The Educational Specialist program in Elementary Education leads to Class AA Elementary certification.
The Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to date information about requirements. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.
Admissions
The Ed.S. program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- a master's degree from an accredited institution
- a valid master's level professional educator certificate in Elementary Education. An applicant who holds both Class B Elementary certification AND Class A Reading is also eligible.
- a GPA of 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program
- three letters of recommendation (an applicant to a College of Education program that leads to professional certification must submit references from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant's academic and professional capabilities.)
Applicants must also meet the requirement for fingerprinting/background clearance.
Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.
A composite GRE score of 300 or better is required for all candidates, irrespective of degree program, who are seeking an appointment as a college-sponsored Graduate Assistant.
Curricular Requirements
This course listing applies to those who begin this program June 1, 2019. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. A minimum of 30 hrs of appropriate work beyond the MA degree and the completion and passing of an electronic portfolio as a final comprehensive assessment are required for the educational specialist degree. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| (Choose one of the following SDE approved diversity courses. Additional options may be available; please contact the Office of Student Services for information.) | 3 | |
| History Of Amer Educn | ||
| Sociology Of Education | ||
| Multicultural Education | ||
| Found Educn Through Film | ||
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: 1, 2 | ||
| (Choose ONE from the following.) | 3 | |
| Statistical Methods In Educ | ||
| Survey of Educational Research | ||
| Survey Research In Educ | ||
| Inqry As Interp: Qual I | ||
BER 550 is required, in addition to another Educ Research choice, IF an evaluation of teaching and learning course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | ||
| Teaching Field: | ||
| CIE 625 | Res Sem Science Curriculum | 3 |
| CIE 626 | Res Sem Social Studies Curricl | 3 |
| CIE 680 | Sem In Math Educ Research | 3 |
| CRD 690 | Advanced Seminar Crd | 3 |
| Additional Requirements: | 3 | |
CEE 695 or | Practicum | |
| Design Res Classrm Teach | ||
or additional research course approved by advisor | ||
| Elective: | ||
| Advisor-approved elective | 3 | |
| Special Education Coursework: | ||
| SPE 500 is only required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Action Research (These courses are offered as the last courses in the program.): | ||
| CEE 687 | Topical Research Review | 3 |
| CEE 697 | Specialist Degree Res (or advisor approved elective) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
1BER 500 Intro Educatn Research or the equivalent is required before beginning the research courses.
2The research courses must be taken before CEE 687 Topical Research Review.
A current program checklist may be obtained from the departmental office in 204 Autherine Lucy Hall. A maximum of 6 hrs of approved transfer credit may be applied toward the degree.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six hours of approved transfer credit may be applied toward the degree. Credits over 6 years old may not be used for degree purposes, and credits used for the previous Class A support certificate may not be used for this program.
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam
In lieu of a comprehensive exam, EdS candidates are assessed against the completion of a professional portfolio. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C, to qualify to submit their final checkpoint #3 for graduation in their final semester. The electronic portfolio is assessed for required components using the Electronic Portfolio Rubric and Dispositions Rubric at three checkpoints by students’ advisors. Passing at the target level at Checkpoint #3 is required for graduation. Students are required to complete an application for comprehensive exams the semester of graduation with advisor approval.
Graduate School information on Comprehensive Exams.
Fieldwork/Practicum/Internship Requirements
Clinical Placements
All Class AA programs require extensive field experiences in diverse settings. The majority of field experiences must occur in P-12 schools, and at least half of these shall be in the candidate’s teaching field. All clinical placements in the College of Education relating to educator preparation are coordinated through the Office of Clinical Experiences.
Students enrolled in College of Education courses that require a clinical placement should obtain professional liability insurance. Professional liability insurance may be purchased through an independent insurer or is available to students who are members of the Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA).
30 advanced clinical hours are required in an elementary school placement which is most often the classroom in which the graduate student is employed teaching elementary students. This placement is attached to the required course, CEE 687 Topical Research Review, on the required program of study course checklist. In this experience students will demonstrate, analyze, and assess how they make an impact on P-12 student learning. In this experience, candidates should apply coursework in the classroom/school settings, analyze student learning, and reflect on their practice in the context of theories on teaching and learning. Specifically, candidates should:
- Research, design, and implement an assessment of the P-12 students’ knowledge and capabilities based on appropriate research-based practices in the certification/disciplinary area Application of data literacy (CAEP Standard A.1.1);
- Research, implement, and evaluate appropriate research-based disciplinary and technology practices to advance P-12 student learning that addresses the differing background knowledge and learning needs of all students Supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization (CAEP Standard A.1.1);
- Conduct an assessment and that measures student success Use of research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research methodologies specialization (CAEP Standard A.1.1);
- Reflect on instructional changes appropriate to the certification/disciplinary area that should be implemented in the future based on the assessment results Employment of data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environment; specialization (CAEP Standard A.1.1);
Application of professional dispositions, laws, and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization(CAEP Standard A.1.1);
Leading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents (CAEP Standard A.1.1).
The Office of Clinical Experiences requires documentation of the 30 hours in the student documentation online portal with approval of the minimum of 30 hours from the student's supervisor (cooperating teacher/administrator). Students are expected to complete a project in relation to the above standards connected to the 30 hours of placement. Students are required to complete that project focused on Student Learning Outcomes. The Action Research Prospectus project in CEE 687 Topical Research Review serves as this key assessment and passing that project at the Developing Level or higher on the College-wide Rubric is necessary for a passing grade in the course and for graduation with the AA certificate. Students cannot pass the course without scoring at the developing level or higher on the College-wide Advanced Clinical Rubric
Plan I - Thesis Process Requirements
The Action Research Prospectus and Project are required for graduation.
Plan II - Non-Thesis Process Requirements
EdS students are required to complete an action research project in the last two semesters of their coursework with support in classes CEE 687 Topical Research Review (Fall) and CEE 697 Specialist Degree Res (Spring).
In CEE 687, students complete the planning of an action research project through required course assignments resulting in an Action Research Prospectus. Students are required to pass the course with a B or higher to move forward to CEE 697.
In CEE 697, students register for 3 hours of the course with their advisor. Students are required to conduct action research following their prospectus and finish the Action Research Project, completing the course with a formal written document combining the planning from the Action Research Prospectus and the full written description of the action research as carried out and with results and discussion. The Action Research Assignment must be completed with advisor approval for submission to Checkpoint #3 in the requisite electronic portfolio required for graduation. Students must earn a B on their Action Research Project to be approved for graduation.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Student Progress Requirements
As required for certification at the AA level, EdS Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a "C."
Additionally, students are monitored for progress at Checkpoints #1, #2, and #3 in their requisite Electronic Portfolio. Passing at the Developing Level on the Electronic Portfolio and Dispositions Rubrics is required for moving forward in the program at Checkpoints #2 and for graduation at Checkpoint #3.
Students who cannot meet the following requirements could be dismissed for lack of satisfactory progress:
- maintain the required 3.5 required graduate GPA, and/or
- pass all courses with allowance of one retake with a level of B or higher and/or
- complete the 30 hours of advanced clinical practicum with supervisor approval and/or
- pass their Action Research Prospectus Advanced Clinical Placement Assignment at a level of B or higher and/or
- pass their Advanced Clinical Placement Collegewide Rubric at a developing level or higher and/or
- complete their Action Research Project at a level of B or higher and/or
- complete their Electronic Portfolio at Checkpoints #1, #2, and #3 at the developing level or higher
Additional Academic Requirements
Electronic Learning Management System Requirement
A designated, electronic learning management system is required of all students in programs leading to professional educator certification.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Students who have been inactive in their progress toward degree requirements for more than an academic year must submit the following items to gain readmittance to the graduate program:
- a written request to reenter the program
- an explanation (if possible) of why the student left
- a plan for success if allowed to reenter
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
As required for certification at the AA level, EdS Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a "C." Credits over 6 years old may not be used for degree purposes, and credits used for the previous Class A support certificate may not be used for this program.
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation
Information on the Application for Graduation.
Certification
The Alabama State Department of Education grants Class AA professional educator certification in Elementary (K-6). To be eligible, candidates must hold appropriate, prerequisite Class A certification and must complete all requirements for the EDS degree as described in this catalog, including a comprehensive assessment. According to Alabama regulations, individuals admitted to a Class AA program based on a professional educator certificate from another state must earn the prerequisite Alabama certification before applying for Alabama Class AA (specialist level) certification.
Students must complete the proper application form for Alabama certification. Forms are available online through the Alabama State Department of Education. Applications should be submitted to Student Services in 104 Carmichael Hall during the student’s last semester. A student who does not apply for professional certification within 60 months after completing the state-approved program will be required to meet the current program.
According to Alabama regulations, individuals admitted to a Class AA program based on a professional educator certificate from another state must earn the prerequisite Alabama certification before applying for Alabama Class AA (specialist level) certification.
Students who plan to seek employment in other states must secure the proper professional licensure application forms from those states' departments of education. Students planning to teach outside the state of Alabama are responsible for knowledge about professional licensure requirements in those states.
The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Department of Education. The state requirements change from time to time and, accordingly, the department's requirements and programs are subject to change.