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The College of Education includes the following departments: physical education, early childhood and middle grades education and special education. Physical education is administered by the early childhood and middle grades education department.

Dr. Sandra L. Leslie, dean

Please click on the link below for more detailed information.

• College of Education Undergraduate Information
• Undergraduate Teacher Education Information
• College of Education Graduate Information

Undergraduate Education

Transfer Student Policies  Students transferring to Brenau from other institutions will receive an evaluation of course work upon application to the university. Approval of the chair of the appropriate department discipline is necessary for each course accepted by Brenau.

Students with bachelor’s degrees may apply to the second baccalaureate degree program. If the student meets the admission requirements, they will be placed in the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program.

Graduation Requirements  Students are urged to review the required institutional graduation requirements described under the Academic Information and Program section of this Catalog as well as requirements within each department and major. Further, all majors are reminded that it is a graduation requirement to complete such standardized tests as may be administered by the department or the institution for purposes of program evaluation. Appropriate notice of dates and locations of testing will be given.

Purpose  The College of Education is committed to excellence in preparing persons for work in a wide variety of settings which encourage and enhance life-long learning. The purposes of the school are teaching, service, and research.

The teaching mission of the College of Education is to prepare graduates at all degree levels for careers in education.

The service mission of the College of Education is to provide knowledge through leadership and service, concentrating on relevant educational and social needs at local, regional and state levels.

The research mission of the College of Education is to advance knowledge and best practice by engaging in relevant scholarly activities.

The teacher education faculty continuously reviews relevant contemporary research on teaching and effective practice in the preparation of educators. After careful consideration of educational principles, the faculty has identified a conceptual model of teacher education at Brenau University that reflects the dynamic process of decision making necessary for quality instruction and optimal learning. This model permeates all courses and activities of teacher education at the university and is articulated in the vision statement, unit goals and unit outcomes.

Vision Statement  Education professionals from Brenau University will take active roles in planning, implementing and evaluating effective teaching practices through reflective decisions relating to content, pedagogy and the learner.

Teacher Education Unit Outcomes for Initial Licensure:
Brenau University seeks to prepare reflective professionals who (INTASC 9; R):

• Content and Curriculum – Teachers demonstrate a strong knowledge of content area(s) appropriate for their certification levels. (INTASC 1, C)
• Knowledge of Students and Their Learning – Teachers create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self motivation. (INTASC 2,3,10, L)
• Learning Environments – Teachers create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation (INTASC 3,5,6,10, P, L, R)
• Assessment – Teachers understand and use a range of formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous development of all learners. (INTASC 2,8, P, L, R)
• Planning & Instruction – Teachers design and create instructional experiences based on their knowledge of content and curriculum, students, learning environments and assessment ( INTASC 7,2,4,5, P, L)
• Professionalism – Teachers recognize, participate in and contribute to teacher as a profession. (INTASC 8,9,10, C, L, R)

Career Exploration in Education
Freshmen and sophomores interested in exploring teacher education as a possible major are encouraged to take introductory courses in education.

Courses which may be taken in the first two years are listed below:

• ED 200 - Introduction to Teacher Education
   
• ED 206 - Developmental Psychology *
   
• ED 206 - Developmental Psychology *
   
• ED 208 - School and Society *
   
• ED 210 - Field Experience in Early Childhood Education
   
• ED 216 - Field Experience in Middle Grades
   
• ED 243 - Classroom Writing and Speaking
   
• ED 250 - Introduction to Multicultural Education *
   
• SE 300 - Teaching Learners with Special Needs
   
• ED 301 - Instructional Technology
   
• ED 311 - Effective Planning: Curr/Instr/Tech - ECE
   
• ED 318 - Integrating Fine Arts Activities
   
• ED 321 - Effective Planning: Curr/Instr/Tech - MG
   
• ED 342 - Children’s Literature
   

Enrolling in courses (not listed above) at the level of 300 and above requires that the student either pass or exempt GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) basic skills assessment in reading, mathematics and writing.

Students wishing to discuss careers in teaching are encouraged to talk with faculty and students majoring in education.

Certification Areas / Majors
Brenau’s teacher education programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission in the areas listed below. The unit is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

* These programs are available only on the main campus in Gainesville.

A student wishing to become certified to teach in Georgia must meet several requirements before the Certification Official can recommend certification to the Professional Standards Commission, the state’s certifying authority. The student must be formally admitted into the teacher education program through an application process, must post passing scores on GACE and the Major GACE (teacher certification licensing exam) in the specified field of study and must meet the approved program requirements for the major. It is the student’s responsibility to have GACE scores sent to the university.

A student wishing to meet the certification of another state will need to contact that state’s department of education for its requirements.

Each approved program specifies a common core of professional education courses, which are taught within the College of Education. Each major also has designated concentration courses, some of which are taught by the College and some by the specialized academic area. A grade lower than C in professional education courses or concentration courses is not acceptable for certification purposes.

Students must have attained passing or exempting scores on the GACE Basic Skills test in order to enroll in education courses above the 200 level. It is the responsibility of the student to attend to this requirement before attempting to register for education coursework above this level with the exception of ED 301, ED 311 (ECE majors) or ED 321 (MG majors).

Once students have passed GACE and enrolled in their initial coursework, they must be formally accepted into the teacher education program in order to continue education coursework. Admission into the program is a requirement for pursuing a degree in education or a recommendation from the university for certification. Students should be aware that admission to the university does not constitute admission to the teacher education program.

Criteria for Admission to Teacher Education  In order to apply for admission to the teacher education program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of 11 hours in major including ED 200, ED 206, ED 208, ED 243 and the first field experience.*
2. A 2.75 cumulative grade point average.
3. Achieve and maintain a 2.75 major grade point average.
4. Passing score on the GACE/TBS Skills Test unless exempting scores on the SAT (1000), GRE (1030) or ACT (43) have been achieved. Original reports of scores from Educational Testing Service must be examined by the adviser for verification. The GACE/TBS Skills Test may also be exempted if the candidate holds a minimum of a master’s degree from a GaPSC (Georgia Professional Standards Commission) accepted accredited institution.
5. Adviser recommendation for admission to Teacher Education. 

Students must submit the following documentation with the application:

1. Acceptable teacher evaluation from first developmental field experience, including Brenau Assessment of Dispositions (BAD) or obtaining experiential credit for field experience.
2. Scored rubric from Philosophy of Education.
3. Rubric documenting passing score on Brenau University Speaking Skills Assessment.
4. Rubric documenting passing score on Brenau University Writing Skills Assessment. Students are responsible for obtaining these documents from the appropriate course instructor.

* Please note that formal acceptance to teacher education is a requirement for students enrolling in education classes. Thus, students should plan to meet the above criteria and apply for admission during their first full-time semester. Students should consult their adviser for additional information.

It is the student’s responsibility to work with the adviser in ensuring that the application process for admission to the teacher education program is completed on time. Once all the requirements are met, the adviser recommends to the Teacher Education Committee acceptance of the candidate. The student is informed of his/her admission status through written notification from the chair of teacher education. Upon admission to the teacher education program, students must meet the approved program requirements as outlined in the Brenau Catalog including maintaining the required cumulative and major course grade point averages.

Field Experience   Field experiences are a part of the student’s approved program and exist as components of particular courses, as separate courses themselves and as the culminating demonstration of student performance in the student teaching experience. Students should be aware that participation in elementary, middle or secondary school programs appropriate to the area of specialization is an essential part of teacher education.

Students must register for each field experience and submit a completed Field Experience Placement Application to the Field Experience Placement Office by the deadline for each semester. Placement is determined by the Director of Field Experiences. The deadline for Field Experience Placement Applications is firm and late applications are not accepted.

CLEP Policy  Only six semester hours of credit by CLEP exam may be used in the major. This would be included in the total of 27 hours of alternative credit allowed by the university.

Experiential Credit Policy  A student requesting academic credit for SE 300 Teaching Learners with Special Needs, ED 345 Literacy Concepts or ED 301 Instructional Technology taken from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved staff development program must complete an application form for experiential credit and attach an official transcript containing the PLU credit. For ED 301, a student must attach a copy of INTECH certificate or the state competency test report.

Electronic Portfolio Policy  The Teacher Education Program requires each candidate to create an electronic portfolio. It is designed to present a personal record of a candidate’s educational experiences, while demonstrating mastery of the desired outcomes. The purchase of electronic portfolio software is required for all of the students enrolled in the undergraduate teacher education programs. Students are asked to collect artifacts (examples of assignments) that best demonstrates their proficiency and mastery of the College of Education unit outcomes. Students are expected to provide their reflection and rationale for linking each artifact to the unit outcomes for two of the check points in their program: Checkpoint #2 (when submitting student teaching application); and Checkpoint #3 (at the end of student teaching). Checkpoint #1 takes place when a candidate submits the application for admission to the teacher education program; and the use of the electronic portfolio will not apply to checkpoint #1.

Student Teaching Policy  Student teaching is considered a full time load and preprofessional experience that requires responsibilities above and beyond the normal college course load. A student’s college supervisor may request a student to withdraw from college and community activities if these interfere with student teaching. GACE II must be passed prior to student teaching placement.

Transfer Student Policies  A student wishing to transfer from a two year institution to Brenau may expect six hours of introductory education coursework to transfer. Permission for all other education courses to transfer should be obtained from the dean or department chair. A student transferring to Brenau from other institutions will receive an evaluation of course work upon admission to the university. Admission to Brenau University does not constitute admission to the teacher education program.

Transfer students should submit passing GACE I scores, exempting SAT/GRE/or SAT scores or PRAXIS I scores (if PRAXIS I is passed prior to Sept. 1, 2006) with their application for admission to the university, as they may not enroll in education courses above the 200 level without passing scores. Scores from the SAT, GRE or ACT may exempt the student from taking the GACE I. See an education adviser or the department for details.

Dr. Rebecca Penwell Cooper, chair

Master of Education and Master of Arts in Education:

Purpose  The master of education (M.Ed.) and the master of arts in education (M.A.T.) programs are designed to develop and enhance proficiency and professionalism among practicing teachers and those wishing to become teachers. All graduate programs are offered by the Department of Graduate Education in the College of Education.

Teacher Education  The teacher education faculty continuously reviews relevant contemporary research on teaching and effective practice in the preparation of educators. After careful consideration of educational principles, the faculty has identified a conceptual model of teacher education at Brenau University that reflects the dynamic process of decision making necessary for quality instruction and optimal learning. This model permeates all courses and activities of teacher education at the university and is articulated in the vision statement and unit outcomes.

Vision Statement  Education Professionals from Brenau University will take active roles in planning, implementing and evaluating effective teaching practices through reflective decisions relating to content, pedagogy and the learner.

Teacher Education Unit Outcomes for Advanced Programs:
Brenau University seeks to prepare reflective professionals who:
(NBPTS 4, R)

1. Content and Curriculum – Teachers demonstrate a strong knowledge of content areas(s) appropriate for their certification levels. (INTASC 1; NBPTS 2; C)
2. Knowledge of Students & Their Learning – Teachers support the intellectual, social, physical and personal development of all students (INTASC 2,3,10; NBPTS 1; L)
3. Learning Environments – Teachers create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation. (INTASC 3,5,6,10; NBPTS 3; P, L, R)
4. Assessment – Teachers understand and use a range of formal and informal; assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous development of all learners. (INTASC 2,8; NBPTS 3; P, L, R)
5. Planning and Instruction – Teachers design and create instructional experiences based on their knowledge of content and curriculum, students, learning environments and assessment. (INTASC 2,4,5,7; NBPTS 2,3,5; P, L)
6. Professionalism – Teachers recognize, participate in and contribute to teaching as a profession. (INTASC 8,9,10; NBPTS 4,5; C, L, R)

Graduate Teacher Education

Criteria for Admission to Teacher Education  In order to apply for admission to the teacher education program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of 8 hours in major including ED 500, ED 605, ED 612 and the first field experience.*
2. A 2.75 cumulative grade point average for all coursework completed.
3. Achieve and maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average in professional education coursework.
4. Passing score on the GACE/TBS Skills Test or an exempting score on the SAT (1000), GRE (1030) or ACT (43) have been achieved. Original reports of scores from the Education Testing Service (ETS) must be examined by the adviser for verification. The GACE/TBS Skills Test may also be exempted if the candidate holds a minimum of a master’s degree from a GaPSC (Georgia Professional Standards Commission) accepted accredited institution.
5. Unless exempting scores on the SAT, GRE or ACT have been achieved. Original reports of scores from Educational Testing Service must be examined by the adviser for verification.
6. Successful completion of ED 605.
7. Adviser recommendation for admission to Teacher Education.

Students must submit the following documentation with the application:

1. Acceptable teacher evaluation from first developmental field experience, including Brenau Assessment of Dispositions (BAD).
2. Scored rubric from Philosophy of Education.
3. Rubric documenting passing score on Brenau University Speaking Skills Assessment.
4. Rubric documenting passing score on Brenau University Writing Skills Assessment.

*Please note that formal acceptance to teacher education is a requirement for students enrolling in education classes. Thus, students should plan to meet the above criteria and apply for admission to teacher education during their first full-time semester. Students should consult their adviser for additional information.

It is the student’s responsibility to work with the adviser in ensuring that the application process for admission to the teacher education program is completed on time. Once all the requirements are met, the adviser recommends to the Teacher Education Committee acceptance of the candidate. The student is informed of his/her admission status through written notification from the chair of teacher education. Upon admission to the teacher education program, students must meet the approved program requirements as outlined in the Brenau Catalog.

Field experiences are a part of the student’s approved program and exist as components of particular courses, as separate courses themselves and as the culminating demonstration of student performance in the student teaching experience. Students should be aware that participation in elementary, middle or secondary school programs appropriate to the area of specialization is an essential part of teacher education, with time allocated to this endeavor.

Special Status Students

Students may enroll in the College of Education in a non degree seeking status for one of two reasons:

Teachers who are or have been certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and need three or six hours of graduate credit for certification renewal. This recency of study requirement must be met based on an individual assessment. If the student is employed, this is done by a representative from the local system. However, if the student is not currently teaching, the assessment is completed by the adviser.

A person who has a valid or expired teaching certificate from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and wishes to change certification fields. This student must have a letter of evaluation from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. This situation often involves an internship or practicum. In such cases all required courses must be taken with Brenau and all forms and requirements must be met. Students will need to contact the chair of graduate teacher education, through their adviser, for specifics relative to requirements.

Certificate Endorsements

Brenau’s College of Education is approved to offer courses for the addition of endorsement areas to existing professional and associate professional certificates issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Brenau can assist students with Classroom Reading   and Teacher Support Specialist  Endorsements to existing Georgia teaching certificates.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) Information

Admission Criteria  In addition to any general admission criteria outlined in the graduate admissions section of this catalog, the M.Ed. applicant must have and/or submit:

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
3. Minimum MAT or GRE at the 25th percentile. No age limit on the score as long as an official score report is submitted
4. Electronic writing sample.
5. Two letters of reference. If the applicant is working in a school, one reference must be an administrator in the school where the applicant is employed.
6. Must hold or be eligible for full certification.

Generally applicants for the M.Ed. programs are expected to meet the stated admissions requirements. However, Brenau may consider an applicant who does not meet [all] stated requirements, but who, in the opinion of the appropriate department, may be a good candidate for admission to the University.

Capstone Activity  The Capstone Activity is designed to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the skills of synthesis, integration and application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of the graduate program. This demonstration may be done in one of two ways; an applied research project or the comprehensive examination. Neither activity may take place earlier than the last semester in which the student is enrolled. Each activity will require that the student is registered and enrolled in the courses as follows:

ED 772 Applied Research Project this will be an independent research project which the student will conduct under the supervision of a faculty member. The project will be the completion of the proposal developed in ED 771 Methods of Educational Research. The project shall adhere to sound research methodology. The final product of the project will be a manuscript which is of such quality that it can be submitted to a national refereed journal for consideration for publication. Should this activity require more than one semester, the student would receive a grade of IP (In Progress) and register for a second semester; under no circumstance shall the project take more than two semesters. The project must be approved by the department chair and must be cleared by the IRB.

ED 780 Comprehensive Examination  The comprehensive exam consists of six questions related to the major concepts in the coursework which comprise the student’s M.A.T. or M.Ed. program of study. The exam shall be taken either in the last semester of coursework on during the semester following the completion of coursework. The examination will last four hours and will be taken at Brenau under such conditions as the chair of graduate education shall prescribe. Exam concepts will be provided to the candidates prior to the exam. This document will contain concepts from all courses taken during the degree program.

Note: College of Education permisison required to take this course; students can not register themselves. The Chair of Graduate Education will register students for comprehensive exam once they have been cleared to take the exam by his/her adviser.

Grades for the comprehensive exams will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• Exceeds Standards  Student exhibits a knowledge base reflective of a graduate student and is able to present the desired materials with requisite skill.
• Meets Standards  Student exhibits an adequate knowledge base and array of skills and abilities to complete this question on the comprehensives
• Fails to Meet Standards  Student does not exhibit the knowledge base and array of skills necessary to evidence a minimal level of mastery of the subject matter and/or competency to execute the comprehensive examination.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Information

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is an initial certification program designed for candidates who have completed the baccalaureate degree in specific majors.

Generally, applicants for the M.A.T. program are expected to meet the stated admissions requirements. However, Brenau may consider an applicant who does not meet [all] stated requirements, but who, in the opinion of the appropriate department, may be a good candidate for admission to the University.

Admission Criteria  In addition to any general admission criteria outlined in the graduate admissions section of this catalog, the M.A.T. applicant must have and/or submit:

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
3. Minimum MAT or GRE at the 25th percentile. No age limit on the score as long as an official score report is submitted.
4. Electronic writing sample.
5. Two letters of reference. If the applicant is working in a school, one reference must be an administrator in the school where the applicant is employed.

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Information

Purpose  The educational specialist (Ed.S.) program is designed to develop professional educators who are instructional leaders, curriculum developers and exemplary teachers. All programs are offered by the College of Education.

Teacher Education  The teacher education faculty continuously reviews relevant contemporary research on teaching and effective practice in the preparation of educators. After careful consideration of educational principles, the faculty has identified a conceptual model of teacher education at Brenau University that reflects the dynamic process of decision making necessary for quality instruction and optimal learning. This model permeates all courses and activities of teacher education at the university and is articulated in the vision statement and unit outcomes.

Vision Statement  Education Professionals from Brenau University will take active roles in planning, implementing and evaluating effective teaching practices through reflective decisions relating to content, pedagogy and the learner.

Teacher Education Unit Outcomes for Advanced Programs:
Brenau University seeks to prepare reflective professionals who (NBPTS 4; CCO 3; R)

1. Content and Curriculum – Teachers demonstrate a strong knowledge of content areas(s) appropriate for their certification levels. (INTASC 1; NBPTS 2; C)
2. Knowledge of Students & Their Learning – Teachers support the intellectual, social, physical and personal development of all students (INTASC 2,3,10; NBPTS 1; L)
3. Learning Environments – Teachers create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning and self-motivation. (INTASC 3,5,6,10; NBPTS 3; P, L, R)
4. Assessment – Teachers understand and use a range of formal and informal; assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous development of all learners. (INTASC 2,8; NBPTS 3; P, L, R)
5. Planning and Instruction – Teachers design and create instructional experiences based on their knowledge of content and curriculum, students, learning environments and assessment. (INTASC 2,4,5,7; NBPTS 2,3,5; P, L)
6. Professionalism – Teachers recognize, participate in and contribute to teaching as a profession. (INTASC 8,9,10; NBPTS 4,5; C, L, R)

Admission Criteria  In addition to any general admission criteria outlined in the graduate admissions section of this catalog, the Ed.S. applicant must have and/or submit:

1. Masters degree in an education field from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
3. Minimum MAT or GRE at the 33rd percentile. No age limit on the score as long as an official score report is submitted.
4. Writing sample - will be collected electronically.
5. Three letters of reference.
6. Must have a letter of support for program participation and data collection from school administrator.
7. Provide verification of three years of successful teaching.

Generally, applicants for the Ed.S. program are expected to meet the stated admissions requirements. However, Brenau may consider an applicant who does not meet [all] stated requirements, but who, in the opinion of the appropriate department, may be a good candidate for admission to the University.

The College of Education reserves the right to add additional requirements regarding courses taken in a master’s degree. Educational Research or an equivalent course is a prerequisite to entry to the Ed.S. program. Applicants who have not taken the course may demonstrate knowledge and skills by completing the Research Proficiency Exam.

In addition, candidates may be invited for a personal interview.

Program Format  The program is offered in an online format and is a lock-step program. All students in a cohort will enter at the same time and proceed through the coursework together.

Limitation on Number of Hours of Transfer Credit  Coursework taken at another regionally accredited institution of higher education will be considered for transfer. This credit will have to match the courses in Brenau’s Ed.S. curriculum. A maximum of six hours of work with a grade of B or above will be considered. Taking transfer work after the student has been enrolled in the Ed.S. is not be permitted. 

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