The School of Education and Graduate Studies

Initial Certification Program Benchmarks and Requirements

In order to complete any of the initial certification programs in The School of Education and Graduate Studies, candidates must meet four benchmarks in the program. Below is an overview of what is required to meet each of these benchmarks.

In order to move to Benchmark 2, you must complete the following:

Complete EDU 360/560, Intro to Education	If you have any questions about this class, please see your academic adviser or Ed Gosnell, Director of Clinical Experiences.
Read the Teacher Education Handbook	Teacher Education Handbook
Pass the Praxis I Test in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics and have your scores sent via ETS to Converse College	Passing scores for the Praxis I are as follows: Reading (175), Writing (173), and Mathematics (172). Registration and test dates for the Praxis I are available through ETS. PPST practice tests and tutorials are provided through Learning Express Library.
Submit documentation of a negative TB test within the last five years.	Submit documentation to Sheran Steading.
Submit completed Travel Release Form.	Travel Release Form Submit documentation to Sheran Steading.
Complete Bloodborne Pathogens Training	Contact Lisa Lefebvre, Director of Health Services at 864-596-9116 to schedule the training.
Complete Clinical I	Each program designates at specific course of study for Clinical I. See the individual program worksheets for information the specific clinicals. Download the Clinical Experience Handbook.
Submit Application to Teacher Education	Application to Teacher Education
Schedule a SLED fingerprint check	SLED fingerprint packets are available from Sheran Steading. The SLED fingerprint check must be completed no more than 18 months prior to student teaching. Note posted deadlines: May 1st to student teach in the Spring and December 1st to student teach in the Fall . In addition, students must make an appointment with the Sheriff's office between 7:30-11:00 AM, Monday-Friday. The Sherrif's Office can be reached at (864) 503-4500.
Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA for all undergraduate and graduate work	For concerns regarding this requirement, please contact Sheran Steading.
Take courses not requiring admission to Teacher Education	For more information on the availability of courses and those appropriate to your area of specialization, contact your academic adviser.

In order to move to Benchmark 3, you must complete the following:

Complete Clinical II	Each program designates at specific course of study for Clinical II. See the individual program worksheets for information the specific clinicals.
Complete Application to Student Teaching	Application to Student Teaching
Complete SLED fingerprint check	SLED fingerprint packets are available from Sheran Steading. The SLED fingerprint check must be completed no more than 18 months prior to student teaching. Note posted deadlines: May 1st to student teach in the Spring and December 1st to student teach in the Fall . In addition, students must make an appointment with the Sheriff's office between 7:30-11:00 AM, Monday-Friday. The Sherrif's Office can be reached at (864) 503-4500.
Complete coursework required for student teaching	For more information on the availability of courses and those appropriate to your area of specialization, contact your academic adviser.

In order to move to Benchmark 4, you must complete the following:

Attend student teaching seminars	Check the Announcements page for the dates on these seminars.
Complete the ADEPT Student Teaching Portfolio	Student teaching portfolio guidelines are available on the Converse College Electronic Portfolio system powered by LiveText.
Complete evaluations of the college supervisor and cooperating teacher	Evaluations are available on the Converse College Electronic Portfolio system powered by LiveText.
Pass the Praxis II Test in your subject area and have your scores sent via ETS to Converse College and the State Department of Education	Passing scores vary by program but can be found on the State Department of Education website. Registration and test dates for the Praxis II are available through ETS.
Take the PLT and have your scores sent via ETS to Converse College and the State Department of Education	Passing scores can be found on the State Department of Education website. Registration and test dates for the PLT are available through ETS.
Complete 60 full days of student teaching and other requirements for certification	Student Teaching Handbook
Complete the application for graduation	Undergraduate students apply for graduation in the Registrar's Office. Graduate students apply for graduation in the Office of Graduate Studies. Contact the appropriate office for more information on this requirement.