2009-2011 - Benedict College

92 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The School of Education at Benedict College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation
of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org. This accredidation covers initial teacher preparation
programs at Benedict College. NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and
other professional school personnel. The Benedict College Teacher Education program is approved
by the South Carolina Board of Education to offer teacher education degrees in the following six areas
and grade levels: art (PK-12), early childhood education (PK -3), elementary education (2-6), English
(9-12), mathematics (9-12), and music (PK-12 vocal/choral and instrumental). Benedict College is in
full compliance with section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act and reports each year on the
performance of program completers on the required certification examinations and performance
assessments. All Benedict College teacher education program completers are required to pass all
certification examinations for program completion.
ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION
All students who plan to pursue a Teacher Education program must meet all entry criteria specified
below. Applications for admission to teacher education should be filed in the office of Teacher
Education by March 1 or October 1.
[Entry Criteria]
1. Complete and submit an Entry Level Form
2. Complete and submit all Level I assessments
3. Complete required courses (ED 111, 112,130, 211) with a “C” or better
4. Achieve a 2.75 GPA or better
5. Pass all Praxis I examination requirements (reading, writing, and mathematics)
6. Earn 45 semester hours of general education course work
7. Successfully complete the application process for admission to the teacher education
program, including the interview and writing sample.
[Retention Criteria]
1. Gain admission to the Teacher Education Program
2. Maintain a 2.75 GPA or greater
3. Maintain an acceptable record of personal-social behavior
4. Participate in appropriate activities (Testing programs, seminars, workshops conferences,
SEA, etc.) as required by the Teacher Education Program
5. Successfully complete all Level II and Level III assessments
6. Gain admission to Student Teaching (complete and submit application, criminal
background check, certification fee, writing sample, interview, etc.)
[Exit Criteria]
1. Maintain a 2.75 GPA or greater.
2. Pass all Praxis II Subject Assessments and Principles of Learning and
Teaching (PLT) examinations for the respective academic major and teaching
area required by the Benedict College Teacher Education Program
3. Successfully complete Student Teaching
4. Successfully complete all Level IV assessments
5. Successfully complete all College, Departmental, and BCTE program and/or
graduation requirements
Students who transfer from other programs or from other institutions and students who possess a
baccalaureate degree and are interested in completing requirements for teacher education programs
are subject to the same criteria and regulations as students who enter the program as freshmen.
Such students should contact the Director of Teacher Education for information and a review of their
eligibility for admission to teacher education.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
Teacher education majors must earn a "C" or better in all major, professional, and support courses for
graduation and certification. The Director of Teacher Education verifies the student's successful completion
of the criteria and submits the appropriate materials to the State Department of Education for