Title II Section 307 of Title II of the Higher Education Act mandates that the Department of Education collect data on state assessments, other requirements, and standards for teacher licensure as well as data on the performance of teacher preparation programs. In Arkansas, a system of multiple measures is used to determine the quality of teacher education candidates. For demonstration of basic skills competence, candidates must pass the Pre-Professional Skills Tests, a test in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as the PRAXIS II series appropriate to their teaching areas. The PRAXIS II tests address pedagogy and content area knowledge.
Program Transitions/Admission Requirements: There are three specific transition points in the Lyon College Teacher Education Program, including Transition One: Pre-Admission, Transition Two: Admission to Internship, and Transition Three: Exit from Program. Transition One: Pre-Admission Requirements These requirements must be met prior to the fall semester of the junior year as Lyon teacher education candidates enroll for their first practicum class. Upon enrolling in the class, students will have to provide documentation of a 2.5 GPA from Lyon or a transfer institution and passing scores on all parts of the Praxis I exam. It is also recommended that before enrolling in practicum students should formally declare education as a major or added concentration and complete EDU 202 Overview of Teaching (or a comparable transfer course) with a C or better grade. Transition Two: LATEC Interview/Admission to Internship During the spring semester of the junior year, Lyon Teacher Education candidates make application for a formal interview with LATEC (Liberal Arts Teacher Education Committee) for their yearlong senior student teaching internship placement. The following materials are to be assembled and turned in electronically prior to the admission to internship interview: • Student Intern Information Form • Philosophy of Education Statement from EDU 202 or from transfer students a typed statement explaining why you want to be a teacher • Electronic Copy of Praxis I scores • Video sample of student instructing children of appropriate age and in an appropriate field of study • Names and email addresses of three references willing to complete candidate recommendation forms
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