2024-2025 University Catalog
School of Education
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Return to: School of Education
Education has two academic departments: the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education and, the Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Foundations. All departments offer a variety of graduate degree programs and undergraduate degrees. Core coursework (noted as EDUC) is offered to support the teacher education program. In addition to the departments, there are several research, innovation, and service units in the Education Departments. A complete listing of current funded programs is available at the college web site (www.uno.edu/colaehd).
The college also offers a non-teaching degree in Human Performance and Health Promotion. This undergraduate degree offers concentrations in Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion. Refer to college website for program of study information. (www.uno.edu/colaehd).
Teacher Education Program
Programs of Study
The College has teacher education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The program of study for undergraduate teacher education degrees is designed to meet the requirements of the Board of Regents to earn an undergraduate degree and the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education to earn teacher certification. Each course in the program of study meet two categories of requirements, one for degree requirements and one teacher certification requirements. Degree requirements are organized in three categories of coursework; general education, other requirements, and major requirements. Teacher certification requirements are organized in four categories of coursework: general education, knowledge of the learner and the learning environment, focus area, and methodology and teaching.
The following table provides an overview of each certification and degree option offered in teacher education. These programs are described below in this section of the catalog.
Early Childhood - Certification: Earn a degree in Elementary Education grades 1-5 and pass the Praxis Exam Principles of Learning and Teaching (5621).
- Elementary Education, Certification in Grades 1-5, B.S.
- Secondary Education & Teaching, English Concentration, Certification in Grades 6-12, B.S.
- Elementary Education and Mild Moderate Disabilities (Integrated to Merged Approach), Certification in Grades 1-5, B.S.
- Secondary Education & Teaching, Mathematics Concentration, Certification in Grades 6-12, B.S.
- Secondary Teaching
- Secondary Education & Teaching, Social Studies Concentration, Certification in Grades 6-12, B.S.
- Secondary Education & Teaching, Biology Concentration, Certification in Grades 6-12, B.S.
- Secondary Education & Teaching, Chemistry Concentration, Certification in Grades 6-12, B.S.
- Human Performance and Health Promotion, B.S., Exercise Physiology Concentration
- Secondary Education & Teaching, Earth Science Concentration, Certification in Grades 6-12, B.S.
- Human Performance and Health Promotion, B.S., Health Promotion Concentration
In addition to initial certification programs, the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development offers several advanced-level programs of study focused on the needs of teachers, school leadership personnel, counselors, community and health agency personnel. These programs are described on the college web site at www.uno.edu/colaehd.
The Teacher Education Program prepares teachers who will render high quality, professional service in preschool, elementary, secondary schools, and other educational settings. The College’s programs are grounded in a performance-based curriculum model aligned with the unit’s conceptual framework.
The teacher education program is dedicated to understanding and valuing diversity among faculty, staff, and students. The college utilizes the academic resources of the university and community schools to provide candidates with a broad general education and a concentrated content-area education. Professional preparation, together with the relationships of the study of education to other fields of knowledge, is the responsibility of the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development.
The College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development administers all curricula designed for the preparation of teachers. Two programs are offered for initial teacher certification, one at the undergraduate level and one other at the graduate level. Graduate options include the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.).
Objectives of Teacher Education Programs
Candidates in teacher education programs at UNO are expected to:
- Develop a background of knowledge in general education and one or more academic content areas.
- Develop an awareness of teaching as a profession, which includes an understanding of how teachers promote individual student achievement, school improvement, school and district accountability, and long term professional development.
- Develop an awareness of the relationship between socio-cultural factors and the educative process, which includes developing the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, other site-based professionals, and persons representing community agencies.
- Understand, identify, assess, and make plans to accommodate the individual student’s emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs.
- Demonstrate skills aligned with the Louisiana Compass Educator Support and Evaluation System, relevant Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Louisiana Teacher Preparation Competencies, national standards aligned with Specialty Professional Associations, and other curriculum reform initiatives in planning, implementing, and assessing instruction and its impact on student learning.
- Plan instruction that correlates with Louisiana State testing.
- Plan, deliver, and assess instruction that integrates a variety of electronic software applications and related technologies.
- Acquire and apply skills of classroom management and interpersonal relationships that enhance the educational environment and promote student learning.
- Demonstrate dispositions expected of effective educators as documented through field experience in school settings.
The University of New Orleans Teacher Education Program is designed using an inquiry-based conceptual framework to support the preparation of reflective practitioners. Information about the conceptual framework may be found on the college web site at www.uno.edu/coehd. Following are the key elements of the Teacher Education program of study.
- Performance-based. The program of study moves beyond simply aligning specific competencies with specific courses. Rather, it supports teacher candidates in the repeated use of competencies in different ways according to the changing demands of students and teaching environments. This model ensures that teachers can produce effective outcomes for their students and for the schools in which they teach.
- Role-focused. A performance based program focuses on teachers being competent in performing the multiple roles associated with effective teaching. These roles are aligned with state standards.
- Thematic content. The program of study is designed for key content related to teaching performance (e.g., assessment) to be addressed at multiple points rather than in singular courses.
- Sequenced field activities. Opportunity to practice targeted competencies in schools is critical to a performance based program. An effective program of study includes well-crafted field experiences that increase in demand and complexity as the candidate moves through the program.
- Authentic evaluation. The UNO teacher education program utilizes an electronic professional portfolio as the key tool for evaluating teacher effectiveness and content mastery. All teacher education candidates are required to purchase a Live Text account to support the development of an electronic portfolio. Information on Live Text may be found at www.uno.edu/colaehd under resources or at https://www.livetext.com/. Performance review takes place at distinct points during each program of study in order to identify both professional strengths and areas of need. Multiple perspectives are incorporated into the evaluation process.
- Induction Support. The portfolio format used in the teacher education program is designed to assist program graduates in aligning their work with state and national standards as required by their employing district during the induction period of service.
Undergraduate Teacher Education Pathway
Three grade-level certification options are offered at the undergraduate level: Early Childhood Certification: Earn a degree in Elementary Education grades 1-5 and pass the Praxis Exam Principles of Learning and Teaching (5621). Elementary (Grades 1- 5), and Secondary (Grades 6-12) in a specific content area. Secondary content areas include: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Earth Science). An option is available for candidates in the elementary (grades 1-5) program to address certification requirements for both elementary as well as special education in mild/moderate disabilities for the same grade level. The Integrated to Merged program option requires candidates to complete a Residency I and II with both general and special education experiences and complete additional PRAXIS examinations (https://www.ets.org/praxis) and performance requirements for special education certification.
The undergraduate teacher education program of study is divided into three tiers, each associated with a specific block of coursework and set of related field experiences. As the candidate moves from one tier to the next, the scope of the content and field work becomes more complex. Candidate progression from one tier to the next is dependent upon satisfaction of certain criteria, including satisfactory completion of required coursework, satisfactory completion of required field experiences, and meeting all candidate assessment requirements specified for that particular phase of the program of study. Throughout the program of study, candidates develop a professional portfolio that contains artifacts resulting from coursework and field activities. The candidate organizes the various artifacts as evidence that specific program competencies have been met. Thus, candidate performance is measured via course grades as well as authentic evidence that knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to effective education can be demonstrated in school and classroom settings.
Conditional Admission to and Retention in the Education Program (Change from Tier I to Tier II)
To be admitted to the Tier II of the Education program, a student must have met the following criteria:
- Sign Student Acknowledge Form
- Obtain a Curriculum Sheet with an authorized signature
- Pass Unit Assessment: Dispositions #1 EDUC 1010 (1-5)
- Pass Unit Assessment: Conceptual framework EDUC 2200 (1-5)
- Pass Unit Assessment: Dispositions #1 EDCI 2204 (6-12)
- Pass Unit Assessment: Conceptual framework EDCI 2204 (6-12)
- Achieve a 2.5 GPA/36 degree hours earned in the degree program
- ENGL 1158 (Grade of “C” or higher)
- MATH 1000 level applicable to curriculum
- EDUC 2100
- Pass Praxis I, ACT (22 Composite Score) or SAT (Reading/Writing and Math) combined score of 1100.
- Submit a Teacher Education Application (see requirements for Residency I and II section of the catalog)
- Complete dispositions review with a satisfactory rating.
- Report required field experience hours in LiveText
- Complete individualized prescriptive plan if applicable.
All candidates in a program of study resulting in certification must also be admitted to a teacher education program (see requirements above). All candidates must submit official transcripts from each college and university attended. One transcript with all transfer credits is not acceptable. This is a requirement for all candidates pursuing initial certification.
Note: Minimum grade of “C” in all major coursework (refer to curriculum sheet for specifics)
The Teacher Education Review and Retention Committee reserves the right to review the candidate’s total academic record, evidence of knowledge, skills, and dispositions and other qualifications as they relate to the candidate’s potential as an effective teacher.
In view of its responsibility to the teaching profession, the College will continuously evaluate the qualifications of a candidate to determine his or her suitability to continue in a teacher education program.
Each candidate is held responsible for knowing degree requirements, for enrolling in courses that apply to his or her degree program, and for taking courses in the proper sequence to ensure orderly progression of work. Note: Independent study/substitution courses are approved only under extenuating circumstances.
Independent study/substitutions must be approved by the Assistant Dean prior to enrollment in the independent study/substitution course. Candidates will be allowed a maximum of 3 hours of independent study/substitution courses within the degree program.
The candidate is also held responsible for knowing University regulations regarding the standard of work required to continue at the University, as well as the regulations dealing with scholastic probation and enforced withdrawal. Please check University Regulations for further information.
Requirements for Field Experience
Teacher education candidates complete a variety of field activities as they progress through the program of study. The field activities provide opportunities for candidates to demonstrate skills associated with effective teaching in diverse school and classroom settings. Each of the three tiers in
the program requires a specific minimum number of field experience hours and completed field activities which must be reported. Residency I and II for this program of study must be completed in one of the following parishes: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, or St. Tammany.
Specific information on field experience requirements may be found at the college web site at www.uno.edu/colaehd.
Requirements for Residency I and II (Change from Tier II to Tier III)
This is the second to last semester of the degree program. Application for Residency I must be submitted to the Office of Field Experiences and Clinical Practice one semester prior to beginning the Residency I semester. Candidates expecting to register for Residency I in the fall semester must apply on or before January 31. Candidates expecting to register for Residency I n the spring semester must apply on or before August 31.
Candidates will only be permitted to enroll in Residency I and two other specified courses (refer to 4-year plan for courses applicable to certification area) during the Residency I semester. Candidates are permitted to schedule Residency I when they have met the following requirements:
- Completion of all courses in the certification and degree program except the last two semesters as indicated on the 4-year plan
- The attainment of senior standing in a Teacher Education Program in the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.
- Completion of all courses in professional education with a grade of “C” or higher. A minimum grade of “C” is required for all courses in the Elementary programs. Candidates in secondary education must complete all professional education courses with a grade of “C” or higher. Candidates in secondary education must also complete all courses in the major teaching field with a grade of “C” or higher and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in the content area in the major teaching field. Candidates must meet or exceed GPA requirements for their specific certification area.
- Pass Unit Assessment: Disposition #2.
- Pass Program Assessment.
- Approval of the Director of Field Experiences.
- Transfer candidates must have completed all TEP 3000 level course-work in residence at UNO.
- Complete individualized prescriptive plan if applicable
- Pass Praxis II Content Area and Principles of Learning and Teaching exams prior to Residency I. Must pass both exams by December 1 (previous Fall semester) if registered for Residency I in a spring semester and May 8 (previous Spring semester) if registered for Residency I in a fall semester.
Residency II
Residency II requirements
- Successful completion of Residency I.
- Must enroll in course indicated on the 4-year plan applicable to area of certification
NOTE: Refer to Residency Handbook for additional information regarding Residency I and II.
Requirements for Program Completion and Graduation
A candidate must meet all the requirements for a degree outlined in one catalog. A candidate who breaks enrollment (either voluntarily or by compulsion) for one year is subjected to the catalog in force at the time of re-entry.
Candidates pursuing degree programs that include Louisiana teacher certification should note that certification requirements are mandated by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. When the State Board makes changes in certification requirements, the content of associated degree programs change accordingly. For this reason, candidates in the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development are expected to maintain close communication about degree and certification requirements through a College Academic Advisor throughout their program of study. Up to date curriculums may be found on the college web site www.uno.edu/colaehd.
A candidate may graduate from the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development upon satisfactory fulfillment of the following requirements:
- Completion of the general degree requirements of the University.
- Completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in either elementary, or secondary education.
- Performance at the acceptable or higher level on all program assessments and demonstration of all required performances and dispositions via a successful review of a professional portfolio and related evidence.
- For candidates in elementary education:
- A minimum grade of “C” in all courses.
- Achievement of an overall grade point average of 2.5.
- Meet or exceed content/performance GPA for specific content area.
- For candidates in secondary education:
- Minimum grade of “C” in each course in professional education and in each course in the academic content area(s).
- Achievement of an overall grade-point average of 2.5 and a 2.0 grade-point average in
- professional education and a 2.5 GPA in the academic content area(s). c. Meet or exceed content/performance GPA for specific content area.
Louisiana Teacher Certification
In addition to the graduation requirements listed above, a candidate must meet the following requirements of the State of Louisiana in order to be eligible for a Louisiana teacher’s certificate.
- Be admitted to and graduate from a state approved teacher education program. (Teacher education programs in the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development at The University of New Orleans are state approved).
- Achieve a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5.
- Pass all specified PRAXIS Series Examinations.
- Receive a recommendation for certification by the Assistant Dean in the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development.
Transfer Students
Transfer credits will be valid for degree completion if the course content matches the content and/or performances of a course in the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development curriculum. A grade lower than a C will not be accepted for degree credit. Transfer credit will not be awarded for TEP 3000 level coursework. Any credit taken more than 5 years will not be accepted. The College requires the validation of credits earned more than five years prior to a candidate’s admission to the College in order to approve the transfer of credits into a degree program. There is no guarantee that the credits will be accepted. A faculty member and/or Chair will validate a student’s knowledge if a course taken 5 years or more is requested to be used in a degree program. Candidates are required to enter artifacts into Live Text to document their performance of competencies aligned with transfer coursework. Candidates transferring into the program should also note the provisions in the section, “Requirements for Residency.”
Non-certification Programs: Human Performance and Health Promotion
A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Performance and Health Promotion prepares students for a range of professions that enhance individuals and community wellness and promote health and physical activity. Students in the Human Performance and Health Promotion program can choose from two areas of concentration: Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion. Students in Exercise Physiology learn and apply concepts to maximize physical potential for both health outcomes and athletic performance. Students in the Health Promotion concentration learn how to use wellness strategies for individuals and how to develop, implement and evaluate programs aimed at improving community health and wellness. Both concentrations culminate in a semester-long internship in the community during which students gain applied experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Student Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Science in Human Performance and Health Promotion
- Graduates with a B.S. in Human Performance and Health Promotion will demonstrate mastery of the basic principles of the field.
- Graduates with the B.S. in Human Performance and Health Promotion will demonstrate the professional knowledge and applied skills necessary to work in a community-based professional setting.
- Graduates with a B.S. in Human Performance and Health Promotion will be prepared to complete the appropriate certification exam (CHES or ACSM certification).
Programs of Study
Graduate Alternate Certification Pathway
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree is designed to offer candidates with a bachelor degree outside the field of education an opportunity to address the requirements of an initial level teaching certificate within a Master’s degree program.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Programs of Study: The Masters of Arts in Teaching offers certification in elementary (grades 1-5), secondary (grades 6-12) in English, math, social studies, biology, chemistry, earth science, general science, and physics, early intervention (birth - age 5) and mild/moderate disabilities (grades 1-5 and 6-12). The mild/moderate disabilities certification is offered through an Integrated to Merged program which results in certification in mild/moderate disabilities and in elementary (grades 1-5), or secondary education (grades 6-12). Note that certification in secondary is specific to one content area.
The Master of Arts in Teaching program requires 33 graduate credit hours in the following areas: learner and the learning environment, teaching methodology, literacy, research, and Residency I and II (student teaching/internship). Details of the program of study for each certification option may be found at the college website at. www.uno.edu/colaehd
Admission: In addition to the admission requirements established by the Graduate School, which include an overall grade point average of 2.5, candidates must achieve passing scores on PRAXIS I as well as the relevant PRAXIS II subject assessment. PRAXIS I is not required for candidates with an ACT composite score of 22, or SAT (Reading/Writing and Math) combined score of 1100 or who already have a Master’s degree. The College office must have official scores. All candidates must submit official transcripts from each college and university attended. One transcript with all transfer credits is not acceptable. All initial advising for this program occurs via the Education Advisors. Following initial advising, candidates are advised by a Faculty Advisor in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education for the duration of their program of study.
Field Experiences Requirements
Throughout the program, candidates complete field activities in school and classroom settings. Field work is supported in two ways: through assigned work associated with individual classes and within Residency I and II taken at the end of the program of study. Field experience opportunities support candidates in meeting all national and state standards associated with their certification area. The program includes specific requirements for the number and type of field experience hours that must be completed as well as for the development of an electronic portfolio that aligns artifacts resulting from field work with specific professional standards. More information on field experience requirements may be found at the college website at www.uno.edu/colaehd.
Requirements for Completing Program
All certification programs in the College are performance-based. Candidates develop a professional portfolio to document the knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with effective teaching. Completion of the program of study requires successful performance in coursework, field experience, and candidate assessments specific to the area of study. In addition to assessments associated with specific courses in the program, candidates must pass a final assessment to complete the program and be recommended for a teaching certificate. More information on candidate assessment and program progression requirements may be found at the college website at www.uno.edu/coehd.
Louisiana Teacher Certification
Candidates who successfully complete all program requirements are recommended to the Louisiana Department of Education for a teaching certificate. All conditions listed above under “Louisiana Teacher Certification” must be satisfied. Candidates enrolled in this program while teaching may be eligible for a Practitioner License upon recommendation by the hiring school district.
PRAXIS Requirements for All Teacher Education Candidates
All candidates pursuing initial teaching certification must successfully pass three types of PRAXIS examinations prior to program completion and recommendation for certification. The point in time that the candidate takes each examination varies according to the certification program option pursued. The following describes when each PRAXIS test is taken:
PRAXIS I (Core Academic Skills for Educators)
Undergraduate Program: Must be passed prior to Admission to Tier II (Teacher Education Program)
Graduate Alternate Certification (Master of Arts in Teaching): Must be passed prior to admission to the program
PRAXIS II
Undergraduate Program: Content Area taken must be passed prior to Tier III Residency I
Graduate Alternate Certification (Master of Arts in Teaching): Must be passed prior to admission to the program
PRAXIS II (Principles of Learning and Teaching)
Undergraduate Program: Must be passed prior to Residency I
Graduate Alternate Certification (Master of Arts in Teaching): Must be passed prior to Residency I
Add-On Certification Option
The College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development offers several programs of study that result in an additional area of certification. These programs are designed for candidates who are certified teachers in the State of Louisiana. More information on these programs of study may be found at the college website www.uno.edu/colaehd.
Undergraduate Program: Must be passed prior to Residency I
Graduate Alternate Certification (Master of Arts in Teaching): Must be passed prior to Residency I
Add-On Certification Option
The College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development offers several programs of study that result in an additional area of certification. These programs are designed for candidates who are certified teachers in the State of Louisiana. More information on these programs of study may be found at the college website www.uno.edu/colaehd.
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