COLLEGE OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS
(College Rule 6Hx23-4.72)(11/20/2007)

Intent and Purpose:
This College of Education Rule is applicable both to Certification and Non-Certification Tracks as described below.

1. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - Certification Track

1. Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Students Seeking the Florida Professional Educator Certificate:
   Admission to the College of Education is based on applicants meeting all of the following criteria: GPA, Mastery of General Knowledge, and the A.A. degree or 60 hours.
   
   

   1. To be eligible for upper-division education courses, students must have earned an overall cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a lower-division program of study.

   
   

   2. Effective March 2006, Florida Statute 1004.04(4)(b).2 Florida Statutes requires pre-service candidates to demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, including the ability to read, write and compute. Students can demonstrate this mastery in one of several ways including: by passing the General Knowledge Test (GK) of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE), the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), a corresponding component of the National Teachers Examination series, or a similar test purusant to the rules of the State Board of Education.
      

      1. Students who submit CLAST scores for admissions may not use waivers, exemptions or alternative satisfactions to meet this requirement. The CLAST remains as a graduation requirement from the SPC A.A. and B.S. programs (waivers, exemptions or alternative satisfactions permitted).

      2. The General Knowledge Test remains an approved program completion requirement, along with the Professional Education and Subject Area subtests of the FTCE.

      3. Students who submit the College Level Academic Skills test, a corresponding component of the National Teachers Examination series, or a similar test pursuant to the rules of the State Board of Education scores for admission must also submit passing scores on the General Knowledge (GK) test prior to enrolling beyond 22 credits in the College of Education.

      4. If a candidate failed one or more CLAST subtest(s) and did not retake and pass the subtest(s) before July 1, 2002, the candidate must register for and pass the appropriate corresponding subtests(s) of the General Knowledge Test. The Bureau of Educator Certification has no authority to accept a CLAST subtest taken after June 30, 2002, for certification credit.

   3. Section 1004.04(4)b2, Florida Statutes permits teacher education programs to waive the GPA and General Knowledge requirements for up to 10% of the students admitted into each program.
      

   4. Completed all general education requirements leading to the A.A. degree or equivalent coursework in an education-related program of study. All lower-division Florida-mandated prerequisites for the specified Teacher Education Programs of study must also be met.
      

      1. Students must have completed all SPC general education requirements (36 hours) or general education courses on the approved State of Florida list at other fully accredited post-secondary institutions within the prescribed cumulative GPA; i.e., 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Students must have completed all college preparatory courses prior to admission into the College of Education.

      2. Students must have completed the lower-division common education prerequisites: EDF 1005 Introduction to Education, EDG 2701 Teaching Diverse Populations and EME 2040 Intro to Educational Technology with grades no lower than a “C” in each course. Equivalent college-level courses with equivalent semester credit hours with a grade no lower than “C” in each course will be considered.

      3. Students transferring from Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) will be advised to complete their A.A. degree at PHCC.

   5. Submitted all completed application materials and forms:
      

      1. Baccalaureate Application Supplement

      2. Official academic transcripts from all past post-secondary institutions attended.

      1. Transfer Students

      Transfer students will be required to sign a release of information/education records form at the point of applying for admission to the College of Education. This form releases educational records from the previous institution( s) and authorizes those persons within the institution(s) having knowledge, custody or control of said records to disclose information to the College Registrar, or Dean of the College of Education, or other appropriate college personnel. Transfer students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with all previous Education programs and must be eligible to return to all previous College of Education attended. Transfer students admitted with equivalent upper-division coursework are required to fulfill all Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPS) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Competencies as identified in College of Education syllabi. College of Education faculty will determine if competencies have been met or if additional assignments are to be submitted.

      2. Transient Students

      A transient student is one who preserves uninterrupted residency status with the home college while attending St. Petersburg College. Students who wish to attend St. Petersburg College on a transient basis must substitute a Transient Form approved by the home college in lieu of an official transcript. The Transient Form or official transcript must be forwarded along with the Application of Admission and fee, to the Admissions/Registration Office on the campus he/she expects to attend. Approval from the Dean is required prior to enrollment.
      
      

2. Progression Requirements for Undergraduate Students Seeking Florida Professional Certificate
   The following progression requirements apply to undergraduate students admitted into the teacher certification programs in the College of Education, except where specifically noted:
   
   

   1. Successful progression through a student's program of study depends on maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the profession, while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(3), Florida Statutes). Students who do not maintain these requirements will be placed on academic probation, suspended or dismissed. Please refer to Section 9 below. Students must work with the Baccelaureate Program Specialist (or College of Education advisors) and College od Education faculty advisor or Education Specialist to develop an academic plan.

   
   

   2. Florida Teaching Certification Exam (FTCE)
      

      1. Students who present test scores (College Level Academic Skills Test, a corresponding component of the National Teachers Examination series, or a similar test pursuant to the rules of the State Board of Education) for admission into the College of Education must present passing scores on all the sections of the General Knowledge (GK) test in order to be able to enroll in additional coursework beyond the 22 credits. Students must have the results of the GK sent/released to SPC prior to being permitted to enroll in additional coursework beyond the 22 credits.
         

      2. The Professional Education section of the FTCE must be passed prior to final internship placement. Students must have the results of the FTCE exams sent/released to SPC prior to registration for the final internship.
         

      3. The appropriate Subject Area exam of the FTCE must be passed prior to program completion, although students are urged to take this test prior to the final internship semester. Students must have the Subject Area Exam results sent/released to SPC.

      1. Required Subject Area Exams (SAE) for Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Students
         The following Florida Teacher Certificate Exams are required for the corresponding majors for undergraduate degree-seeking students:

      • Biology 6-12 program major: Biology (6-12) (002) Subject Area Exam
      • Business Education 6-12 program major: Business Education 6-12 (051) Subject Area Exam
      • Elementary Education K-6 program major: Elemetary Education K-6 (060) Subject Area Exam
      • Exceptional Student Education K-12 program major: Exceptional Student Education K-12 (061) Subject Area Exam
      • General Science, 5-9 program major: Middle Grades General Science 5-9 (004) Subject Area Exam
      • Mathematics 5-9 program major: Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 (025) Subject Area Exam
      • Mathematics 6-12 program major: Mathematics 6-12 (026) Subject Area Exam
      • Technology Education 6-12 program major: Technology Education 6-12 (055) Subject Area Exam

      2. Students who take a certification test other than the one specified for their program major will not be eligible for program completion until passing scores on the required tests are presented.

   3. The final internship is a process separate from admission to the College of Education. To obtain an approval for an internship placement, students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(3), Florida Statutes). All FEAP, ESOL, and other coursework not part of the final internship must be completed and submitted prior to receiving permission to begin internship.
      

   4. Students whose GPA is less than a cumulative 2.5 after the completion of the final internship will be required to take additional appropriate courses until their cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher.
      

   5. All students must complete the school-based experiences associated with a course at pre-assigned sites within the semester's time frame.
      

   6. During the final internship semester, undergraduate (degree-seeking) students are not permitted to enroll in additional coursework.
      

   7. All students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all COE courses including core courses, major requirement courses, ESOL courses, practica, methods, and the College of Education internship so that the cumulative GPA remains 2.5. This requirement has been the intent of this Rule since the inception of the College of Education.
      

   8. Permission to attend another institution on a transient basis will be granted to St. Petersburg College students on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility for transient status and acceptability of courses is determined by the Baccalaureate Program Specialist, Faculty for the College of Education and the Coordinator of Baccalaureate Records. The student is urged provide course descriptions of each course to determine their transferability and equivalency. Transient permission is not usually given to any student for consecutive sessions. Students granted permission to take courses on a transient basis must complete a Transient Form with the Baccalaureate Program Specialist for the College of Education. Only those courses listed on the Transient Form will be accepted as equated on the form. Courses earned in transient status are accepted with the grades earned and are treated as transfer work.
      

   9. Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal for Undergraduate Students Seeking the Florida Professional Educator Certificate

   1. Academic Probation

   1. Students who fail to maintain the 2.5 overall GPA or demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions for the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(3), Florida Statutes) will be placed on probation.

   2. The student will remain on probation for one session until the deficiency is rectified. Failure to rectify the deficiency within this time will result in suspension for one session.

   3. Students receiving VA benefits and/or other forms of financial assistance may lose some or all of such benefits as a result of being placed on probation, suspended or dismissed.
      

   2. Academic Suspension

   1. A student who has not met the terms specified by the Probation Contract will be suspended at the end of the session.

   2. While under academic suspension, the student is ineligible from enrolling in the College of Education.

   3. Following the completion of an academic suspension (one session), the student is required to consult with the Baccalaureate Specialist prior to re-admission.

   4. Upon return from academic suspension, the student must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and demonstrat the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(3), Florida Statutes).
      

   3. Academic Dismissal

   1. A student who has been suspended for at least one session, and who returns and then fails to meet the terms of the Suspension Contract will be dismissed.

   2. A student who has been academically dismissed is not eligible for further enrollment for at least one calendar year (12 months) following such dismissal.

   3. Following the completion of an academic dismissal, a student must consult with the Baccalaureate Specialist prior to re-admission.

   4. Upon return from academic dismissal, the student must reapply to the College of Education.
      
      

3. School-Based Experience Requirements for Undergraduate Students Seeking the Florida Professional Educator Certificate
   
   

1. Placement of College of Education students in local school districts is governed by State and local guidelines. All students enrolled in courses with school-based experiences will be required to successfully complete and have on file a background check for any district in which students are placed by the College of Education. Students will not be permitted to participate in school-based experiences until they demonstrate evidence of having cleared the background check. It is the student's resposibility to follow up with the school district to determine if the identified infraction precludes them from participating in school-based courses.

1. Prior to the start of the session, all students enrolled in COE school-based experiences (courses, practica, and final internship) must submit a Disclosure of Background information form each semester to the Office of School Partnerships that update background information. All students are required to report any changes to their Disclosure of Background Information form within 48 hours of the even and contact the Office of School Partnerships.

1. All students enrolled in the College of Education must provide complete information regarding prior employment and work history. All pending litigation, criminal arrests, and convictions must be reported even if records have been sealed, or expunged, or occurred when the student was a minor.

2. Failure to disclose complete information may result in the student not being eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education.

2. The fee(s) for the FDLE, FBI background check is required to be paid by each applicant. Upon request, fee waivers may be approved by the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance to document economically disadvantaged applicants (AFDC, Pell, Workforce, etc). Each school district requires a separate background check.

3. Students who disclose background information that may preclude them from gaining a teaching certificate or teaching position in the State of Florida may not be permitted to participate in school-based experiences and will not be eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education. If a student discloses the information prior to registration that precludes them from working with children, they may be eligible for a tuition refund following an appeals process. If a student did not disclose background information prior to registration, they may be withdrawn from any and all school-based courses without a refund. Students may continue their coursework for the remainder of the semester in non school-based classes.

4. Any allegations of misconduct that surface about a student enrolled in any COE school-based experience course will result in the student's placement being put on hold until such time as all allegations or pending investigations are resolved.

5. Students with unacceptable background check (FDLE, FBI) results will not be eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education. These students will be withdrawn from all courses, including the final internship, without a refund of any previously paid tuition or fees.

6. All students will be required to meet and maintain the current background hiring guideline standards set forth by the County School Boards where their placement for school-based experiences occur in order to remain eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education.

2. The College of Education has the right to place on probation, suspend or dismiss any student, in school-based environments, who does not exhibit the competencies required by the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (knowledge, competencies, dispositions or ethics) at the pre-professional level in accordance with Board Rule 6Hx23-4.721.
   

3. A student who does not successfully complete the final internship after the second attempt must submit a detailed written document requesting permission to repeat the final internship for a third time. The request may be denied by the Dean of the College of Education. If the request is denied by the Dean of the College of Education, a student may appeal following the guidelines outlined in BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.36 Student Grievances and Appeals, Appeals to Waiver Requirements of CLAST, Appeals to Exclude Coursework from Grade Point Calculations, and Student Body Governance and Recommendations. Grounds for overriding the decision of the Dean would be based on the decision being made in a capricious or arbitrary manner.
   

4. Program completion within the College of Education does not necessarily guarantee certification by the Florida Department of Education.
   
   

4. Completion/Graduation for Undergraduate Students Seeking the Florida Educator Professional Certificate
   
   

1. The following graduation requirements apply to undergraduates seeking the Florida Educator Professional Certificate:

1. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in order to be eligible to graduate and must earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.00 scale in upper-division courses in College of Education.

2. Students must have completed (with passing grades) two sequential years of a single foreign language in high school or 8 to 10 semester hours of a single foreign language at the college or university level (s.1007.262, F.S., and Rule 6A-20.02412, FAC).

3. For the purposes of conferring the Bachelor's degree in Education, students must complete at least 40 semester hours of courses numbered 3000 level or above. At least 30 of the 40 hours including internship must be earned at St. Petersburg College.

4. Students must complete the general education requirements for the Associate in Arts degree including any assessment of education outcomes that are required by the College.

5. Students must pass all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) or other instrument authorized for certification within the State of Florida prior to being eligible for program completion and/or graduation.

6. Students must complete six hours of coursework with an international/multicultural focus. This is automatically met with the A.A. degree for native SPC students. This is met with the A.A. degree or Bachelor's degree for transfer students.

7. While the College catalog governs a student 's program requirements, changes to a program emanating from the Florida State Board of Education will take precedence over the College catalog and may alter a student's program of study.

8. The Florida State Board of Education requires all College of Education students to demonstrate competency in all the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and Reading Competencies as well as appropriate ESOL standards, if applicable, as a condition of graduation.

9. College of Education students must apply for graduation the semester prior to the final internship. Fall graduates must apply no later than March 1 of the preceding semester. Spring graduates must apply no later than October 1 of the preceding semester.

10. Students must successfully complete all program requirements including courses, school based hours, the final Internship, and successfully pass all portions of the FTCE as a condition of graduation and program completion.

11. Graduation requirements as set forth in St. Petersburg College's Board of Trustees' Rule 6Hx23-4.01, 6Hx23-4.02 and 6Hx23- 4.24 will also apply.
    
    

2. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS - Non-Certification Track
   
 

1. Admissions Requirements for Undergraduate Students -
   Non-Certificate Programs
   
   Admissions to the College of Education is based on applicants meeting all of the following criteria:
   

   1. To be eligible for upper-division education courses, students must have earned an overall cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in a lower-division education-related program of study.
      

   2. Completed the A.A. degree or equivalent coursework and all SPC general education requirements. Students transferring from Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) will be advised to complete their A.A. degreeat PHCC.
      

   3. Submitted all completed application materials and forms.

   1. Baccalaureate Application Supplement.

   2. Official academic transcripts from all past post-secondary institutions attended.

   1. Transfer Students
      Transfer students will be required to sign a release of information/education records form at the point of applying for admission to the College of Education. This form releases educational records from the previous institution(s) and authorizes those persons within the institution(s) having knowledge, custody or control of said records to disclose information to the College Registrar, or Dean of the College of Education, or other appropriate college personnel. Transfer students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with all previous Education programs and must be eligible to return to all previous Colleges of Education attended.

   2. Transient Students
      A transient student is one who preserves uninterrupted residency status with the home college while attending St. Petersburg College. Students who wish to attend St. Petersburg College on a transient basis must substitute a Transient Form approved by the home college in lieu of an official transcript. The Transient Form or official transcript must be forwarded along with the Application for Admission and fee, to the Admissions/Registration Office on the campus he/she expects to attend. Approval from the Dean is required prior to enrollment.
      
      

2. Progression Requirements for Undergraduate Students -
   Non-Certification Programs
   
   The following progression requirements apply to undergraduate students admited to the College of Education Non-Certification Programs:

1. Successful progression through a student's program of study depends on the maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and demonstrating the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession, while maintaining good moral character (section 1012.56(2)(E), Florida Statutes). Students who do not maintain these requirements will be placed on academic probation, suspended or dismissed. Please refer to Section 9 below. Students must work with the Baccalaureate Program Specialist (or College of Education advisors) and College of Education faculty advisor or Education Specialist to develop an academic plan.
   

2. All students must complete the field-based experiences associated with a course at pre-assigned sites within the semester's time frame.
   

3. All students msut earn a grade of "C" or higher in all COE courses including core courses, major requirement courses, ESOL courses, practica, methods, and capstone course.
   

4. No student may enroll in any college preparatory courses while enrolled in the College of Education.
   

5. Permission to attend another institution on a transient basis will be granted to St. Petersburg College students on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility for transient status and acceptability of courses is determined by the Baccalaureate Program Specialist, Faculty for the College of Education, and the Coordinator of Baccalaureate Records. The student is urged to provide course descriptions of each course to determine their transferability and equivalency. Transient permission is not usually given to any student for consecutive sessions. Students from institutions other than St. Petersburg College will be granted permission to take courses on a transient basis must complete a Transient Form with the Baccalaureate Program Specialist for the College of Education. Only those courses listed on the the Transient Form will be accepted as equated on the form. Courses earned in transient status are accepted with the grades earned and are treated as transfer work.
   

6. Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal for Undergraduate Students - Non-Certification Programs

1. Academic Probation

1. Students who fail to maintain the 2.0 overall GPA or demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(e), Florida Statutes) will be placed on academic probation.

2. The student will remain on probation for one session until the deficiency is rectified. Failure to rectify the deficiency within this time will result in suspension for one session.

3. Students receiving VA benefits and/or other forms of financial assistance may lose some or all of such benefits as a result of being placed on probation, suspended or dismissed.

2. Academic Suspension

1. A student who has not met the terms specified by the Probation Contract will be suspended at the end of the session.

2. While under academic suspension, the student is ineligible from enrolling in the College of Education.

3. Following an academic suspension (one session), the student is required to consult with the Baccalaureate Specialist prior to re-admission.

4. Upon return from academic suspension, the student must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(e), Florida Statutes).

3. Academic Dismissal

1. A student who has been suspended for at least one session, and who returns and then fails to meed the terms of the Suspension Contract will be dismissed.

2. A student who has been academically dismissed is not eligible for further enrollment for at least one calendar year (12 months) following such dismissal.

3. Following the completion of an academic dismissal, a student must consult with the Baccalaureate Specialist (or College of Education advisors/Education Specialist) prior to re-admission.

4. Upon return from academic dismissal, the student must reapply to the College of Education.
   
   

3. Field-Based Experience Requirements for Undergraduate Students - Non-Teaching Track
   
 

1. Placement of College of Education students in local school districts is governed by the State and local guidelines. All students enrolled in courses with school-based experiences will be required to successfully complete and have on file a background check for any district in which students are placed by the College of Education. Students will not be permitted to participate in school-based experiences until they demonstrate evidence of having cleared the background check. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the school district to determine if the identified infraction precludes them from participating in school-based courses.

1. Prior to the start of the session, all students enrolled in COE school-based experiences (courses, practica, and final internship) must submit a Disclosure of Background Information form each semester to the Office of School Partnerships that updates background information. All students are required to report any changes to their Disclosure of Background Information form within 48 hours of the event and contact the Office of School Partnerships.

1. All students enrolled in the College of Education must provide complete information regarding prior employment and work history. All pending litigation, criminal arrests, and convictions must be reported even if records have been sealed, or expunged, or occurred when the student was a minor.

2. Failure to disclose complete information may result in the student not being eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education.

2. The fee(s) for the FDLE, FBI background check is required to be paid by each applicant. Upon request, fee waivers may be approved by the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance to document economically disadvantaged applicants (AFDC, Pell, workforce, etc). Each school district requires a separate background check.

3. Students who disclose background information that may preclude them from gaining a teaching certificate or teaching position in the state of Florida may not be permitted to participate in school-based experiences and will not be eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education. If a student discloses the information prior to registration that precludes them from working with children, they may be eligible for a tuition refund following an appeals process. If a student did not disclose background information prior to registration, they may be withdrawn from any and all school-based courses without a refund. Students may continue their coursework for the remainder of the semester in non school-based classes.

4. Any allegations of misconduct that surface about a student enrolled in any COE school-based experience course will result in the student's placement being put on hold until such time as all allegations or pending investigations are resolved.

5. Students with unacceptable background checks (FDLE, FBI) results will not be eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education. These students will be withdrawn from all courses, including the final internship, without a refund of any previously paid tuition or fees.

6. All students will be required to meet and maintain the current background hiring guideline standards set forth by the County School Boards where their placement for school-based experiences occur in order to remain eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education.
   

2. The College of Education has the right to place on probation, suspend or dismiss any student, in school-based environments, who does not exhibit the competencies required by the Florida Education Accomplished Practices (knowledge, competencies, dispositions or ethics) at the pre-professional level in accordance with Board Rule 6Hx23-4.721.



4. Completion/Graduation for Undergraduate Students - Non-Teaching Track
   

1. The following graduation requirements apply to students admitted to undergraduate degree-seeking program majors within the College of Education:

   1. Students must have earned a cumuluative GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to be eligible to graduate and must earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.00 scale in upper-division courses in the College of Education.

   2. Students must have completed (with passing grades) two sequential years of a single foreign language in high school or 8 to 10 semester hours of a single foreign language at the college or university level (as required by s.1007.262, F.S., and Rule 6A-10.02412, FAC).

   3. For purposes of conferring the Bachelor's degree, students must complete at least 40 semester hours of courses numbered 3000 level or above. At least 30 of the 40 hours including internship must be earned at St. Petersburg College.

   4. Students must complete the general education requirements for the Associate in Arts degree including any assessment of education outcomes that are required by the College.

   5. Students must complete six hours of coursework with an international/multicultural focus. This is automatically met with the A. A. degree for native SPC students. This is met with the A.A. degree for Bachelor's degree for transfer students.

   6. While the College catalog governs a student's program requirements, changes to a program emanating from the Florida State Board of Education will take precedence over the College catalog and may alter a student's program of study.

   7. College of Education students must apply for graduation the semester prior to the final capstone project. Fall graduates must apply no later than March 1st of the preceding semester. Spring graduates must apply no later than October 1st of the preceding semester.

   8. Students must successfully complete all program requirements including courses and field based hours, as a condition of graduation and program completion.

   9. Graduation requirements as set forth in St. Petersburg College's Board of Trustees' Rules 6Hx23-4.01, 6Hx23-4.02 and 6Hx23-4.24 will also apply.



3. NON-DEGREE SEEKING AND POST BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS

1. Admissions Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking and Post-Baccalaureate Students
   
   Enrollment in any College of Education course/program is based on applicants meeting the criteria under an appropriate category.

1. Post-Baccalaureate Students [Not Enrolling in SPC's Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)] Students who already hold a Bachelor's Degree and wish to enroll in upper-division courses leading to teacher certification, are encouraged to obtain certification guidance from the Florida Department of Education and/or a school district.

1. Additional Certification:
   Post-Baccalaureate students, possessing a teaching certificate, who wish to enroll in an upper-division course must provide proof of an earned Bachelor's Degree (official transcript), and the recommended certification program of study from the Florida Department of Education Bureau of Educator Certification or from a school district. Students must also complete the Baccalaureate Application Supplement.

2. Re-Certification:
   Post-Baccalaureate students who wish to enroll in an upper-division course must provide proof of an earned Bachelor's Degree (official transcript) and verification of teacher certification or employment in a school district. Students must also complete the Baccalaureate Application Supplement.

3. Alternative Certification:
   Post-Baccalaureate students who wish to enroll in an upper-division course must provide proof (of an earned Bachelor's Degree official transcript) and the recommended certification program of study from the Florida Department of Education Bureau of Educator Certification or from a school district.

4. Other non-degree seeking students must seek permission of the Dean.
   

2. Post-Baccalaureate Students [Enrolling in SPC's Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)]
   Baccalaureate Application Supplement:

1. Official academic transcripts from all past post-secondary institutions attended;

2. Status of Eligibility letter from the Florida Department of Education for U.S. Citizens. International students may present the Status of Eligibility during their first semester in the College of Education.

3. Students must demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, including the ability to read, write, and compute by passing the Florida Department of Education General Knowledge Test (GK) of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) prior to admissions into the program. International students must present passing scores on the General Knowledge Test (GK) during their first semester in their program.

4. Students seeking Mathematics (6-12), Middle Grades Mathematics (5-9), Secondary Biology (6-12), and Middle Grades General Science (5-9) certification must present passing schores in the appropriate SAE certification areas prior to admission into the program.
   
   

2. Progression Requirements for Students Enrolled in SPC's Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)
   
   The following progression requirements apply to Post-Baccalaureate students admitted into the College of Education's EPI except where specifically noted:

1. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a College of Education GPA of 2.5. Students who do not maintain the GPA requirements will be placed on academic probation, suspended or dismissed. Please refer to Section IV. below. Students must work with the Baccalaureate Program Specialist and College of Education faculty advisor or Education Specialist to develop an academic plan.
   

2. Florida Teacher Certification Exam

   1. Post-Baccalaureate EPI students must pass the General Knowledge (GK) prior to admission and the Professional Education and appropriate Subject Area exams prior or during their final semester in which they are seeking program completion. Mathematics (6-12), Middle Grades Mathematics (5-9), Secondary Biology (6-12), and Middle Grades General Science (5-9) EPI students must have passed the appropriate Subject Area Section prior to admission into the program. Students must have the results of the FTCE exams sent/ released to SPC prior to the end of their program's final semester in which they are seeking program completion.

   2. Required Subject Area Exams for Post- Baccalaureate EPI Students
      The following Florida Teacher Certification Exams are required for the corresponding majors for the Post Baccalaureate EPI students:
      • Biology 6-12 program major: Biology (6- 12) (002) Subject Area Exam
      • Elementary Education K-6 program major: Elementary Education K-6 (060) Subject Area Exam
      • Exceptional Student Education K-12 program major: Exceptional Student Education K-12 (061) Subject Area exam
      • Mathematics 6-12 program major: Mathematics 6-12 (026) Subject Area Exam • General Science, 5-9 program major: Middle Grades General Science 5-9 (004) Subject Area Exam

   • Mathematics 5-9 program major: Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 (025) Subject Area Exam

   3. Students who take a certification test other than the one specified for their program major will not be eligible for program completion until passing scores on the required tests are presented.
      

3. All students must complete the school-based experiences associated with their program at pre-assigned sites within the semester's time frame.
   

4. Post-Baccalaureate EPI students will complete online pre-assessments within the first two weeks of the semester in which they are admitted. Failure to complete the online pre-assessment within the stated timeframe may result in a delay of progress through the program. Post- Baccalaureate EPI students will also complete online post-assessments during the final semester of their program. Failure to complete the post-assessments may result in a delay of program completion.
   

5. All students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all COE courses, including core courses, major requirement courses, ESOL courses, practica, methods, and the College of Education internship so that the cumulative GPA remains 2.5. This requirement has been the intent of this Rule since the inception of the College of Education.
   

6. No student may enroll in any college preparatory courses while enrolled in the College of Education.
   

7. Transient students from St. Petersburg College:
   Permission to attend another institution on a transient basis will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility for transient status and acceptability of courses is determined by the Education Specialist for the College of Education and the Coordinator of Baccalaureate Records. The student is urged to bring the Coordinator of Baccalaureate Records course descriptions of each course to determine their transferability and equivalency. Transient permission is not usually given to any student for consecutive sessions.
   Students granted permission to take courses on a transient basis must complete a Transient Form with the Education Program Specialist for the College of Education. Only those courses listed on the Transient Form will be accepted as equated on the form. Courses earned in transient status are accepted with the grades earned and are treated as transfer work.
   

8. Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal

1. Academic Probation

1. Students who fail to maintain the 2.5 overall GPA or demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(e), Florida Statutes) will be placed on academic probation.

2. The student will remain on probation for one session until the deficiency is rectified. Failure to rectify the deficiency within this time will result in suspension for one session.

3. Students receiving VA benefits and/or other forms of financial assistance may lose some or all of such benefits as a result of being placed on probation, suspended or dismissed.

2. Academic Suspension

1. A student who has not met the terms specified by the Probation Contract will be suspended at the end of the session.

2. While under academic suspension, the student is ineligible from enrolling in College of Education.

3. Following an academic suspension (one session), the student is required to consult with the Baccalaureate Specialist prior to readmission.

4. Upon return from academic suspension, the student must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA ad demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions of the profession while maintaining good moral character (Section 1012.56(2)(e), Florida Statutes).
   

3. Academic Dismissal

1. A student who has been suspended for at least one session, and who returns and then fails to meet the terms of the Suspension Contract will be dismissed.

2. A student who has been academically dismissed is not eligible for further enrollment for at least one calendar year (12 months) following such dismissal.

3. Following the completion of an academic dismissal, a student must consult with the Baccalaureate Specialist (or College of Education advisors/Education Specialist) prior to re-admission.

4. Upon return from academic dismissal, the student must reapply to the College of Education.
   
   

3. School-Based Experience Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking and Post Baccalaureate Students


 

1. Placement of College of Education students in local school districts is governed by State and local guidelines. All students enrolled in courses with school-based experiences will be required to successfully complete and have on file a background check for any district in which students are placed by the College of Education. Students will not be permitted to participate in school-based experiences until they demonstrate evidence of having cleared the background check. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the school district to determine if the identified infraction precludes them from participating in school-based courses.

1. Prior to the start of the session, all students enrolled in COE school-based experiences (courses, practica, and final internship) must submit a Disclosure of Background Information form each semester to the Office of School Partnerships that updates background information. All students are required to report any changes to their Disclosure of Background Information form within 48 hours of the event and contact the Office of School Partnerships.

1. All students enrolled in the College of Education must provide complete information regarding prior employment and work history. All pending litigation, criminal arrests, and convictions must be reported even if records have been sealed, or expunged, or occurred when the student was a minor.

2. Failure to disclose complete information may result in the student not being eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education.

2. The fee(s) for the FDLE, FBI background check is required to be paid by each applicant. Upon request, fee waivers may be approved by the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Assistance to document economically disadvantaged applicants (AFDC, Pell, Workforce, etc). Each school district requires a separate background check.

3. Students who disclose background information that may preclude them from gaining a teaching certificate or teaching position in the State of Florida may not be permitted to participate in school-based experiences and will not be eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education. If a student discloses the information prior to registration that precludes them from working with children, they may be eligible for a tuition refund following and appeals process. If a student did not disclose background information prior to registration, they may be withdrawn from any and all school-based courses without a refund. Students may continue their coursework for the remainder of the semester in non school-based classes.

4. Any allegations of misconduct that surface about a student enrolled in any COE school-based experience course will result in the student's placement being put on hold until such time as all allegations or pending investigations are resolved.

5. Students with unacceptable background check (FDLE, FBI) results will not be eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education. These students will be withdrawn from all courses, including the final internship, without a refund of any previously paid tuition or fees.

6. All students will be required to meet and maintain the current background hiring guideline standards set forth by the County School Boards where their placement for school-based experiences occur in order to remain eligible to continue enrollment in the College of Education.
   

2. The College of Education has the right to place on probation, suspend or dismiss any student, in school-based environments, who does not exhibit the competencies required by the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (knowledge, competencies, dispositions or ethics) at the preprofessional level in accordance with Board Rule 6Hx23-4.721.
   

3. A student who does not successfully complete the final internship after the second attempt must submit a detailed written document requesting permission to repeat the final internship for a third time. The request may be denied by the Dean of the College Education. If the request is denied by the Dean of the College of Education, a student may appeal following the guidelines outlined in BOT Rule 6Hx23-4.36 Student Grievances and Appeals, Appeals to Waiver Requirements of CLAST, Appeals to Exclude Coursework from Grade Point Calculations, and Student Body Governance and recommendations. Grounds for overriding the decision of the Dean would be based on the decision being made in an capricious or arbitrary manner.
   

4. Program completion within the College of Education does not necessarily guarantee certification by the Florida Department of Education.




4. Completion Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking and Post-Baccalaureate Students
   
   The following completion requirements apply to Post- Baccalaureate students admitted to EPI certification programs within the College of Education:

1. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in College of Education coursework to be eligible to complete the program.
   

2. Students must pass all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) or other instrument authorized for certification within the State of Florida prior to being eligible for program completion and/or graduation.
   

3. Students must successfully complete all program requirements including courses, school based hours, the final internship experience (if applicable), and successfully pass all portions of the FTCE as a condition of program completion.
   

4. While the College catalog governs a student's program requirements, changes to a program emanating from the Florida State Board of Education will take precedence over the College catalog and may alter a student's program of study.
   

5. The Florida State Board of Education requires all College of Education students to demonstrate competency in all the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and Reading Competencies as well as all appropriate ESOL standards, if applicable, as a condition of program completion.

For more information visit the College of Education.

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Last revised May 29, 2008
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