MA Information Packet in Secondary Education and Single Subject K-12: Master s Degree and Class A Teacher Certification

Information Sessions for prospective MA applicants: Thursdays 4:00-4:45 pm Please confirm your attendance by emailing Dr. Spezzini at spezzini@uab.edu

MA Info Sessions take place in the Education Building (EB) - Room 100. Physical Location: 901 13th _{St. South & 900 14}th _{St. South, Birmingham}

July 26, 2014

MA Information Packet in Secondary Education and Single Subject K-12:

Master’s Degree and Class A Teacher Certification

Welcome to UAB’s MA program for teachers of single-subject teaching fields in grades 6-12 (English, mathematics,

science, social science) and in grades PK-12 (art, music, ESL, French, and Spanish). The first purpose of this program is

to guide educators in meeting the evolving needs of learners within today’s rapidly changing society. This program’s

second purpose is to deliver cutting-edge instruction through a standards-based, inquiry-focused approach based on

constructivism that prepares educators to use state-of-the-art instructional strategies in their own classrooms. Its third

purpose is to ensure that a quality program is available to educators unable to come to campus during traditional class

hours. This program is unique in how it combines online support from Canvas with a variety of delivery formats: blended

(online and face-to-face evenings), flexible summer programming, totally online platforms, and Saturday classes.

page

Faculty Members

2

Requirements for Seeking Admission

2

Master’s Degree and Class A Certification

3

Content Courses and Program Courses

4

Admission as a Degree-Seeking Student

5

Some Test-Taking Strategies

6

Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

6

QuickLinks

, Applications, and Deadlines

7

“To-Do”

List

8

Inquiry Sheet from Prospective MA Students

9

Driving and parking information is provided under the ABOUT tab at www.uab.edu/education.

In this information packet, the words “student” and “candidate” are used interchangeably. Candidate refers to current and prospective students in UAB’s School of Education (SOE).

The following information corresponds to UAB policies and procedures in effect on the date of this packet and also to codes and regulations mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). Updated versions of this packet will take precedence over what is stated here. Such updates are usually in response to changes in ALSDE codes. The ALSDE periodically updates its codes to provide Alabama schools with educators prepared to meet the changing needs of today’s society. NOTE: If an updated certification

checklist offers more advantages to already-admitted students, these students may request switching to the updated checklist.

Dr. Lynn Kirkland, Department Chair

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

EB 100, 205-934-8358,

lkirk@uab.edu

Dr. Susan Spezzini, Program Director

Secondary Education and Single-Subject K-12

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 2 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

Faculty Members

School of Education

English Language Arts

Dr. Tonya Perry

EB 110A 934-7896

tperry@uab.edu

Mathematics

Dr. Tommy Smith

EB 122

934-8089

tsmith@uab.edu

Science

Dr. Lee Meadows

EB 120

907-8371

lmeadows@uab.edu

Social Science

Dr. Jeremiah Clabough

EB 112

934-8364

jclabou2@uab.edu

Reading and Diversity

Dr. Michele Jean Sims

EB 108

934-8361

mjsims@uab.edu

English as a Second Language

Dr. Sue Seay

Dr. Josie Prado

EB 111

EB 119

975-6710

sueseay@uab.edu

975-5045

jprado@uab.edu

College of Arts and Sciences

Music

Instrumental _Choral

Dr. Denise Gainey

_{Dr. Brian Kittredge}

HC 241

_{HC 246}

975-0558

_975-2599

dschmidt@uab.edu

_{briank@uab.edu}

Visual Arts

Dr. Doug Baulos

HB 305B

934-2492

dbaulos@uab.edu

French and Spanish

Dr. Krista Chambless

HB 405A 934-1828

kristachambless@uab.edu

Requirements for Seeking Admission to UAB’s Traditional MA Program

1) Becoming Informed

Attend an MA information session: Thursdays (4:00-4:45) in EB 100

!

Confirm your attendance by sending an email to the Program Director, Dr. Spezzini, at

spezzini@uab.edu

Visit the Department of Curriculum and Instruction website

www.uab.edu/education/ci

and access webpages:

Forms & Documents

: Click

Traditional Master’s Information Packet

(which is what you are reading)

Program of Study Checklists

:

Select GRADUATE, then Traditional Master’s, and then the teaching field

2) Class B certification in the same teaching field from the ALSDE

Class B certification must be valid when seeking admission to the traditional MA and a Class A program

3) Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from all colleges attended, even if you took just one course and it’s on another transcript.

Have transcripts from all colleges (except UAB) sent to this address (

NOTE: These will be used for admission

):

UAB Graduate School

, 1720 2

nd

Avenue South, Lister Hill Library—G03, Birmingham AL 35294-0013

AND, have transcripts from all colleges (including UAB) sent here (

NOTE: These will be used for certification

):

SOE Office of Student Services

(OSS), 1720 2

nd

_{Ave. South—EB 232; Birmingham, AL 35294-1250}

4) Admission Exams: Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Miller Analogies Test (scaled score 388 = raw score 35):

http://www.uab.edu/testing/institutional-tests/mat

or

Graduate Record Exam (score of 290 current or 850 former):

http://www.ets.org/gre

NOTE: If you have a passing score from several years ago, you may request a waiver of the 5-year limit.

To do so, scan your score report and send it as an email attachment to Dr. Spezzini at

spezzini@uab.edu

.

5) Other

Students must take a Special Education course (ECY 600) if they have not yet had such a course.

Students must complete their master’s program within 5 years of completing their first course.

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 3 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

Master’s Degree and Class A Certification

(31-34 credit hours)

English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Visual Arts

Prerequisite: Class B in Secondary Teaching Field

At UAB, the traditional MA program guides already-certified teachers in becoming highly skilled, reflective educators. Its first purpose is to help teachers meet the evolving needs of learners in single-subject classes at the secondary level (6-12) and across grade levels (PK-12). Based on constructivism, its second purpose is to deliver cutting-edge instruction through a standards-based, inquiry-focused approach that prepares educators to use state-of-the-art instructional strategies in their own classrooms. Its third purpose is to ensure that a quality program is available to teachers who are unable to attend class on a regular basis.

Program Courses

4 courses in curriculum and instruction (12 hours)

EHS 651

Innovative Practices in Secondary Schools

(online)

EDC 655

Curriculum Principles and Practices

(online)

EDC 706

Dynamics of Educational Change

(online)

Methods: EHS 612

English

, 614

Social Science

, 615

Science,

616

Mathematics

, EDA 680 (varied formats)

4 content courses in your teaching field (12 hours)

English language arts, social science, science, mathematics, or visual art (varied delivery formats)

NOTE: Acceptable content courses are provided on the following page.

1 course for introducing the program (1 hour)

EDU 600

Education as a Profession

(online)

2 courses (6 hours) from among the following:

EPR 688

Measurement and Evaluation

(online)

EDF 600

Urban Education

(online)

EDF 602

Critical Social Issues in American Education

(online)

Advisor-approved course: 600+ level in education or 500+ level in teaching field (varied formats)

Projected Timeline based on a student’s first semester in the MA program

FALL Plan A (5 terms) Plan B (4 terms)

Fall 2014 EDU 600 & EHS 651 EDU 600, EHS 651, & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602

Spring 2015 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616

Summer 2015 EDC 655 & two content course EDC 655, two content courses, and another course

Fall 2015 EPR 688, EDF 600/602, and/or another course two content courses

Summer 2015 two content courses

SPRING Plan A (5 terms) Plan B (4 terms)

Spring 2015 EDU 600 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 EDU 600, EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616

Summer 2015 EDC 655 & a content course EDC 655, two content courses, and another course

Fall 2015 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602

Spring 2016 EDC 706 & a content course Two content courses

Summer 2016 Two content courses

SUMMER Plan A (5 terms) Plan B (4 terms)

Summer 2015 EDU 600, EDC 655, & a content course EDU 600, EDC 655, & 2 content courses

Fall 2015 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or 602 EHS 651 & either EPR 688, EDF 600 or EDF 602

Spring 2016 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616 EDC 706 & Methods EHS 612/614/615/616

Summer 2016 Two content courses 2 content courses & another course

Fall 2016 EPR 688, EDF 600/602, and/or another course

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 4 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

Content Courses: English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Visual Arts

31-34 credit hours

Program courses were provided on the preceding page.

ALSDE-approved courses at the 500-600 level in each of the Teaching Fields (TF)1

You should meet with your advisor before selecting content courses in your teaching field (TF). You must adhere to stipulations listed below in order to meet requirements on your checklist.

English Language Arts

12 graduate credit hours

2 _{with 9 hours from English & 3 hours from another area}

English: 3 courses with an EH prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor.

Theater: THR 520 or THR 562 (offered during alternating summers)

Mathematics

12 credit hours in math: Courses with an MA prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor

Science

Biology 12 credit hours in biology: Courses with BY prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor Chemistry 12 credit hours in chemistry: Courses with CH prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor

Physics 12 credit hours in physics Courses with PH prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor

General

12 graduate credit hours with courses

2 _{from at least 2 areas, selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor:}

Biology: Courses with a BY prefix Chemistry: Courses with a CH prefix Physics: Courses with a PH prefix Geology/Earth Science: ES 609

Social Science

History 12 credit hours in history: Courses with an HY prefix selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor

General

12 graduate credit hours with courses2 _{from at least 2 areas, selected in conjunction with SOE faculty advisor}

History: Courses with HY prefix Psychology: PY 702, 703, 704, 705, 707, 708, 709 Political science: MPA 601, 605, 662, 668 Sociology: SOC 716, 740, 755, 759, 760, 775, 778 Economics: EC 520, EC 5404 _{Criminal justice: JS 540, 541, 544, 583, 601, 603}

Geography: GEO 590 Anthropology: ANTH 605, 606, 607, 609, 655, 657, 660, 664, 675

Visual Arts

9 credit hours of advisor-approved courses in major fields of art (painting, sculptor, printmaking, drawing, photography, ceramic sculptor, time-based media, graphic design, art history); and also 3 hours in studio art (for art history majors) or in art history (for majors other than in art history)

Content Courses and Program Courses: Music, ESL, French and Spanish

Music

(32-35 hours)

Choral & Instrumental

Music: EMU 502, MU 521, MU 529/530, MU 615, MU 629 Music Ensemble (2 hours: MUP 520, 535, 536), Music Theory (3 hours: MU 545, 548, 555, 558) Music History (3 hours: MU 561, 564, 566);

Applied Music (2 hours: MUP 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590)

Education: EDU 600 (first term), Education (6 hours: EPR 688 or EDF 600/602, or other)

ESL

(34-37 hours) _{EESL 620}EDU 6003455_{, EESL 625} (first term), EESL 61034_{, EESL 630}3434 (first term—fall or spring), EESL 613_{, EESL 640}34_{, EESL 660}345_{, EESL 690}5 (first term—summer), EESL 6155_{, EEC 674}345_{, and an elective}34535,

Foreign

Languages

(31-34 hours)

French

12 credit hours in French (FR), EDU 600345 _{(first term), EHS 611}3 _{(even years, e.g., 2014, 2016), EESL 610}34

(first or second term), EESL 62534_{, EESL 640}34_{, a practicum course or field study course}345 _{and an elective}345_. One graduate French course is offered each term (fall & spring). Since these courses might conflict with other courses, candidates may consider studying abroad for a summer. NOTE: Candidates cannot receive credit towards certification for a 500-level course that has the same title as a 400-level course or that meets concurrently with a corresponding 400-level course that they used towards their Class B certificate.

Spanish

12 credit hours in Spanish (SPA), EDU 600345 _{(first term), EHS 611}3 _{(even years: 2014, 2016,…), EESL 610}34

(first or second term), EESL 62534_{, EESL 640}34_{, a practicum course or field study course}345 _{and an elective}345_. Usually 2 graduate Spanish courses are offered in fall and spring, and one course in the summer. Students cannot receive credit towards teacher certification for a 500-level Spanish course that has the same title as a 400-level course or that meets concurrently with a 400-level course that they used towards Class B.

Dual

Certification

(43-46 hours)

ESL/French EDU 600

345 _{(first term), EESL 610}34 _{(first term—fall or spring), EESL 613}5 _{(first term—summer), EESL 615}35_,

EESL 6205_{, EESL 625}34_{, EESL 630}34_{, EESL 640}34_{, EESL 660}345_{, EESL 690}5_{, EHS 611}3 _{(even years, e.g., 2014),}

and 12 credit hours in French (FR). Same comment as above for French

ESL/Spanish EDU 600

345 _{(first term), EESL 610}34 _{(first term—fall or spring), EESL 613}5 _{(first term—summer), EESL 615}35_,

EESL 6205_{, EESL 625}34_{, EESL 630}34_{, EESL 640}34_{, EESL 660}345_{, EESL 690}5_{, EHS 611}3 _{(even years, e.g., 2014),}

and 12 credit hours in Spanish (SPA). Same comment as above for Spanish

1 _{Some courses may have UG prerequisites. If candidates have not yet had the prerequisite UG courses, they must first take those prerequisites.} 2 _{Before taking a graduate content course at another institution, candidates must first receive SOE approval.}

3 _{Usually in Fall} 4 _{Usually in Spring} 5 _{Usually in Summer (scheduling is subject to change)}

NOTE: If you have already completed graduate courses in your TF and/or earned a graduate degree, you might be able to use some of these content courses towards your traditional Class A teacher certification from the ALSDE. This possibility does not apply to education courses taken at another institution. Since each applicant’s situation is different, individual approval must be sought. After submitting your application for admission to UAB, send your transcripts and course syllabi electronically to Ms. Ekandrea Tarver (edtarver@uab.edu), Certification Specialist in our SOE Office of Student Services. In your email, ask Ms. Tarver for help in submitting your request. Do this before starting to take MA courses. That’s because the content courses that you took before seeking admission to the MA program will count towards the 5-course limit that you can take before being admitted to the MA program.

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 5 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

Admission as a Degree-Seeking Student

1. Submit degree-seeking application and required documents by deadline (it’s OK if your exam scores arrive a few days later):

Nov. 1st _{(admission to spring) April 1}st _{(admission to summer) July 1}st _{(admission to fall)}

NOTE: If degree-seeking deadline has passed, consider submitting a non-degree application - page 6.

2. Submit a degree-seeking application on the ApplyYourself website (which is easily accessed on the Graduate School website). Go to www.uab.edu/graduate and click on the large, green APPLY NOW link in the left column.

Create an application account (be sure to write down your ApplyYourself username and password) and then log out. Log into your newly-created ApplyYourself account and prepare your application. Upon finishing, click SUBMIT.

NOTE: If you had submitted earlier applications to UAB, you must now create another ApplyYourself account.

Program and Degree to which you are applying: On a drop-down menu, select from among the following. Education—High School Education (MAE)

English, math, biology, chemistry, physics, general science, history, general social science, French, Spanish

Although the UAB category says High School Education, certification is for grades 6-12 (In French/Spanish, it is P-12).

Education—Arts Education (MAE)

music-choral, music-instrumental, or visual arts (Certification is for grades P-12.)

Education—English as a 2nd Language traditional (MAE)

ESL certification, ESL & French certification, or ESL & Spanish certification (Certification is for grades P-12.)

Admission Exams: DATE—Give the approximate month/year when you took the test or plan to take it. (This is required!) SCORE—Leave this part blank. That’s because UAB will use the score on your official score report.

Narrative Question: Provide a polished response (We suggest you write your essay in a Word document and then insert.)

References: Include the names and email addresses of three people for providing recommendations.

When you click submit, UAB will automatically email a recommendation form to these people.

Application Fee: Pay $45 ($60 for int’l candidates) and click SUBMIT. It is highly recommended that this fee be paid online with a credit card or debit card. NOTE: Mailing a check may delay your application by several weeks.

3. Non-native speakers of English: Oral and written language assessments at Graduate School naramor3@uab.edu

International applicants: Take the TOEFL (or IELTS) and apply to UAB’s English Language Institute (ELI) eli@uab.edu.

Pass the ELI’s language placement test or successfully complete Level 5 courses in the Intensive English Program. Meet requirements in UAB’s booklet for International Students (click on link at bottom left)

4. Be available for an interview, if called.

5. Check application status periodically (www.uab.edu/graduate and click on the green APPLY NOW link in the left column). You may also inquire about your status by contacting the Graduate School (205-934-8357) gradschool@uab.edu . After your application materials have been received, if will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks for your application to be processed. If you experience difficulties in confirming the status of your application, you could contact Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu). 6. After you are admitted as a degree-seeking student, you will receive an email from the Graduate School with the following

subject line: “UAB Graduate School Admission Decision”. This email will prompt you to log into an account and will provide a PIN and password to view your online decision letter. This decision letter will include the following information:

Your student number (letter “B” followed by 8 digits) NOTE: You will need this number for identification purposes. Your program (High school 5th _{year, Arts education 5}th _{year, or ESL 5}th _{year) and your concentration (teaching field)}

Your residency status as a resident (with in-state tuition) or as a non-resident (with out-of-state tuition) Be sure to read this information very carefully in order to make sure that everything is correct.

7. Follow the instructions in your admission letter with respect to processing a BlazerID. You must immediately process your BlazerID at the BlazerNet Central

If you were previously a UAB student and already have a BlazerID, you MUST reactivate your BlazerID. Your BlazerID will serve as your UAB email account (Select 8 letters/digits that convey a professional image.) NOTE: You should check your UAB email regularly and must always use it in official communication with UAB. 8. Contact your faculty advisor. You will receive an email from the C&I Program Director with your advisor’s name and email.

Faculty advisors are assigned by teaching field. They are not listed on BlazerNet (such as are the advisors for UG students). 9. Obtain medical clearance from UAB by the middle of your first semester. You will need this clearance to register for your

second semester of classes. For more information, go to http://www.uab.edu/studenthealth/medical-clearance. In the left column, click on non-clinical domestic graduate students. After you are admitted as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student, you will receive emails with instructions for creating an account at https://www.certifiedbackground.com/. This will be followed by an evite from https://www.certifiedprofile.com/ with instructions for uploading your medical documents. 10. Register for class and pay tuition by the deadlines on the calendar. During the 2014-15 year, the first hour of graduate

coursework for in-state residents is $585; each additional hour is $370. During each term, a student’s first 3-hour course is $1,325; each additional 3-hour course is $1,110. The online fee is $150 per course. NOTE: Yearly increments often occur.

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 6 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

UAB Graduate School, 205-934-8227 gradschool@uab.edu

1. Access the ApplyYourself website: Go to www.uab.edu/graduate and click on the green APPLY NOW tab (left column). 2. Create an application account, write down your ApplyYourself username and password, and log out.

3. Log back into your ApplyYourself account and select non-degree seeking application.

4. Select education as your intended major and choose Ed Cert Other (or something similar) from the drop-down menu(s). Pay $40 online (debit card or credit card) and click on SUBMIT. NOTE: Mailing a check greatly delays this process.

5. Request official transcripts from all colleges attended, even if you took just one course at a given institution.

6. A few days after your transcript(s) and application have arrived at the Graduate School, you will receive an email with the admission decision. Follow the instructions in this email, process (or reactivate) your BlazerID, and register for class.

7. Because of your non-degree seeking status, you will not be able to register for class until 3 weeks before the term starts. You will also need overrides to register for courses. You can request a degree level override for education courses by sending an email to Dr. Spezzini with your student ID number (“B” followed by several digits) and the number, name and CRN (course registration number) for the education course(s) you wish to take.

8. With non-degree status, you can take only 12 credit hours towards your degree. During the semesters in which you take courses with non-degree seeking status, you are not eligible for financial aid.

Some Test-Taking Strategies

Test-taking strategies

1) Test takers should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the test is scheduled to start. Test-takers must be inside of the designated testing room before the time indicated on the instructions. For example, if test-takers are told to arrive by 10:30, this means that the door of the testing room closes at 10:30 and no one else is permitted to enter.

2) If test takers do not know the answer to a question, we recommend that they should “simply mark C". Test takers should not be concerned about marking C numerous times. “Simply marking C” works well since the passing score on the MAT corresponds to correctly marking only 35% of questions. NOTE: This approach will not work as well when a higher score is required. This approach also does not work on other types of exams such as Advanced Placement or Nursing Boards; it depends on the test.

3) Of the questions to which test takers "simply mark C", about 25% will be correct. For example, if they "simply mark C" on 40 questions, about 10 will be correct. For some test takers, this is the difference between passing and not passing.

4) If test takers are slow readers, they should not get bogged down with trying to understand complicated questions. Many of the MAT questions are like puzzles that take a long time to figure out; other questions might be very confusing. When test takers see a

seemingly unsolvable puzzle or confusing question, they should not even attempt to read it. Instead, they should “simply mark C" and go on to the next question. If they have time left at the end, they can come back to questions where they had “simply marked C.” 5) Test takers should wear a watch with clear numbers on it when taking a paper-based test (time appears on the screen for computer-based testing). Test takers cannot rely on their cell phone for telling time because they are not allowed to bring cell phones into the testing room. Moreover, test takers cannot rely on the wall clock because sometimes it is not easily visible. Test takers should write down the time when they start the test and write down when the test is supposed to end. One minute before the end, they should “simply mark C" on all the remaining questions. That way, if they run out of time, they will have responded to all of the questions.

Tips to prepare for the MAT

6) Students can access a limited amount of test preparation materials online at the MAT website. They can also purchase a test preparation book at the UAB book stores as well as at major book stores in shopping malls. When doing so, be sure the materials say MAT (and not GMAT when is for business administration).

7) An excellent way to prepare for the MAT is by taking several practice tests (included in the online and purchased test preparation materials) in a secluded area and by setting a timer for the allotted time.

8) If students have a disability, they should register with UAB’s Disability Support Services (205) 934-4205. This takes time. So, if students plan to seek a disability designation at UAB, they must start this process at least 3 months before the test date. Once students have been designated by UAB's Student Disability Services as having a disability, they will probably be allowed to take the MAT with accommodations, such as extra time. The exact accommodation depends on the type of disability.

9) By following these test taking strategies and study tips, students are usually able to do better on the MAT. The important thing is to prepare well, go into the testing room with confidence, and implement test-taking strategies before and during the test.

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 7 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

QuickLinks

Click on

www.uab.edu/education

and look in the top right corner, under SEARCH.

Education Quicklinks

UAB Quicklinks

Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction

Class Schedule

Financial Aid

Graduate School

(applications & much more)

Office of Clinical Experiences

(

internship)

Office of Student Services/OSS

(applications)

Scholarship Opportunities

Sterne Library

Student Teaching

(internship)

Tuition and Fees

Task Stream

Academic Calendar

Apply

(seeking admission)

Ask IT

(technology problems)

BlazerExpress

(bus system)

BlazerNET

(registering, paying, etc.)

Campus Map

Canvas

(online course access)

Directory

(names and contact info)

Email

(accessing your email account)

Emergency/B-Alert

(bad weather)

Applications and Deadlines

1) Application for Admission

Graduate School

(LHL G03)

https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uab-grad

Projected Admission

Degree-seeking Admission*

_{Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School}

Non-Degree Seeking Admission*

(F’14: 8/18/14)

Spring 2015

November 1, 2014

December 19, 2014

Summer 2015

April 1, 2015

April 24, 2015

Fall 2015

July 1, 2015

August 14, 2015

*Subject to change; updates will be posted here: http://www.uab.edu/graduate/deadline-dates

2) Application for Degree

http://www.uab.edu/graduate/images/acrobat/forms/app-for-degree-masters.pdf

All SOE graduate students must submit their Application for Degree to the OSS (Suite 232) by the SOE deadlines**.

***This deadline is for the OSS to send the SOE graduate students’ Applications for Degree to the Graduate School.

The School of Education (SOE) recommends students to UAB’s Graduate School for graduating with a master’s degree.

After approving the recommendation, the Graduate School awards the master’s degree.

Requirements:

Completion of degree program (based on the corresponding certification checklist) with GPA of at least 3.0

Electronic assessment portfolio (

TaskStream

) –

to be explained and started in the EDU 600 course

Satisfactory completion of key assessments -

to be explained and started in EDU 600

Satisfactory professional dispositions throughout program -

to be explained and started in EDU 600

3) Application for Certification

Suite 232

Detailed information is provided here:

Certification Handbooks

Anticipated Graduation

Due Date for Preferential Processing

Spring 2015

April 1, 2015

Summer 2015

July 1, 2015

Fall 2015

November 1, 2015

The SOE recommends candidates to the ALSDE for

Class A Teacher Certification

in the targeted teaching field.

After approving the recommendation, the ALSDE issues the certification.

Requirements

Completion of the certification checklist (without any course substitutions)

Anticipated Graduation

**SOE Deadline: OSS - Suite 232

Graduate School Deadline***

Spring 2015

November 1, 2014

SOE students must meet the OSS deadline.

Summer 2015

April 1, 2015

SOE students must meet the OSS deadline.

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 8 Traditional Master’s Information Packet Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL July 26, 2014

“To-Do” List

DONE: Check off

Preparing for Admission

(summary of page 2)

1. Participate in an information session for prospective MA students:

a) Contact Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu 205-934-8357) and confirm that you would like to attend b) Attend Thursday, 4:00 to 4:45, in EB 100 (Education Building, 901 13th _{Street South)}

__ _ _

2. Receive this Information Packet for Prospective MA Students: a) Complete the Inquiry Sheet on page 9

b) Give this Inquiry Sheet to Dr. Spezzini (spezzini@uab.edu) c) Read this Information Packet

__ _ _ _

3. Meet all admission requirements:

a) Have a valid Alabama Class B certificate in the area required for your targeted Class A program b) Order official transcripts from all colleges attended (even if just one course) and have them sent to

UAB’s Graduate School and to UAB’s School of Education (if not already on file)

__ _ _

4. Obtain a passing score on either the MAT (388+) or GRE (290+ current or 850+ former) prior to the deadline for submitting an application for admission. Information about these exams is provided on page 2 and also at these websites: http://www.uab.edu/testing/institutional-tests/mat and http://www.ets.org/gre.

NOTE: An acceptable alternative is to have registered to take the MAT or GRE by the application deadline. However, although you will not yet have received your test score, you must submit your admission application to the Graduate School by the deadline.

If you already have a passing score from several years ago, you may request a waiver of the 5-year limit. To do so, scan your score report and send it as an email attachment to Dr. Spezzini at spezzini@uab.edu.

__

__

5. Take ECY 600 Intro to Exceptional Learners if not already taken as an UG (ECY 300 in your UG program) __

Applying for Admission

(summary of page 5)

6 Submit your degree-seeking application by the deadline (Nov. 1st _{for spring, April 1}st _{for summer, July 1}st _{for fall),}

list 3 people as references, and pay $45 preferably online. __

7 Periodically check the status of your application and accompanying materials by clicking on

http://www.uab.edu/graduate/area-3/prospective-students/213-check-admission-status __

8. Follow up with the three people that you listed for providing letters of recommendation. __

9. After receiving your admission email from the Graduate School, do the following: a) Process or reactivate your BlazerID https://idm.blazernet.uab.edu/bid/reg

b) Follow all other instructions in your admission letter

__ _ _

10. Obtain medical clearance from UAB by the middle of your first semester. You will need this clearance to register for your second semester of classes. For more information, go to

http://www.uab.edu/studenthealth/medical-clearance. In the left column, click on non-clinical domestic graduate students. After you are admitted as a

degree-seeking or non-degree degree-seeking student, you will receive emails with instructions for creating an account at

https://www.certifiedbackground.com/. This will be followed by an evite from https://www.certifiedprofile.com/

with instructions for uploading your medical documents.

11. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English

Contact Graduate School (naramor3@uab.edu) and sign up for the oral and written language assessments. __

12. International applicants

a) Take either the internet-based TOEFL or the IELTS.

b) Meet all other criteria at the following website: https://www.uab.edu/students/international

__ _ _

Department: Curriculum and Instruction page 9 Alternative Master’s Program (AMP) - 5th _year

Programs: Secondary Education, Arts Education, ESL Information Packet: July 23, 2014

Inquiry Sheet from Prospective MA Students

I would like to obtain an MA in the following teaching field

(please circle)

Mathematics English Science Social Sciences Visual Arts Music French Spanish ESL

Official Name ______________________________________ Preferred Name/Nickname ________________

All former names ____________________________________________________________________________

Name on Teaching Certificate________________________

Date of Birth ___________________________

Home E-mail_____________________________________

Work E-mail____________________________

Home Phone___________________ Cell______________

Work Phone____________________________

Home Address ____________________________________

City________________ State____ zip________

Undergraduate degree: major____________ minor_________ college/univ.________________________ year graduated_____ Graduate: degree_____ major____________ minor_________ college/univ________________________ year graduated_____

Certification: Class B (bachelor’s level) _________________

For certification purposes, where and when did you take an introductory course to special education? ______________

Current Employment as a Teacher: ______________________________________________________________

Former Employment as a Teacher: ______________________________________________________________

Total years of full time teaching in an accredited school: _____________________________________________

Prerequisites:

Valid Class B Teacher Certification from the ALSDE in the area required by the targeted Class A certification Passing score on the MAT (388+) or GRE (290+ current or 850+ former)

Non-native speakers of English: Take the Graduate School language assessments

International students: Take TOEFL or IELTS, apply to UAB’s ELI www.uab.edu/eli, & pass Level 5 after arriving at UAB

I am aware of the following:

1) Applicants should read and follow the stipulations in this information packet and keep themselves informed regarding any changes. 2) All regulations described in this information packet are valid only up until the date on this packet.

3) Policies are established by the ALSDE, these policies are subject to change, and all candidates must abide by all such changes. 4) Candidates must submit their admission applications to UAB’s Graduate School by the deadline. However, it is usually OK for

exam scores to arrive a few days after the deadline.

5) When communicating with UAB faculty and staff by email, candidates should always use professional email etiquette, should fully identify themselves, and should also provide some background information.

6) After candidates have obtained a UAB email, they must check it frequently and always use it in official communication. 7) Candidates must take all of the education courses on their certification checklist (no substitutions) and follow all procedures to

earn an MA degree from UAB and also Class A certification from the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE). 8) If recommended by a course instructor or the program director, candidates must take GRD 727 Academic Writing.

9) Candidates must always demonstrate a high level of professional dispositions worthy of the teaching profession. Failure to do so will result in being exited by the SOE.

10) Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to continue from semester to semester and also to be eligible for earning an master’s degree and Class A certification. The Graduate School exits candidates following the second semester of academic probation.

11) Candidates must confer with their SOE faculty advisor or with their program director whenever they have questions concerning their program. Advisors and program directors give advice but that they are not responsible for a candidate’s program or degree. 12) Candidates must submit an Application for Degree to the program director and/or to the SOE Office of Student Services about 7

months before their anticipated graduation. Failure to do so may delay their graduation by a full semester.

13) Candidates must submit an Application for Certification to the Office of Student Services during their final semester.

14) After the MA degree has been posted on their transcript, candidates should submit a request to UAB for an official transcript to be sent to their school system in order to become reclassified in a new salary bracket. This salary reclassification will be finalized after the school receives official notification of the Class A certificate.

15) Upon discontinuing studies for more than a year, even with leave of absence, candidates must follow the program in effect upon re-entry.