooms, laundry facilities and residential life activities.Financial Aid334-229-4323Since our founding in 1867, Alabama State University has worked to make the fundamental right of an education accessible to all people. We believe cost should never be an obstacle to seeking the benefits of higher education. That’s why our Financial Aid Office will work hard to make sure you are informed about the many types of aid available to you and guide you through the process of securing financial assistance.Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School334-229-4275 Your decision to continue your education is a testament to your desire to make a direct impact on this world. And whether you want to teach the?leaders of tomorrow, work toward a?cure for disease?or become a true agent for?policy change, ASU is committed to provide you with the faculty, resources and world-class education you need to succeed. Levi Watkins Learning Center334-229-4106The Levi Watkins Learning Center (LWLC) allows Alabama State University (ASU) students, administrators, organizations, faculty and staff, the use of spaces within the library. The LWLC provides access to space for uses consistent with the Library’s mission, particularly the LWLC’s responsibility to provide learning opportunities, research, scholarship and cultural activities. Computer Information Services 334-229-4560 Our campus features a number of computing labs and support facilities designed to enhance your academic experience. And our technology support staff strives to offer friendly, prompt customer service when problems arise with technology-related hardware, software or Internet and connectivity.FormsCertification Application Authorization FormName:________________________________________________________________________ (as it appears on ASU records) Previous Names: _______________________________________________________________Email Address: ________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.:________________________ Daytime Phone:______________________ Program: _____________________________________________________________________(list program and grade levels) Expected Completion Date:______________________________________________________ Semester Year I understand that: Submission of an incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated certification application packet will result in the return of the entire packet to me.My degree must be posted and all certification requirements met before ASU can process my certification application. By my signature I verify that I have read and understand the ASU Certification Handbook for Undergraduate Candidates. I authorize ASU and the College of Education to submit my certification application packet, including my college and university transcripts, to the Alabama Department of Education upon the successful completion of all program and certification requirements. ___________________________________ _______________________________ Signature Date Ralph Abernathy College of EducationApplication for Unconditional Admission to ProgramPrint NameProgram of StudyCOE AdvisorDateCumulative Undergraduate GPAI have met the requirements for unconditional admission to the Alternative A program through completion of:Passing Score on Praxis IICompletion of 32/19 or 4x12I understand that I cannot have taken any graduate courses required for completion of the Alternative A program prior to my being unconditionally admitted to the program. Taking any graduate courses prior to being admitted makes me ineligible for admission to the Alternative A program. I have enclosed a copy of either my ETS Praxis II Score Report or 32x19 or 4x12.Candidate SignatureDateAdvisor SignatureDateDepartment Chairperson SignatureDate4x12 ChecklistAlabama State UniversityRalph Abernathy College of EducationName:Social Security #:Teaching Field:Last FirstDate:English/Language ArtsCourse PrefixCourse #Course NameGradeCreditMathematicsCourse PrefixCourse #Course NameGradeCreditScienceCourse PrefixCourse #Course NameGradeCreditSocial ScienceCourse PrefixCourse #Course NameGradeCreditCompleted byAcademic Advisor, COE, ASUSignatureDate32/19 ChecklistAlabama State UniversityRalph Abernathy College of EducationName:Social Security #:Teaching Field:Last FirstDate:Lower LevelCourse PrefixCourse #Course NameGradeCreditUpper LevelCourse PrefixCourse #Course NameGradeCreditTotalCompleted byAcademic Advisor, COE, ASUSignatureDatePolicy 005 – Professional Internship (Undergraduate) Form*This form is to be completed by the academic advisor.*Policy Statement: The following criteria must be met prior to beginning of a professional internship (12 semester hours—undergraduate).The criteria for admission to the professional internship specify that a candidate must: FORMCHECKBOX Complete the internship application by the deadline date posted in the Field and Clinical Placement Handbook. FORMCHECKBOX Have senior standing. FORMCHECKBOX Meet admission requirements to the Teacher Education Program and any additional requirements of the COE. FORMCHECKBOX Provide proof of a grade of “C” or better in all coursework on the ALSDE approved checklist; a 2.5 GPA in the teaching field and professional studies, and overall. FORMCHECKBOX Provide satisfactorily completion of the required early field experiences in schools designed to assist the candidate in making a wise career choice.. FORMCHECKBOX Show evidence of securing a minimum of personal liability insurance commensurate with that available through membership in AEA. FORMCHECKBOX Have recommendations from major advisor and appropriate department regarding competencies. FORMCHECKBOX Complete the verification form indicating that all requirements for candidate teaching have been met. FORMCHECKBOX Show evidence of passing the Praxis II (subject area) exam(s) as required by the ALSDE. FORMCHECKBOX Show proof of fingerprinted ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance completed by service provider approved by the ALSDE. Note:Under normal circumstances, no courses may be taken while completing the internship. In special circumstances, one course may be taken concurrently with the internship if prior written has been given by the Dean of the College of Education.Policy: 006 – Change of Program Curriculum Checklist Form*This form is to be completed by the academic advisor.A candidate may elect to switch to the most recent ALSDE approved checklist while matriculating in the program provided he or she meets the criteria below: FORMCHECKBOX Candidate obtains approval of the candidate’s academic advisor. FORMCHECKBOX Candidate obtains approval of the candidate’s department chairperson. FORMCHECKBOX Candidate switches to a checklist that has not expired prior to their start date.Policy 010: Application Checklist Form – State Department of Education (alsde.edu)Application for the Alabama State-Approved Program Approach (Form NAL) and personal data barcode page. Recommendation for certification by the Alabama College/University (Supplement NAL) along with supporting documentation (“official transcripts, SDE approved checklist(s), Supplement EXP, etc.”) to support the recommendation for certification. A $30.00 nonrefundable application fee. The fee must be paid through the Alabama State Department of Education Teacher Certification Online Payment System, with a major credit or debit card; at education (a $4.00 transaction fee will be applied). Personal checks, cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders are not accepted by the COE Certification Office. A copy of the receipt verifying the confirmation number for the online payment must accompany the application packet. Each additional certificate for which an applicant is determined to be eligible will require a $30.00 nonrefundable fee for issuance. Background clearance based on a fingerprint review. Applicants for initial certification, additional certification, upgrades, and certificate renewal who have not been cleared by both the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Teacher Certification Section of the Office of Teaching and Leading are required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the ABI and FBI. Instructions regarding the fingerprinting process through Cogent Systems may be obtained at AL or by calling (866) 989-9316 (toll free). A current application for certification must be downloaded from and completed electronically.An online payment must be submitted to the Alabama State Department of Education and a copy of the confirmation page must be included in the packet. Personal checks, cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders are not accepted by the COE Certification Office.Policy Number 016– Professional Internship (Alternative Class A) Form*This form is to be completed by the academic advisor.*The criteria for admission to the professional internship specify that a candidate must: FORMCHECKBOX Complete the internship application by the deadline date posted in the Field and Clinical Placement Handbook. FORMCHECKBOX Have graduate standing. FORMCHECKBOX Meet all requirements of and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program and meet any additional requirements of the COE. FORMCHECKBOX Have a 3.0 GPA. FORMCHECKBOX Show evidence of securing a minimum of personal liability insurance commensurate with that available through membership in AEA. FORMCHECKBOX Provide recommendations from major advisor and appropriate department regarding competencies. FORMCHECKBOX Complete the verification form indicating that all requirements for candidate teaching have been met. FORMCHECKBOX Provide proof of passing the Praxis II (subject area) exam as required by the ALSE (if applicable). FORMCHECKBOX Provide proof of ABI/FBI Criminal History Background Check and Clearance completed by service provider approved by the ALSDE.Note:Under normal circumstances, no courses may be taken while completing the internship. In special circumstances, one course may be taken concurrently with the internship if prior written has been given by the Dean of the College of Education. ................
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