Office of Student Services and Certification

Graduation

All students, regardless of date of initial coursework, must meet the following requirements for graduation:

* A grade of C or better in their professional coursework. GPAs of 2.5. or 2.75 (whichever applies) overall in professional studies
* Passing appropriate exit examination(s)

NOTE: Students must have a 2.75 in their professional studies and in their major teaching field in order to do the internship. Some majors require a 2.5 in the teaching field. A transfer student must have a 2.75 (or 2.5 when applicable) in the UA teaching courses and in the overall teaching field courses.

Secondary education majors will meet 6 hours of 'C'-designated coursework in the professional studies courses.

Certification

Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program Basic Skills and Praxis II Content

Anyone who applies for professional education certification, or alternative and preliminary certification, must meet the requirements of the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program (APTTP) as a precondition for certification. The APTTP consists of a basic skills assessment and the Praxis II subject area test. The basic skills assessment is required prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP).

Beginning fall semester, 2006, a passing score on the Praxis II subject area test will be required prior to internship. The information below will help you register and prepare for the appropriate test and complete the online registration form.

The website for Praxis II registration is www.ets.org/praxis. Select “State Requirements” and then select “Alabama” to find the appropriate test for you. You may also contact the Office of Student Services at 348-6073 to obtain assistance about the appropriate test and the required score for your teaching field area.

Test At A Glance provides detailed information about specific tests. It is imperative that you download a free copy and take the practice test.

The University of Alabama is now a test site. The UA test site code is 02888.

Scores should be sent to both the UA and the Alabama Department of Education. The UA score recipient code is 1858. The State Department score recipient code is 7020. The student will also receive a copy of the scores.

Test study guides are on reserve in the Education Library. The Office of Student Services, located in 104 Carmichael, also has study guides available for student use.

ALABAMA PROSPECTIVE TEACHER TESTING PROGRAM (APTTP): HIGHLY QUALIFIED CRITERIA AND PRAXIS II TESTS
Updated Praxis II scores may be found on both the Alabama State Department of Education website (www.alsde.edu) and the Alabama State Requirements section of the Educational Testing Service website (www.ets.org).

Certification Forms

Any University student who plans to teach in Alabama after graduation must file the proper application form for a certificate. Forms are available and are filed in the Office of Student Services and Certification in 104 Carmichael Hall. Applications should be filed at least one semester in advance of graduation. A student who does not apply for professional licensure within five years after completing the state-approved program may be required to fulfill additional, current requirements. Students who plan to teach in other states must secure the proper professional licensure application forms from those states' departments of education. The assistant dean for student services in the College of Education has been designated the teacher certification officer for the University. Students who need information about or assistance with certification should consult the assistant dean for student services.

According to regulations mandated by the Alabama State Board of Education, the College of Education ensures that "a candidate's competency to begin his or her professional role in schools is assessed prior to completion of the program and/or recommendation for certification" and establishes, publishes, and implements "policies to guarantee the success of individuals who complete its approved programs and are employed in their area(s) of specialization." The College of Education provides "remediation at no cost to such individuals who are recommended . . . and are deemed to be unsatisfactory based on performance evaluations established by the State Board of Education and within two years after program completion."