Welcome to Western Illinois University and the College of Education & Human Services

1. Welcome to Western Illinois University and the College of Education & Human Services

2. College of Education & Human Services Bilingual/Bicultural Education Elementary/Early Childhood Special Education Secondary Education (6-12) & Special (K-12) programs

3. What to Expect • 120 semester hours minimum (or more depending on major). • Approximately 15 hours a semester. • 12 hour minimum to be a full time student. • 15 semester hours = approximately 15 hours in class (labs or electives may add one hour per week). • For every 1 semester hour of a course in class a student should expect to study a minimum of 2 hours outside of class. • Example: 3 credit hour class = 6 hour minimum study time per week.

4. First Year Experience • All freshmen will enroll in two FYE courses, one fall semester and one spring semester. • FYE courses have been designed to equip students with the skills to become life-long learners. • Small in size – 15 to 18 students per class. • FYE courses will be general education courses. • FYE course numbers are designated with a Y.

5. STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES • If this is something you are interested in talk with your advisor today. • We recommend you complete the study abroad during the second semester of sophomore year. • It is critical that you start planning today to ensure you have the correct courses available to take during this experience. • Late planning, could require an additional semester in your program. • Summer study abroad opportunities are also available.

6. Explanation of General Education • I. Communication (9 s.h.) • II. Natural Sciences/Mathematics (10-16 s.h.) • III. Social Sciences (9 s.h.) • IV. Humanities & Fine Arts (9 s.h.) • V. Multicultural Studies (3 s.h.) • VI. Human Well Being (3 s.h.) Similar to what you had to do to graduate from high school. General education curriculum requires that you take certain classes in specific areas.

7. General Education • The Illinois State Board of Education requires all candidates seeking teacher certification to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all directed general education courses, all core courses and all courses in the option. Note: C- is below a C. This includes ENG 180, 280, COMM 241 and the specified math course for each major.

8. Typical First Semester Schedule Course S.H. English Composition 3 Humanities /Fine Arts 3 Social Science 3 Multi-cultural 3 Natural Science/Math 3-4 Total 15-16 Refer to General Education Curriculum Sheet in your folder

9. Student Degree Plan • All students along with their advisors will create a Student Degree Plan. This plan will include general education, major requirements. • This plan along with the WARD (Western’s Audit of Requirements for Degrees) Report is used in advising sessions to ensure that students complete all courses required for graduation. • Both the Student Degree Plan and WARD are available on STARS.

10. TEACHER EDUCATIONGENERAL INFORMATION • Teacher Education programs are not available for GRAD Trac. • Bilingual Education • K-9th grade (self-contained classroom) • 5 year program. • Some summer work may be needed. • Study abroad required during junior year. • Additional Spanish courses may be needed. • Must become proficient in oral and written Spanish • Early Childhood Program • Birth-3rd grade • 4 year program requires summer work or 18 s.h. each semester. • Sequential program. • Elementary Education • K-9th grade (self-contained classroom) • 4 – 4 ½ year program. • Sequential program.

11. Teacher Education General Information Continued…. • Special Education Program • K-High School • 4 ½ year program. • Sequential program. • Dual Certification Program • Student’s major in Special Education, receive certification for both Special Education and Elementary Education. • Take additional Elementary Education required courses. • 5 year program; some summer work may be needed. • Physical Education • K-12 • 4 year program • Sequential program

12. GPA Requirement • 2.75 cumulative and major GPA for entrance to Teacher Education Program (end of 3rd semester) and junior/senior level departmental courses. (PE requires minimum 2.50 GPA) • 2.5 needed for all freshmen/sophomore level major departmental courses. • SPED & ECH majors must earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA their first semester to enroll in the first major course during the second semester freshman year. • Elementary and Bilingual majors need the 2.50 minimum GPA by end of freshman year to enroll in their first major course, first semester sophomore year.

13. Teacher Education Program (TEP) • Must meet all requirements by end of sophomore year: • 2.75 (2.50 for PE) cumulative & major GPA. • Minimum grade of “C” in ENG 180, 280, COMM 241 and required MATH course. • Reflective Paper I • ICTS Basic Skills Test: $86 (paper-based test). • Technology Competency Assessment: $25 • On-line Safety Training • FBI & Illinois State Police Fingerprint Investigation: $52-$54 • National Sex Offender, Convicted Methamphetamine Manufacturer and Illinois State Police Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registries will also be checked.

14. ICTS CERTIFICATION TESTS • State Basic Skills. • Required for entrance into TEP (sophomore year). • Content Tests. • Required for student teaching clearance. • SPED & BIED majors have 2 content tests. • Dual Certification requires 3 content tests • Assessment of Professional Teaching. • Required for certification. Paper based test fees: $60 plus $26 processing fee

15. PRE-CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCES • Students will complete a variety of field experiences prior to student teaching semester • Observations • Tutoring/aiding in the classroom • “Block” pre-student teaching • All placement arrangements are made by the instructor • Student will be responsible for their own transportation (within 50-60 miles of campus)

16. STUDENT TEACHING • Apply for student teaching one year prior. • Student chooses region they wish to teach in, placement is made by WIU officials. • Student Teaching Regions. • Chicago suburbs (requires 3.0 GPA and most require an interview). • Chicago city. • Quad Cities. • Western Central Illinois. • Requirements. • Acceptance to TEP. • All course work must be completed. • Successful completion of all required content tests. • Successful completion of ELL modules • TB skin test. • FBI and Illinois State Police Fingerprint Investigation. • National Sex Offender, Convicted Methamphetamine Manufacturer and Illinois State Police Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registries will be checked

17. E-MAIL Accounts • It is important to activate (www.wiu.edu/guava) and check your WIU email regularly. • Financial Aid information, mid-term and semester grades, registration information, billing statements are all sent to your email. Faculty and Advisors will also contact you through this email address. • Keep your WIU e-mail account separate from your personal email.

18. STARS Student/Alumni Records System Account • Allows you to register online. • Check your grades. • Billing information. • Financial Aid information. • Student Degree Plans. • WARD (Western’s Audit of Graduation Requirements for Degree). • Request transcripts and much more!

19. Advising Resources There are 4 main resources used in Academic Advising, and they are provided to you by the university: • Undergraduate Catalog (pick up in September). • General Education Handbook (in folder). • Student Handbook (will be distributed in the fall). • Teacher Education Handbook (www.wiu.edu/cpep)

20. Advisor/Advisee Relationship • The advisor can be the first contact to go to for information and help. • Registration Assistance. • Degree Plan questions. • Policy questions. • Grade appeals. • One mandatory meeting minimum each semester prior to registration.

21. Advisor/Family Member Relationship • Initial resource and referral. • General concepts, procedures and policies. • Due to FERPA (Federal Education Right to Privacy Act) advisors cannot release information to family members without the consent of the student and appropriate documentation on file with the university.

22. Questions This presentation is available for review on our web site:www.wiu.edu/cpep

23. Trial Class Schedule