T E X A S
1 0 0 % O n l i n e
Syllabus
The modular Principal preparation course material is designed to prepare an individual to be a Principal in the state of Texas. Through the distance learning courses developed by iteachTEXAS, you, the prospective Principal, will obtain knowledge on a broad array of topics ranging from human resource management to school finance. The vision of these courses is for you to study and understand various aspects of the administrator discipline and translate this knowledge into actual practice. This knowledge will empower you to adapt administrator practices to maximize individual student learning.
Timeline
Once accepted into the iteachTEXAS Principal
Certification program, you have three full school years in which to complete all of the program requirements, including the Field Experience requirement.
Admission Requirements
All candidates must meet state requirements of an undergraduate degree, graduate degree (or 12 hours toward a graduate degree), 2 years of service, and a valid teaching certificate.
iteachTEXAS Principal
Certification Course Catalog
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Field Experience
It is the mission of the iteachTEXAS program to meet the needs of individuals who have a desire to become highly effective administrators. There are two routes for a candidate to complete their Field Experience, either being hired as a Principal or being in a Clinical position.
Certification Testing
The State Board for Educator Certification requires that each candidate for Principal certification takes and passes the Principal Certification Test.
Program Fees
10% of the total program cost is paid upfront with the remaining balance paid in a flexible, interest-free payment plan.
Program Overview
iteachTEXAS is a private alternative Principal
certification program based on distance learning that recommends successful candidates for the Standard Principal certificate in Texas.
As it is your desire to obtain a Texas Standard Principal Certification, below is how to progress through the iteachTEXAS program:
Successful completion of the iteachTEXAS program includes:
a) Fulfill all requirements of the Instructional Courses with completion of the Introductory course and the seven instructional courses within twelve months of being accepted into the program (approval for certification test is not released until all instructional courses and review course have been successfully completed), instructional fee paid and;
b) Pass the Principal Certification Test;
c) Complete the one year Field Experience/160 hour Practicum, within a three school year time period from the date first accepted into the iteachTEXAS program. Once a Field Experience is obtained, all program requirements must be completed by the end of the Field Experience.
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Syllabus
Course Description Overview
This modular Principal preparation course is designed to prepare an individual to be a Principal in the state of Texas. Through the distance learning courses developed by iteachTEXAS, you, the prospective Principal, will obtain knowledge on a broad array of topics ranging from human resource management to school finance. The vision of these courses is for you to study and understand various aspects of the administrator discipline and translate this knowledge into actual practice. This knowledge will empower you to adapt administrator practices to maximize individual student learning.
Requirements
You must have access to a personal computer that has Microsoft Word. Many schools and public libraries have Internet filters in place that will not allow the viewing of downloads from the Internet. Additionally, it is your responsibility to frequently review the program announcements on the instructNET platform.
Pace
While the iteachTEXAS courses are self-paced, the introductory course and the seven instructional courses are designed to be completed within a 12-month time
Web-based Instruction
> Instruction on your time schedule
> Direct online interaction
with instructor
span. You are progressed no faster than one instructional course every three weeks. Access to the comprehensive review course will not be granted until mastery has been demonstrated in the instructional courses and the instructional fee has been paid in full. Completion of the Comprehensive Review is not required during the 12-month time span.
Courses
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IPAC 1000 - Introduction to Certification>
IPAC 1001 - Critical Issues in Education>
IPAC 1002 - Human Resources, Leadership andManagement
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IPAC 1003 - Educational Politics and Legal Policy>
IPAC 1004 - Curriculum Design and Practice>
IPAC 1005 - The Principal as the Instructional Leader>
IPAC 1006 - The Role of Professional Developmentin Education
>
IPAC 1007 - Education Finance and Budgeting>
IPAC 1008 - Comprehensive ReviewField Experience Courses
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IPAC 2000 - Field ExperienceCourse Objectives
While each course has its own objective(s) for the
principal candidate, the following overall objectives of the course material ensure that each candidate possesses the identified educator dispositions:
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Instill belief that all students can learn based upon the stages of human development>
Develop respect for individual differences to ensure a democratic classroom environment>
Foster commitment to inquiry, self reflection and assessment>
Promote intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm about learning based upon the importance of literacy>
Examine openness to new ideas in behavioral management>
Value positive interactions>
Perform all practices responsibly and ethicallyAssignments
Each iteachTEXAS online course contains required assignments that will appear in various forms, such as, research, reflection, essay and even completion of school and state procedures. Every candidate in our program holds at least a Bachelor’s degree, and several hold Master and Doctoral degrees. It is vital to the successful
Leadership cannot really
be taught. It can only
be learned.
“
completion of this program that all work be of the caliber required for graduate level coursework. Any assignment not meeting the program’s high standards will be returned for review and resubmission.
While the course Instructors work diligently to grade your assignments, they do not work 24 hours a day. Assignments will be graded within three to four business days. Once the requirements for a specific course are complete, you will be advanced to the next course at the appropriate time. While you wait to be advanced, please spend some time to reflect and conduct individual research on each course.
Education is the most
powerful weapon which you
can use to change the world.
“
Grading
All assignments will be graded on a 1, 2, 3 scale. The rubric for the grading scale is as follows:
1 Unacceptable
2 Acceptable
3 Target
Candidate does not model correct language usage.
(1) Pervasive written communication errors are present
(2) Thoughts were poorly organized
Candidate models effective written communication skills
(1) A few written communication er-rors may be present but they do not interfere with meaning
(2) Thoughts were organized
Candidate models excellent written communication skills
(1) No written communication errors (2) Thoughts presented in a well
organized, detailed manner
Candidate rarely and inappropriately or superficially demonstrates knowledge of assignment material
Candidate did not fulfill the required elements for the assignment
Candidate usually and adequately demonstrates knowledge of assignment material
The candidate consistently and thoroughly demonstrates knowledge mastery of assignment material
Examinations
In addition to graded assignments, computer-graded assessments are administered throughout each course. Successful completion of each assessment in the instructional courses and the final competency test (located in IPAC 1008) must be accomplished prior to being recommended for certification. The course Instructor is one of four individuals who will recommend you for the principal certification.
Feedback
An Instructor will monitor your participation in each iteachTEXAS course. The course Instructor will be an experienced administrator who will not only read and evaluate your assignments, but also provide prompt feedback should you have a question regarding the course curriculum.
Text Resources
There is one book that is considered a must for all new principals, The Educator’s Guide to Texas School Law by Frank Kemerer and Jim Walsh. This book, which can be purchased in paperback at your local bookstore, is more like an automobile owner’s manual. You will be able to turn to the appropriate section to research the law when a specific problem arises.
In each course you will also have additional required reading. Many of these readings can be accessed free of charge through the Internet, but other sources will be available only in print and will need to be purchased. These texts have been selected because they will serve as invaluable resources that you will refer to throughout your administrative career. A partial list of these readings includes:
IPAC 1001: The New Meaning of Educational Change by Michael G. Fullan
IPAC 1003: The Documentation Handbook by F. Kemerer and J. Crain, and The Little Blue Book, published by the Texas Association of School Boards
IPAC 1004: Deciding What to Teach and Test: Developing, Aligning, and Auditing the Curriculum by F.W. English, and The Three-Minute Walk-Through: Changing School Supervisory Practice One Teacher at a Time by Downey, C.J., Steffy, B.E., English, F. W., Frase, L.E., & Poston, Jr., W.K. IPAC 1006: Peer assistance and review guidebook
by Stroot, S. et. al.
Accommodations
Timeline
Continuous Enrollment
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No arbitrary deadline
for enrollment
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Upon acceptance, immediate
enrollment in instructional
coursework
Once accepted into the iteachTEXAS Principal
Certification program, you have three full school years in which to complete all of the program requirements, including the Field Experience requirement.
The following timeline provides an overview of how an individual progresses through the iteachTEXAS Principal Certification program. (This is an ideal scenario and may not hold true for each candidate depending on individual circumstances):
1
Submit a completed application packet
• Application — completed online or downloaded and mailed to iteachTEXAS with application fee
• Service record indicating years taught
• Applicant will receive access to instructional platform to track application status
• Official transcript of conferred degree — mailed to: iteachTEXAS P.O. Box 1626 Denton, Texas 76202 • Two letters of recommendation on school letterhead • Sample of writing skills • $75.00 — paid by credit card at time of online application or by check/money order mailed to iteachTEXAS with downloaded application – this is a non-refundable fee
• Applications will be retained for six months. If a completed packet (all supporting materials) is not submitted within six months, the application will be destroyed
2
Evaluation
• Receive notification of program status via internal messaging system or e-mail.
• Upon acceptance, gain online access to the Letter of Agreement.
• Completed packets will be retained for six months. If the Letter of Agreement is not acknowledged and/ or the non-refundable access fee of $425 is not paid within six months, the packet will be destroyed.
3
Program Acceptance
Within a week from the time the Letter of Agreement is acknowledged, the non-refundable access fee of $425 is paid and Personal Payment Authorization from is received, a candidate receives:
• Official Letter of Acceptance • Access to the introductory course
• Statement of Eligibility — This form, which a candidate provides to school districts to which application is made, indicates eligibility for a Field Experience position and a Probationary Certificate • Once accepted into the program, you have three
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Instructional Courses
• Access to the instructional courses is provided once a completed Letter of Agreement and a Personal Payment Plan of Agreement is received. The 12-month timeline will begin on the date access to IPAC 1001 is given.
• The seven instructional courses are self-paced, although progress is required during the 12-month time frame. If you are required to repeat a course or elect to take a month off during the instruction, these needs can be accommodated within the 12-month timeline.
• You are permitted to progress from one instructional course to the next course at a rate no faster than one course per three weeks.
• Each instructional course is designed to require a minimum of 45 seat hours.
• If you do not complete the final instructional course within 12 months from being enrolled into IPAC 1001, you may request permission to be reenrolled in the courses for a six-month period with the payment of a renewal access fee.
5
Certification Test
• The Principal certification test is taken once the instructional courses have been completed. • Test approval will be automatically processed. • Instructional fees must be paid through a Personal
Payment Plan.
6
Internship
There are two options for completing your internship with the iteachTEXAS Principal Certification program:
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Option I• Hired: completed Statement of Eligibility is provided to the program
• You may begin the job search for a paid, full-time administrator position as soon as you are accepted into the iteachTEXAS Principal Certification program and fulfill the initial requirements. • The Internship experience is completed over two semesters.
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Option II • Shadowing: completed Statement of Eligibility is provided to iteachTEXAS • 160 hours of documented participation over one semesterIn both Option I and Option II, a candidate is assigned a Field Supervisor, and a Payment Plan must be processed prior to beginning the Field Experience.
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Recommended for Certification
• You are recommended for the Principal Certificate after successfully fulfilling the following program requirements:
• Complete the instructional courses • Pass the required certification test • Complete the Field Experience with
recommendations from Field Supervisor and Campus Administrator
• Hold a conferred Master’s degree • Pay all program fees
iteachTEXAS has established the following standards for admission into the Principal Certification Program. All submitted documentation must be current: • Currently employed as a teacher or currently
employed as a Principal or Assistant Principal, in a full time position, at an approved TEA school may be public or private
• Two years of documented, creditable teaching in a TEA approved/recognized school as shown in the candidate’s Texas service record
• Valid Texas Standard Teaching Certificate
• Two Letters of Recommendation, both from current administrators, one of which must be from the administrator with whom you directly report (letters must be on school letterhead).
• A GPA of at least 2.75 undergraduate, and/or a 3.0 in Master’s program
• Official transcripts reflecting a degree conferred toward a Master’s degree or proof of completion of at least 12 semester hours of a Master’s degree plan that you are currently pursuing
• Writing sample scored as Acceptable • E-mail account
• Personal computer with Microsoft Word
Acceptance into the program will be accomplished in an equitable and consistent manner in accordance with company policy and state and federal laws.
Complete and submit an online application
An e-mail confirming receipt of your online application will be sent to you. If you do not receive an e-mail within
five minutes, please contact the office at 940-383-8100 during business hours. Candidates electing to apply online must supply all other application materials in one complete packet mailed to the office. Incomplete application packets will not be considered for program admissions and all materials will be destroyed.
The application may also be downloaded and mailed to the office along with the $75 (non-refundable)
application fee. Candidates electing to apply with a paper application must enclose all other application materials with their application. Incomplete application packets will not be considered for program admissions and all materials will be destroyed.
Please download an application checklist that must be submitted with your packet to ensure that you have provided all the appropriate information that is needed to process your application packet. Incomplete application packets will not be considered for program admissions and all materials will be destroyed.
The application fee of $75 is non-refundable.
Submit official transcripts
All Candidates must provide a final transcript for their undergraduate coursework reflecting a conferred Bachelor’s degree. If you have completed your Master’s program, you must also submit a final transcript for your graduate coursework reflecting a conferred Master’s degree. If you have not yet completed your Master’s program, you must submit official transcripts for your
Master’s coursework along with a copy of your official degree plan. It must reflect that you are a current student with your university and have earned at least 12 semester hours toward a Master’s degree. Please do not send unofficial printouts or copies of transcripts. Your application will not be processed without all official transcripts. Please indicate on your application checklist if you or the university is sending official transcripts. Please send your completed application packet to: iteachTEXAS
ATTN: Principal Certification P.O. Box 1626
Denton, TX 76202
Your conferred degree must be from an accredited institution as required by the State Board for Educator
Certification.
We will not respond to phone calls or emails as to receipt of individual transcripts sent to us by colleges or universities.
All transcripts submitted are the property of the program and will not be returned to the applicant.
Writing sample
A 200-300 word response to the statement: “I believe I can assist our schools in meeting future challenges by...” must be included in your application packet. This response is an important part of the application process. The response will be evaluated for grammar and content.
Letters of Recommendation
You must provide two professional references, both from current administrators, one of which must be from the administrator with whom you directly report (letters must be on school letterhead).
Service Record
You must submit a copy of your complete teaching service record. Record must show at least two years of credited service.
Valid Teachers Certificate
It is the mission of the iteachTEXAS program to meet the needs of individuals who have a desire to become highly effective administrators, while also meeting the needs of school districts to obtain highly qualified Candidates.
The Field Experience is an important time in the life of a Principal. It is critical, challenging and rewarding to all involved, as it is a time of great professional growth. This experience typically has a lasting effect upon an administrator’s outlook toward education and therefore greatly affects future generations of students. We offer two options for completion of the Field Experience:
Close Relationships with
School Districts
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Job placements may be
obtained in any school district
or Texas Education Agency (TEA)
recognized private school
Extensive Classroom Support
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Experienced Field Supervisors
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Observations throughout the
Field Experience
Field Experiece
Option 1
Internship
This option is designed for candidates who will be employed as an Assistant Principal or Principal with a TEA recognized school during the internship phase over two semesters. If you elect this option you may apply for a Probationary Principal Certificate upon obtaining a campus administrator position. You will also need to participate in a personal payment plan.
Option 2
Clinical Teaching
This option is designed for candidates who will not be employed as an Assistant Principal or Principal during the Field Experience but will have authorized release time by their hiring district to participate in the Internship during one semester. If you elect this option, a completed Statement of Eligibility must be provided to iteachTEXAS from the district. The district commitment will be considered by the Review Committee to determine appropriateness of Field Experience. The 160 hours of the Internship may be acquired through observation of various aspects of the Principal’s responsibilities.
The required 160 hours may be acquired in the following areas:
• 24 Hours (15%) night/weekend extracurricular activities
• 52 Hours (33%) summer duties
Certification Testing
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Practice Principal
Certification Test
(comprehensive review)
prior to actual
certification test
The State Board for Educator Certification requires that each Candidate for Principal certification takes and passes the TExES certification test.
You should plan to take the Principal certification test upon completion of the iteachTEXAS
instructional courses and the Comprehensive Review, IPAC 1008. Test approval for the Principal certification test is not released until you have successfully completed the instructional courses and the Comprehensive Review, and the instructional fees have been paid. Once you have met these requirements, the test approval will be automatically requested.
Prior to registering for a test, you must obtain the test approval form. You will register for the certification test online at www.texes.ets.org, where you can also find the state-provided study guide for the test.
Total Cost of Program
. . .$5,000.00
(All program fees are non-refundable)
This is the anticipated cost for a Candidate who completes all iteachTEXAS program requirements according to the program timeline. The total cost is broken down into the following fees:
Application Fee . . . .$75.00
Program Access Fee (10% down) . . . $425.00 • Due prior to receiving the Statement of Eligibility • Due prior to beginning online instruction
Instructional Fee . . . $3,500.00
$500.00 per month for 7 months
Field Experience Fee . . . $1,000.00
Non Texas Field Experience Fee (NTFE) . . . . $1,000.00
Payment Options
You have the following options for payment of fees: • Sign a Personal Payment Plan indicating monthly
payments made directly to iteachTEXAS once Field Experience is obtained.
• Pay for the instruction as you are
participating in the course work and then pay for Field Experience once Field Experience is obtained.
• Access to IPAC 1001 is not given until Personal Payment information is submitted.
Additional Fees Not Covered by iteachTexas
Probationary Certificate Application Fee . . . . $52.00
TExES (cost per examination) . . . $120.00
Standard Certificate Application Fee . . . .$77.00
Renewal Fees
Course Renewal Fees . . . $400.00 If you do not complete the instructional courses within the 12-month time frame, you must pay another access fee. If continuation is approved, you will be given six months to complete your coursework.