[1] Introduction

The College of Education at the University of Central Arkansas is dedicated to providing exemplary programs for the preparation of professional personnel in the fields of education: teacher preparation, leadership studies, library media, instructional technologies, and other related professional fields. With an emphasis on teaching, research, and service, the members of the College of Education, along with their counterparts in supporting programs across campus, demonstrate a commitment to the improvement of human service delivery systems by collaboratively working with organizations that have teaching, training, and human development as their mission. The professional education programs in the college prepare professionals as reflective decision-makers who demonstrate the content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn.

To accomplish this mission the College of Education:

Provides programs of study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels based upon sound pedagogical and clinical practices.
Employs a faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Maintains optimal resources and facilities such as the Technology Learning Center, partner schools, multimedia classrooms, and the Child Study Center to allow each program to meet its expected outcomes.
Establishes a professional environment conducive to both student and faculty growth and development.
Maintains a commitment to understanding and working with children and adults in multicultural settings and to expanding global perspectives.

To help achieve this mission, the college is committed to working collaboratively with elementary and secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, state agencies, and other public and private groups to address educational issues. Faculty members are actively involved with organizations at the state, regional, and national levels, with schools, and with human service agencies.

Faculty members involved in the preparation of professional educators, as well as professional education candidates, public school representatives, and members of the community share a vision for the Professional Education Unit (PEU) at the University of Central Arkansas. This vision is one of preparing Educators as Reflective Decision-Makers. The PEU defines reflective decision-makers as those who think systematically about their practice, engage in thoughtful assessment of their effectiveness, and attempt to understand the consequences of their actions while contemplating alternative possibilities.

The university's teacher preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. Graduates of UCA's teacher education programs typically perform well on examinations of professional preparation. In Arkansas, the Department of Education provides the Praxis II pass rates for all teacher preparation units in the state to the U.S. Secretary of Education as mandated by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. The pass rate for each academic year since 1999-2000 is published as part of the Title II Teacher Education Report Card. The pass rate is available to the public and may be accessed online at http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/assess/reports/title2.

The college is housed on campus in Mashburn Hall, and the Child Study Center is adjacent to the university campus. The college comprises three academic departments: Early Childhood and Special Education, Leadership Studies, and Teaching, Learning and Technology. The Office of Candidate Services and Field Experiences coordinates teacher education admissions, early field experiences, internships and licensure. The Technology Learning Center serves faculty, candidates, and the community with technology labs and with a media resource center for the design and development of instructional materials.

Middle Level Algebra I Endorsement

The Algebra I Endorsement for grade 8 requires a program of study consisting of fifteen (15) hours of mathematics (excluding the six (6) semester hours that has traditionally been identified for elementary and early childhood teachers). In addition to the program of study, successful completion of the Praxis II: Middle School Mathematics exam is also required. Specific information regarding the appropriate license to which this endorsement may be added and the course of study required is available from the Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience, Licensure Office (Mashburn 119 or 501-450-3131).

Grades 5-6 Endorsement

Teachers licensed in P-4 Early Childhood Education or in 7-12 Math, English, Social Studies or Science, may add an endorsement that allows them to teach grades 5-6. The program of study consists of nine (9) graduate hours. A specific Praxis II exam is required to be recommended for this endorsement. Specific information regarding the course of study and the requisite Praxis II examination required is available from the Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience, Licensure Office (Mashburn 119 or 501-450-3131).

[2] The Professional Education Unit (PEU)

The Professional Education Unit (PEU) is the umbrella organization under which teaching faculty, academic administrators, and practicing professionals come together to collaborate on the design, delivery, approval, and accreditation of all education programs. The faculty number nearly 90 full-time and part-time, and the administrators represent over thirteen different instructional departments in five colleges. The Dean of the College of Education leads the PEU and provides university-wide coordination for all education programs, working in partnership with the other deans of the university.

Within the Professional Education Unit, the following functions are centralized in the College of Education in support of all teacher education programs at UCA:

Formal admission to Teacher Education - Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience
Admission to Internship - Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience
Recommendations for Licensure - Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience
Coordination for Program Accreditation - Dean of the College of Education
Coordination of the PEU and Program Coordinators - Dean of the College of Education
Oversight of the Professional Education Council (PEC) (the college-level policy and curriculum committee for all education programs at UCA) - Dean of the College of Education

Within the PEU, most of the responsibilities for designing, implementing, and administering individual degree programs in teacher education are decentralized and assigned to different colleges and academic departments. Each program has a UCA faculty member who serves as the program coordinator in the department responsible for that program. Degree programs within the College of Education are listed below; also listed are other UCA colleges and departments that collaborate in UCA's education degree programs:

[2.1] College of Education

Bachelor of Science in Education

Childhood Education, P-4
Middle Level Education, 4-8
- Language Arts/Social Studies
- Mathematics/Science
Business and Marketing Technology Education 5-8 and 7-12
- Business (Teacher Education)
- Marketing (Teacher Education)

Master of Arts in Teaching

Master of Science in Education

Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning
Reading
Special Education:
- Instructional Specialist, Birth-8 years (P-4)
- Instructional Specialist, Grades 4-12

Master of Science

Instructional Technology
Library Media and Information Technologies
School Counseling
School Leadership, Management, and Administration
Training Systems

Educational Specialist

Educational Leadership

[2.2] College of Fine Arts and Communications

Undergraduate Programs

Art, P-8 and 7-12
Music, Instrumental and Vocal, P-8 and 7-12

[2.3] College of Health and Behavioral Sciences

Undergraduate Programs

Family and Consumer Sciences, 7-12
Kinesiology/Physical Education/Health, P-8 and 7-12

Graduate Programs

School Psychology

[2.4] College of Liberal Arts

Undergraduate Programs

English, 7-12
French, P-8 & 7-12
Social Studies - History, 7-12
Spanish, P-8 & 7-12

[2.5] College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Undergraduate Programs

Mathematics, 7-12
Secondary Science Education, 7-12
- Life/Earth Science
- Physical/Earth Science

At UCA, the content specialists in the arts and sciences work collaboratively with pedagogy specialists in those same disciplines and often in the same departments to prepare professional educators.

[3] Teacher Education Program: Admission, Exit, and Retention Requirements

The state of Arkansas requires all applicants for a teacher's license to be finger-printed and to undergo a successful background check. Questions about this procedure and/or its impact upon a candidate's personal situation should be directed to the Director of Admissions and Licensure. If evidence becomes known that would render the candidate ineligible to receive a teaching license in the state of Arkansas, then this information may become grounds to refuse admission to or retention in the teacher education program.

Programs in the College of Education that lead to licensure relating to P-12 schools require a passing score on the appropriate Praxis exam(s) and satisfactory completion of all key assessments identified by the individual program area. Candidates cannot complete their program unless both of these criteria have been met. Individual programs may have additional exit requirements.

[3.1] Admission and Exit Requirements

Admission to teacher education is required for all candidates expecting to complete a teacher education program leading to initial licensure in any teaching field. Level I admission is required for enrollment in designated upper division professional education courses.

[3.1.1] Level I Admission

The following minimum requirements must be met for admission to the teacher education program:

Establishment of an account on the College of Education Candidate Account Manager (CAM) database. Accounts may be opened in the Technology Learning Center, Mashburn 102 or by going to the College of Education webpage (www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/coe/)
Submission of an Admissions Affidavit stating that the candidate has never been convicted of any crime that would prevent the issuance of a teaching license (Act 1313 of 1997 and Act 752 of 2001). Both forms may be obtained from The Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience or on the candidate's CAM account.
A cumulative 2.5 GPA on all coursework attempted. Prior to full admission, transfer students with no previous coursework at UCA must also establish a 2.5 GPA in a minimum of twelve semester hours at UCA.
Completion of courses in written communications (WRTG 1310 and 1320), oral communications (SPCH 1300), and mathematics (MATH 1360 or above) with no grade less than a C. Some majors require College Algebra (MATH 1390) for admission. Completion of pre-admission education courses EDUC 1300 Education as a Profession (all majors), EDUC 1240 Basic Educational Technology Skills or successful completion of the Technology Competency Exam (all majors), and ECSE 3300 Foundations of Early Childhood Education (P-4 majors only). All professional education courses must be completed with no grade less than a C.
Completion of the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). The established state and UCA minimum scores are: PPST Reading 172; PPST Math 171; PPST Writing 174 (UCA minimum writing score is 174 while the state minimum is 173). Candidates are advised to take the Praxis I during the freshman year. Admission to the program will be delayed until minimum scores on each section are achieved.
Successful completion of forty-five semester hours (or in process).
Submission of two recommendations for admission from UCA faculty (one recommendation must be completed by the instructor of EDUC 1300 or ECSE 3300).
Candidate interview by the major area faculty with recommendation for admission. Candidates will register for the interview in The Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience. An admission status checksheet will be forwarded to the candidate's major academic department prior to the interview dates established by the department. Interview registration deadlines are listed below.

The Office of Candidate Services and Field Experience will observe the following deadlines for the application process. Candidates are encouraged to submit all requirements for admission prior to the established deadlines.

October 1	Final date for interview registration for candidates seeking admission for the following spring semester.
November 1	Final date for completion of admission requirements for candidates seeking full admission the following spring semester.
March 1	Final date interview registration or candidates seeking admission for the following summer or fall semester.
April 1	Final date for completion of admission requirements for candidates seeking full admission the following summer or fall semester.
*July 1	Final date for interview registration for candidates seeking admission for the following fall semester.
*August 1	Final date for completion of admission requirements for candidates seeking full admission the following fall semester.

*Summer interviews are offered at the discretion of the academic department.

[3.1.2] Level II Admission

Level II of the teacher education program consists of a one-semester full-time placement (Internship II) in an accredited and approved public school setting. During this time the candidate will be placed with a mentor teacher who is fully licensed in the candidate's major area of study. Candidates will be admitted into Level II of the teacher education program upon successful completion of the following:

Minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.5
Acceptable scores on the summative evaluation of the Level I performance standards based upon the Teacher Performance Outcomes Assessment (TPOA) and supported by the professional portfolio and field assessments
Recommendation of major area faculty
Submission of scores on the Praxis II subject area exam(s)
Completion of all major and professional education requirements with a grade of C or better

[3.1.3] Level II Exit Requirements

Minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.5
Acceptable scores on the summative evaluation of the Level II performance standards based upon the Teacher Performance Outcomes Assessment (TPOA) and supported by the professional portfolio
Submission of scores on the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching or subject-specific pedagogy exam
Completion of Internship II with a grade of C or better
Successful completion of the Praxis II subject area exam(s)

[3.1.4] Program Exit Requirements

Baccalaureate degree
Minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.5
Successful completion of the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching or subject-specific pedagogy exam

[3.2] Retention in Teacher Education

Following acceptance to a teacher preparation program, a candidate's good standing will be reviewed before admission to Level II and upon completion of Level II and possibly revoked by program faculty if

The candidate fails to exhibit responsible and professional behavior in all classes, field experiences, and interactions with peers and faculty, as judged by the program faculty, mentor teachers, and other school personnel.
The candidate violates the student code of conduct or criminal law.
The candidate earns a grade less than C in any required lower or upper division course in the candidate's major.
The candidate's UCA GPA falls below 2.5.
The candidate fails to meet the required course or program prerequisites, especially for field-based teaching methods courses and internships.
The candidate's knowledge, skills, and dispositions are judged by two or more faculty instructors and/or mentor teachers to be unsatisfactory.
The candidate does not complete an internship satisfactorily.

A formal review by the program faculty will occur before a candidate will be allowed to enroll in internships. The outcomes of this review will determine whether the candidate will be permitted to continue in the teacher preparation program. The review may result in a remediation plan rather than dismissal. Decisions to remove a candidate from the teacher education program will be made by the program faculty and forwarded by the Program Coordinator to the Department Chair, the appropriate representative in Candidate Services and Field Experience, and the Assistant to the Dean in the College of Education.

<[3.2.1] Retention in Field Experiences/Internship

A candidate may be removed from a field experience when any of the following occurs:

The appropriate school authority states that the teacher education candidate's presence in the classroom is not in the best interest of the public school's students and/or requests that the teacher preparation candidate be removed.
The joint decision of the appropriate Program Coordinator and Department Chair in consultation with the appropriate representative in Candidate Services and Field Experience, Mentor Teacher, and University Supervisor states that the circumstances are such as to prevent the development and/or maintenance of a satisfactory learning environment.
The candidate exhibits unprofessional/unethical behavior.
A decision has been reached that the teacher education candidate cannot receive a satisfactory grade in a field experience course.

[3.2.2] Placement Decisions

Academic program areas and the appropriate representative in Candidate Services and Field Experience will determine field placements (including Internship I ande II). Exceptions to the placement policy will not be made.

[3.2.3] Appeals of Admission and Retention Decisions

If the candidate so desires, he/she may submit a formal appeal of an admission, retention, or placement decision. In such a situation, a candidate can only initiate an appeal after seeking resolution with the program's department chair. An appeal must be based on exceptional and extenuating circumstances and other pertinent information not previously available or considered. A formal appeal must be submitted in writing to the Dean of the College of Education (COE) within five business days of being notified of admission, retention, or placement status. The COE Dean will transmit the appeal to the Standard 1 Standing Committee. The candidate may appeal to the COE Dean, in writing, within five business days of the committee's decision. The candidate may appeal to the Provost, in writing, within five business days of the Dean's decision.

[4] Courses in Education (EDUC)

Follow this link for EDUC course descriptions: course link.