SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Linda Irwin-DeVitis, Dean
Carol Bader, Assistant Dean
Sam Basinger, Graduate Admissions Coordinator sam.basinger@gcsu.edu

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 worldwide.

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 educator preparation 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), the Georgia Frameworks for Teaching, 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 the 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 Educational Leadership and Educational Technology including Library Media and Instructional Technology. The Master of Education in Music is offered through the School of Arts and Sciences.

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. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education leads to initial certification in special education. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Health and Physical Education is located in the Department of Kinesiology in the School of Health Sciences.

Additional advanced education is available through the sixth year, Educational Specialist Degree, in the areas of Educational Leadership; Special Education; and Curriculum & Instruction with emphases in Early Childhood, Middle Grades and Secondary Education.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

In forming a conceptual framework designed to meet the needs of today's students GCSU's School of Education focuses on what educators should know and be able to do in order to help students. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC), the Georgia Framework for Teaching, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (the National Board) set standards for teacher education, beginning teacher licensing, and advanced certification; they offer the most powerful tools we have for improving the profession. These standards and the assessments that grow out of them identify what it takes to be an effective teacher:

1. subject-matter expertise coupled with the competencies of how children learn and develop;
2. skill in using a range of teaching strategies and technologies;
3. sensitivity and effectiveness in working with students from diverse backgrounds;
4. ability to work well with parents and other teachers; and the
5. assessment expertise to know how well children are learning and what needs to be done next to meet individual needs.

The standards define the educator as an instructional leader who orchestrates learning experience in response to curriculum goals and student needs and who challenges students to high levels of Independent performance. At the graduate level, teachers are expected to be leaders within their classrooms, schools, and districts. By incorporating these standards into a conceptual framework, the School of Education believes that graduates of its programs will be fully prepared to meet the educational challenges of the future.

Georgia College & State University John H. Lounsbury School of Education has chosen the theme Educators as Architects of Change as the conceptual framework for the professional experience offered by GCSU. This framework is constructed upon a professional knowledge base which focuses on the following core concepts:

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

The John H. Lounsbury School of Education's particular mission is to:

1. Actively recruit and admit a high-quality, diverse, graduate population.
2. Assist career educators certified in the public school teaching fields of Early Childhood, Middle Grades, Secondary, and Special Education to hone their professional skills in their respective areas of preparation and to develop as Architects of Change.
3. Prepare educators for initial certification at the graduate level in the areas of secondary, special education, and library media.
4. Prepare administrators for initial and advanced certification.
5. Serve public schools with in-service education and technical assistance.
6. Support educational research and scholarship that will enhance instructional effectiveness and sustain program quality and standards.
7. Provide instructionally excellent programs that support the developing educator's effectiveness in meeting the needs of all students in the public schools.
8. Provide opportunities for educators to select learning experiences that will increase their global knowledge, understanding of and appreciation for diversity.

ADMISSION POLICY

Note: The School of Education does not offer a conditional or provisional registration option.

MASTER OF EDUCATION

MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.ED.)

The M.Ed. is a master's program for students in the education profession. The M.Ed. in teaching areas requires candidates to have or be eligible for certifications at the T4 level. GCSU offers the teaching M.Ed. in the following areas:

• M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (path to T5 certification)
• M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education (path to T5 certification)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education (path to T5 certification)
• M.Ed. in Integrated Special Education (path to T5 certification)
• Additionally, we offer the M.Ed. in service and leadership areas:
• M.Ed. in Educational Technology (Service)
• Library Media (path to Service S5 certification)
• Instructional Technology (There is no state certification in this field)
• M.Ed. in School Counseling (path to Service S5 certification) This program is pending.
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (path to Leadership L5 certification)

PREREQUISITES

1. Pass an on-site writing assessment /education/writing.html
2. Meet minimal Grade Point Average (Early Childhood M.Ed. and Middle Grades M.Ed. = 2.75; Secondary and Library Media = 2.5; others 2.25)
3. Hold or be eligible for a clear renewable, level four (4) Georgia Teacher Certificate-except Educational Technology Programs

ADMISSION

To be admitted as a graduate student in a M.Ed. degree program, an applicant must:

1. Submit a University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable,
2. Submit two professional recommendations (pdf) using the School of Education format,
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, and
4. Submit verification of immunization (pdf)

Applicants must also satisfy all GACE requirements, where appropriate; submit to a criminal background check; and have a Program of Graduate Study approved, signed and filed.

ADVISEMENT

The Department Chairperson, in cooperation with the departmental admission committees and program coordinators, assigns each admitted student to an advisor in the chosen area of study. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with the assigned advisor to develop an individualized program of study that meets the course work requirements. A signed program of study must be filed with the Departmental Chairperson in order to be fully admitted.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EMPHASIS

The core for the majority of the M.Ed. programs at GCSU is school improvement. In this program, educators focus on issues central to school improvement while also learning about best practices in their fields (e.g. early childhood, middle grades, secondary, special education, leadership, and educational technology). Based on data gathered in their own schools, educators begin to examine questions such as "What is school improvement? How does change occur? What changes need to be made at my school to best facilitate student learning?" Participants have the opportunity to enroll in classes with other educators from their school, thus creating a cluster of individuals ready to address school improvement as a team. This work is negotiated among educators, their administration, and professors. Through this experience, teachers examine their school and create a plan for investigating a problem and developing new practices. Results of school improvement interventions are shared with a wider professional community.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Master of Education degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work in professional education, the certification area, and program requirements or electives. The degree program must be completed within six years beginning with the initial date of course work. Students may be required to take more than the minimum 36 hours in order to qualify for certification in initial certification programs. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the appropriate departmental chairperson prior to enrollment. Grades below a C do not fulfill degree requirements.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Applications can be accessed at: /education/assistantships.html

PROGRAM ORIENTATION

A required orientation program for new students in M.Ed. programs is held at the beginning of each semester. Please check the School of Education website for details: http:/education

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (M.A.T.)

The M.A.T. is a graduate program for students who are not certified to teach. Students must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. GCSU offers the M.A.T. in the following areas:

• M.A.T. in Secondary Education (path to Teacher T5 certification)
• M.A.T. in Special Education (path to Teacher T5 certification)

PREREQUISITES

1. Pass an on-site writing assessment (/education/writing.html)
2. Meet minimal undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on all course work attempted, at each institution attended, in which letter grades were awarded
3. Pass (or exempt) the GACE Basic Assessment

ADMISSION

For the admissions process applicants:

1. Submit a University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable
2. Submit two professional recommendations (pdf) using the School of Education format
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
4. Submit verification of immunization (pdf)
5. M.A.T.-Secondary Only: Submit program application
6. M.A.T.-Secondary Only: Submit GACE Content Assessment Scores
7. Submit to a background check. (This will be done after you are accepted to a program.)

PROGRAM ORIENTATIONS

A required orientation program for new students in M.A.T. programs is held prior to the start of the program.

ADVISEMENT

The Departmental Chairpersons, in cooperation with the departmental admission committees and program coordinators, assign each fully admitted student to a Mentor Leader of the M.A.T. cohort. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with this Mentor Leader.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work. The degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of course work. Students may be required to take additional semester hours in order to qualify for certification in a particular content area. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the Department Chairperson.

The Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education requires a minimum of 48 semester hours of coursework. This degree program must be completed within six years, beginning with the initial date of course work.

EXIT REQUIREMENTS

All students must pass a comprehensive departmental exit requirement before completion of the program. Usually this exit requirement includes an electronic portfolio. Students should check with their assigned program advisor or the department chairperson for specifics. Students must pass this exit requirement to graduate.

COHORT MODEL

Both the M.A.T. in Secondary Education and the M.A.T. in Special Education are offered in cohort models in which groups of students begin and end programs at the same time. The M.A.T. Secondary Education cohorts begin in the summer semesters only. The M.A.T. Special Education cohorts begin in the spring semesters only.

COMPLETION CHECKLIST

1. Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all work attempted.
2. Submit an application for graduation by the deadline posted on the University academic calendar.
3. Successfully complete the degree requirements.
4. Submit passing GACE certification test scores, The College Recommendation for Certification form, and all necessary documentation to the School of Education Certification Officer.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Details and an application can be found at /education/assistantships.html

SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION

The Specialist in Education Degree (Ed.S.) provides advanced study for qualified master educators. The program of study:

1. Builds upon work completed at the master's level
2. Strengthens and extends professional, pedagogical, and content knowledge
3. Prepares advanced practitioners to be Architects of Change and leaders in the professional community

GCSU OFFERS THE Ed.S. IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Early Childhood (path to T6 certification)
• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Middle Grades (path to T6 certification)
• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Secondary Education (path to T6 certification)
• Ed.S. with a Major in Educational Leadership (path to L6 certification)
• Ed.S. with a Major in Special Education (path to T6 certification)

PREREQUISITES

1. Pass an on-site writing assessment
2. Meet minimal Grade Point Average of 3.25
3. Be eligible for a clear renewable, level five (5) State of Georgia Certification (except Library Media)
4. Verify two years teaching experience

ADMISSION
For the admissions process applicants:

1. Submit a University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable.
2. Submit two professional recommendations (pdf) using the School of Education format.
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (except GCSU)
4. Submit verification of immunization (pdf)
5. Complete any additional specific program requirements.

ADVISEMENT

Each candidate for the Specialist in Education degree is assigned a graduate advisor who serves as a mentor to the Specialist Candidate and assists in proposing, scheduling and completing the Specialist in Education Program of Graduate Study.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Specialist in Education program requires a minimum of 27 semester hours of course work beyond the Master of Education degree. Specialist programs must be completed, with the degree awarded, within four years of the initial coursework listed on the program of study. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment, and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the office of the Department Chairperson. Grades below a B do not fulfill degree requirements.

PROGRAM ORIENTATIONS

A required orientation program for new students in Ed.S. programs will be held prior to each semester. Please check the School Of Education website for details. /education/

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Details and an application can be found at /education/assistantships.html

YEAR LONG PROGRAM OF PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR SOME PROGRAM

(Check with your advisor if the year long program of professional activities is required in your degree program.)

1. With the initiation of the Specialist program, each candidate must complete a program of professional activities and development. A written plan, approved by the advisor must be submitted to the Coordinator of Graduate Programs before the program is begun. Activities in no less than four of the following areas are required.
2. Be an active member of professional organization as evidenced by such activities as holding office, making presentations, or attending conferences and/or meetings.
3. Engage in a program of professional reading as agreed upon by the advisor. (These readings would be in addition to the readings required for courses and/or thesis preparation).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Engage in visitation for the purpose of observing notable or exemplary education activities.
8. Engage in travel for professional purposes such as acquiring cross-cultural insights to develop additional skills, acquire additional knowledge, and/or broaden professional contacts.

EXIT REQUIREMENTS

All students must pass a comprehensive departmental exit requirement and fulfill degree requirements to graduate. Students should check with their assigned program advisor for specifics.

TRANSIENT CREDIT

Six semester hours in the selected field of study may be transferred from other accredited institutions with prior approval of the advisor. The transient permission form can be found at /registrar/pdf/TransientPermissionForm.pdf

COMPLETION CHECKLIST

Please refer to individual departments for specific completion requirements.

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 must attain satisfactory scores on both the GACE Basic Skills Assessment and the GACE Content Assessment. Applicants who are adding areas to a current State of Georgia Teacher Certification must attain satisfactory scores on GACE Content Assessment in the field to be added.

All applicants for initial State of Georgia Teacher Certification must submit to a background check.

Applicants pursuing initial certification must complete a program at GCSU and be recommended by the GCSU certification officer.

This recommendation is not required for applicants pursuing advanced certification.

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—Secondary Education grades 6-12 (T-5)

• Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, English, French, History, Math, Political Science, and Spanish (6-12)
• Art (P-12)

Master of Arts in Teaching—Special Education grades P-12 (T-5)

Master of Education—Educational Technology (S-5)

Library Media—only students completing the Library Media program are eligible for a State of Georgia Service Certificate (S-5)

Master of Education--Educational Leadership (L-5)

Students who complete an approved teacher (T) certification program from GCSU may be recommended to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for initial certification. Pre-service teachers applying for initial certification must:

1. Take and pass (or exempt) all sections of the GACE Basic Skills Assessment before enrolling in a program.
2. Have a 2.50 cumulative GPA on all course work taken prior to enrollment.
3. Successfully meet all initial certification degree requirements.
4. Pass the appropriate section of the GACE Content Assessment 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.
7. Submit to a criminal background.
8. Verify immunization.

The final recommendation for initial certification 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 (/certification/Application%20for%20Certification%20GA.pdf), is completed by the student and returned to the Certification Officer with a copy of the GACE Basic Skills and the GACE Content Assessment 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 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.

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.

NON-DEGREE PROGRAMS

A person who holds a baccalaureate degree and a valid state educational certificate who wishes to enroll in graduate courses for the purposes of self-improvement, certification renewal or enjoyment may be admitted for graduate study in a non-degree status. Should the student later decide to transfer to a degree seeking category, no more than 12 semester hours of credit earned while in this category may be applied toward a graduate degree program and then only if approved by the coordinator of the degree program desired. Students in non-degree programs are not eligible for financial aid.

GCSU offers non-degree programs in four areas:

1. Add-on certification in Educational Leadership
2. Add-on certification in Library Media
3. Endorsement in Reading
4. Endorsement in Early Childhood Mathematics

Students must already be certified in order to enroll in any of the School of Education's Non-degree programs.

PREREQUISITES

The non-degree programs require that a candidate meet the following criteria at the time of enrollment:

1. Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all course work taken before the initiation the non-degree program.
2. Have taken and passed all section of GACE Basic Skills Assessment for initial certification where appropriate.

ADMISSION

Non-degree applicants must submit the following:

1. University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
3. Copy of current Teaching Certificate
4. Verification of immunization.

Note: During the completion of the certification program, the candidate must pass the appropriate section(s) of GACE Content Assessment for the certification area sought.

ADD-ON CERTIFICATION IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP OR EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY (NON-DEGREE PROGRAMS)

Students wishing to add new areas of Leadership or Educational Technology to an existing master's degree should contact the individual Department Chairpersons for details. Once the requirements are established, the student should meet with the appropriate advisor to complete a program of study including necessary course work and required hours. Students in non-degree programs are not eligible for financial aid.

ENDORSEMENTS IN READING OR EARLY CHILDHOOD MATHEMATICS (NON-DEGREE PROGRAMS)

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: Reading and Early Childhood Mathematics. Students in endorsement programs are not eligible for financial aid unless the endorsement program is included on an official Program of Study for a degree.

ENRICHMENT COURSES—(NON-DEGREE)

A person who holds a baccalaureate degree and a teaching certificate may enroll in graduate courses as an enrichment student for the purposes of self-improvement, certification renewal or enjoyment. Students in enrichment programs are not eligible for financial aid. Should the student later decide to transfer to a degree seeking category, no more than 12 semester hours of credit earned while in this category may be applied toward a graduate degree program and then only if approved by the coordinator of the degree program desired. Students who transfer to a degree program must meet the admissions requirements for that program including passing the Graduate Writing Assessment.