Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education

1. at Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education A Degree Completion Partnership

2. Introductions … Brian Bercier Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education Thomas Bissonnette Fitchburg State at NECC Program Coordinator Kathleen McCoy Assistant Director, Graduate & International Admissions

3. Conceptual Framework

4. #1 Communication & Literacy Test (REQUIRED FOR MATRICULATION) Reading (Testing YOUR reading ability) Writing (Testing YOUR writing ability) #2 for Early Childhood (Content tests) Foundations of Reading (How to teach reading) Early Childhood Content Test #2 for Elementary Education (Content tests) Foundations of Reading (How to teach reading) General Curriculum Fitchburg State University Offers Preparation Sessions for these tests through the Tutor Center and the Center for Professional Studies Erin O’Brien at NECC has information on prep classes as well.

5. Education Unit Assessment System Component One Graduation, Licensure and Entry to the Profession GATE FOUR Stage Three Review Exit from the Program GATE THREE . Stage Three Activities GATE TWO Stage Two Review GATE ONE Stage Two Activities Stage One Review Acceptance to the Practicum Stage One Activities Acceptance to an Educator Licensure Program Acceptance to the University

6. Gate 1 Entrance to the University: Joint Admissions: The Joint Admissions program between Fitchburg State University and the 15 Massachusetts community colleges guarantees students in designated majors admission to approved programs at Fitchburg State University after the completion of their associate’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students must sign up for Joint Admissions while attending their community college. Please contact your community college transfer office for more information. Transcripts: Send official transcripts from ALL colleges attended to: Registrar’s Office Fitchburg State University 160 Pearl Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 GATE ONE

7. Gate 1 Entrance to the University: MassTransfer has two main purposes: Provide community college students who complete associate degrees and enroll in linked MassTransfer programs with the full transfer of credit, guaranteed admission, and a tuition discount (each based on final GPA) Provide any student in the Massachusetts public higher education system who completes the MassTransfer Block with the benefit of satisfying the general education/distribution/core requirements at Fitchburg State (with Fitchburg State able to add no more than six additional credits or two courses) Transcripts: Send official transcripts from ALL colleges attended to: Registrar’s Office Fitchburg State University 160 Pearl Street Fitchburg, MA 01420

8. Stage I Review considers: (Completed at 45 hours) Successful completion of a Stage I Review constitutes Formal Admission to Educator Licensure Programs. • GPA (2.5) • Successful Passage of Communications & Literacy MTEL (Take right after Writing II if possible) • Dispositions: A Candidate Disposition Form is completed for each teacher candidate by instructors for education courses; must have 2 for this stage review.    • Pre-Practicum Performance: Pre-practicum hours are required in each education class. One field supervisor will fill out a Candidate Disposition Form.   

9. Enter through Gate 2 Successful Completion of a Stage I Review! GATE TWO

10. Enter Stage II • Participate in Stage II activities • Specific Courses (Education major courses) • Designated Field Experiences • Passage of the Foundations of Reading AND either the General Curriculum (Elementary) or the Early Childhood Content MTEL • Complete a Stage II Review with your advisor

11. Stage II Review Considers: • MTEL Scores (Content) • Early Childhood • Foundations of Reading • Early childhood • Elementary • Foundations of Reading • General Curriculum • GPA (3.0 in the major, 2.75 overall) • Dispositions Assessments (total of 4; 2 at Stage I, 2 at Stage II) • Pre-Practicum Performance

12. Enter through Gate 3 Acceptance to the practicum! GATE THREE

13. Student Teaching Two practicum placements are recommended with at least one placement in an urban setting or school where at least 20% of the students are from diverse backgrounds and include English language learners and children with exceptionalities. 1. Select from grades 1-3 for 8 weeks 2. Select from grades 4-6 for 8 weeks OR 1. Full semester in one grade with gradual increase in responsibility with at least one week assuming full responsibility. If choosing this option, the placement must be in an urban setting.

14. Student Teaching Early Childhood Education: Two practicum placements are required with at least one placement in an urban setting or school where at least 20% of the students are from diverse backgrounds and include English language learners and children with exceptionalities. 1. Select from grades Pre-K-K (minimum 6 weeks) 2. Select from grades 1-2 (8-10 weeks dependent on number of weeks in Pre-K setting.)

15. Graduation, Licensure and Entry to the Profession GATE FOUR Exit from the Program

16. Next Steps … CONTACT INFORMATION