College of Education
Important Note: This is the archived version of the 2013–2015 Undergraduate Catalog. The information on these pages was archived on August 6, 2013 and will not be updated as requirement and/or program changes are approved. Please see www.uic.edu/ucat for the most up-to-date requirements.
- Admission to the Urban Education Program
- Elementary Education—Candidacy
- Admission to Student Teaching
Degree Requirements for the BA in Urban Education
- Semester Hour Requirement
- Elementary Education Core Curriculum Requirements
- Areas of Specialization
- General Education Core
- Other Requirements
Elementary Education Program Candidacy Requirements (last two years)
- Elementary Education Program Course Requirements
- Student Teaching Requirement
- State Teacher Licensure
- Council on Teacher Education
- E-Portfolio System
- State Examinations
- Middle School Endorsement
- Student Teaching
- Other Licensure Policies (or Requirements)
- Academic Load
- Academic Probation and Dismissal Rules
- Change of Course Schedule—Dropping Courses
- Change of Major
- Class Attendance
- Closed Courses
- Course Prerequisites
- Credit/No Credit Option
- Declaring a Major
- Double Major, Double Degrees, and Second Bachelor’s Degree
- Graduate-Level Course for Undergraduate Credit
- Independent Study
- Petition Procedure
- Proficiency Examinations
- Registration Approval
- Repeat Policy for Standard Graded Courses
- Transferring
Special Programs and Opportunities
Sample Curriculum Plan for the BA in Urban Education
- Change of Teaching Major in Student’s Home College
- Admission to Candidacy for Teacher Licensure
- Admission to Education Course Work
- Admission to ED 330
- Admission to Student Teaching
- Graduation
- Licensure
- Course Requirements for Secondary Education Programs
- Middle School Endorsement
- Illinois Licensure Test Requirements
Dean, Dr. Victoria Chou
3004 Education, Performing Arts, and Social Work (EPASW)
(312) 996-5641
http://www.education.uic.edu
Administration:
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Cynthia Shanahan
Associate Dean for Programs and Evaluation, Dr. Carole Mitchener
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Joyce Eisen
Associate Dean for Administration, Loretta Foote Casey
Associate Dean for Programs and Technology, Dr. Kathleen Sheridan
Director of BA in Urban Education,
Dr. Eleni Katsarou
Student Services: 3145 EPASW, (312) 996-4532
Coordinator of Advising and Registration, Jennifer DeLago, (312) 996-0707
Departments:
Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, Educational Policy Studies, Special Education
Council on Teacher Education: Executive Director,
Dr. Cynthia Shanahan, (312) 355-0714
Assistant to the Executive Director, Dr. Marietta Giovannelli (312) 996-9570
Licensure Officer, Dr. Marietta Giovanelli
Student Teaching Coordinator, Marsha Manheim,
(312) 355-1875
Data Manager and E-Portfolio Coordinator, Betsy
Gates-Ehlers, (312) 355-1872
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education (COE) offers a program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Art in Urban Education. The BA program leads to a State of Illinois teaching license in Elementary Education (grades K–9).
The program is committed to preparing educators who can work effectively in Chicago neighborhood schools where they are needed most. The program also reflects UIC’s conceptual framework: UIC educators are committed to the democratic ideal of developing the full potential of all students. They develop professional knowledge through study and critical analysis, and demonstrate effective practices consistent with their professional knowledge and ideals.
The BA in Urban Education program will effectively develop educators who are informed about how culture, language, and poverty shape and influence the lives of children and youth, and who have a deep understanding of how to use cultural and linguistic diversity as assets in the classroom and other educational settings.
The BA in Urban Education provides the opportunity for students to become teachers for elementary school settings and earn a K–9, Elementary Education teaching license. BA Teacher Candidates (TCs) are expected to develop (1) a deep understanding of school and community contexts; (2) a personal investment to underserved schools; (3) a commitment to critical self-reflection and inquiry into learning and teaching. These expectations are largely developed by having TCs conduct their student teaching in schools identified by the college that are urban sites, serve high concentrations of minority students, and have a significant number of highly respected leaders and teachers. The schools in this partnership with the BA in Urban Education Program also serve as sites for ongoing collaborative research on teaching and learning.
The BA in Urban Education program has adopted the University’s admissions requirements as listed in the Admissions section of the catalog under First Year Applicant and adheres to the campus policy on transfer students.
Admission to the Program
All freshmen and sophomores will initially be admitted to the Undeclared/Undecided major in the College of Education and complete the Urban Education Core Curriculum. Students must complete the 63-hour Urban Education Core Curriculum required for admission to the last two years of Elementary Education candidacy. All students must maintain a GPA of 2.50/4.00 to remain in good standing during the first two years of the program. Students should complete Core Curriculum course work in 4 years or fewer. When students complete the Urban Education Core Curriculum in the concentration, they must apply for candidacy before they can pursue the last two years of professional course work. In addition, all courses required for licensure cannot be taken for a credit/no credit and/or pass/fail option.
Elementary Education—Candidacy
Students in good standing may obtain an application for admission to candidacy to the EE concentration in the semester during which they complete the EE Urban Education curriculum requirements. In addition to remaining in good standing, students who wish to become candidates in the EE concentration must:
- be formally recommended to candidacy by at least one education faculty member with whom they have taken a course; transfer students may submit a faculty letter from the transfer institution;
- submit a Professional Goal Statement regarding their commitment to teaching in urban schools;
- take part in individual or group interviews with program faculty;
- complete 50 service learning hours working with a diverse group of students in an urban educational setting;
- receive a passing score on the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Basic Skills Test (for tests taken before February 1, 2012) or receive a passing score on the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Test of Academic Proficiency (for tests taken on or after February 1, 2012).
- receive a passing score on the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Basic Skills Test (for tests taken before February 1, 2012) or receive a passing score on the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Test of Academic Proficiency (for tests taken on or after February 1, 2012). A minimum ACT Plus Writing composite score of 22 or higher or a SAT composite score of 1030 or higher (critical reading and mathematics) may be substituted in place of the TAP. The tests must have been taken within 10 years of application.
- possess a minimum GPA of 2.50/4.00 at the time of application. Courses in which a student receives a grade lower than a C will not be applied to the licensure requirements.
Once a student is accepted for candidacy in the EE concentration, s/he formally becomes a candidate for teacher licensure.
Admission to Student Teaching —Senior Year
In order to qualify for entry into student teaching, a Teacher Candidate (TC) must maintain an overall GPA of 2.50/4.00 and a minimum 3.00/4.00 for professional education courses. Courses in which a student receives a grade lower than a C will not be applied to licensure requirements. Required courses cannot be taken for a credit/no credit and/or pass/fail option. TCs will student teach in the senior year. The TC should have completed all fieldwork leading to student teaching with satisfactory progress. TCs will conduct all of their student teaching practica in urban sites with which COE has had long-standing partnerships. In these partnerships, program faculty have identified school leaders and teachers who have a deep understanding and commitment to the families and communities that they serve.
Degree Requirements for the BA in Urban Education
In the first two years of study, students in the BA in Urban Education program will take the Urban Education Core Curriculum. This curriculum is characterized by the following:
- completion of the campus General Education course requirements which focus on a broad liberal arts education;
- development of a specialization in an area of interest to the student that will lead to content-area approvals and endorsements on top of Illinois Teacher Licensure;
- completion of a set of foundational courses in education.
BA in Urban Education Program Requirements | Hours |
Core Curriculum Requirements (including Area of Specialization) |
63 |
Elementary Education Course Requirements | 68 |
Total Hours—BA in Urban Education Program | 131 |
Elementary Education Core Curriculum Requirements
Courses | Hours |
ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
Understanding the Creative Arts courseab | 3 |
NOTE: The following courses are recommended: ENGL 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119. | |
Exploring World Cultures General Education courseb | 3 |
NOTE: LALS 101 is recommended. |
|
POLS 101—Introduction to American Government and Politicsc | 3 |
HIST 103—Early America: From Colonization to Civil War and Reconstruction (3)d OR HIST 104—Modern America: From Industrialization to Globalization (3)d |
3 |
Analyzing the Natural World courses | 8 |
The following courses are required: NATS 105—Physical Systems in Earth Sciences and Space Science (4) |
|
MATH 140—Arithmetic and Algebraic Structures | 4 |
MATH 141—Algebraic and Geometric Structures | 4 |
Area of Specialization | 15 |
ED 100—Introduction to Urban Educationcf (with a 30-hour required fieldwork component) |
4 |
ED 151 and ED 152—College Connection I and II (2)g (both required for freshmen only) |
1–2g |
OR | |
ED 153—College
Connection III (1)g (required for transfer students only) |
|
ED 257—Foundations of Literacy |
3 |
ED 205—Race, Ethnicity, and Educationcf (with a 30-hour required fieldwork component) |
4 |
EPSY 255—Child Development in Contemporary Society | 3 |
Total Hours—Urban Education Core Curriculum | 63 |
a Each course on this list is approved for the Understanding the Creative Arts General Education category.
b Students should consult the General Education section of the catalog for a list of courses in this category
c This course is approved for the Understanding U.S.
Society General Education category.
d This course is approved for the
Understanding the Past General Education category.
e This course is approved for the Analyzing the Natural
World General Education category.
f This course is approved for the Understanding the Individual and Society General Education category.
g ED 151, 152, and 153 are required one-semester-hour courses, but the hours do not count toward the total hours required for graduation.
Areas of Specialization
Students will choose other courses as they develop an area
of specialization.
Students should consult the Office of Student Services for a list of areas of specializations.
General Education at UIC is designed to serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Through the Core Curriculum, College of Education students fulfill the University’s General Education Core requirement of a minimum of 24 semester hours in the General Education Core with at least one course from each of the following categories:
- Analyzing the Natural World
- Understanding the Individual and Society
- Understanding the Past
- Understanding the Creative Arts
- Exploring World Cultures
- Understanding U.S. Society
For a description and a list of courses in each General Education Core category, students should consult the General Education section of the catalog.
General Education Proficiencies—University Writing
Requirement
As noted in the Urban Education Core Curriculum, College of Education students meet this requirement
by achieving a passing grade in English 160 and 161.
Other Requirements
Students must complete the requirements of the University and
college that are in effect at the time of initial registration. It is
essential for each student to become familiar with graduation
requirements and to keep up to date with any published changes.
If requirements are changed, continuing students and those
whose attendance at UIC has been interrupted for no more than
two years may complete the current graduation requirements or
may continue to meet those requirements in effect at the time of
initial registration. Students who return to UIC after an absence
of more than two years are responsible for meeting the
requirements of the University and college in effect at the time
of the student’s reenrollment. If courses originally required are
no longer offered, the college has the prerogative of specifying
substitutes. Students should be aware that changes occurring in
state licensure requirements may necessitate additional
course work.
Course Level Requirement
During the junior and senior years, a student must earn at least
30 hours in advanced-level courses (300-level) at the University
of Illinois at Chicago or any other accredited four-year college
or university.
Course Work Limitations
Course work that duplicates previous credit does not
count toward graduation. Credit is not given for a course
in which a failing grade is received.
Full-Time Enrollment
During the first two years of study, students are provided with opportunities to select courses from the Urban Education Core Curriculum. After candidacy, students will be required to register for specific course work each semester while enrolled. The program requires full-time enrollment.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
To be eligible for graduation, a student in the candidacy
must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50/4.00 and a
GPA of at least 3.00/4.00 in the professional education courses.
Graduation Declaration/Filing to Graduate
Students declare their intent to graduate online using my.UIC. The deadline for submission to the
Pending Degree List is the end of the third week (fall and
spring) or second week (summer) of the term in which
graduation is sought. Failure to submit the request at this
time may delay the awarding of the degree. A final
review will be made following the close of the term. If a
student has satisfactorily completed all the degree
requirements, the student’s name will be placed on the
official degree list.
Enrollment Residence Requirement
Either the first 90 or the last 30 semester hours of degree
work must be completed in continuous, uninterrupted
enrollment residence at the University of Illinois at
Chicago. Concurrent attendance at the University of
Illinois at Chicago and another collegiate institution, or
enrollment during the summer at another institution,
when approved by the student’s college, does not
interrupt the UIC enrollment residence requirement for
graduation. Work done at the Springfield or Urbana-Champaign campuses of the University of Illinois does
not satisfy this requirement. Credit earned through
proficiency examinations, including credit earned through
the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), UIC
extension courses, and Urbana-Champaign
correspondence courses, does not apply toward the
minimum 30 semester hour enrollment residence
requirement.
Transfer Credit
Courses completed at other institutions may be applied in
partial fulfillment of graduation requirements and as prerequisites
for courses at UIC. The college determines the
transfer hours that apply toward the degree. Courses
listed for credit on a Student Profile, Academic Advising
Document, Degree Audit Report, or transcripts are not
necessarily accepted for the degree.
Transfer Credit for Continuing Students
The College of Education may permit concurrent registration at a transfer institution. Please consult an academic advisor in the Office of Student Services (OSS), 3145 EPASW.
Elementary Education Concentration Requirements
Elementary Education Concentration Course Requirements
Courses |
Hours |
ED 345—Critical Multiculturalism in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 2 |
ED 352—Technology Integration in Elementary School I | 2 |
EPSY 405—Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
ED 307—Nature and Practices in Natural Science | 2 |
ED 340—Teaching Language and Literacy in the Urban Elementary Classroom I | 3 |
ED 341—Teaching Language and Literacy in the Urban Elementary Classroom II | 3 |
ED 342—Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 4 |
ED 343—Teaching and Learning Science in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 4 |
ED 344—Teaching and Learning Social Studies in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 4 |
ED 350—Urban Advisory I: Introduction to Fieldwork in Urban Schools | 2 |
ED 351—Urban Education Advisory II: Health and Popular Culture in Urban Schools | 2 |
ED 450—Student Teaching in the Urban Elementary Classroom I | 9 |
ED 451—Student Teaching/Internship in the Urban Community II | 15 |
SPED 415—Characteristics of Exceptional Learners | 2 |
SPED 416—Methods of Instruction for Exceptional Learners | 2 |
ED 346—Sociocritical Foundations of English Learning in Urban Elementary Classroom | 3 |
Endorsement Electives | 6–8 |
Minimum Total Hours—Elementary Education Concentration | 68 |
Student teaching is completed in both semesters of the senior year with more emphasis on the last semester. Minimum requirements for student teaching include senior standing; 3.00/4.00 GPA in the professional course work; a grade of C or higher in all course work required for licensure; courses taken for a credit/no credit option are not applicable towards licensure; satisfactory completion of fieldwork as assessed by university field instructors and school mentor teachers. Furthermore, it is required that students meet the following additional criteria: approval of the program faculty through review of performance according to the GPA; UIC Elementary Education Principles; development of the Teaching Portfolio; and the passing of the required state tests. Courses to be completed successfully prior to student teaching include the following: LAS General Education, ED 100, ED 205, ED 257, ED 307, ED 340, ED 341, ED 342, ED 343, ED 344, ED 345, ED 346, ED 350, ED 351, ED 450, EPSY 255, EPSY 405, SPED 415, and SPED 416 must be taken during the first semester of the senior year and during the first practicum of student teaching. EE candidates should also consult the State Teacher Licensure section below.
State Teacher Licensure
The curricula for the preparation of elementary and secondary school teachers as listed in this catalog have been approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the University.
The Council on Teacher Education (CTE) is responsible for coordinating teacher education programs throughout the University of Illinois at Chicago and for maintaining relationships with the Illinois State Teacher Board of Education.
Decisions about licensure are a joint effort of a candidate’s program, the Council on Teacher Education (CTE), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The program coordinator and faculty have the main responsibility for ensuring that candidates are prepared to become teachers and are, thus, entitled to apply for licensure. They approve qualifications before the CTE begins its process of evaluation. The CTE’s licensure officer entitles an individual to apply for a license at the state level. The CTE checks that candidates have met state requirements, such as passing the required state-level tests and completing the course, assessment, and grade requirements stipulated by the program as addressing state objectives. ISBE makes the final decision about whether or not a candidate receives licensure based upon the information it receives from the institution and a candidate’s application.
E-Portfolio System
In order to monitor program effectiveness and to provide programs with information they can use to guide candidates’ work and program reform, the Council on Teacher Education (CTE) also collects assessment information from students and candidates as they prepare to be teachers. Students should keep up to date on assessment requirements, as they may not be able to register for course work if they fall behind. This assessment information is discussed in program orientations and is available on the CTE website http://education.uic.edu/cte/. An electronic folio system is the main avenue by which teaching majors and candidates will turn in assessments. Candidates may use the system for a variety of purposes in addition to uploading assessments for the CTE.
State Examinations
Prior to licensure, the candidate must also pass a series of examinations required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) must be passed prior to applying for candidacy in the teacher education program. A minimum ACT Plus Writing composite score of 22 or a SAT composite score of 1030 or higher, including the critical reading and mathematics, may be substituted in place of the TAP The tests must have been taken within 10 years of application. The Illinois Content Area Test must be passed before the candidate is allowed to student teach. The Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT) must be passed prior to licensure. These tests are administered and monitored by the State of Illinois. The candidate is responsible for meeting this requirement. See the NES website http://www.icts.nesinc.com for the available test dates, registration information, and study guides. Registration information can also be found in the Council on Teacher Education. Students and candidates must take the tests in sufficient time for the results to accompany the appropriate application.
Program Pass Rates
In accordance with the public disclosure requirements of Title II of the Higher Education Act, the University of Illinois at Chicago reports that teacher education program completers scored as follows on the two assessments required by the state for teacher licensure in effect for 2010–2011. During the academic year 2009–2010, UIC program completers had a 100% pass rate on the two required exams, Basic Skills Test and Content Area Test. During 2010–2011, UIC program completers had a 100% pass rate on the two required exams. For both years, the statewide pass rate on the required exam was 100%.
Middle School Endorsement
The Illinois State Board of Education requires that those students interested in teaching in middle grades (5–8) must take additional course work. This applies even though the Standard Elementary license states eligibility for teaching in grades kindergarten through nine. Please note that the State of Illinois is in the process of revising middle school endorsement requirements and additional course work may be required. Be advised that changes may occur without notice and will be effective immediately. Additional information may be obtained from the Council on Teacher Education, 3015 EPASW, (312) 355-0714.
Student Teaching
All TCs must apply to the Chicago Public Schools prior to any fieldwork. This application includes a background check (Illinois State Police and FBI). In order to student teach, TC’s must apply to both the CTE and the Chicago Public Schools. The application to the CTE includes documentation of a passed TB test and a passed Content Area Test (Elementary/Middle Grades 110). Then, in order to student teach within the Chicago Public Schools, TCs must complete a separate CPS application and registration packet, which includes another criminal background check. TCs are expected to bear the expense of both the TB test and the criminal background check. Students receive instructions for both the fieldwork application and the student teaching applications from the CTE.
Other Licensure Policies (or Requirements)
Per legislation signed in August 2011, the Illinois State Board of Education no longer requires Teacher Education candidates to prepare and sign form 73-91 (Notice of Intent to Become a United States Citizen) or, to verify their legal presence and eligibility for employment in the United States. All candidates will apply for their teaching credential online via the Educator Licensure System. Please note that, in some cases, the State of Illinois will not issue a teaching credential to an individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense. A candidate who has been convicted of an offense should notify his/her advisor immediately.
Academic Load
To be considered full time, a student must be enrolled in a
minimum of 12 semester hours each semester. During the
regular academic year a course load exceeding 18 hours (12
hours in the summer) must be approved in the College of
Education. Please consult an academic advisor in the Office of
Students Services (OSS), 3145 EPASW.
In addition, some education courses require fieldwork, which means that students will spend a significant amount of time participating in other education settings (e.g., local schools). The nature and extent of the fieldwork varies from course to course.
Academic Probation and Dismissal Rules
Education faculty evaluate each student’s progress through semester reviews.
Probation Rules
Precandidacy students whose term grade point average or cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00/4.00 are placed on probation. The cumulative grade point average includes all transfer credit and work completed at UIC.
Students in the EE concentration must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50/4.00, and a concentration GPA of at least 3.00/4.00. EE students who fall below a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or a concentration GPA of 3.00 are placed on probation.
Dismissal Rules
- A student whose grade point average in any term is below 1.00/4.00 will be dismissed.
- A student who fails to meet the terms of probation or is on probation for two consecutive terms will be dismissed.
- A student who is dismissed will not be considered for readmission to the College of Education until after a lapse of at least one year.
- A student who fails to make progress toward a degree may be dismissed. Examples include failure to complete required courses, accumulation of an excessive number of incomplete grades, failure to earn credit in any semester, failure to meet the minimum grade point average in each concentration, and/or inadequate professional performance as judged by elementary education faculty.
Any student who does not meet the requirements of the College of Education will be dismissed from the college and the University.
Change of Course Schedule—Dropping Courses
Undergraduate students may drop courses using my.UIC through the end of the second week of classes for fall and spring semesters, the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1, or the first Friday of Summer Session 2. During weeks 3 through 10 of the fall and spring semesters (first Thursday through the second Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or weeks 2 through 5 of Summer Session 2),
students may drop courses with the permission of their major college. If the drop occurs between 0 and 2 weeks in fall and spring, there will be no notation on the transcript. If the drop occurs during weeks 3 through 10 in fall and spring (first Thursday through the second Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or weeks 2 through 5 of Summer Session 2), a W is noted on the transcript. Undergraduate students may drop a maximum of 4 UIC individual courses that result in a W notation on their transcript
during their entire undergraduate degree program.
Change of Major
At the undergraduate level, the College of Education offers only a BA in Urban Education.
Class Attendance
The class attendance policy is generally stated on the course syllabus. The College of Education encourages students to contact the instructor of the course if class will not be attended on a specific date. Excessive absences from class and/or fieldwork and/or student teaching may result in dismissal from the program.
Closed Courses
Classes that are closed will not be overenrolled. Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information.
Course Prerequisites
Course prerequisites will not be waived. Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information.
Credit/No Credit Option
None of the required courses in the College of Education may be taken on the credit/no credit option.
Declaring a Major
The major will be declared upon admission to candidacy in the College of Education.
Double Major, Double Degrees, and Second Bachelor’s Degree
Double Major
The College of Education does not permit double majors. Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information.
Double Degrees
This option is not available in the College of Education.
Second Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants who have already earned a bachelor’s degree must apply to the graduate program.
Graduate-Level Course for Undergraduate Credit
Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for
further information.
Independent Study
Enrollment in an independent study course is limited to students with junior or senior standing. A student may apply a maximum of 8 hours of independent study toward graduation requirements. Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information.
Petition Procedure
Any rule, regulation, or action of the college may be appealed through the use of the student petition. These petitions are submitted to the associate dean for student affairs. Petitions are available in the College of Education Office of Student Services, 3145 EPASW. Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information. Licensure program requirements may be appealed through the CTE petition process with proof of extenuating circumstances. The petition form and an explanation of the process is described at http://education.uic.edu/cte. Requirements of the State of Illinois cannot be appealed.
Proficiency Examinations
Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information.
Registration Approval
To be eligible to register or change of course schedule, a College of Education student must secure written approval from the College of Education academic advisor in the Office of Student Services, 3145 EPASW.
Repeat Policy for Standard Graded Courses
Students may repeat a course to increase their knowledge of the subject matter. There are circumstances under which repeating a course is advisable and to a student’s advantage. There are also circumstances where repeating a course may disadvantage a student and narrow a student’s options. The College of Education requires students to discuss any plan to repeat a course with their academic advisor and the Office of Student Financial Aid before they register to repeat the course.
Courses with A or B grades may not be repeated. Normally, courses with a C grade may not be repeated. Courses from the Common Core Curriculum with D or F grades may be repeated once. In all cases, the original grade for the course and the grade for each repeat will appear on the transcript. The original grade will be calculated into the grade point average, unless the student initiates a request for Repeating a Course with Grade Point Average Recalculation as described below. Only one registration for the course counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation. A course cannot be repeated after receiving credit in a course for which the repeat course is a prerequisite.
To repeat a course more than once requires written permission from the student’s college dean. Students who have been dismissed may not appeal on the grounds of intention to repeat courses. Certain courses may not be repeated; students should consult their college before repeating a course.
Repeating a Course with Grade Point Average Recalculation
Important Note: Grade point average recalculation for a repeated course is not automatic. The student must initiate a request in the college office as outlined below.
For the grade point average recalculation policy to apply, a student must declare to his or her college the intent to repeat a course for a change of grade. Students must submit this request to their college before the end of the official add/drop period, no later than the second Friday of the fall and spring semesters, the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1, or the first Friday of Summer Session 2. The course must be repeated within three semesters of the receipt of the original grade, and it must be taken at UIC. Only one registration for the course counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation.
Undergraduate students are allowed grade point average recalculation in up to four repeated courses. Under the course repeat policy, all courses taken and their grades appear on the transcript in the semester in which they were taken. Under the grade point average recalculation policy, the grade earned the first time the course is taken will be dropped from the calculation of the cumulative GPA and the grade(s) earned when the course is repeated will be used in the calculation. This rule holds, even if the second grade is lower than the first. If a course is repeated more than once, the first grade is not counted in the GPA, but all other grades for that course are calculated in the cumulative GPA.
Intercollege Transfer Students
Students may enter the program either as an Undeclared Major
or directly into candidacy. More information may also be
obtained from the Office of Student Services (OSS), 3145
EPASW or by going directly to http://education.uic.edu.
Transfer Students from Other Colleges and Universities
Students wishing to transfer from another college must apply for
admission. Consult the previous section. Application
information on applying may also be obtained from the OSS, 3145 EPASW.
Transferring out of the College
Students wishing to transfer from the College of Education to
another college should follow the procedures of the other
college.
The Minor in Instructional Design and Training (IDT) is open to majors from other units and colleges, and majors within the College of Education. Students will be admitted to the IDT minor if they meet the minimum GPA of 2.00/4.00 at the time of application. Students must submit a request form at http://www.education.uic.edu/instructional-design-and-training. Students are encouraged to consult their home colleges about acceptability and applicability of IDT course credit toward their degree. Please check the IDT website for more information about admission to the IDT minor and the procedure for declaring a minor on a student transcript.
Required Core Foundation Courses |
Hours |
EPSY 210—Learning and Instruction Across the Lifespana | 3 |
EPSY 380—Instructional Design and Training | |
EPSY 450—Assessment and Evaluation of Learning Outcomes and Instructional Productsb | |
Minimum of one additional production course from the list of approved selectives: | 12 |
EPSY 400—Print-based Instructional Materials: Design and Developmentb | |
EPSY 430—Interactive Online Instruction: Design and Developmentb | |
EPSY 440—Engaging Multimedia Instruction: Design and Developmentb | |
Total Hours—Instructional Design and Training Minor | 12–18 |
a This course is pending approval for Understanding the Individual and Society General Education category.
b The prerequisite for EPSY 400, 430, 440, and 450 is EPSY 380.
Students are required to take EPSY 380 before they take EPSY 400, 430, 440, and 450. It is also recommended but is not required that students take EPSY 210, EPSY 380, and one of the production courses prior to taking EPSY 450. A GPA of 2.5/4.0 is required in courses taken towards the minor.
Enrollment Residence Requirement for the Minor
A student must complete at least one-half of the course work required for the minor field in enrollment residence at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Advisors are located in the College of Education, Office of Student Services, 3145 EPASW, (312) 996-4532.
Advising Policy
The College of Education has mandatory advising for all
students. Students are required to meet with an advisor each
semester, and have their course work approved to be eligible to
register. All students admitted to the College of Education are
required to attend a mandatory program orientation to become
familiar with expectations and student responsibilities. Students
must attend the orientation to be eligible to register for first
semester courses. Orientations are announced upon acceptance
into the College of Education.
College Honors
A student who has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence throughout the undergraduate program may be eligible for graduation with College Honors. College Honors will be awarded to no more than 15 percent of the total number of students graduating from the college each semester. Students will be considered for the distinction—graduation with College Honors—during the semester in which minimum graduation requirements are fulfilled. Those students who meet each of the following criteria will graduate with College Honors:
- The student must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.50/4.00. The cumulative grade point average includes all transfer credit and work completed at UIC.
- The student must be on the Dean’s List for two consecutive semesters prior to the semester of graduation.
Graduation with High Honors will be awarded to any student who meets each of the following criteria:
- The student must be eligible for graduation with College Honors.
- The student must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.75/4.00. The cumulative grade point average includes all transfer credit and work completed at UIC.
Outstanding academic achievement in the College of Education is recognized by inclusion on the Dean’s List. Eligibility is based on a 3.50/4.00 term grade point average with a program of 12 semester hours of letter grades in a semester. If any additional course work is taken on a credit/no credit basis, a grade of CR must be earned. A cumulative grade point average of 2.50/4.00 for 60 hours and above as well as clear academic status must be maintained for Dean’s List eligibility.
Special Programs and Opportunities
The College of Education offers an optional 5th Year Program in Bilingual/ESL, Reading Endorsement, and Special Education. Please consult the advisor in OSS, 3145 EPASW, for further information.
Sample Curriculum Plan for the BA in Urban Education
Note: Suggested sequencing guide for students seeking to complete the BA in Urban Education in four years. Below is the sequencing guide for the Core Curriculum, years and one and two for BA in Urban Education students.
Freshman Year | |
First Semester | Hours |
ENGL 160—Academic Writing I: Writing for Academic and Public Contexts | 3 |
ED 100—Introduction to Urban Education |
4 |
HIST 103—Early America: From Colonization to Civil War and Reconstruction (3) OR HIST 104—Modern America: From Industrialization to Globalization (3) |
3 |
MATH 140—Arithmetic and Algebraic Structures | 4 |
ED 151—College Connection Ia | 1a |
Total Hours | 14–15 |
aED 151, 152, and 153 are one-semester-hour courses, but the hours do not count toward the total hours required for graduation. | |
Second Semester | Hours |
ENGL 161—Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research | 3 |
Exploring World Cultures course Recommended: LALS 101 |
3 |
MATH 141—Algebraic and Geometric Structures | 4 |
POLS 101—Introduction to American Government and Politics |
3 |
Understanding the Creative Arts course ENGL 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119. |
3 |
ED 152—College Connection IIa | 1a |
Total Hours | 16–17 |
aED 151, 152, and 153 are one-semester-hour courses, but the hours do not count toward the total hours required for graduation. | |
Sophomore Year | |
First Semester | Hours |
ED 205—Race, Ethnicity, and Education (with 30-hour fieldwork component) |
4 |
Analyzing the Natural World Required: NATS 105 (4) |
4 |
EPSY 255—Child Development in Urban Elementary Education | 3 |
Area of Specialization course | 3 |
Area of Specialization course | 3 |
ED 153—College Connection IIIa (transfer students only) |
1a |
Total Hours | 17–18 |
aED 151, 152, and 153 are one-semester-hour courses, but the hours do not count toward the total hours required for graduation. | |
Second Semester | Hours |
ED 257—Foundations of Literacy |
3 |
Analyzing the Natural World Required: NATS 106 (4) |
4 |
Area of Specialization course | 3 |
Area of Specialization course | 3 |
Area of Specialization course | 3 |
Total Hours | 13–16 |
Junior Year | |
First Semester | Hours |
ED 342—Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 4 |
ED 340—Teaching Language and Literacy in Urban Elementary Classroom | 3 |
ED 345—Critical Multiculturalism in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 2 |
ED 307—Nature and Practices in Natural Science | 2 |
SPED 415—Characteristics of Exceptional Learners | 2 |
ED 350—Urban Advisory I: Introduction to Fieldwork in Urban Schools | 2 |
EPSY 405—Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
Fieldwork: 135 hours | |
Total Hours | 18 |
Second Semester | Hours |
ED 343—Teaching and Learning Science in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 4 |
ED 346—Sociocritical Foundations of English Learning in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 3 |
ED 351—Urban Education Advisory II: Health and Popular Culture in Urban Schools | 2 |
ED 341—Methods of Teaching and Learning Content Area Literacy in the Urban Elementary Class | 3 |
ED 344—Teaching and Learning Social Studies in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 4 |
Fieldwork: 180 hours | |
Total Hours | 16 |
Senior Year | |
First Semester | Hours |
Middle Grade Endorsement: CI 484 (3) and EPSY 446 (3) |
6 |
SPED 416—Methods of Instruction for Exceptional Learners | 2 |
ED 450—Student Teaching in the Urban Elementary Classroom | 9 |
Total Hours | 17 |
Second Semester | Hours |
ED 451—Student Teaching in Urban Communities | 15 |
ED 352—Technology Integration in Elementary School I | 2 |
Total Hours | 17 |
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers several secondary teacher education programs. Through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the student can study the Teaching of Chemistry, Teaching of English, Teaching of French, Teaching of German, Teaching of History, Teaching of Mathematics, Teaching of Physics, and Teaching of Spanish. Hence, the programs provide for the development of a major field of study with an emphasis on teaching.
After admission to the University, students who wish to teach at the secondary school level should complete the following phases.
Change of Teaching Major in Student’s Home College
Students should see the academic advisor in their major department to fill out a Change of Major Form to declare their intention to major in teaching in their discipline.
This declaration allows students to enroll in ED 200 and ED 210, core education courses required for licensure. Admission into the major in the “Teaching of ...” is required prior to enrollment in these courses.
Students must also pass the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). A minimum ACT Plus Writing composite score of 22 or higher or a SAT composite score of 1030 or higher (critical reading and mathematics) may be substituted in place of the TAP. The tests must have been taken within 10 years of application. Application forms and study guides may be obtained online at http://www.icts.nesinc.com or at http://www.isbe.net/teachers.
Admission to Candidacy for Teacher Licensure
After students have completed 45–60 hours of college-level course work, including specific courses determined by the major department, students may apply for candidacy. Students may not take education course work beyond ED 200 and 210 if they are not accepted into candidacy. Requirements for admission are as follows:
- A cumulative GPA of 2.50/4.00 or greater and a major GPA of at least 2.50/4.00. Some programs have a higher minimum GPA requirement in the major.
- A recorded pass on the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP). A minimum ACT Plus Writing composite score of 22 or higher or a SAT composite score of 1030 or higher (critical reading and mathematics) may be substituted in place of the TAP. The tests must have been taken within 10 years of application.
- A completed application to candidacy form obtained from the Council on Teacher Education at http://education.edu/CTE.
- A signature of acknowledgement of the Safety and Technical Standards, the Citizenship requirement, and the criminal background policies.
- 2 letters of recommendation.
- A written essay.
- An interview.
- Additional materials may be required by individual programs.
Admission to Education Course Work
To be eligible for SPED 410 and CI 414 (if applicable), candidates must fill out a request in the CTE office. These courses are held for students who have been admitted to candidacy.
To be eligible to take ED 330, candidates must fill out a request for Approval to Register (http://education.uic.edu/CTE) the semester before they plan to take it and must have met course and grade requirements. This class should be taken the semester prior to student teaching and be accompanied by the final discipline methods course. All other required course work except student teaching must be completed prior to or during the semester in which candidates take ED 330.
To be eligible for student teaching, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Completed General Education course work; earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50/4.00 in all course work, including transfer credits; completed professional education requirements with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00; and completed course work in their teaching field with a GPA as specified in their program.
- Completed the minimum number of clock hours of fieldwork specified by the program and as part of the professional education course work.
- Passed the Illinois Content Area Test in the teaching field if student teaching will occur.
- Submitted a student teaching application before the deadline during the spring term of the academic year preceding the student teaching experience.
- Submitted verification of a negative TB test.* This test must be taken early enough to submit the results with the application (it may take up to four weeks to get the results).
- Completed the Chicago Public Schools Application and registration process. The application must be accompanied by essays, a resume, and a lesson plan. Once these are approved, candidates complete registration, which includes a criminal background check.*
- Met any additional requirements as specified within each program.
*Teacher candidates are responsible for bearing the expense of the TB test and the criminal background check.
Candidates who have met requirements for graduation and licensure must file a declaration of graduation in their college, according to the policy specified in their college section of the catalog.
To be eligible for graduation, candidates must have done the following:
- Completed student teaching with a grade of B or higher.
- Completed all course work in the teaching area, teaching methods, education methods, and General Education to meet requirements for University graduation and for state licensure.
- Met requirements of the undergraduate college in which they are enrolled.
To become licensed, candidates must have done the following:
- Met all requirements for graduation in their home college.
- Completed and filed a licensure application and any related endorsement requests with the Council on Teacher Education.
- Passed the Illinois Assessment of Professional Teaching.
- Completed and submit the edTPA or Teaching Assessment Event, as required by their program.
- Completed and submitted a Teaching and Assessment Event to the E-Portfolio Licensure Profile.
- Completed and submitted an Exit Survey and Technology Survey to the E-Portfolio Licensure Profile.
Course Requirements for Secondary Education Programs
General Education Course Requirements
Students should pursue the General Education course work required for an undergraduate degree in their chosen program of study. For example, those who are pursuing teacher licensure in a program within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must meet the General Education requirements for that college. When there is a choice of classes a student may take to meet a requirement in a given area, some programs may request that students take a particular class that is more applicable to the teaching profession. Students should work with their advisors to determine which classes they should take to meet the general education requirements.
Professional Education Course Requirements
Courses | Hours |
ED 200—Education Policy Foundations | 3 |
ED 210—The Educative Process | 3 |
ED 330—Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Urban Secondary Classroom | 4 |
CI 414—Foundations of Middle and Secondary School Literacy (or other literacy course as determined by the individual program) | 3 |
SPED 410—Survey and Characteristics of Exceptional Children | 3 |
Methods course in the major field of studya | 3 |
Student teaching | 16 |
Total—Professional Education Course Requirements | 35 |
a Refer to major department section of the catalog to determine major requirements.
Course Requirements in the Major
Teacher candidates must also complete course work in their major field of study. Because secondary teacher education majors are working toward fulfilling requirements for both the bachelor’s degree and the Illinois teaching license (grades 6 through 12), it is critical that the candidates seek advising from the academic advisor in the major field of study. Programs may require students who wish to teach in their major field to take particular major field courses that are more suited to teachers than other choices within the major.
Student Teaching Requirement
Note the eligibility requirements listed previously for student teaching in the Admission to Student Teaching section. In the semester prior to student teaching, candidates should enroll in ED 330—Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Urban Secondary Classroom and in a methods teaching course in the student’s discipline. Candidates must apply for ED 330 the semester before they plan to take the course. Since ED 330 includes more than 60 hours of fieldwork, students are advised to take no more than 6 additional credit hours that semester. ED 330 fieldwork requires a minimum 3-hour block of time daily during the secondary school day. No additional courses or employment should be pursued while student teaching. All students should consult regularly with their advisors and should plan well in advance for these final two semesters in their program.
Application for secondary school student teaching must be made during the spring term of the academic year preceding the student teaching experience. For more information regarding application procedures, contact the Council on Teacher Education, 3015 EPASW. An orientation meeting is held early in the student teaching term by the Council on Teacher Education, program faculty, and staff. During the teaching term, the student attends a weekly seminar held on campus.
Teacher candidates wishing to teach in the middle grades (5 through 8) should take additional course work, even though the Standard Secondary License (Type 09) states eligibility for teaching in grades 6 through 12. Please note that the State of Illinois is in the process of revising middle school endorsement requirements and additional course work may be required. Be advised that changes may occur without notice and will be effective immediately. Additional information may be obtained from the College of Education Office of Student Services, 3145 EPASW, (312) 996-4532.
Illinois Licensure Test Requirements
The teaching license is not automatically awarded upon successful completion of licensure and degree requirements. Before the license is issued, the candidate must also pass a series of examinations required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency must be passed prior to applying for candidacy with the Council on Teacher Education. A minimum ACT Plus Writing composite score of 22 or higher or a SAT composite score of 1030 or higher (critical reading and mathematics) may be substituted in place of the TAP. The tests must have been taken within 10 years of application. The Illinois Content Area Test must be passed before the candidate is allowed to student teach. The Assessment of Professional Teaching must be passed prior to licensure. For information on application procedures, contact the Council on Teacher Education located in 3015 EPASW.
Effective March 2003, Illinois "Approved Program Verification" forms and applications for Illinois teaching licenses will no longer be signed based solely on completion of a teacher education program if that program was completed more that three years prior to the verification request. The faculty in relevant colleges and departments will evaluate the records of program completers based on UIC’s current program requirements and make recommendations regarding licensure.
The Illinois State Board of Education occasionally changes the requirements for licensure. For current information, contact the academic advisor in the major field of study or the Council on Teacher Education.