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THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATE CATALOG |
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10.3 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
Class A teacher
education programs are designed to help teachers more effectively
serve the purposes defined for the same teaching field at the Class
B level, provided such programs exist. The intent of the fifth-year
program is to help the teacher develop higher levels of competence
than is possible in the Class B program. Following a review by the
Alabama State Board of Education, the Class A Professional
Certificate is granted to the student who (a) has applied for and
has been recommended for certification by the College of Education,
and (b) has completed a preplanned graduate program, approved by the
state board of education, that includes a master's degree. It is
important to remember that the awarding of a master's or higher
degree does not necessarily imply that the student is eligible for
Class A certification. Applicants for the certificate must also
present to the Alabama Department of Education evidence of
successful and appropriate teaching experience, as follows: for
certification as a library/media specialist, two years; as a
counselor or psychometrist, two years; as an educational
administrator, three years.
The essential
objective of the sixth-year program is to extend upward the level of
competence of the teacher. Following a review by the Alabama State
Board of Education, the Class AA Professional Certificate is granted
to students who (a) have applied for and are recommended for
certification by the College of Education, and (b) have completed a
preplanned graduate program, approved by the state board of
education. Students seeking Class AA professional certification must
enroll in and complete the EdS. (or doctoral) degree program in the
desired certification area in order to obtain the University's
recommendation for Class AA professional certification. Courses used
to qualify for a lower-level supporting certificate may not be used
again as part of a higher-level certification program.
Alternative Approaches to Certification
In addition to
"regular" certification programs, the Alabama State Board of
Education offers five alternative approaches to certification. These
are as follows: (a) alternative baccalaureate-level approach
(contact the Alabama Department
of Education); (b)
alternative fifth-year-level approach (see information in this
catalog); (c) speech- and language-impaired approach; (d) nationally
certified school psychologist approach; and (e) National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards approach. Further information
regarding these alternative approaches is available via the
Office
of Student Services and Certification, 104 Carmichael Hall.
Admission requirements for fifth-year (Class A)
programs for teachers include "eligibility for Class B certification
in the teaching field(s) in which Class A certification is sought,"
except in a few specified fields.
All
students (not just Alabama students) must meet all admission
requirements for the Class A Educational Administration Program
before enrolling in the program.
The programs listed in
this catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional
certificates for service in the public schools may be altered to
meet certification standards adopted by the
Alabama State Board of Education.
Check with the appropriate department head for information.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATE CATALOG |
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