Certification-Only Programs Alternative Path to Certification
Elementary (Grades 1-5) and Secondary (Grades 6-12)
Coordinator: Dr. Christine C. Hypolite
Description of the Programs
University of Holy Cross has initial certification programs for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education who are seeking to become certified teachers. Areas in which candidates can earn alternative certification are Elementary (Grades 1-5) and Secondary (Grades 6-12) in the following content areas: Biology, English, French, General Business, General Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Spanish.
Certification-Only Programs: Alternative Path to Certification
Elementary Education (Grades 1—5) Secondary Education (Grades 6—12)
(Secondary areas include Biology, English, French, General Business, General Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Spanish.)
Student Learning Outcomes of the Non-Masters, Certification-Only Program for Elementary Grades 1-5
Upon successful completion of the Non-Master’s, Certification-Only in Elementary Grades 1-5 Program, completers should be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of elementary education content knowledge and pedagogical skills knowledge;
- apply content knowledge and pedagogical skills knowledge to design and implement lessons that are meaningful and relevant to prepare students for achievement of college and career readiness standards;
- exhibit their understanding of the characteristics of diverse learners by making adjustments in planning, delivery, and assessment of instruction that effectively meets the diverse needs and experiences of all students;
- demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession by engaging in professional learning, reflective practices, collaborating with families, colleagues, community agencies and engaging in research to improve content and pedagogical knowledge; and
- evaluate and demonstrate the dispositions that are vital to the education profession, modify those dispositions when needed and actively seek opportunities for professional development.
Student Learning Outcomes of the Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Program for Secondary Grades 6-12
Upon successful completion of the Non-Master’s, Certification-Only in Secondary Grades 6-12 Program, completers should be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of content-specific content knowledge and pedagogical skills knowledge;
- apply content knowledge and pedagogical skills knowledge to design and implement lessons that are meaningful and relevant to prepare students for achievement of college and career readiness standards;
- exhibit their understanding of the characteristics of diverse learners by making adjustments in planning, delivery, and assessment of instruction that effectively meets the diverse needs and experiences of all secondary students;
- demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession by engaging in professional learning, reflective practices, collaborating with families, colleagues, community agencies and engaging in research to improve content and pedagogical knowledge; and
- evaluate and demonstrate the dispositions that are vital to the education profession, modify those dispositions when needed and actively seek opportunities for professional development.
- (Additional SLO for World Languages) demonstrate proficiency in the area of World Language certification.
- (Additional SLO for Science) demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the practice of safety procedures, chemical storage and use, and animal care.
Admission Requirements for Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Programs
Formal Admission to the Non-Master’s Certification Only Program requires candidates to meet the requirements below; candidates who meet the requirements will be issued a letter of formal admission to the program.
To be accepted into the Non-Master’s Certification-Only Program, applicants must
- Submit a formal Application for Admission to the Non-Master’s Certification-Only Program to the Education Department. This application is required before admission to capstone courses (EDU 445, EDU 460B, EDU 460D, EDU 461A, and EDU 461B).
- Have their transcripts analyzed by a faculty member in the Certification-Only Program;
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
- Have earned a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average in undergraduate work, or in the last 60 credit hours as calculated by the UHC Education Department; and
- Have passed the PRAXIS Core Knowledge* and the PRAXIS II content knowledge tests in the specific area of certification (see www.ets.org/praxis for test requirements and information).
*A composite of 22 on the ACT; a score of 1030 on the verbal and math portions of the SAT taken prior to March 2016 or a score of 1100 (verbal and math) on the SAT taken after March 2016; or a Master’s degree may be substituted for the PRAXIS I. Official score reports or transcripts must be furnished to the University to take advantage of this exemption.
Retention in a Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Program
Once a candidate is admitted to a Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Program, the candidate must maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average in Education course work. Candidates are evaluated after each semester in three areas: Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions for the profession. If it is found that a candidate is not meeting all requirements in these three areas, the candidate is summoned to meet with the Admission and Retention Committee. Failure to meet all requirements and conditions set by this committee may result in expulsion from the program.
In order to be retained in a Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Program, the candidate must
- Successfully meet the requirements included in all Education course(s);
- Pass the PRAXIS Core Knowledge* and the PRAXIS II (content-specific examination[s]) PRIOR TO REGISTERING for capstone courses;
- Earn a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 in Education courses;
- Be employed as a full-time teacher at an accredited school in the area in which the candidate is seeking certification during the internship (EDU 461 A and EDU 461B) and methods (EDU 445 and 460 B/D) semesters;
- Demonstrate competencies in all methods courses (EDU 345, EDU 410, EDU 415, EDU 445, and EDU 460 B/D). (Candidates must achieve a minimum grade of B or the course must be repeated. A methods course may be repeated only once.);
- Maintain liability insurance for classroom participation (Liability insurance is required before a candidate is allowed to participate in experiential service in the Professional Laboratory Experience Program, Student Teaching, or Internship. Membership in the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana includes liability insurance required for classroom participation. In the case of full-time employed teachers, evidence of liability insurance must be provided.); and
- Demonstrate appropriate dispositions for the teaching profession.
*A composite of 22 on the ACT; a score of 1030 on the verbal and math portions of the SAT taken prior to March 2016 or a score of 1100 (verbal and math) on the SAT taken after March 2016; or a Master’s degree may be substituted for the PRAXIS Core Knowledge. Official score reports or transcripts must be furnished to the University to take advantage of this exemption.
Candidates are dismissed from the Certification-Only Program if they fail to meet the above requirements. In addition, candidates are dismissed for academic dishonesty, questionable moral character, or behavior not becoming of a student of University of Holy Cross.
Appeals
Candidates who are dismissed from the Teacher Education Program may appeal in writing to the Dean of Counseling, Education, and Business. If a candidate is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, a second appeal may be made in writing to the Provost, whose decision is final.
Prescription Letters
Prescription letters for candidates who have met all admission requirements for the program and have enrolled in classes are written once the drop/add period has passed.
Program of Study
Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Program Alternative Path to Certification in Elementary (Grades 1-5)
Required
| EDU 201 | Literature for Children and Youth (1-6) | 3 |
| EDU 301/EDU 301 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 304A | The Learner with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDU 306 | Classroom Organization & Management | 3 |
| EDU 307 | Survey of Reading/English Language Arts | 3 |
| EDU 308 | Materials & Methods of Teaching Reading/Language Arts | 3 |
| EDU 312 | Materials & Methods Teaching Mathematics I | 3 |
| EDU 425 | Foundations of Teaching & Learning | 3 |
| EDU 445 | Methods & Strategies for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
| EDU 461A | Internship I | 3 |
| EDU 461B | Internship II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 |
EDU 445, EDU 461A, and EDU 461B: Candidates must have passed PRAXIS Core Knowledge and PRAXIS II content examinations, be currently employed as full-time teachers in the area of certification, and be admitted to the Certification-Only Program to be admitted to these courses.
Non-Master’s, Certification-Only Program in Secondary (Grades 6-12)
Required
EDU 460B, EDU 460D, EDU 461A, and EDU 461B: Candidates must have passed PRAXIS I Core Knowledge and PRAXIS II content examinations, be currently employed as full-time teachers in the area of certification, and be admitted to the Certification-Only Program to be admitted to these courses.
Requirements for Special Education Teachers
Candidates interested in Special Education as an add-on certification for the purpose of teaching Special Education are required to take a prescribed curriculum as their Special Education electives. Please see an Education advisor for further information and for the cycle of offerings of these courses since some of them are offered only once a session, including summer sessions.
Minor in Education
Undergraduate students in any discipline may minor in Education by taking 18 hours in Education. Please see an Education advisor for information regarding the courses to take.
Certification in Secondary Education
Undergraduate students who are interested in teaching high school (grades 6 – 12) in their major area are encouraged to include Education courses in their degree programs as electives. It is possible to complete most of the course work necessary for alternative certification as an undergraduate student with only methods and internship courses remaining after graduation to complete the requirements for state certification. Please see an Education advisor for further information.
Graduate Programs
Chair: Dr. Lisa M. Sullivan
Degrees Offered:
Master of Education (M.Ed.): Educational Leadership—Dr. O. Cleveland Hill, Coordinator
Master of Education (M.Ed.): Teaching and Learning—Dr. Brooke Muntean, Coordinator
Doctor of Education (Ed.D): Executive Leadership—Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Coordinator
Graduate Admissions
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Graduate Programs in Education accept applications for admission from students without regard to ethnicity, race, creed, color, sex, age, disability status, or national origin.