Elementary Education, MA

Admissions

Admission requirements for the Graduate School (Admission Criteria) and the College of Education (General Admission) are detailed in this catalog. Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.

See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements for Traditional Class A Elementary (K-6) Certification

The traditional Class A certification program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

In addition to meeting admission requirements for the Graduate School and the College of Education, applicants must hold appropriate prerequisite certification in Elementary Education (or an approved equivalent).

Also, applicants 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. (Three recommendations are required.)

Applicants must complete the requirement for fingerprinting/background clearance.

Admission Requirements for Alternative Class A Elementary (K-6) certification and Early Childhood (P-3) (Nontraditional, Initial Teacher Certification Program)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

To be considered for admission to the Alternative Class A (non-traditional) program in elementary education, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Transcript evaluation: Applicants should contact the Office of Student Services & Certification for a transcript evaluation to determine prerequisite courses. [NOTE: Coursework and/or a degree from institutions outside the United States shall be substantiated by an evaluation of the foreign credentials through a foreign credential evaluation service recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education. Contact the College's Office of Student Services and Certification for more information.]
• Degree requirement: An appropriate bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 OR a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 is required.
• General Studies and Teaching Field: For Alternative Class A in Elementary, applicants must have completed 12 credit hours of English Language Arts and earn passing scores on all subtests of Praxis 5901--Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle.
• Three recommendations: 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 fingerprinting requirement for background clearance.

Admission Requirements for the Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The following are required for the Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA

• An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher GPA in a completed graduate degree program.

Application Requirements:

• Submit a degree-seeking application online at https://graduate.ua.edu/prospective-students/apply-now/;
• Submit official, certified transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas in the native language with official, literal, word-for-word English translations directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. Documents must bear original signatures and seals of the issuing institution. Notarized documents are not accepted.
• Submit a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation in the application system.

Curricular Requirements

Curriculum Requirements for Traditional Class A Elementary Education (K-6)

This course listing applies to those who begin this program June 1, 2019, or thereafter. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. A minimum of 30 hrs of course credit must be earned, and a comprehensive assessment must be successfully completed. An extensive professional portfolio, to be completed by candidates, will be used as a comprehensive assessment in lieu of a comprehensive exam. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.

Traditional Class A Elementary Education (K-6)		Hours
Curriculum and Instruction
CEE 532	Early Child/Elem Sch Curric	3
CEE 574	Guid Early Chld/Elem Pupil Lea	3
Foundations of Professional Studies
(Choose ONE of the following SDE approved diversity courses. Additional options may be available. Students should contact the Office of Student Services for information.)		3
BEF 503	History Of Amer Educn
BEF 507	Sociology Of Education
BEF 534	Multicultural Education
BEF 575	Found Educn Through Film
BEF 607	Readings In Soc Of Ed
BEF 650	Critical Race Theory In Educ
BEF 667	Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp
BEF 681	Ethics And Education
Educational Research
BER 500	Intro Educatn Research	3
BER 550 is also required if an evaluation of teaching and learning course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Teaching Field
(Select 12 hours from the following courses. Include at least one specialty option with two courses. Two specialty options are strongly recommended.)		12
CEE 565 & CEE 517	Clas & Mod Lit Early Child/Ele and Lang Arts In Elemy Sch
CRD 510 & CRD 511	Expanding Reading and Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades
CEE 580 & CEE 581	Concepts of EC/ELE School Math and Early Child/Elem Math Curr Res
CEE 515 & CEE 525	Science Early Childhood/Elem and Issues Trends Early Child/Elem
CEE 516 & CEE 526	Social Sci in Early Child/Elem and Imp Early Child/Elem Soc Stu
Additional Requirements/Electives
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Advisor-approved elective		3
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program.		0-3
Total Hours		30-36

Students admitted to the Traditional Class A Elementary program who also hold Alabama Class B Early Childhood (P-3) certification may also earn Class A Early Childhood certification by completing Teaching Field courses that include CRD 511 and at least one sequence of math, science, or social studies, in addition to selecting CEE 544 as the advisor-approved elective. Students pursuing both Class A Elementary certification and Class A Early Childhood certification should consult with their advisor for guidance with meeting all requirements.

Curriculum Requirements for Alternative Class A Elementary (K-6) certification and Early Childhood (P-3) (Non-traditional, Initial Teacher Certification Program)

This course listing applies to those who begin this program June 1, 2019, or thereafter. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. A minimum of 40 semester hours of specific graduate credit plus some undergraduate prerequisites are required for certification. The program of study must be planned with an advisor. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C, and a passing score on a comprehensive assessment is required. The extensive professional portfolio completed by candidates will be used as a comprehensive assessment in lieu of a comprehensive exam.

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.

Alternative Class A Elementary (K-6) certification and Early Childhood (P-3)		Hours
Curriculum and Instruction (Choose ONE course.):
CEE 532 or	Early Child/Elem Sch Curric	3
CEE 574	Guid Early Chld/Elem Pupil Lea
Foundations of Professional Studies
BEF 510	Phil Hist Socl Founds Ed *	3
Technology
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction	3
Teaching Field
CEE 401	Managing Effective Classrooms	3
CEE 550	Intro Teach EC/Elem Schl Sci	3
CEE 560	Intro Teach ED/ELE Soc Studies	3
CEE 570	Teach Reading in ELE School	3
CEE 578	Teach Lang Arts Early Chi/Elem	3
CEE 582	Teach Math to EC/ELE Students	3
CEE 595	Practicum in EC/ELE	3
CEE 596	Advanced Practicum	3
Special Education Coursework
SPE 500 is required if SPE 300 was not completed prior to unconditional admission to this program.		0-3
Internship
CEE 597	Internship in EC/ELE 1, 2	6
EDU 500	Internship Seminar	1
Total Hours		40-43

Footnotes
*	Approved diversity course
1	The early childhood placement will include at least two of the following age groups: birth-age 3, age 3-5, and age 5-8. The elementary placement(s) will include upper and lower grades unless substantial field experiences are completed at both levels.
2	Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessments for the teaching field and Foundations of Reading 190 are required for internship.

Curriculum Requirements for Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA

This is a non-certification program offered only to overseas students. Completion of this program does not lead to professional educator licensure or certification.

A minimum of 30 hours of course credit must be earned, and a comprehensive assessment must be successfully completed. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.

Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA		Hours
Group I: Elementary Education Courses
AREA 1. Required Courses. Students select ONE course from the following:		3
CEE 530	Modern Elementary School Progr
CEE 532	Early Child/Elem Sch Curric
AREA 2. Program Specifics. Students select FIVE courses from the following--OR select three or four courses from Program Specifics plus 6 or 3 hours of graduate credit courses* in the student's subject field.		15
CEE 515	Science Early Childhood/Elem
CEE 516	Social Sci in Early Child/Elem
CEE 517	Lang Arts In Elemy Sch
CEE 580	Concepts of EC/ELE School Math
CRD 510	Expanding Reading
CIE 577	Second Language Acquisition
AREA 3. Educational Research
BER 500	Intro Educatn Research	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		21
Group II: Electives
Students select THREE courses from the list below. Students may also choose courses not taken from the Group I list above or courses specifically approved by the Office of International Programs.		9
BEF 503	History Of Amer Educn
BER 550	Eval Classroom Learning
CAT 531	Computer Based Instruction
CEE 565	Clas & Mod Lit Early Child/Ele
CEE 594	Problems
CIE 562	Tesol: Basic Methods
CIE 576	Linguistics Classroom Teachers
CRD 511	Begin Rding Pre-K-Prim Grades
SPE 500	Intro Exc Childr/Youth
SPE 591	Adv Academc Methods Elem
Total Hours		30

Footnotes
*	Courses must have a graduate-level equivalent at The University of Alabama, be part of the curriculum in a graduate degree program, and be from a regionally accredited institution. Students must secure permission to enroll in transfer courses prior to enrolling in those courses.

Transfer Credit

Students may not count more than six hours in certain seminar/workshop/problems courses toward the completion of the degree. A maximum of 12 hours of transfer credit, if approved by the student’s advisor, may be applied toward the degree. Transferred courses over six years old from semester of admission may not be used for degree purposes. Students should see their advisors regarding which courses are appropriate for transfer credit.

For the traditional Class A Elementary program, coursework used to meet Class B certification requirements may not be used to meet requirements for Class A certification.

Graduate School information on Transfer Credit. 

Comprehensive Exam

In lieu of a comprehensive exam, MA, Alt MA and Non-Certification Overseas Program for ELE candidates will be assessed against the completion of a professional portfolio. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 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 developing or above level at Checkpoint #3 is required for graduation. Students are required to complete an application for their comprehensive assessment the semester of graduation with advisor approval.

https://graduate/about/academic-policies/degree-requirements/#mastersdegreestext

Fieldwork/Practicum/Internship Requirements

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

All Class A and Alternative Class A programs require extensive field experiences in diverse settings. The majority of field experiences must occur in P-12 schools, and at least half of the field experiences shall be in the candidate’s teaching field. These placements are in the greater Tuscaloosa area (with the exception of distance learning) in order to facilitate supervision of students. For Early Childhood programs, field experiences shall include placements in at least two of the three main types of early education settings: P-3 classrooms, child care centers and homes, and Office of School Readiness programs. On-campus practicum experiences may include the Children's Program, the Rural Infant Stimulation Environment (RISE) Program, and Early Intervention at The University of Alabama (EI@UA). These programs provide opportunities for students to work with infants, toddlers, pre-K children, and their families. With approval, individuals who are employed in positions appropriate to the area of their current program may complete field experiences on the job, but those experiences must be planned with specific purposes and assessment.

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).

Traditional Class A Elementary Education (K-6)

Fifteen (15) advanced clinical placement 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 532 Early Child/Elem Sch Curric, 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 demonstrate the impact on student learning that occurs through curricular changes and must address the following components:

• Undertaking a diagnosis of P-6 curriculum in connection with student learning
• Planning an appropriate sequence of instruction to advance P-6 student learning with graduate students and early childhood/elementary students using technology collaboratively and appropriately
• Conducting authentic assessments and documenting what student learning occurred/did not occur from these curricular changes impacting instructional practices
• Reflecting on required curricular components through research-supported arguments and ideas

The Office of Clinical Experiences requires documentation of the 15 hours in the student documentation online portal with approval of the minimum of 15 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 15 hours of placement. Students are required to complete that project focused on Student Learning Outcomes. The Technological Curriculum Project in CEE 532 Early Child/Elem Sch Curric serves as this key assessment and passing that project at the Developing Level or higher on the Collegewide Rubric is necessary for a passing grade in the course and for graduation with the A certificate. Students cannot pass the course without scoring at the developing level or higher on the Collegewide Advanced Clinical Rubric

Alternative Class A Elementary (K-6) certification and Early Childhood (P-3) (Non-traditional, Initial Teacher Certification Program)

Alternative Class A students are required to complete the practicum hours associated with the Block 1, Block 2, Block 3, and Block 4 courses: CEE 491, CEE 595, CEE 596, and CEE 597, including the EC pre-internship placement at the beginning of Block 3. CEE 597 serves as the culminating internship in two field placements.

Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA

OIP students are not required to complete practicum hours as this degree is not associated with certification; however, many course assignments are assigned in connection with experiences of the graduate students when working in the field with elementary ages.

TEACHING INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS (Alternative Class A program)

Plan II - Non-Thesis Process Requirements

MA, Alt MA, and OIP MA students are required to complete an electronic portfolio at three checkpoints in their master’s program. Students are assessed for progress at Checkpoints #1, #2, and #3 in their requisite Electronic Portfolio. Passing at the Developing Level or higher on the Electronic Portfolio and Dispositions Rubrics is required for moving forward in the program at Checkpoints #1 and 2 and for graduation at Checkpoint #3. Checkpoint # 3 in the Electronic Portfolio must be completed with assessor approval for graduation.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

Graduate School information on Time Limits. 

Student Progress Requirements

Traditional Class A Elementary Education (K-6)

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 #1 and #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 3.25 graduate GPA, and/or
• pass all courses with allowance of one retake with a level of B or higher and/or
• complete the 15 hours of advanced clinical practicum with supervisor approval and/or
• pass their Technological Curriculum Project (CEE 532) Advanced Clinical Placement Assignment at a level of C or higher and/or
• pass their Advanced Clinical Placement Collegewide Rubric at a developing level or higher and/or
• complete their Electronic Portfolio at Checkpoints #1, #2, and #3 at the developing level or higher

Alternative Class A Elementary (K-6) certification and Early Childhood (P-3) (Non-traditional, Initial Teacher Certification Program)

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 #1 and #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 3.25 graduate GPA, and/or
• pass all courses with allowance of one retake with a level of B or higher and/or
• complete the clinical placement requirements of practicum hours and internship with supervisor approval and 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

Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA

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 #1 and #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 3.25 graduate GPA, and/or
• pass all courses with allowance of one retake with 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

For the Alternative Class A program, passing scores on the appropriate Praxis subject assessments and Foundations of Reading 190 are required.

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 re-enter the program
• an explanation (if possible) of why the student left
• a plan for meeting success if allowed to re-enter

Faculty permission is required for reentry upon evaluation of these requirements.

Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence. 

Academic Grievances Information

Graduate School information on Academic Grievances. 

Grades and Academic Standing

Traditional Class A Elementary Education (K-6)

As required for Class A certification, candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 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 B certificate may not be used for this program.

Alternative Class A Elementary (K-6) certification and Early Childhood (P-3) (Non-traditional, Initial Teacher Certification Program)

As required for Alternative Class A certification, candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a "C." Credits over 6 years old may not be used for degree purposes.

Non-Certification Overseas Program for Elementary Education, MA

Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a "C." Credits over 6 years old may not be used for degree purposes.

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 issues Class A professional educator certification in Elementary Education (K-6). The Associate Dean for Student Services in the College of Education has been designated as the teacher certification officer for The University. Students who need information about or assistance with certification should consult the associate dean for student services.

To be eligible for Class A certification, candidates must hold appropriate prerequisite certification OR complete an Alternative Class A program and must successfully complete all requirements for the MA degree in the chosen program as described in this catalog, including a comprehensive assessment, state assessments (if applicable), and the Praxis subject assessment(s). It is important to note that the awarding of a master's or higher degree does not necessarily imply that the student is eligible for Class A certification.

To be awarded Alabama Class A Elementary (K-6) certification, students must:

• maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses with no grade below a C
• earn a passing score on a comprehensive assessment
• hold valid, prerequisite Alabama Class B Elementary certification OR complete an Alternative Class A program
• earn a passing score on the required Praxis subject assessment(s) (Alternative Class A)
• complete an application for certification through the Alabama State Department of Education

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 A program based on a professional educator certificate from another state must earn the prerequisite Alabama certification before applying for Alabama Class A (master's 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.

The Overseas program does not lead to professional certification.