Education (EDC)

Candidacy for Michigan Teacher Certification

The Provisional Certificate may be renewed for a three-year period with the completion of 10 additional hours beyond the bachelor's degree. The Provisional Certificate is valid for a six-year period and should be replaced by the Professional Education Certificate (Michigan's advanced teaching certificate). The Professional Education Certificate requires completion of 18 semester hours in a planned course of study after the issuance of the Provisional certificate, completion of Michigan's reading requirement (six semester hours of teaching reading for elementary teachers or three semester hours for secondary teachers) and three years of successful teaching experience. The Professional Education Certificate is valid for up to five years.

Certification requirements are subject to change by action of the State Board of Education and may not be reflected in this catalog.

Course requirements for Teaching Majors and Minors are subject to change and reflect compliance with the standards and rules established by the Michigan State Board of Education. Requirements for each of these majors and minors are in the Department listings. If requirements for a Teaching Major or Minor are not listed separately, students seeking certification should consult with the Department chair to determine Departmental requirements. Students seeking a Social Studies group major should consult with the Chair of the Education Department. Majors and minors not listed here are not approved for certification. Graduation Requirements: Students who are in the elementary or secondary Teacher Education Program shall only be deemed as satisfying graduation requirements when all required education courses for certification are complete.

Alma students may seek either secondary or elementary certification.

Secondary Education Major Requirements

Alma College has a new secondary education program for those students entering Fall 2011 or later. All students enrolled prior to Fall 2011 should refer to the appropriate catalog for the year they entered. Transfer students should speak with someone from the Education Department. Note: The Secondary Education Major may only be completed with another valid Alma College teaching major and teaching minor, or two teaching majors, or K-12 comprehensive major in Music or Art education.

The Secondary Education Major consists of 36 credits of a required Professional Sequence of Education courses:

1. EDC 130 (2) with 103 (1).
2. EDC 230 (3) with 203 (1); EDC 240 (4).
3. EDC 311 (1); 312 (1); 303 (1) (or EDC 306 Art majors only); EDC 346 (4); 370 (2); 373 (3); Prerequisites include Admission to the Teacher Education Program.
4. EDC 430s (3) with 490s and 491s (10). Prerequisites include successful completion of all other courses of Secondary Education Major and Admission to Student Teaching.

Michigan Secondary Provisional Certification Requirements

This certificate allows teaching in grades 6-12 in subjects in which the candidate has a teaching major or minor. The program listed here is for first year students entering Alma College Fall 2011 or later. To be recommended for certification, the candidate must complete the following:

1. The Secondary Education Major, requirements listed above, with a 2.5 GPA and no Education course grade below a C;
2. A Teaching Major and a Teaching Minor (or two teaching majors, or a K-12 comprehensive major in Art or Music), with a 2.75 GPA in each;
3. An overall GPA of 2.75;
4. Students must also pass the appropriate MTTC subject area tests in their subject area major(s). To be recommended for certification in a minor, candidates must also pass the appropriate MTTC subject area tests in that minor;
5. Students must provide proof of valid CPR and First Aid cards as required by the Michigan Department of Education.

Secondary Teaching Majors and Minors

Alma College offers the following teaching majors and/or minors for students seeking secondary certification:

Social Studies Group Major (Secondary)

All Secondary Teaching students who wish to declare a Social Studies Group Major must also declare a major in History. Students MUST see the Education Department chair for advising on this major.

Forty-eight credits which must include:

1. ECN 201 and 202.
2. GGR 101, 102, and 201.
3. POL 101 and 121.
4. HST 100, 101, 104, 105, and 206 (students may double count up to two of the above HST courses for the HST teaching major and the SST group teaching major).
5. EDC 445s.
6. Take and pass the MTTC Social Studies test.

No course below 2.0 may count toward a Social Studies Group Major; a 2.75 GPA is required.

Elementary Education Major Requirements

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has approved the two new program options for Elementary Education now offered at Alma College. The new elementary education program is for all students entering in Fall 2010 and later. All students enrolled prior to Fall 2010 should refer to the appropriate catalog for the year they entered. Transfer students should speak with someone from the Education Department. The program listed here is for first year students entering Alma College Fall 2010 or later. To be recommended the candidate must complete 60 credits of EDC courses, consisting of 36 credits of professional sequence courses and 24 credits of Elementary Education Content and Pedagogy courses.

1. 36 credits of Professional Sequence in the following required courses:
   1. EDC 100 (2 cr), 120 (2 cr), 203 (1 cr), 230 (3 cr), 240 (4), 301 (1 cr), 302 (1 cr), 311 (1 cr), 312 (1 cr), 370 (2 cr), 373 (3 cr), 400 (2 cr), 430 (3 cr), 490e/491e (10 cr).
2. 24 credits of Elementary Education Content and Pedagogy in the following required courses:
   1. EDC 160 (4 cr), 262 (4 cr), 360 (3 cr), 361 (3 cr), 362 (3 cr), 363 (3 cr), 460 (4 cr).

Michigan Elementary Provisional Certification Requirements

This certificate permits teaching in grades K-5 all subjects and K-8 self-contained classroom, and, if desired, 6-8 in a content area minor or major.

Elementary Education majors may select to complete certification requirements for Option 1: Core Subject or Option 2: Comprehensive Major.

Option 1: Core Subject must include all of the following:

1. Elementary Education Major — 60 credits of required EDC courses including 36 credits of Professional Sequence courses and 24 credits of Elementary Education Content and Pedagogy courses (see above). A 2.5 GPA is required for the Elementary Education certification major and no course for certification may be taken Pass/Fail, except for 1 credit classes, or be below a 2.0.
2. Either a Teaching Major or two Teaching Minors selected from the following (as programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education — check with EDC Department):
1. Social Studies Group Major
2. Integrated Science Group Major or Group Minor
3. Language Arts Group Major or Group Minor
4. Elementary Mathematics Major or Minor

A 2.5 GPA is required for each certification major and/or minor and no course required for certification may be taken Pass/Fail or be below a 2.0.

3. As Cognates, a Planned Program of Elementary Education Content courses which must include the following:
1. MTH 202 (4 cr)
2. HUM 100 (4 cr)
3. HST 104, 121 or 254 (American History, 4 cr)
4. IPH 271a (2 cr).

The Planned program must also include:

1. BIO 101 (4 cr) and PSC 101 (4 cr) for non-Integrated Science major/minors
2. HST 206 for non-Social Studies majors
3. ENG 225 (4 cr) for non-Language Arts major/minors.

No cognate course required for certification may be taken Pass/Fail or be below a 2.0.

4. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required for Alma College to recommend a student for certification.
5. The Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Test in Elementary Education (passing score required). Note: Elementary candidates must pass State tests in their subject area majors and/or minors to be certified in these subjects.
6. Students must provide proof of valid CPR and First Aid cards as required by the Michigan Department of Education.

Option 2: Comprehensive Major must include all of the following:

1. Elementary Education Major — 60 credits of required EDC courses including: 36 credits of Professional Sequence courses and 24 credits of Elementary Education Content and Pedagogy courses (see above). A 2.5 GPA is required for the Elementary Education certification major and no course for certification may be taken Pass/Fail, except for 1 credit classes, or be below a 2.0.
2. Either a Teaching Major (36 cr) or Teaching Minor (24 cr) in World Language — French, German or Spanish; or a Minor in Early Childhood (ZA) (24 cr). A 2.5 GPA is required for each certification major and/or minor and no course for certification, except 1 credit classes, may be taken Pass/Fail or be below a 2.0.
3. As Cognates, a Comprehensive Program of 30 credits of required Elementary Education Content courses which must include the following:
1. BIO 101 (4 cr)
2. PSC 101 (4 cr)
3. MTH 202 (4 cr)
4. HST 104, 121 or 254 (4 cr)
5. HST 206 (4 cr)
6. HUM 100 (4 cr)
7. IPH 271a (2 cr)
8. ENG 225 (4 cr)

No course required for certification may be taken Pass/Fail or be below a 2.0.

4. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required for Alma College to recommend a student for certification.
5. The MTTC Test in Elementary Education (passing score required). Note: Elementary candidates must pass State tests in their Specialty Area Endorsement (major or minor) to be certified in these areas.
6. Students must provide proof of valid CPR and First Aid cards as required by the Michigan Department of Education.

Minor in Early Childhood Education

Students working toward elementary certification requirements may choose to complete an Early Childhood Education minor by meeting the following requirements (Please see the Education Department for more information):

1. EDC 183 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (4 credits)
2. EDC 281 Child Development and Learning: Birth-Age 8 (4 credits)
3. EDC 282 School, Family, and Community Partnerships (2 credits)
4. EDC 283 The Care and Education of Infants and Toddlers (1 credit)
5. EDC 383 Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Education (4 credits)
6. EDC 493 Directed Student Teaching in Early Childhood Education (5 credits)
7. SOA 220 Sociology of Family (4 credits)
8. Passing scores on the MTTC as required by the State of Michigan.

Language Arts Minor

Twenty-eight credits which must include ENG 120; ENG 225; COM 220; ENG 250, 251, 260 or 261; ENG 200, 210, or another writing class approved by the English Department; COM 101, 111, 123/THD 123, or 227; and EDC 160.

Integrated Science Group Minor (Elementary only)

28 credits which must include:

1. BIO 120 and 121
2. CHM 101 or 103
3. ENV 110
4. GEO 113
5. PSC 380
6. One elective class: ENV 105, GEO 101 or other four-credit class approved by the Education Department chair or the Registrar.

No course below 2.0 may count toward a Group Minor; a 2.75 GPA is required.

Social Studies Group Teaching Major (Elementary)

The Elementary social studies group teaching major is only valid as part of the elementary education certification program.

Forty-four credits which must include:

1. ECN 201 and 202
2. POL 101and 121
3. GGR 101,102, and 201
4. HST 100, 101, 104, 105, and 206

No course below 2.0 may count toward a group teaching major. A 2.5 GPA is required in the elementary social studies group teaching major for recommendation for certification.

Elementary Education Minors in Mathematics or World Languages see Department listings.

Additional Requirements

In addition to completing appropriate coursework in the Education Department and in the majors and minors, students must meet grade requirements and demonstrate personal characteristics suitable for entering the teaching profession. These certification requirements are reviewed three times, and students are advised of their progress.

Classroom Placement Students — Background Check

Michigan school districts require anyone who has contact with children in their school buildings, including staff or volunteers, to provide the district with documentation that he or she has not been placed on the central registry for substantiated abuse or neglect. All students who have an Education course with a classroom placement must have a background check completed at the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Ithaca, Mich. prior to beginning in their assigned classroom. This service is free of charge and DHS records must be current. See the Education Department Field Experience Coordinator for more details.

Student Teachers — Fingerprinting Procedure

School districts require fingerprinting of student teachers. All student teachers must have the Criminal Background Check Livescan fingerprinting procedure completed by June 1 prior to beginning student teaching in their assigned district. Livescan may be completed at the RESD in Ithaca, Mich. and is a statewide procedure. A fee is charged for this service and fingerprint records must be valid within one year. See the Education Department chair for more details.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

The faculty, through the Teacher Education Committee (TEC), reviews all applicants and judges their suitability for entrance to the program during the student's sophomore year. Judgment of this suitability is based on the following:

1. Formal application for admission to the TEP, including completion of a writing component, submitted by the deadline posted in the Education Bay. This must be completed during the sophomore year. If you have any questions, please see the secretary or Chair of the Education Department. (Students who decide to seek teacher certification after the sophomore year can be admitted late but may require extra time to complete the program.)
2. A cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.75 and evidence of proficiency in basic writing and mathematics skills. Proficiency is a grade of 'C' or above in ENG 101 and MTH 101 or placement in a course beyond 101 via placement test.
3. Passing scores on the Michigan Basic Skills Test.
4. Two recommendations from faculty at Alma College and recommendation of the Education Department.
5. Evidence that the student is making an effort to acquire competence in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.
6. Evidence that the applicant has personal characteristics conducive to success in the teaching profession.
7. Good standing (not on academic, social or administrative probation).

Admission to Student Teaching

The Teacher Education Committee (TEC) reviews a student for admission to Directed Teaching (Education 490-491). For full approval students must have the following:

1. Admission to the TEP.
2. A formal application for student teaching submitted by November 15 of the academic year prior to student teaching.
3. A 2.75 overall GPA.
4. For secondary: a GPA in the area(s) of concentration (Major field[s]) of 2.75. For elementary: a GPA in the major(s) of 2.5 with C or above in all courses.
5. A 2.5 GPA in Education courses with a C or above in all courses.
6. Passing scores on the Basic Skills Tests as required by the State of Michigan.
7. Endorsement of the Department chair in the Teaching Major(s).
8. In compliance with State of Michigan specifications, satisfactory demonstration of
   1. high academic achievement.
   2. successful group work with children in classroom placements.
   3. knowledge of research-based teaching.
   4. working knowledge of modern technology and use of computers. This requirement will be met as students progress through the TEP.

Waiver of Directed Teaching

In compliance with the ruling of the Michigan State Board of Education (Rule 390.1124, (3) a and b), a graduate of Alma College who has completed all other certification requirements as outlined, with the exception of student teaching, may apply to the College for a waiver of five of the 10 required credits of student teaching. This may be done by those who have:

1. Three years of successful teaching experience at the appropriate level and have earned a master's degree; or
2. Five years of successful teaching at the appropriate level with less than the master's degree.

Evaluation of the success of the teaching experience is made by the Teacher Education Committee, which receives recommendations from school personnel directly responsible for the supervision of the teacher and from a member of the Education Department of the College who visits the employing school whenever possible. Post-graduates must meet current catalog and certification requirements.

Additional Endorsements

Holders of Michigan Secondary or Elementary Certificates who wish to add Elementary, Early Childhood or Secondary Endorsements shall present a Planned Program approved by Alma's Education Department.

Additional Notes

1. Admission to the Teacher Education Program is now a prerequisite for all classes at the 300 level and above.
2. As required by Title II of the Higher Education Act, Alma College reports a 100 percent pass rate for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. A complete copy of Alma College's Title II report is available upon request from the Education Department at (989) 463-7357 or may be found online at www.alma.edu.
3. Courses for the new elementary and secondary program that will not be offered during the 2011-12 year are not included here. Course descriptions for those classes are available on request from the Education department.