College of Education
Admissions
Admission Requirements
Effective Fall 2009 (transfer students review transition information)
The COE is a secondary admissions unit. Admission requirements are those that appear in the catalog at the time of unit application. Unless otherwise noted, all requirements must be complete at the time of COE application.
In keeping with National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) guidelines and unit policies, Undergraduate Teacher Education considers students who fulfill the following criteria:
1. Academic Achievement.
a. An established 2.7 Grand Valley GPA overall and in the teaching major, minor, and education major/professional program. Some teaching majors may require a higher GPA*. Consult the catalog. The minimum Grand Valley GPA must be established by the time of application.
(1) Most general education requirements completed
(2) Sufficient progress in the teaching major as determined by advisor
(3) Sufficient progress in the minor as determined by advisor
(4) At least one meeting completed with assigned College of Education Advisor
(6) All remaining requirements met
b. Secondary Review Process: An established 2.699 - 2.50 Grand Valley GPA overall and in the teaching major, minor and education major/professional program
(1) Most general education requirements completed
(2) Most requirements in the teaching major completed as determined by advisor
(3) Subject area and certification tests taken and passed during the semester application is submitted. (e.g. Sept. applicants take October or November test; Feb. applicants take January or April tests)
Secondary candidates take teaching major and minor tests
Elementary candidates take elementary test and teaching major test
Special Education candidates take elementary test only
(4) Two meetings completed with assigned education advisor and signed Secondary Review Process form submitted with application
(5) All remaining application requirements met
2. Michigan Basic Skills Test. A passing score in each of the three areas of reading, mathematics, and writing as established by the Michigan Department of Education. Students may take the test during the semester of application.
3. Prerequisite courses may be in progress during the semester of application, but preference will be given to candidates who have completed the requirements at the time of application. A GPA of 2.7 or better must be established in these three courses, with no grade lower than C.
a. ED 315 Diverse Perspectives on Education
b. ED 337 Introduction to Learning and Assessment (elementary and secondary general education students only)
c. PSY 301 Child Development
Additional required prerequisites for elementary and special education candidates:
a. ENG 308 Teaching Reading: The Necessary Skills
b. MTH 221 or 222 or 223 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I or II or III
4. Advisor Recommendations. One from the teaching major advisor/department (Elementary and Secondary General Education only) and another from a College of Education advisor.
5. Positive Recommendation. One from an individual who can address the candidate's ability as a prospective teacher.
6. Experience. Documentation of 25 hours of experience with children or youth. The experience must be with the age group for which the applicant intends to seek certification. This would rule out, for example, working in the university tutoring center. Special education candidates should have experience working with persons with disabilities, e.g., camp experience, Special Olympics, respite care. For additional options, contact the Community Service Learning Center.
7. Academic Progress. Completion of at least 60 semester credits and junior status.
8. University Basic Skills. Completion of university course requirements or test equivalents in Writing 150 and Mathematics 110.
9. Negative TB Test Report. Current at the time of application.
10. Felony Conviction Statement. Review procedures for those who have been convicted or pled no contest to a felony or certain misdemeanors are available from the College of Education. Conviction or a plea of no contest may cause the candidate to be denied for admission, field placement, or final certification.
11. Copies of degree analysis and current course listings of classes being taken at another college or university.
12. Two copies of current resume on plain white paper.
All admissions decisions will be rendered by the Dean of the College of Education based on faculty recommendations.
Occasionally, an outstanding candidate who does not meet GPA requirements, may be considered for Secondary Review admission based on other rigorous performance standards.
Application Procedures
Deadlines for aplication to Undergraduate Teacher Education are September 15 for winter admissions and field placement; February 1 for fall admission and field placement. Application packets are available at the Student Information and Services Center. Packets must be complete at the time of application. Students who postpone admission must reapply. Students should apply during the semester before they expect to do their first field placement (Education 330, 331), except for the following:
1. Students seeking elementary certification with special education endorsements must apply during the winter semester (February 1) for fall admission.
2. Students seeking a major in music education must apply during the winter semester (February 1) for fall admission (i.e. fall Teacher Assisting).
3. Students seeking a major in World Languages must pass the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) prior to their student teaching semester.
Page last modified August 5, 2011
