Changes to the Post Baccalaureate and Graduate Certificate programs - 2013

All Post Baccalaureate and Graduate Certificate program students involved with Elementary and Special Education please be aware the Pennsylvania State Department of Education (PDE) has issued new regulations regarding the kinds of certifications that can be offered by colleges of education.

After January 1, 2013:

  • The Elementary Education certification will no longer be issued by the PDE and will be replaced with Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) and Middle Grades Education (4-8).
  • The stand-alone Special Education certification will no longer be issued by PDE. The PDE will require a previous initial certification in areas such as Early Childhood Education or Secondary Education and the Special Education certification will be an add-on certification only.

In response to these changes the College of Education has developed a contingency plan in an effort to assist our Post Baccalaureate and Graduate Certificate students in completing their certification successfully.


Who does this affect?


All Post Baccalaureate and Graduate Certificate program students (including newly accepted students) involved with Elementary and Special Education must complete your program by August 2012.

Why do I need to complete this by August 2012?


This will ensure program completion and certification mandated by the PDE before January 1, 2013. When you meet with your advisor they will provide more details as to why this needs to be completed by August 2012.

What do I need to do?

  • It is essential that you work closely with your advisor on your initial registration and thereafter so that you develop an academic plan that allows you to complete your program by the August 2012 deadline.
  • If for any reason you cannot maintain the academic schedule your advisor discuss with you, we are strongly encouraging students to consider enrolling in one of our highly ranked secondary education programs that we have available.
  • Students will be REQUIRED to sign an acknowledgement form with their advisor present, which will reconfirm their program (Elementary Ed or Sped Program) and understanding of the new guidelines.

Who do I need to contact and where do I go to meet with my advisor?


Students MUST contact the following advisors to develop an academic plan and complete their acknowledgement form.

Christine Woyshner, Ph.D, Main Campus, christine.woyshner@temple.edu
Clifford Smith, Harrisburg Campus, casjr@temple.edu

 

When do I need to meet my advisor?

  • Students should seek their advisor this summer and in the beginning of the Fall semester. It is important that you receive all the information you need to successfully complete your program and understand the academic sequence you will need to complete before the August 2012 deadline.
  • Students that wait until the last minute to speak with an advisor could place the completion of their certification in jeopardy. It is important that you are fully aware of the action plan that we have developed for you in response to the PDE program changes.
  • You will have a hold on your account should you not meet with your advisor before Spring’11 registration begins.

Why does my account have a “See College Advisor Hold”?

After the second week of the Fall 2010 semester, students that have not met with an advisor and completed their acknowledgement form will see a “See College Advisor” hold on their account. This hold will be taken down once the student has met with their advisor and completed their acknowledgement form. Please remember this hold will prevent you from registering for classes for the Spring semester.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration as we continue to adjust our programs to be in compliance with Pennsylvania Department Education’s teaching standards.