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 Dr. Lisa Schoer, 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 Barbara Austin in Carmichael 109.
Submit completed Travel Release Form.	Travel Release Form Submit documentation to Barbara Austin in Carmichael 109.
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
Obtain a FBI fingerprint packet	FBI fingerprint packets are available from Sheran Steading. The FBI fingerprint check must be completed approximately one year prior to student teaching. Note posted deadlines: May 1st to student teach in the Spring and December 1st to student teach in the Fall.
Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA for all undergraduate and graduate work	For concerns regarding this requirement, please contact Sheran Steading in Carmichael 109A.
Take Benchmark I 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 If you need additional assistance or information please contact Sheran Steading in Carmichael 101.
Complete FBI fingerprint packet	FBI fingerprint packets are available from Sheran Steading. See Benchmark I.
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 orientation	Detailed information will be mailed prior to the student teaching term.
Complete Student Teaching	All necessary information is in the Student Teaching Handbook and will be presented during orientation.
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	Specific test requirements are found on the program worksheets. 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.

Refer to the program worksheet for specific requirements. Final certification documents are completed after a candidate has completed all program requirements, including Praxis II and PLT scores, and all graduation requirements.