| THE JOHN H. LOUNSBURY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION |
Leslie W. Crawford, Dean
W. Bee Crews, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs
Janet S. Fields, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs
The John H. Lounsbury School of Education was named and dedicated to honor Dr. John H. Lounsbury, founding dean of the School of Education. Dr. Lounsbury is nationally recognized as one of a group of educators responsible for the middle grades movement in the USA and the world.
PROGRAMS, DEGREES AND SERVICES
The John H. Lounsbury School of Education is the unit of the institution responsible for preparing educators for the State of Georgia. The teacher education programs at Georgia College & State University are fully accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All programs are aligned along National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Guidelines, and other learned societies' standards for individual programs. Students in the graduate programs are encouraged to extend their knowledge and skill by seeking national board certification. Programs are offered at both the graduate master and specialist levels. The Early Childhood, Middle Grades, Secondary, and Special Education traditional Master of Education graduate programs are housed in the School of Education along with graduate programs in Administration and Supervision and Instructional Technology. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education, a cooperative program developed with the College of Arts and Sciences, leads to initial certification in secondary teaching fields. Health and Physical Education is located in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreationand in the School of Health Sciences. Advanced training is offered through the sixth year, Educational Specialist Degree, in the areas of Administration and Supervision, Early Childhood Education, Health and Physical Education, Middle Grades Education, Natural Science Education and Social Science Education.
The John H. Lounsbury School of Education operates the Peabody Child and Family Center which provides preschool and child care programs and facilities for students, faculty, and community families. This facility also functions as an instructional center for the School of Education and as a research center for Georgia College & State University. Added support for programs in the School of Education is supplied by the Mildred English Curriculum Center, a facility offering resources for use in the teacher education programs. The Center for Educational Leadership, located in the Department of Special Education and Administration, serves as a vehicle for bringing university, public school and business together to improve and enhance the educational administration program.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual theme, Educators as Architects of Change, is the organizing focus for all the programs in education at Georgia College & State University. To meet the needs of the students in the public schools during the 21st century, American educators must be able to lead in the reformation necessary to keep schools reflective of the current needs of our ever changing technological society. As architects of change, educators have the opportunity in their graduate programs to strengthen their basic knowledge foundation. They are guided toward developing their roles as professionals, recognizing their professional strengths and weaknesses and redefining their philosophies of education to facilitate exemplary classroom practice. Graduate students are prepared to become skilled in gathering information that connects theory to practice through informational technology systems, observing and mentoring master teachers and considering and critiquing a variety of research endeavors. They will be guided toward pedagogy that will serve as a foundation for improving their professional skills, and encouraged to experiment and modify their professional practices based on advanced educational theories. As educators, they will hone their skills to engage families and the community in the instructional program and to advocate for individual students when appropriate. The graduate faculty strive to develop quality educators who will be role models in both their professional and social communities. This goal is accomplished through guiding and supporting graduates to practice dynamic leadership by becoming Architects of Change.
MISSION OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
The John H. Lounsbury School of Education's particular mission is to: Assist career educators certified in the public school teaching fields of Early Childhood, Middle Grades, selected secondary school subject areas, and Special Education teaching fields of Interrelated Teacher, Behavior Disorders, Learning Disabilities, and Intellectual Disabilities to hone their professional skills in their respective areas of preparation through the provision of programs of excellence developing Architects of Change.
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Note: Tests scores must be less than 10 years of the time of admission.
MASTER OF EDUCATION
REGULAR ADMISSION
To be admitted as a regular graduate student in the degree program, an applicant must:
Submit a score on the Miller Analogies Test. To be granted regular admission status the applicant must score 70 on the SOE admission formula. The formula is: MAT score + (10 times the undergraduate grade point average-2.25 minimum)= 70. for example, an applicant having a MAT score of 40 and a 3.00 GPA would have an admission formula score of 40 + 30 = 7
PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
To be provisionally admitted to the degree program a person must:
OR
PROVISIONAL ADMISSION EXIT REQUIREMENTS
For those persons who meet provisional admission requirements, regular admission may be acquired by earning a B or better in the first 9 to 12 semester hours taken under provisional admission, providing those hours include EDFS 6230 and six hours in the chosen major with adviser approval. When these conditions are met, the student must meet with an assigned adviser to complete a Program of Graduate Study and submit that Program of Graduate Study to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. The student's status will change to regular admission after the submission of a completed Program of Graduate Study. Students who do not meet these conditions will not be permitted further enrollment in the Master of Education program.
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Applicants who apply too late for full consideration for admission and/or have not submitted all required documents for evaluation may be assigned Conditional Admission status. While in this status, a student may register for one semester (6 semester hours) only by completing a Georgia College & State University Conditional Registration Agreement for Graduate Students: this form requires the signature of both the student and the Assistant Dean of the Graduate Programs. Any student who registers under this agreement must be admitted to either Regular or Provisional status by the end of the first semester enrollment to continue taking courses in the degree program.
A student applying for the Master of Education degree may not take more that twelve hours in conditional and provisional status combined.
ADVISEMENT
The Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, in cooperation with the departmental chairpersons and program coordinators, assigns each regularly admitted student to an adviser in the chosen area of study. The Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs advises all provisionally admitted students until provisional requirements are completed and regular admission is achieved. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with the assigned adviser to develop an individualized program of study that meets the course work requirements. A signed program of study must be filed with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs in order to be fully admitted.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
The Master of Education degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work. Courses must be included in these categories: professional education, courses in the certification area, and additional program requirements or electives. This degree program must be completed within six years beginning with the initial date of course work included. Students may require more than the minimum 36 hours in order to qualify for certification in a particular program area.
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
REGULAR ADMISSION
To be admitted as a regular graduate student in the degree program, an applicant must:
PROVISIONAL/CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
There is no provisional or conditional admission classification for the Master of Arts in Teaching.
ADVISEMENT
The Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, in cooperation with the Foundations & Secondary Department Chairperson, assigns each fully admitted student to the mentor/teacher of the MAT cohort. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with this adviser to develop an individual program that meets the content area course work.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work. Courses must be completed in these categories: professional education, courses in the certification area and additional program requirements or electives. This degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of course work included. Students may require more than the minimum 36 hours in order to qualify for certification in a particular content area.
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.)
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT)
EXIT EXAMINATION
All students must pass a comprehensive departmental exit requirement before completion of the program. Students should check with their adviser or the department chairperson for specifics. Students not meeting this exit requirement will be unable to graduate until the requirement is met.
EXIT INTERVIEW
Student and adviser meet to discuss the exit requirement, review the program and complete a graduate student survey.
RESIDENCY
At least 27 of the required minimum of 36 semester hours must be earned in residence at Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville or Macon). Nine semester hours may be transferred from other institutions, if prior approval is given by the adviser and if the course work is no more than six years old at the time of completion of the Masters degree. All graduate programs must be completed within six years of the date of the initial course work listed on the Program of Graduate Study with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
COMPLETION CHECKLIST
SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION
REGULAR ADMISSION
The complete application, including all supporting papers should be filed with the Records Office of Enrollment Services no later than three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which the applicant proposes to begin advanced study.
To be admitted as a regular graduate student in the degree program, an applicant must also:
OR
Submit a score on the Miller Analogies Test. To be granted regular admission, the applicant must score a 77.5 on the SOE graduate admission formula. The formula is: MAT score + (10 times the Graduate GPA-3.25 minimum)= 77.5. For example, an applicant scoring 45 on the MAT and having a 3.25 Graduate GPA would have a graduate admission formula score of 45 + 32.5 = 77.5.
PROVISIONAL / CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
There is no provisional or conditional admission to the Specialist in Education Program.
ADVISEMENT
Each candidate for the Specialist in Education degree is assigned a graduate adviser in the selected area of specialization. The adviser will serve as a mentor to the Specialist Candidate and assist in proposing, scheduling and completing the Specialist in Education Program of Graduate Study. No grade below a B may be included toward meeting degree requirements.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
The Specialist in Education program requires work in two areas: course work studies and a program of activities for professional and personal development. Students are encouraged to consider national certification as a possible outcome of this advanced study. A minimum of 27 semester hours of course work beyond the Master of Education degree is required. Specialist programs must be completed, with the degree awarded, within four years of the initial coursework listed on the program of study.
THESIS OPTION
Candidates for the Specialist in Education degree who choose the thesis option must complete a Thesis which utilizes historical, experimental, or descriptive research methodologies. Before beginning the thesis, the candidate must have received approval from his/her graduate committee for this comprehensive study. A copy of the completed thesis must be given to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs in Education at least six (6) weeks prior to the date the student plans to graduate. The thesis will be discussed during a final oral examination. Oral examination must be scheduled two weeks in advance and must be held at least one week prior to graduation. The thesis is officially completed when all members of the committee and Graduate Dean have signed the final copy. After final approval, the student and the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs will arrange with the Director of the Libraries to have two copies of the completed thesis bound: one for the library and one for the School of Education. The original copy will be deposited in the library unbound.
YEAR LONG PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES
- With the initiation of the Specialist program, each candidate must complete a program of professional activities and development. A written plan, approved by the adviser must be submitted to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs before the program is begun. Activities in no less than four of the following areas are required.
- Be an active member of professional organization as evidenced by such activities as holding office, making presentations, or attending conferences and/or meetings.
- Engage in a program of professional reading as agreed upon by the adviser. (These readings would be in addition to the readings required for courses and/or thesis preparation).
- Engage in professional writing as evidenced by the preparation and submission to appropriate journals or other publishing formats of original articles or other creative endeavors.
- Provide service to the education profession as evidenced by such activities as serving on a textbook selection committee, SACS committee, serving on a beginning teacher assessment team, serving as a referee for a professional journal, offering workshops and presentations, and speaking to lay audiences.
- Demonstrate professional creativity through development of educational support materials such as, but not limited to, a curriculum model, text, media production, or computer assisted instruction program.
- Engage in visitation for the purpose of observing notable or exemplary education activities.
- Engage in travel for professional purposes such as acquiring cross-cultural insights. Developing additional skills, acquiring additional knowledge, and/or broadening professional contacts.
SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
A comprehensive department exit examination or portfolio must be successfully completed as part of the culminating activities for this program. Students should check with their adviser or the department chairpersons for specifics. Students not meeting this requirement will be unable to graduate until the requirement is met.
EXIT INTERVIEW
Student and adviser meet to discuss the exit examination, portfolio, review the program and complete a graduate student survey.
RESIDENCY
At least 21 of the minimum 27 semester hours of the Specialist degree must be completed at Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville or Macon). Six semester hours in the selected field of study may be transferred from other institutions upon the approval of the adviser and if the course work is no more than four years old at the time of completion of the program. All course work must be completed within four years of the date of the initial course work listed on the program. No grade below a B may be counted toward meeting degree requirements.
COMPLETION CHECKLIST
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TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
All teacher certification programs at the John H. Lounsbury School of Education are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The School of Education is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All degree programs at Georgia College & State University are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). All applicants for initial State of Georgia Teacher Certification or certified teachers wishing to add areas to their current State of Georgia Teacher Certification must attain a satisfactory score on the PRAXIS II in the chosen field.
Initial Certification(while completing a graduate degree program)
INITIAL CERTIFICATION
(WHILE COMPLETING A GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM)
The John H. Lounsbury School of Education offers degree programs that lead to initial certification at the graduate level in the following areas:
Master of Arts in Teaching (T5)
Master of Education Instructional Technology (S-5)
Master of Special Education (T5-long programs)
Graduate initial certification programs are individually designed to reflect the student's experience and training.
Students who complete an approved teacher certification program from the university may be recommended to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for certification. The initial certificate awarded by the Professional Standards Commission is the Professional Teaching Certificate. Preservice teachers applying for initial certification must:
1. Before enrolling in a program, take and pass all sections of Praxis I or the PPST for initial certification.
2. Have a 2.50 cumulative GPA on all course work taken prior to enrollment.
3. Successfully complete an individual certification program of choice at GCSU.
4. Pass the appropriate section of Praxis II for the certification area sought.
5. Complete the PSC certification application and file the completed form with all the necessary documentation intact with Certification Officer.
6. Be recommended by the School of Education Certification Officer.
All testing required for certification is administered by the Center for Testing of the Learning Services Department of the university. Personnel in the Center for Testing will provide information and suggest informational materials and brochures to assist in preparation for PRAXIS I (PPST), and PRAXIS II.
The final initial certification recommendation is a responsibility of the School of Education. The Certification Officer of the School of Education provides students information regarding the appropriate process for seeking certification in the State of Georgia. The College Recommendation Form, found in the application packet, is to be completed by the student and returned to the Certification Officer with a copy of the Praxis I (or PPST), Praxis II test scores and official transcripts of all college course work. The Certification Officer verifies for the Professional Standards Commission that the applicant has met the requirements for certification. Please note that the collection and submission of all documentation for teacher certification is the responsibility of the individual student. The office of the Certification Officer will assist and support the student during the collection of required information and upon submission of that information will file the certification application with the Professional Standards Commission.
The Professional Teacher Certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completion of six semester hours of acceptable college credit or its equivalent.
All teacher certification programs are subject to change in response to new requirements from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Students will be given appropriate notice of changes, and teacher education programs will be modified or adapted to meet the required change.
INITIAL NON-DEGREE CERTIFICATION
Georgia College & State University offers select initial non-degree, teacher certification programs. These programs require that a candidate meet the following criteria at the time of enrollment:
During the completion of the certification program of study, the candidate must pass the appropriate section(s) of Praxis II for the certification area sought. Please refer to the "Teacher Certification Programs" section of this catalog for information on applying for certification.
ADDING AND RENEWING CERTIFICATION
The graduate programs at the John H. Lounsbury School of Education offer teachers the opportunity to add new certification areas to already existing certificates or renew current certificates. Teachers who desire to add certification to an existing Georgia Certificate may apply for a transcript evaluation through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (application forms are available through the office of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs or through the local School Boards). Students wishing to add the areas of Leadership or Instructional Technology should contact the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs or individual Department Chairpersons for details. Once the requirements are established, the student should meet with the appropriate adviser for the necessary course work and required hours. Students desiring to renew their current certification should contact and register through the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs office. Assistance with certification is available through most Georgia School District Offices.
ENDORSEMENTS
Endorsement programs at the graduate level are offered to teachers wishing to add areas to their current State of Georgia Teacher Certification. The John H. Lounsbury School of Education offers endorsements in three areas:
1. Teaching English as a Second Language (P-12) (ESOL)
2. Teacher Support Specialist
3. Reading
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The Mildred English Curriculum Center was named to honor Mildred English, former director of the Peabody School, Georgia College & State University's teacher preparation laboratory school. This school functioned as both an elementary and secondary school in Baldwin County preparing children and youth. The elementary school enrolled both boys and girls, but the secondary school prepared young women for high school graduation.
The Curriculum Center is located on the first floor of the Kilpatrick Education Center. The center provides a site for preservice teachers to use in selecting and developing lessons and curriculum for their field experiences. The center also serves inservice graduate students and inservice teachers in the public schools as a curriculum resource.
Curriculum materials for all grade levels, professional journals for graduate and undergraduate students, and video tapes are available. Computer access to the materials in the Ina Dillard Russell Library and all the University System institutional libraries (GALILEO) is also available. The Nan Ingram Environmental Science Collection is located in the center. This special collection is available in conjunction with Georgia College & State University Science Initiative, a funded program from the Kaolin Foundation.
The director of the Mildred English Curriculum Center is a faculty member in the School of Education and is a certified librarian.
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Peabody Child and Family Center (PCFC) is administered by the John H. Lounsbury School of Education and is housed in the Kilpatrick Education Center on the Milledgeville Campus. Peabody Child and Family Center offers instructional programs for children from the community as well as child care arrangements for GCSU students, faculty, and staff. The instructional programs offered for children include a 4 year prekindergarten, a 3 year old preschool, and a toddler class. Child care services are available for children of students, faculty, and staff beginning at 3 months of age. Additional programs for children ages four through fourteen are offered in the summer. Enrollment for all PCFC programs is completed through an application process.
PCFC supports the mission of the JHL School of Education to prepare teachers who are agents of change in their classrooms and communities. PCFC programs further support the mission by providing quality programs for young children through the implementation of developmentally appropriate integrative curriculum. Through the programs offered by the center, PCFC provides not only a demonstration site but also a laboratory facility for Early Childhood majors and students from other programs to complete observation assignments, implement planned units of study, and interact with children in a variety of ways. Additionally, PCFC provides a setting in which both university faculty and students conduct research focused on the growth and development of children and the impact of these characteristics on families and communities. For potential teacher education candidates, there are opportunities for in depth observations, research projects, curriculum development, and practicum experiences while they are enrolled in education courses.
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The Center For Educational Leadership supports the School of Education's mission to train educational leaders for the twenty-first century. These Architects of Change will provide dynamic leadership for schools and school systems which creates a learned community of empowered staff and students. This underpinning and focus for systemic change is the basis for developing collaborative school/community partnerships to nurture progressive growth. The center has three functions. The first is to prepare leaders utilizing current and past school administrators and the community at large. The second is research concentrated in the study of effective leader behaviors in education and involves the aforementioned group. The last function is supporting an interdisciplinary training approach in the preparation of these educational practitioners. Center Associates are civic and business leaders, School of Education faculty who have concentrated study in the area of Educational Leadership, and selected administrators and faculty from across the university.
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