SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY   2000-2001 Catalog
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Education
Education-Psychology 142
541-552-6286
Geoffrey Mills, Associate Dean for Teacher Education

Professors: Arnold Abrams, William Danley Jr., David E. Hoffman, Geoffrey Mills, Carolyne Ruck, Petey Young

Associate Professors: Marty Turner, Steve Thorpe

Assistant Professors: Gregg Gassman, William Greene, Candace Kelly, Younghee Kim, Joan Marioni, Judie Rhoads, Carol Zinn

Instructor: Suzanne Makita

Lecturers: Stephanie Allen, Linda Floyd, Nicole Heun, Donna Jones, Joan Keller-Hand, Luann Lane, Christyn Madau, Melissa Stowe

At Southern Oregon University, teacher education is designed to ensure that students who satisfactorily complete programs in education are prepared to meet the educational needs of a changing society. The programs enable students to meet licensing requirements set forth by the State of Oregon.

Current Initial Licensure Programs

In accordance with new regulations from the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the SOU Teacher Education Program began a redesigned teacher preparation program in July 1998. The new initial licensure program at SOU leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The SOU MAT program is a yearlong program, beginning at the end of July and ending the following July. In addition to receiving a MAT degree, graduates of the program are licensed to teach at one or two authorization levels. The authorization levels are:

At the start of the program, students seeking double authorization choose the two adjacent authorization levels in which they intend to be licensed. The three options are as follows:

1. Early childhood and elementary school

2. Elementary and middle school

3. Middle school and high school

Individuals seeking a license in middle school and high school must also choose an endorsement area (e.g., social studies, math, science, or language arts).

Admission Requirements

1. The redesigned program is a fifth year model. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the authorization level and endorsement area. Applicants to the early childhood/elementary and the elementary/middle school authorization levels are encouraged to take a broad range of courses in English, social science, the humanities, and science. Please contact the Education Department for further details.

In addition, applicants to the elementary/middle school authorization level must select a subject preparation area and show competency in their area by completing a major in the subject area and passing the appropriate Praxis Specialty Area Test, or by completing prerequisite courses for the subject area designated on the Education Department listing.

Admission requirements do not specify a particular undergraduate major for the early childhood/elementary authorization level. Individuals admitted to the middle and high school authorization levels must complete an undergraduate major in the subject they plan to teach (e.g., English or math). In addition to a major, specific courses in the subject are required. Please contact the Education Department for the appropriate list of courses.

2. Applicants to the redesigned program are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of undergraduate work. Applicants to the middle school and high school authorization levels must also have at least a 3.0 GPA in all graduate and undergraduate coursework in their endorsement area.

3. Admission requirements include a passing score on a basic skills test. Students may choose from the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), or the Praxis I Academic Skills Assessments Computer-Based Tests (CBT).

4.

a) Individuals planning to complete licensure requirements for early childhood and elementary levels must complete Mth 211, 212, 213 before entering the program.

b) Individuals planning to complete licensure requirements for elementary and middle school levels must complete Mth 211, 212, 213, and 481 before entering the program.

5. The redesigned program requires that individuals document successful experience working with children or adolescents in small or large group settings within public schools. This is a very important requirement for program admission. The Education Department recommends that students consider taking one or two undergraduate courses related to education. SOU courses such as Ed 251 and 252 offer academic and fieldbased opportunities for students to explore interests in the teaching profession.

6. Admission requirements include demonstration of a second language or multicultural proficiency. Please contact the Education Department for further details.

Special Education Initial Licensure Programs

Two programs are offered in special education. The Special Educator I (dual) program is open to teachers or students who want to add a special education endorsement to an existing teaching license. The Special Educator II (standalone) program is for candidates who want to become licensed to teach only special education students. The program culminates in the Master of Arts or Science in education as well as our recommendation to TSPC for an initial teaching license.

In addition to the endorsement and licensure program, there are advanced courses available for those working on master's degrees, continuing licenses, or continuing professional development programs.

Check with Bill Danley, the special education program coordinator, at 541-5526930 about the details of the programs and admission requirements.

Limited Enrollment

Enrollment caps have been placed on all initial licensure programs at SOU. Check with the Education Department for current enrollment limitations.

Application Procedures

1. Contact the Education Department at 541-552-6936 for application deadlines; deadlines are normally six to eight months prior to the start of a program.

2. Obtain an application from the Education Department and submit it by the application deadline.

Potential applicants are urged to contact the Education Department at least two years prior to the time they wish to begin a program so they can plan to complete all the admission criteria by the application deadline.

State Licensing Requirements

The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) has licensing requirements beyond the coursework taken in the SOU initial licensure programs. These requirements may include a passing score on the Praxis Professional Knowledge Test, a passing score on one or more standardized subject knowledge tests, completion of two work samples, completion of an antidiscrimination workshop, submission of fingerprints, and responses to character questions. Check with the Education Department for details and updates.

The MAT Program

The MAT Program is a yearlong program that starts in July and ends the following July. Students progress continuously through the program in a cohort arrangement. Students who are accepted into the program enter together, enroll in the same classes, and finish together as a community of learners.

Sequence of Courses and Fieldwork

Summer Session

Fall Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

Summer Session

The Special Education Programs

Southern Oregon University offers two special education programs. The Special Educator I, or dual program, is for individuals who already hold a teaching license. Completion of the dual program allows such persons to add the Initial Special Educator I Endorsement to an existing teaching license. This program is completed by passing a prescribed set of classes that can be taken during the school year and summer session. The dual program requires the candidate to complete 46 hours of coursework and pass the Praxis Specialty Test for Special Education.

The second program is the Special Educator II, or stand-alone program. This program allows the candidate to become licensed to teach only special education students. When successfully completed, this program results in a Master of Arts or Science in education and our recommendation to TSPC for an initial Oregon teaching license with a Special Education Endorsement. To qualify for admission to the stand-alone program, the student must have a 3.0 grade point average and must pass the CBEST, PPST, or CBT basic skills admission test. The stand-alone program is a full-year, full-time program. Beginning in the summer session, the candidate progresses through fall, winter, and spring quarters and completes the coursework at the end of the second summer session.

Candidates for both programs must possess a valid first-aid card and must complete an antidiscrimination workshop by the end of the program. In addition, dual program candidates must complete a work sample during their internship, and stand-alone candidates must complete two work samples during their practica in accordance with Teacher Standards and Practices Commission requirements.

Upon completion of the required coursework, candidates in both the dual and the stand-alone program must pass the Praxis Test of Professional Knowledge and the Praxis Specialty Test in Special Education.

Students must be licensed teachers before beginning the Special Educator I coursework. Students who wish to obtain the Special Educator I who are not currently licensed must complete the MAT fifth year or a similar program before beginning the special education portion.

Special Educator I (Dual) Course Requirements

(51 credits)

Prerequisites

Summer Term

Total 13

Fall Term

Total 12

Winter Term

Total 15

Spring Term

Total Special Educator I (including prerequisites) 51

The program includes occasional required special seminars on topics important to all teachers (e.g., HIV/AIDS training and Oregon CIM/CAM Benchmarks). These occur approximately twice a term.

Special Educator II (Stand-Alone) Course Requirements

(76 credits)

Special Educator II candidates take a combination of special education courses required of all endorsement seekers and a selection of courses from the MAT program.

Prerequisites

First Summer Term

First 4-Week Summer Session

Second 4-week Summer Session

Total 15

Fall Term

Total 17

Winter Term

Total 17

Spring Term

Total 16

Second Summer Term

Total credit hours required 76

The program includes occasional required special seminars on topics important to all teachers (e.g., HIV/AIDS training and Oregon CIM/CAM Benchmarks). These occur approximately twice a term.

Master's Degree Programs

The Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in education are offered under two programs. The first is for those who have completed the Fifth Year Teacher Licensing Program at Southern Oregon University. The second is for those who have met the requirements for Basic Licensure by completing an undergraduate teacher education program at this or another regionally accredited institution. The second is described under Master of Arts or Science in Education and Continuing Teaching License Program on printed catalog page 125.

Fifth Year Program Applicants for Master's Degree

Persons who completed elementary and secondary licensing requirements under the Fifth Year Education Program by the end of the 1997-1998 academic year are not required to finish their master's degree to be eligible for a basic or standard teaching credential. Therefore, continued enrollment in the program to obtain the master's degree is optional. The following information is provided for those who finished the licensing phase of the Fifth Year Education Program and plan to complete all work required for the master's degree in either elementary or secondary education.

All education coursework offered in the Fifth Year Licensing Program was at the graduate level and counted toward the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in education. Student teaching does not count toward a master's degree. The master's degree can be completed by taking 21-24 additional credits beyond those required for licensing. The additional credits must be completed within seven years of the date that the first course applied to the program was completed. Typically, courses for the master's degree are scheduled during late afternoons, evenings, and summer to enable employed teachers to attend.

Requirements for Master of Arts or Science in Elementary Education for Fifth Year Graduates

As previously stated, the State of Oregon does not require a master's degree to be eligible for a basic or standard teaching license for teachers who earned their basic license through the SOU Fifth Year Program by the end of the 1997-1998 academic year. Therefore, completion of the master's degree program is optional for these students.

Students who completed the coursework for their basic elementary license have a number of options for completing the additional credits for a master's degree in elementary education. They may choose to complete a program of studies in curriculum and instruction, special education, early childhood education, or reading. In addition, students may select a combination of courses in special education and reading or special education and early childhood education. Regardless of the option chosen, all candidates for the master's degree must complete a course on research.

These courses may be taken in any order. Students are advised to take Ed 512 (Educational Research) or 519 (Action Research) early in the program.

The rules governing completion of the fifth year master's degree in elementary education allow students to take some or all of the remaining 22-23 hours at other accredited institutions. This should be done only after the Proposed Completion of Master of Arts or Science Degree form has been approved by the Education Department. In each case where a course from another institution is to be substituted for a course at SOU, the student must gain prior permission for the substitution from the SOU Education Department graduate coordinator.

Curriculum and Instruction Option

(23 credits)

Reading Option

(22-23 credits)

Early Childhood Education Option

(23 credits)

Choose one of the following:

Comprehensive Exam Requirements for Elementary Fifth Year Master's Degree

Candidates for the elementary fifth year master's degree must obtain passing scores on the Multiple Subjects Assessment for Teachers Exam (MSAT) and a score of at least 661 on the Test of Professional Knowledge of the Praxis Core Battery Exam.

Requirements for Master of Arts or Science in Secondary Education for Fifth Year Graduates

The State of Oregon does not require the master's degree to be eligible for a basic or standard teaching credential for teachers who earned their basic license through the SOU Fifth Year Program no later than the 1997-1998 academic year. Therefore, enrollment in the remainder of the master's program is optional for these students.

Master's degree requirements for the Fifth Year Program consist of 21 additional credits. For secondary candidates, 12 credits are in subject area coursework and 9 credits are in education.

Courses in this section may be taken in any order. Students are advised to take Ed 512 or 519 early in the program.

The rules governing completion of the fifth year master's degree in secondary education allow students to take some or all of the remaining 21 credits at other accredited institutions. This should be done only after the Proposed Completion of Master of Arts or Science Degree form has been approved by the Education Department. In each case where a course from another institution is to be substituted for a course at SOU, the student must gain prior permission for the substitution from the Education Department graduate coordinator.

Required Education Courses

(21 credits)

Foundations of Education (choose one):

Advanced Curriculum and Instruction (choose one):

Subject Area Courses 12

(These courses are chosen under the direction of the subject area advisor.)

Comprehensive Exam Requirements for Secondary Fifth Year Master's Degree

Candidates for the secondary fifth year master's degree must obtain a score of at least 661 on the Test of Professional Knowledge of the Praxis Core Battery Exam. In addition, the candidate must obtain a passing score on one or more Praxis Specialty Area tests in the endorsement (subject) area of the degree.

Existing (Old) Special Education Plans

Standard License and Standard Endorsement

Students who have completed a Basic Handicapped Learner Endorsement at any institution may complete the Standard Handicapped Learner Endorsement at Southern Oregon University. Because all of our courses have changed since the inception of these programs, each person's program is individually determined. Programs that were established prior to the course changes are individually altered to result in the least disruption possible. Students needing these changes should see a special education advisor.

Existing Master's Degrees Requiring Special Education Courses

Students who have an existing plan for the master's degree requiring special education courses should see a special education advisor to make the necessary changes to conform to the new course offerings. Existing plans are honored with the minimum of course changes possible.

Master of Arts or Science in Education and Continuing Teaching License Program

MEd/CTL Program for Teachers Who Completed an Undergraduate or Postbaccalaureate Initial Licensure Program

Under the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Division 17 regulations, all teachers seeking a Continuing Teaching License (CTL) must also have a master's degree. In order to continue to teach in the state after January 15, 1999, teachers who come under the provision of Division 17 must meet the master's degree requirements.

Written in the form of teacher competencies, these regulations are expected to be met by teachers completing the MEd who are seeking the Continuing Teaching License. The CTL standards differentiate between initial and continuing license candidates. It is the intent of MEd/CTL Program to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate the advanced competencies defined by TSPC. Therefore, at the completion of this program, participants will be able to demonstrate:

1. Instructional excellence;

2. Use of action research and assessment to evaluate and validate instructional pedagogy, programmatic choices, and educational policies;

3. Integration of research-based educational theory and social, psychological, anthropological, and sociological foundations into educational practice;

4. Understanding of the needs of diverse and special student populations; the ability to describe and implement instructional approaches that explore our interconnectedness, as well as accommodate and appreciate our racial, ethnic, and cultural differences;

5. Leadership skills within the school and the local community; and

6. Contributions to the profession through leadership in local, state, and national organizations and to the knowledge base through publications and presentations at professional events.

Overview of the Program

The Southern Oregon University Master's Degree and Continuing Teaching License Program consists of four major elements. These are:

1. The Core Competency Areas: research, assessment, pedagogy, diversity, foundations, and leadership;

2. Field-Based Practica and Follow-up: includes an advanced curriculum work sample, reflective dialogue training, and professional portfolio production;

3. Individualized Professional Development Plan: technology, specializations, authorizations, subject area endorsements, or areas of special interest; and

4. Opportunities for students to explore special programs or offerings.

General Outline of the MEd/CTL Program

Professional Core

(18 credits)

Field-Based Practica and Follow-Up

6 credits

The field follow-up comprises a variety of options, all based on the assumption of the importance of formative evaluation opportunities in gaining changes in instructional proficiencies and subject matter delivery. The field-based portion includes practica experiences as well as benchmark and portfolio assessment.

Individualized Professional Development Plan

(15 credits)

Secondary Education Endorsement Areas

Electives 6

Requirements for Admission to the Program

1. Teaching License. All candidates must have completed an approved teacher education program, making the applicant eligible for an Oregon Basic Teaching License or Initial Teaching License.

2

a. Tests for Elementary Education. All candidates must pass the Praxis II Professional Knowledge exam. (This test would normally have been taken to satisfy the Basic or Initial elementary license requirement).

They must also complete one of the following optional tests for secondary teachers:

i) Pass the Praxis II Core Battery Exam: Test of Communication Skills and the Test of General Knowledge with a score of at least 667 on the former and a score of 666 or higher on the latter.

ii) Pass the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a minimum score of 1200 on combined verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections and a minimum score of 400 on the verbal section.

iii) Pass the Praxis II: Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT): Content Knowledge with a score of at least 147 and Content Area Exercises with a score of at least 147, with an overall total of at least 310.

2

b. Tests for Secondary and Special Education (These tests would normally have been taken to satisfy the Basic or Initial secondary license).

All candidates must pass the Praxis II Professional Knowledge exam.

All candidates must pass the appropriate Praxis II Specialty Area Tests or National Teachers' Exam Specialty Area Tests in the secondary endorsement (subject) area.

They must also complete one of the following optional tests for secondary teachers:

i) Pass the Praxis II Core Battery Exam: Test of Communication Skills and the Test of General Knowledge with a score of at least 667 on the former and a score of 666 or higher on the latter.

ii) Pass the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a minimum score of 1200 on combined verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections and a minimum score of 400 on the verbal section.

iii) Pass the Praxis II: Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT): Content Knowledge with a score of at least 147 and Content Area Exercises with a score of at least 147, with an overall total of at least 310.

3. GPA Requirements. Possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for the last cumulative 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of undergraduate and/or graduate work.

4. Recommendations. Submit two favorable recommendations from immediate supervisors employed by educational or social agencies attesting to the applicant's competence to work with schoolaged children.

5. Character Questions. Complete the Character Question form provided with admission materials.

6. Bachelor's Degree. Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

7. Application for Graduate Admission. Complete and submit the University's Application for Graduate Admission form and application fee to the SOU Office of Admissions. Transcripts of undergraduate and previous graduate work must accompany the application.

8. Demonstration of Basic Literacy Skills. Demonstrate skills in reading, writing, and mathematics by:

i) passing either the CBEST, Praxis Core Battery, Praxis I PPST, Praxis I CBT, GRE, or MSAT.

ii) Documenting five years of successful full-time employment in a licensed position in public schools.

9. Demonstration of Technology Competence. Demonstrate skills in basic use of technology by successfully completing a Tech Check competency list, developed and based upon the International Society for Technology in Education Recommended Foundation in Technology for All Teachers guide.

10. Evidence of Initial License Competence. Each application must be accompanied by a document that presents an evaluation of the applicant's demonstrated teaching effectiveness in each of the separate categories under the five competency areas contained in ORS. 584-017-0100 or in ORS. 584-060-0040. This written evaluation may be met with the submission of the following:

i) All candidates will submit a self-evaluation form in which the applicant rates his or her effectiveness in each of the separate categories under the five competency areas outlined in the program overview.

ii) Candidates must also submit one of the following:

a) A student teaching evaluation form that rates the applicant's effectiveness in each of the separate categories under the five competency areas.

b) An Initial or Basic license portfolio evaluation form that rates the applicant's effectiveness in each of the separate categories under the five competency areas.

c) A school district teaching evaluation form that rates the applicant's effectiveness in each of the separate categories under the five competency areas.

Note: All graduate students in an Education Department program must apply for admission to the teacher education program within the first 12 credits of graduate work. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in delayed completion of the degree program.

Master of Arts or Science in Education/ Standard Licensure Program

Graduates of a basic licensure program who wish to obtain a standard license and master's degree should complete the Master of Arts or Science in Education/Continuing Teaching License program. See MEd/CTL program for admission and program details.

Standard License Only

This program is for teachers who completed a basic licensure program in elementary or secondary education prior to January 15, 1999, and who wish to obtain a standard license without a master's degree. The process for establishing a plan of study for this program is nearly identical to the requirements for the Master of Arts or Science in Education/Continuing Teaching License and should be used as a guide. Please contact the Education Department for more details.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)/Bilingual Endorsement Program

This endorsement program is for licensed teachers who teach, or would like to teach, English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) or in a bilingual classroom. The ESOL endorsement program consists of six courses plus a field-based practicum. Teachers wishing to add the bilingual endorsement must also demonstrate proficiency in a second language.

The program provides a strong foundation related to language acquisition and linguistic structures and functions. This foundation is enhanced by an understanding of the relationships between language and culture, as well as an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues. The history, growth, and current status of ESOL/bilingual education form a significant portion of the program, which also offers a strong foundation in effective teaching strategies and methodology. The practicum requirement provides a practical and experiential base to enhance the learning of students from other language backgrounds.

Minor

(21 credits)

The Education Department offers a 21-credit undergraduate minor for persons interested in gaining skills working in educational settings.

Required Courses

Choose one:

Choose 3 credits from the following:

Choose at least 9 credits from the following:

 

This material is from the 2000-2001
Southern Oregon University Catalog.

Page revised August 8, 2000
Copyright 2000, Southern Oregon University.
1250 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, Oregon 97520
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