Exams, Forms and Handbooks
Comprehensive Examination
A written comprehensive examination is required of every master’s degree candidate. The student must have completed all core courses and the required courses in the area of concentration. The written comprehensive examination is designed to test the candidate’s mastery of his/her major field and not simply the course material. That is, it is a tool to help synthesize and apply information gained throughout the program of study. Taking the Comprehensive Examination Students must complete an application in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Studies to sit for the comprehensive exam. Comprehensive examinations are scheduled twice a year, once in March and once in November. Students are advised to take the examination as soon as possible after the completion of required course work. The comprehensive examination may be taken during the last semester in which the candidate for the degree is registered for the last three hours of credit. The exam schedule is regularly posted (see the administrative assistant to the chair).Communications Skills Examination
A written examination designed to assess students’ comprehension and vocabulary academic achievement. All graduate students must take the Communications Skills Examination if they are not exempt. Students are exempted if they score a 3.0 or higher on the Analytical area of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). However, they must register for the examination. The examination is offered twice an academic year, the second Saturday in March and November. Moreover, the examination should be taken in the first semester of study. CEDS 500 Communication Skills. Contact your advisor for additional information.
GACE
Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educatorshttps://gace.ets.org/
6.1.3 Program Admissions Assessment. A passing score on the Program Admission Assessment (formerly the Basic Skills Assessment) or a qualifying exemption is required for admission to all initial preparation programs. Qualifying exemptions include LFE (Limited Flexibility Exemption which applies to 5% of the cohort). Minimum scores on the ACT, GRE and SAT.
Field Experience
All teacher education candidates must complete 300 hours of field experience prior to pre-service teaching. The Field Experience is to provide education majors in their junior and senior years of college with an optimum learning experience in urban public- and state- accredited private school classrooms, and communities, thereby making their transition from student to professional more effective and less stressful. This is accomplished through both Practica and Clinical experiences according to the descriptors outlined by NCATE Standards. Candidates should note that the opportunity to participate in field experiences/pre-service teaching and therefore to finish programs depends on the candidate’s ability to satisfy criminal background check requirements.
Student Teaching
Candidates planning to engage in pre-service teaching must meet certain criteria in order to be accepted into pre-service Teaching. Candidates must apply during specified periods each semester. Application dates are posted and written notices sent to faculty members who are asked to announce the application dates to their classes and advisees. pre-service Teaching applicants must provide documentation that they meet the following criteria:
- Passing selected standardized teaching field examinations required for certification in the state of Georgia (currently the GACE/Praxis II examination; GACE/Praxis I required for program admission);
- Presenting grade point averages as follows:
- An overall GPA of 3.0 or better
- A 2.50 GPA or better in all professional education courses
- A 2.50 GPA or better in all required courses in the content specialization, and
- A minimum grade of “C” in all professional and specialized education courses at the time of application for pre-service Teaching
- Presenting acceptable Departmental evaluation of field experiences;
- Submitting current recommendations from Department of Curriculum advisors and/or faculty members who teach content courses in the teaching specialization;
- Documenting clearance on the criminal background check;
- Possessing and maintaining personal liability insurance;
- Completing satisfactorily an interview with the Field Experience Committee.
The Field Experience Committee consisting of the Department Chairperson, program advisor (coordinator), and the Director of Field Services will judge the adequacy of each application. The committee will notify successful applicants by letter that the application is being sent to the designated public school administrator for placement. Upon receipt of placement information from the public school administrator, the University/Director of Field Services will mail notices to applicants with a copy to program coordinator. The Department retains applications of candidates failing to meet specific criteria and informs them of deadlines for meeting criteria. Applicants who do not qualify for pre-service teaching placement must meet with department advisors and/or coordinators for counseling and further vocational guidance.
Field Experience Forms
Candidate Evaluation of Cooperating Teacher
Handbooks
Student Curriculum Handbook 2020-2021