Phase Assessment

Phase Assessments in the Teacher Education Program

Because teacher education is a professional program, teacher candidates must be formally admitted to the program. Phase I admission generally occurs during the second semester of the sophomore year as candidates prepare to take upper division courses in the department of Education. Candidates pass through three phases of coursework and assessments as part of completion of the program and recommendation for licensure in Indiana.

Phase 1 Assessment: Admission to the Teacher Education Program

The following abilities are judged for admission to the program:

Communicates effectively in analysis of self and others
Observes critically
Identifies own values
Articulates personal teaching philosophy
Relates values to college and program mission
Uses appropriate language and form
Acts responsibly and professionally
Takes charge of own learning

For admission to the program, students must complete the following:

A portfolio that presents evidence of successful completion of the following:

Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall (3.0 for students with less than 30 hours)
Grade of C+ or better in EDUC 200
Passing scores on all three sections of the PRAXIS I test (see below)
Completion of introductory field experience (observation) required by the program with satisfactory evaluation by the mentoring teacher and the college instructor (EDUC 200 and/or EDUC 210)
Philosophy of Teaching statement
Sample reflective writing--Self-analysis of teaching strengths and weaknesses
Application form
Minimum of C in all courses required by the major, minor and licensing areas

* This portfolio is rated by two members of the Teacher Education Committee

An interview with the Teacher Education Committee. This interview is rated by two members of the committee independently of each other.
Completion of criminal history form

Students who transfer into the Department of Education from another program must make an appointment with an Advisor to determine appropriate preparation for Phase 1 Assessment.
Students not meeting admission criteria may petition the Teacher Education Committee
Students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program before enrollment in any “Block” level courses is approved.
The department of Education does not accept educational methods courses that have been taken by correspondence/on-line.
All students who wish to enter the Teacher Education Program must successfully complete the PRAXIS 1 test in mathematics, reading, and writing. Students must meet the minimum scores of:
     PRAXIS 1
     Math 175
     Reading 176
     Writing 172
The Sylvan Learning Centers offer the computer-based version of the PPST. Students may also go to the ETS website at www.ets.org for additional information.