2012-2013 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Department of Education and Human Services
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Graduate Degree Programs
The College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions awards master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. All of these programs are framed within the concepts and practice of the reflective practitioner: students develop their professional skills and knowledge while engaged in reflective practice.
The Department of Educational Leadership offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) (see Education, Ed.D. ).
Testing Required in Teacher Preparation Programs
Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST): Academic Skills Assessments for Prospective Teachers
The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) has been implemented by the State of Connecticut to ensure that candidates for teacher preparation are competent in skills (mathematics, reading, and writing) that are considered essential for teacher education candidates. Students who wish to be recommended for certification must either achieve a satisfactory score on each component of the Praxis I PPST or apply and receive a Praxis I waiver.
Praxis I Waiver
The Praxis I waiver may be attained if a student has achieved one of the following: (1) Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)—(a) administered after April 1, 1995, a cumulative score of 1100, provided that neither the verbal nor the mathematics subtest score is below 450; (b) administered before April 1, 1995, a cumulative score of 1000, provided neither of the subtest scores is below 400; or (2) American College Test (ACT)— (a) administered after October 1989, no less than 22 on the English subtest and 19 on the mathematics subtest; (b) administered before October 1989, no less than 20 on the English subtest and 17 on the mathematics subtest; or (3) Prueba de Aptitud Académica (PAA)—submit proof of cumulative scores equivalent to those stated for the SAT.
A waiver may be granted by furnishing the Connecticut State Department of Education with official proof of having met one of the test score requirements mentioned above. In addition to forwarding appropriate test scores, you must complete a waiver registration form as a waiver applicant. Waiver application forms are available on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.
Subject Knowledge Assessment: Selected Praxis II (for Prospective Teachers)
Students are expected to pass at least one exit exam in their specialty area(s) as a condition of teacher certification; they should consult their advisors for details. Students must successfully complete all appropriate course work and student teaching, as well as pass the appropriate Praxis II subject-area or endorsement-area test(s) in order to be considered certification program completers or to be eligible to receive an institutional endorsement for Connecticut state teacher certification.
Foundations of Reading Test
As of July 1, 2009, teacher candidates in Connecticut who are applying for an Integrated Early Childhood endorsement (NK–3) or Elementary Education endorsement (K–6) are required to pass the Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test, a test of reading instruction, knowledge, and skills.
Master’s Degree Programs Leading to Educator Certification
College graduates who did not, as undergraduates, prepare for public school teaching may engage in professional preparation leading to recommendation for Connecticut teacher certification.
To be eligible for certification endorsement, the candidate must show evidence of balanced study in the liberal arts and have successfully completed the required professional education courses. In addition, all certification candidates must have completed an undergraduate major in a subject area other than education. Candidates with deficiencies in any area may be required to complete additional course work. All official transcripts are reviewed by the advisor and student at the time that the student’s official planned program of study is determined, so that any deficiencies can be noted.
Candidates may have fulfilled some program requirements in past study. Program plans are individually developed in consultation with the student’s advisor and the college evaluator.
Preparation for teaching music may be obtained through The Hartt School in cooperation with the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. Programs are planned with advisement of faculty in The Hartt School.
Recommendation for Educator Certification
In addition to fulfilling academic requirements, candidates must demonstrate appropriate personal characteristics of the profession. Forms and information may be obtained from the college’s Department of Education and Human Services, Hillyer Hall, room 252.
In order to be recommended for certification, the candidate must fulfill State of Connecticut requirements in general education, subject-area major, and professional education courses as outlined in Certification Regulations for Connecticut Educators. Graduate students who are deficient in any of the state requirements must complete those requirements in addition to the professional education courses required for the degree sought.
Students who matriculate into the graduate program must work with their advisor to set up a planned program sheet that lists the required areas of general and professional education. The official planned program sheet is kept in the official files in the Student Services Office, Hillyer 216–218. In addition, prior to recommendation for certification, official transcripts are reviewed by the college evaluator to ensure that all certification requirements have been met.
Those seeking teacher certification will have to complete a student teaching experience or experiences. Applications for student teaching are due a full semester prior to assignment. Specific deadlines are posted regularly.
As new State of Connecticut certification regulations are implemented, students are required to meet the new standards.
Applicants for certification who completed any portion of their certification training programs at the University of Hartford who wish to return to the University in order to pursue educator certification may need to take additional courses to satisfy new regulations. Candidates for certification must meet the current educator certification requirements for courses and majors, as well as pass examinations and satisfy standards required for certification upon completion of program courses.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Information about Department of Education and Human Services application procedures may be obtained from the college at 860.768.4598 or from the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services at 860.768.4371.
The following application materials must be filed with the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services in the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Computer and Administration Center, room 201, for applicants seeking master’s degrees:
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of reference from professional or academic sources
- Completed University of Hartford application for graduate study, and a $45 application fee
- An essay specifying the area of proposed study, degree sought, and the reasons for seeking admission
- Interview with appropriate program faculty (Faculty member will complete an interview summary form.)
- International students seeking acceptance into an education program must have their transcripts assessed by an approved transcript evaluation service. Students also have to pass the TOEFL examination, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, and produce a valid Guarantor’s Statement. Approved options may be obtained by calling the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services at 860.768.4371.
More detailed information on criteria for admission and necessary evidence is available from the college or from the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services.
Planned Programs
A planned program is developed in consultation with the advisor. After matriculation, it is the students’ responsibility to set up a meeting with their advisors in order to plan a program of study. Any subsequent changes in the program must be approved in writing by the advisor and the Department of Education and Human Services chair. A copy of the planned program and any subsequent modifications must be filed by the student in the Collegiate Office of Student Services (Hillyer 216–18) of the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.
Nonmatriculated Students
Students may take a maximum of 6 semester hours of graduate study in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions before matriculating into a degree program. Additional courses normally are not applied toward completion of a University of Hartford degree.
Financial Assistance
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to students who are accepted by the Department of Education and Human Services. Assistantships are designed for students wishing to pursue full-time graduate study. Please inquire in the Deparment of Education and Human Services.
Comprehensive Examination or Research Project
The comprehensive exam or other specified culminating experience must be taken to complete the master’s degree. Educational technology degree candidates complete an e-portfolio. The comprehensive exam should be taken during the semester in which the last course of the program is taken.
Programs in the Department of Education and Human Services
School Psychology
The School Psychology program is a graduate program in the Psychology department of the College of Arts and Sciences. Further information and application for admission are available from the Center for Graduate and Adult Academic Services.
Teacher Education Programs
The teacher training programs in Early Childhood and Elementary Education provide opportunities for professional preparation in education to meet the rapidly changing needs of a pluralistic society. The goal of these programs is to prepare teachers as reflective practitioners who integrate understanding of their content areas, their students, and theories of pedagogy. Also included in these preparation programs are mastery of learning and developmental theories, knowledge of curriculum and effective teaching strategies, cultural and diverse needs of students, integration of technology, application of skills in assessment, and implementation and evaluation of effective educational programs.
Upon successful completion of course work, student teaching, and the specified national Praxis II examination(s), candidates are recommended for Connecticut certification in their programs of study.
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is necessary for all teacher education programs. For further information, click here.
As new State of Connecticut certification regulations are implemented, students are required to meet the new standards. ProgramsMaster’s DegreeCoursesAssessment, Research, and LearningEarly Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Montessori EducationEducational TechnologyElementary EducationElementary Montessori EducationFoundations of EducationIndependent StudyPsychology and Human DevelopmentReadingSpecial Education
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