Education

School of Education
(907) 474-7341
www.uaf.edu/educ/

B.A., Post-Baccalaureate Licensures, M.Ed., Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Degrees

Minimum Requirements for M.Ed.: 30 credits;
Post baccalaureate elementary licensure: 35-39 credits;
Post baccalaureate secondary licensure: 33 credits;
Music K-12 licensure: 33 credits (Contact the music department (907) 474-7555)

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UAF serves students from all of Alaska as well as from other states and nations. It is particularly committed to enhancing the educational opportunities for Alaska’s rural and Native populations.

Through its rural campuses, the university is responsive to local and regional needs, including open educational access to its programs. Special strengths exist in the use of educational technology which provides distance delivery of selected programs to many areas of the state.

UAF education programs prepare educators to work in urban and rural Alaska and to work with multicultural and minority students, especially Alaska Native students.

The School of Education offers a master of education, and post baccalaureate course work and internship experiences preparing candidates for Alaska state licensure in teaching (Type A).

The UAF School of Education is approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to recommend its students for Alaska licensure as elementary and secondary teachers and school counselors. Education programs include programs offered on the Fairbanks campus and through the branch campus centers. School of Education faculty are located at the Fairbanks campus and at several branch campuses in keeping with the school’s commitment to preparing educators for rural Alaska. Courses are available on-site and by distance delivery through the Kuskokwim (Bethel), Bristol Bay (Dillingham and Naknek), Interior-Aleutians (Unalaska and rural education centers throughout the Interior), Chukchi (Kotzebue) and Northwest (Nome) campuses, as well as on the Fairbanks campus. Faculty research in cross-cultural studies, curriculum and instruction, language and literacy, and small rural schools, support the mission of the School of Education.

Priority for enrollment in field-based courses is given to rural students formally admitted to degree and licensure programs. All inquiries should be addressed to one of the rural campuses or to the School of Education’s Student Services Office.

Licensure Information

UAF education programs are approved by the Alaska State Board of Education as meeting National Association for State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) standards. For information about these programs contact the Student Services Office in the UAF School of Education, or contact the rural faculty at the nearest campus.

As of December 1, 1998, the state of Alaska requires that all initial applicants for a regular Type A certificate provide evidence of passing Alaska qualifying scores on the Praxis I; Academic Skills Assessment including the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and/or the Computer-Based Academic Skills Assessment (CBT).

The state of Alaska requires the completion of 3 credits of approved course work in Alaska Studies and 3 credits in multicultural or cross-cultural education in order to receive an initial five-year teaching license. A two-year provisional license can be obtained without meeting this requirement. Contact the School of Education’s Student Services Office for a current list of approved courses.

Elementary Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Program

Offered through the Elementary Teacher Education Partnership (ETEP) program in Fairbanks and through the Rural Educator Preparation Partnership (REPP) program through distance delivery, the elementary teacher post-baccalaureate program is an intensive, year-long program designed to provide students with the course work and internship experience necessary to meet the Alaska Teacher Standards and be eligible for licensure as an elementary teacher in Alaska. This classroom-based program is built upon the principle of partnership—a cooperative effort between interns, mentor teachers, and university faculty partners. Students have the option of completing the program at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Students choosing the graduate option begin the program in the summer with a 9-credit block of courses. Students who complete the undergraduate courses ED 110, 201, 330, 410, and EDSE 482 can use these to fulfill the summer requirements. During the academic year of the school district, all students complete two semesters of integrated university courses and internship.

At the end of the school year, if students have successfully met all of the program requirements, they will be eligible to apply for an Alaska Type A Elementary License. Students who have completed the Alaska Studies and the Multicultural Education/Cross-Cultural Communication courses required by the Alaska Department of Education will be eligible for a five-year license. Others will be eligible for a two-year provisional license.

Elementary applicants who apply as graduate-level licensure students may choose to complete this licensure program as part of the M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction. However, application to the M.Ed. degree program should be made at the beginning of elementary post-baccalaureate course work to avoid losing credits for the M.Ed. degree. (See M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction option requirements.)

Admission and Application Information

It is recommended that students submit applications before December 15 to provide time to complete prerequisites if necessary. Applications will be reviewed as submitted. Deadline is March 1.

Admission includes meeting both UAF graduate admissions requirements and the School of Education admissions requirements.

Submit the following directly to the UAF Office of Admissions with a copy to the School of Education:

1. UAF Graduate Application and fee.
2. Official transcript of bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (B grade) in undergraduate degree is required but students with less than a 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission in special circumstances.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
4. Three letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher.
5. A vitae/resume.
6. Four-to-five-page essay indicating: reasons for becoming a teacher, assessment of academic and personal strengths relative to teaching, future plans, and reasons for selecting the elementary post-baccalaureate program.

Submit the following information directly to the School of Education:

1. Alaska passing scores from the Praxis I exam in reading, writing and mathematics.
2. Completed academic analysis form to provide information on breadth and depth of prior course work relative to 10 Alaska Student Content Standard areas. Additional course work may be required. If additional course work is required, it must be completed prior to beginning the program.
3. Extemporaneous writing sample, autobiography, evidence of technology competence, evidence of successful paid or volunteer teaching/learning experience, evidence of successful cross-cultural experience.
4. Completed Alaska Department of Education and Early Development authorization packet (fingerprint cards and criminal background check). Packet is available from the School of Education. Contact the School of Education for additional information.
5. Interns will be required to submit negative TB test results to their placement schools. Some school districts may require interns to submit a physical examination form.

Program Requirements

1. During the summer semester complete the following graduate level credits; or complete ED 110, 201, 330, 410 and EDSE 482 prior to August 1 of the internship year.
   
   ED 624—Foundations of Education in Alaska: From Segregation to Standards* 3 credits
   
   ED 625—Exceptional Learners and Child Development: Individual and Cultural Characteristics 3 credits
   
   ED 626—Teaching Reading, Writing and Language Arts 3 credits
   * ED 624 meets the state of Alaska requirement for an approved multicultural/cross-cultural communication course.
   
2. During the fall semester complete the following:
   
   ED 411—Reading, Writing, Language Arts: Methods and Curriculum Development 3 credits
   
   ED 412W—Integrated Social Studies and Language Arts: Methods and Curriculum Development 3 credits
   
   ED 466—Internship and Collaborative Student Teaching 3 credits
   
   ED 467—Portfolio Development 1 credit
   
   ED 478/678—Integrated Mathematics and Science: Methods and Curriculum Development 4 credits
   
3. During the spring semester complete the following:
   
   ED 310—Art, Music and Drama in the Elementary Classroom 2 credits
   
   ED 327—Physical Education and Health Education for Elementary Teachers 2 credits
   
   ED 468O—Internship and Student Teaching 6 credits
   
   ED 469—Portfolio Development II 2 credits
   
4. Minimum credits required 35-39

Secondary Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Program with M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction Option

Offered in Fairbanks or by distance delivery through the Rural Educator Preparation Partnership Program (REPP), this is an intensive, classroom-based secondary licensure program (33 credits) that prepares post-baccalaureate candidates for secondary (grades 7-12) teaching positions. The program is specifically designed to prepare candidates to teach in multicultural settings in Alaska. Content that addresses multicultural issues in general, and Alaska rural issues in particular, is contained specifically in EDSC 657, Multicultural Education and School-Community Relations, and is a fundamental component of the course work within the program. In a year when funding is available, a rural practicum is required of all secondary candidates completing their program. Upon request and successful completion of a yearlong internship, course work and state of Alaska licensure requirements, candidates are recommended for a teaching license. Candidates who have completed a state of Alaska approved Alaska studies course will be eligible for a five-year Type A license. Others will be eligible for a two-year Type A provisional license. The program is accredited by NASDTEC and under NASDTEC standards until 2006.

Candidates who apply as graduate applicants may simultaneously pursue teacher licensure and the M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction degree. Significant additional course work will be required. (See requirements for M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction secondary option.)

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the graduate level secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program with M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction option for secondary education candidates includes meeting requirements of the UAF Graduate School and the School of Education. Graduate candidates will take five of the licensure courses at the graduate (600) level.

Submit the following information directly to UAF Office of Admission

1. UAF graduate application and application fee.
2. Official transcript of bachelor’s degree from accredited institution.
3. Graduate Record Examination scores if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0.
4. Three current letters of reference that address qualifications and potential as a teacher.
5. A vitae/resume.
6. A personal statement indicating reasons for becoming a teacher, assessment of academic and personal strengths relative to future teaching plans, description of direct experience with adolescents in supervisory or instructional capacities, and reason for selecting the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program.

Submit the following information directly to the School of Education

1. Alaska Passing scores from the Praxis I exam in reading, writing and mathematics.
2. Extemporaneous writing sample. Contact the School of Education Advising Office for date, time and location information.
3. Demonstrated evidence of technology competence or completion of ED 429, Computer Applications in the Classroom, or an equivalent course approved by the School of Education.
4. Demonstrated evidence of completion of degree in a content area suitable for teaching in a public secondary school as determined by the School of Education/Appropriate Academic Department.
   a. Additional content courses may be recommended or required for placement in a secondary internship. Candidates should seek early advising regarding content requirements.
   b. All candidates applying for admission to the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program in Spring 2006 or later, will be required to meet new undergraduate degree requirements as listed in admission checklists.
   c. Evaluation of transcript for equivalency of an academic major may be requested.
   d. Candidates may request an evaluation for content equivalency from the School of Education in interdisciplinary social studies and interdisciplinary English/language arts.
   e. Praxis II passing scores as set by the state of Alaska (currently available in mathematics, English, general science, French and German) may be used to support competency in these areas.
   f. The Department of Education and Early Development will, upon request, add additional endorsement areas based on an 18 credit minor posted on an interns’ transcript.
5. Applicants must submit a placement packet, contact School of Education for specifics. The School of Education determines placement approval, change or termination.

Application Review Process

Applications are due on March 1 and are reviewed thereafter for admission in the summer semester. Applications of outstanding candidates may be considered through spring semester. A candidate may be admitted, not admitted, or admitted with stipulations. Stipulations are specified when additional development in particular area(s) is needed before beginning a secondary post-baccalaureate program.

The UAF School of Education coordinates the review and evaluation of the candidate’s qualifications, professional experiences and academic performance with appropriate academic departments based on the contents of his/her application. The secondary post-baccalaureate program is a selective teacher education program. A comprehensive system including more than one measure is used to assess the personal characteristics, communication skills, and basic skills proficiency of candidates preparing to teach. Multiple assessment measures include a review of transcripts, content area strengths and/or Praxis II scores, personal statement and/or writing proficiency exams, Praxis I and/or GRE exam scores, and letters of reference. A personal interview will be required as part of the admission process.

Upon Acceptance to the Program

The School of Education has a systematic procedure for monitoring the progress of education students from admission through completion of their professional education program to determine if they should continue the program, be advanced to the secondary teaching internship, and eventually be recommended for a teaching license. In assessing candidate progress in knowledge, skills and disposition, faculty will review grades, observations, faculty recommendations, demonstrated academic competence, and recommendations from the appropriate professionals in the schools. Systematic approaches are used to assist education candidates who are making unsatisfactory progress in their programs, but still maintain potential for successful completion.

Specific criteria for entry to the secondary teaching intern-ship are:

• Successful completion of summer program courses.
• Approval of faculty to enter the Secondary Education Internship.
• Candidates will be required to submit negative TB test results to their placement schools. Some school districts may require candidates to submit a physical examination form.
• State Alaska Certificate of Authorization, fingerprint cards and money order in the amount of $66 to the School of Education by June 1st (this fee is non refundable once submitted to the state of Alaska). These materials will be submitted to the state of Alaska for a criminal background check. Fees are subject to change. These materials will be provided to the student.

Program Requirements

1. Complete the following for secondary licensure:
   
   EDSC 402—Methods of Teaching in the Secondary School 3 credits
   
   EDSC 407—Reading Strategies for Secondary Teachers 3 credits
   
   EDSC 614—Learning, Development and Special Needs Instruction 3 credits
   
   EDSC 415—Foundations of Modern Educational Practices 3 credits
   
   EDSC 424—Culturally Responsive Small School Programs for Alaska 3 credits
   
   EDSC 631—Secondary Instruction and Assessment in the Content Area* (3)
   or EDSC 632—English/Language Arts Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3)
   or EDSC 633—Mathematics Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3)
   or EDSC 634—Science Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3)
   or EDSC 635—Social Studies Secondary Instruction and Assessment* (3) 3 credits*
   
   EDSC 642—Portfolio Preparation: Integrating Theory and Practice 3 credits
   
   EDSC 657—Multicultural Education and School—Community Relations 3 credits
   
   EDSC 658—Classroom Organization and Management 3 credits
   
   EDSC 471—Secondary Teaching: School Internship I and Seminar 3 credits
   
   EDSC 472—Secondary Teaching: School Internship II and Seminar 3 credits
   
2. Minimum credits required 33

*Candidates must take the section or course that corresponds with their major teaching content areas.

M.Ed. Degree

Students may earn an M.Ed. in one of three areas of specialization: Cross-Cultural Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or Language and Literacy. Licensed teachers who wish to add on to their Type A License an endorsement in Bilingual/Multicultural Education, Early Childhood Education, Native Language Education, Reading, or World Language Education, as part of their M.Ed program of study will need to contact the Coordinator of Graduate Programs in the School of Education for specific course requirements.

Admission requirements

Applications will be reviewed on March 1 and October 1 for admission in the following semester. Faculty may vote to admit, not admit or admit with stipulations. Stipulations are specified when additional development in particular areas is needed before beginning a graduate degree program.

Minimum requirements for admission to the M.Ed. program are:

1. Bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 grade point average.
2. One year of satisfactory teaching or administrative experience. Alternative experience may be accepted.

Complete the following application procedures for the UAF Graduate School:

1. Submit a graduate application form to the UAF Office of Admissions.
2. Submit scores on the general Graduate Record Examination if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
3. Submit a 4-5 page essay which describes your career goals and educational philosophy, and how those goals and philosophy are relevant to the School of Education’s mission and education graduate degree program.
4. Submit official transcripts.
5. Submit 3 letters of reference.

Degree requirements

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the following education department requirements:
   a. Complete at least 30 approved credits for the degree.
   b. At least 24 credits must be completed at the 600-level.
   c. A synthesizing paper, to demonstrate mastery of the student’s program of study, is required in lieu of the university comprehensive examination requirement.
3. Complete the following M.Ed. core requirements:
   a. Complete 1 of the following research courses:
   
   CCS 601—Documenting Indigenous Knowledge Systems 3 credits
   
   ED 601—Introduction to Applied Social Science Research 3 credits
   
   b. Complete the following:
   
   ED/CCS 603—Field Study Research Methods 3 credits
   
   ED 689—Proseminar in Applied Educational Research* 3 credits
   
   ED 698—Research topic (3)
   or ED 699—Thesis (3) 3 credits
   
   c. Complete 1 of the following Cross-Cultural Foundations with Focus on Alaska Context Courses:
   
   ED/CCS 610—Education and Cultural Processes 3 credits
   
   ED/CCS 611—Culture, Cognition and Knowledge Acquisition 3 credits
   
   ED 612—Cultural and Philosophical Foundations of Education 3 credits
   
   ED 616—Education and Socioeconomic Change 3 credits
   
   ED 620—Language, Literacy and Learning 3 credits
   
   ED/LING 621—Cultural Aspects of Language Acquisition 3 credits
   
   ED 631—Small Schools Curriculum Design 3 credits
   
4. Complete at least 15 credits of approved electives in consultation with individual student’s graduate advisory committee.
5. Minimum credits required 30

* Completion of course satisfies requirement for synthesizing paper.

M.Ed. Degree—Curriculum and Instruction—Elementary Option

Following completion of the year-long, post-baccalaureate elementary licensure program, students can pursue an M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Courses are available through UAF by distance delivery and on the Fairbanks campus. Students can enroll in courses throughout the year. Licensure and the master’s degree requirements must be met within seven years.

Students who have completed an undergraduate general education minor Option A as part of their licensure program must complete additional graduate level course work to receive a master’s degree. Please contact the School of Education Student Services Office for additional information.

1. Complete all graduate-level, post-baccalaureate elementary licensure program requirements. (ED 624, 625, 626, 678).
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete M.Ed. degree requirements.
4. Request permission from the candidate’s graduate committee to use graduate-level course work.
5. Complete the 12 core credits required for an M.Ed. (see section on M.Ed.).
6. Complete two graduate-level elective courses approved by candidate’s graduate committee 6
7. Minimum credits required 30

M.Ed. Degree—Curriculum and Instruction—Secondary Option

Following the completion of the year-long secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program, students can pursue an M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction if they choose to do so. Fifteen graduate credits from the secondary post-baccalaureate licensure program can be used to meet the M.Ed. degree Curriculum and Instruction requirements. Courses are available through UAF by distance-delivery and on the Fairbanks campus. Students can enroll in courses during summer and academic years. Program requirements must be met within seven years.

1. Complete all graduate-level, post-baccalaureate licensure program requirements.
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete M.Ed. degree requirements.
4. Request permission from the candidate’s graduate committee to use graduate-level secondary licensure course work.
5. Complete the 15 core credits required for an M.Ed. degree (see section on M.Ed. degree).
6. Minimum credits required* 30

*At least 30 credits must be at the 600-level

Guidance and Counseling M.Ed. degree

Students may earn an M.Ed. degree in guidance and counseling. Refer to the guidance and counseling program section of this catalog for more information.
Master of Education in Language and Literacy with K-12 Reading Endorsement

Program Requirements

1. Complete the admission requirements for the Master of Education degree.
2. Complete the following admission requirements:
   a. Current elementary, secondary or K-12 teaching certificate.
   b. At least one year of teaching experience.
   c. Access to school/class for internship practicum (as demonstrated by letter of support from 1 or more schools).
3. Complete the following course requirements:
   
   ED 669—Reading, Language and Culture 3 credits
   
   ED 601—Introduction to Applied Social Science Research 3 credits
   
   ED 603—Field Study Research Methods 3 credits
   
   ED 670—Developing Literacy: ECE-12 3 credits
   
   ED 671—Reading and Cognition 3 credits
   
   ED 672—Literature and Reading: Supporting Readers at All Levels 3 credits
   
   ED 673—Content Reading 3 credits
   
   ED 683—Instruction and Assessment I 3 credits
   
   ED 684—Instruction and Assessment II 3 credits
   
   ED 689—Proseminar in Applied Educational Research* 3 credits
   
   ED 698—Research* 3 credits
   
4. Minimum credits required 33
   * ED 689 and ED 698 may be taken at a later time. ED 689 is a prerequisite for ED 698.

K-12 Reading Endorsement Only

1. Complete the following admission requirements:
   a. Application to the K-12 reading endorsement only program follows the same admissin requirements and procedures as for the M.Ed. in Language and Literacy and Reading.
   b. People who currently hold master’s degrees in education may apply.
2. Complete the following K-12 Reading Endorsement courses:
   
   ED 669—Reading, Language and Culture 3 credits
   
   ED 670—Developing Literacy: ECE-12 3 credits
   
   ED 671—Reading and Cognition 3 credits
   
   ED 672—Literature and Reading: Supporting Readers at All Levels 3 credits
   
   ED 673—Content Reading 3 credits
   
   ED 683—Instruction and Assessment I 3 credits
   
   ED 684—Instruction and Assessment II 3 credits
   
   ED 689—Proseminar in Applied Educational Research* 3 credits
   
3. Minimum credits required 24

Special Education Endorsement and M.Ed. Degree

The University of Alaska Anchorage’s Statewide Special Education Program offers a 24 credit Special Education Endorsement and a 24 credit M.Ed. in General Special Education or Early Childhood Special Education. UAA serves as the academic home base for this program with faculty members located on all three main University of Alaska campuses. Many courses will be offered both by distance delivery and on campus to provide candidates multiple options for meeting the requirements.

Note: Students must complete an application to the Special Education Program. For further information, please contact the UAA Special Education Program in Anchorage or the UA Special Education program coordinator office on the UAF campus.

Note: For descriptions of UAA courses, see current University of Alaska Anchorage catalog.

Type B License

A new UA systemwide Type B License program for those seeking school administrative licensure has been developed as a cooperative effort across the three campuses, with UAA serving as the academic home base for the program. Based on the current Alaska standards for school administrators, the program will include 4 core courses (3 credits each) and an academic year (2 semesters) internship/seminar for an additional 12 credits. The courses will be offered by distance education and on campus according to a rotating schedule (see note below), so as to provide candidates from various circumstances (rural, urban, full-time, part-time) multiple options for meeting the prerequisites and completing different components of the program in an appropriate sequence and a reasonable time frame.

Program Requirements

1. Complete the following Type B requirements:
   
   ED F631—Small Schools Curriculum Design (3)
   or ED A638—Instruction and Curriculum Leadership (UAA) (3) 3 credits
   
   ED A637—Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior (UAA) 3 credits
   
   ED A639—Social and Political Foundations of Education (UAA) 3 credits
   
   ED A640—School Law and Ethics (UAA) 3 credits
   
   ED A641—Principal Internship (UAA)* 6 credits
   
   ED A642—Principal Seminar I (UAA)* 3 credits
   
   ED A643—Principal Seminar II (UAA)* 3 credits
   
2. Minimum credits required 24

* Prerequisites are ED A637 (UAA) and ED A640 (UAA).
Note: Courses are offered as follows: ED F631 distance education (spring). ED A637 (fall) and summer (odd years). ED A639 distance education (spring) and summer (even years). ED A640 (spring) and summer (odd years). ED A641, A642 and A643 distance education (fall and spring). ED 638 summer (even years).
Note: Students must complete an application for the Type B program to be reviewed by a statewide admissions committee. For further information please contact the UAA Type B program coordinator office on the UAF campus.
Note: For course descriptions of UAA courses, see current University of Alaska Anchorage catalog.

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Degree

Students wishing to further their education beyond a master of education degree may pursue an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degree. For more information, refer to the program section on Interdisciplinary Studies—Ph.D. degree.

Title II Mandated Annual Report on Teacher Education
Programs – April 2003

Total number of teacher preparation students enrolled during 2001-2002: 224

Number or students in programs of supervised student teaching academic year 2001-2002: 97

Total number of supervising faculty during 2001-2002: Seven appointed full-time faculty in professional education; two appointed part-time faculty in professional education and full-time in the institutuion; 11 appointed part-time faculty not otherwisde employed by the institution.

Total number of supervising faculty: 20

The ratio of student teachers/interns to supervising faculty was 4.9

The number of hours per week required of student participation in supervised student teaching in these programs was: 32-40 hours. The total number of weeks of supervised student teaching required is 12-18.The total number of hours required is 480-576 hours. (first number = student teachers; second number = interns)

Information about state approval or accreditation of teacher preparation programs:

• Is the UAF teacher preparation program currently approved or accredited by the state? Yes
• Is the UAF teacher preparation program currently under a designation as "low-performing” by the state (as per section 208 (a) of the HEA of 1998)? No

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