School of Education

“Empowerment for Learning”

Purpose

The theme of the Educator Preparation Program is “Empowerment for Learning.” Emphasis in all degree programs is given to the development of the teacher candidate to know and utilize learning theory, pedagogy, culturally responsive instruction, technology, and assessment in order to empower self and others to become life-long learners.

Description

The educator preparation program is a collaborative effort among all applicable academic areas of the university. The program provides a broadbased education intended to equip the teacher candidates with knowledge, values, and attitudes essential for developing competency on the Kentucky Teacher Performance Standards (KTPS/In TASC). The program also stresses responsible citizenship within the American democracy through the promotion of Christian servant leadership.

Students may pursue initial teacher certification in: (a) Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Birth to Primary), (b) Elementary Education, P-5; (c) Middle Grades Education, 5-9; (d) Secondary Education, 8-12 (English, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Social Studies) (an extension into middle grades is possible under 16 KAR 2:0101 and must be arranged with an education advisor); (e) Art, P-12; (f) Health and Physical Education, P-12; (g) Integrated Music, P-12; (h )Spanish Education P-12; and (i) Learning and Behavior Disorders, P-12, (j) Montessori, (k) IECE/P-5 pathway, (l) P- 5/Learning and Behavior Disorder P-12 pathway.

The School of Education also offers Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in early childhood education programs and an Associate of Science in Education. None of these is a certifiable program.

The Education Professional Standards Board requires teacher candidates to pass PRAXIS subject assessments before the initial teaching certificate, the Statement of Eligibility, is issued. In compliance with disclosure of passing rates on the PRAXIS subject assessments, according to the federal government Title II report, the University’s passing rate for 2019-2020 was 97%.

The educator preparation program has a  Candidate Assessment Point (CAP) System that monitors student progress throughout the program. The plan requires four checkpoints along the continuum of the educator preparation program:
CAP 1 acknowledges the intent to enter teacher education (ED 199  )
CAP 2 determines admission into the program, requires evidence of academic competency (ED 299  )
CAP 3 assesses readiness for student teaching (ED 399  )
CAP 4 determines program completion/exit (ED 499  )

Students must successfully meet the criteria at each checkpoint. A student will not be permitted to progress in the program if the criteria are not met. The CAP system is explained in detail in the appropriate education courses.

CAP 1: INTENT TO MAJOR IN TEACHER EDUCATION

During a candidate’s first education course at CU, candidates must enroll in ED 199. The current requirements for CAP 1 are:

1. State criminal background check
2. Tuberculosis risk assessment
3. Creation of KFETS account for clinical hours
4. Commitment to Kentucky Code of Ethics and Model Code of Ethics for Educators
5. Signed Disposition Assessment Policy
6. Signed Praxis CASE Statement of Understanding

*Candidates must enroll in ED 199, ED 299, ED 399, and ED 499 to process all CAP requirements.

CAP 2: ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must enroll in ED 299 a mimum of one semester prior to enrolling in ED 414. The current requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program are:

1. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 (with no grade lower than C in all courses on the Curriculum Guide) or a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed.
2. Passing score on PRAXIS CASE (Core Academic Skills for Educators)
3. ENG 111  and ENG 112 , grade of C or better
4. MAC 120  or MAC 140 , grade of C or better
5. Self-evaluation of dispositions
6. Recommendations from Major/Department Chairs (not required for IECE, P-5, or Special Education majors)
7. Commitment to Kentucky Code of Ethics and Model Code of Ethics for Educators
8. Pre-Professional Growth Plan
9. Video introduction and mini-lesson evaluated candidate, P-12 teacher, and/or CU faculty
10. Signed Praxis subject assessment Statement of Understanding
11. Copy of Detailed Summary Form from Kentucky Field Experience Tracking System (KFETS)
12. Headshot photograph
13. Completed CAP 1 application and documents on file
14. Diversity Survey

Students must take ED 220  prior to enrolling in ED 300  or as a co-requisite. Students can take educator preparation courses PRIOR to ADMISSION to the educator preparation program except ED 414 , ED 450 , and IEC 480 . Candidates must be admitted into the educator preparation program before enrolling in ED 414 , ED 450 , and IEC 480 .  CAP 2 admission for IECE students takes place in IEC 301 .

Note: Requirements for admission and certification are subject to change at any time by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and Campbellsville University

CAP 3: ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT TEACHING

Candidates must enroll in ED 399 the semester they are enrolled in ED 414. Before a student is eligible to enroll in student teaching (ED 450 ), all content course requirements must be completed and the following CAP 3 criteria must be met:

1. 2.75 Cumulative GPA
2. All required Praxis subject assessments taken (or registered for first available session)
3. Self-evaluation of dispositions.
4. Disposition evaluation by cooperating teacher
5. Disposition evaluation by major/content area professor (not required for P-5, IECE, or special education majors)
6. Passing professional portfolio based on Kentucky Teacher Performance Standards
7. Graduation Audit Report
8. Minimum of 200 clinical experiences meeting EPSB requirements with KFETS detailed summary form
9. Minimum number of required Professional Involvement and Communication Log.
10. State and Federal criminal records check
11. Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Check (DPP 156)
12. Medical exam and tuberculosis risk assessment
13. Liability insurance
14. Documentation of PBIS training
15. Re-commitment to Kentucky Code of Ethics (IECE commitment to CAN) and Model Code of Ethics for Educators

CAP 4: EXIT REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must enroll in ED 499 during student teaching (ED 450) CAP 4 criteria are:

1. 2.75 cumulative GPA
2. All required Praxis subject assessment taken
3. Successful completion of student teaching
4. Self-evaluation of Dispositions
5. Passing portfolio and video
6. Exit interview

Students are encouraged to successfully complete all PRAXIS subject assessments (see the School of Education website for a complete listing of Praxis subject assessments). The Education Professional Standards Board has established passing scores on all exams. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the appropriate PRAXIS subject assessments for which to register and complete. Specialty exams have been subject to change by the Education Professional Standards Board and, therefore, students are advised to take care in registering for the correct exams. Though the School of Education faculty will strive to inform students of this information, it is the responsibility of the students to register for the correct examinations. Though students are not required to pass the exam/s to graduate, the Education Professional Standards Board will not issue teacher certification until all appropriate exams are passed.