1. How often will this teacher preparation program be offered?
   

   Application deadline for Winter 2008 start is September 1, 2007. The program begins in the fall term of each odd-numbered year.

2. Is it possible to work while attending this full-time program?
   

   This graduate-level program is designed to offer a full load of coursework and field-based experiences within each term. Classes will be scheduled during the day with some early evening offerings. There will be a substantial amount of time needed to complete required course assignments and work samples. School-based teaching experiences will be scheduled during every term. It will be difficult to balance work with school responsibilities. Students are discouraged from working while completing the program. However, if students choose to work, they must have a very flexible schedule with limited hours.

3. Is there a part-time program currently available for applicants with full-time employment?
   

   Not at this time.

Prerequisites

1. What courses will substitute for the Portland State University prerequisites?
   

   Psychology 311, Human Development, which is required for all applicants, may be substituted with Psychology 215, Human Development, at either Portland Community College or Mt. Hood Community College.

2. What is the process for substituting courses taken previously at other institutions?
   

   In order to waive courses that were taken at other institutions that might be equivalent to PSU requirements, the student must contact the PSU department that the course corresponds to and have an instructor that teaches the course sign a waiver form. The waiver forms can be obtained in Rm. 602 in the Education building.

Testing

1. What tests are required for this program?
   

   All applicants are required to take either the PPST (offered by Praxis) or the CBEST. These are standardized tests that measure reading, writing and math skills at 10th grade level.

   All applicants must take a specialty area exam relative to the subject they intend to teach. The list of Oregon required tests offered by Praxis can be found in the Praxis registration booklet and the ETS website. Applicants are required to take all the sections listed under the heading of their particular subject.

   All applicants must take a Special Education Praxis test at the conclusion of the program.

   For the Middle Level authorization, applicants must also take the ORELA.

   All test registration materials can be found in Rm. 204 of the Education building.

Completion of Requirements

1. If the prerequisites and tests are not completed before the deadline, can an applicant still be admitted?
   

   The admissions committee will consider applicants that still have some prerequisites to complete. To be considered, applicants must submit a Plan of Completion that demonstrates how they will be able to complete the prerequisites before the program actually begins. Applicants who submit passing scores on the tests by the admission deadline will receive preferential treatment. All students admitted must have passed tests before student teaching placement.

Academic Area Endorsement

1. How do I determine which subject endorsement to pursue?
   
   You need to make an appointment with an academic departmental advisor with your transcripts in hand. They will determine if you have adequate course work in the content area. They may require you to take additional courses, which will become prerequisites for our program. This will be written on the departmental recommendation form.

2. If the coursework for an academic major was taken years ago, can those courses be applied to my academic endorsement?
   
   Your academic advisor will determine if courses are out of date and need to be retaken. This will be written on your departmental recommendation form if necessary.

GPA

1. Will applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 be considered for admission?
   
   If the GPA is below 3.0, applicants may still be admitted into the program if the rest of their application is especially strong. When the GPA is below 2.75, applicants are not eligible for regular admission to graduate studies in the university. In very rare circumstances, applicants with unusually strong backgrounds may be admitted conditionally.

After Applying

1. After applying to the program, when can applicants expect to find out about their acceptance to the program?
   

   Following review of the applicant’s file, qualified applicants are invited to participate in a program interview. Following the interview, the Admission Committee makes admission decisions and letters of notification are sent to the applicants. Applicants can expect final notification regarding their acceptance into the program within six to eight weeks of the application deadline.

Completing the Master of Education

1. What is required for completing the Masters of Education?
   

   Within the program sequence, students complete the necessary coursework to earn the master in education degree (M.Ed.). The final term of the program contains courses to complete the degree requirements.