SMED Licensure Handbook

The Professional Initial Licensure Program includes work for both the (1) Oregon Teacher Initial I License and (2) the Master’s degree (M.S.) in Science or Mathematics Education. Pre-service teachers are expected to satisfactorily progress toward both licensure and the Master’s degree.

Program Requirements

1. In order to be recommended for the Initial I License with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), students must:
   • Satisfactorily complete all Initial License program requirements and coursework with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and no grade lower than a C.
   • Satisfactorily complete with a B or better two work samples (one Fall and one Spring).  A minimum of one work sample must be completed for each authorization level.
   • Satisfactorily complete the two work samples. An approved electronic copy (CD) of the work samples must be on file in the college in order to be recommended for the Initial I License.
   • Present a passing score on the appropriate Basic Skills Competence test (CBEST or PSST I) as identified by TSPC.
   • Present passing scores on the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessment (ORELA) as well as the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment exam as identified by TSPC.
   • Present passing scores on the appropriate Praxis or Pearson NES subject matter tests (as identified by TSPC) for at least one subject area endorsement (as well as for any additional endorsements requested).
   • Receive fingerprint clearance from TSPC.
   • Provide satisfactory responses to TSPC’s statement of good character at the time the license is requested.
2. In order to receive the Master’s degree (M.S. in Science or Mathematics Education) from O.S.U., students must:
   • Satisfactorily complete all course work on the Master’s degree program with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and no grade lower than a C.
   • Successfully complete a final oral examination.
   • Successfully complete the Masters Project.

Satisfactory Progress

At the conclusion of each term, student progress is reviewed by the faculty of Science and Mathematics Education.  The faculty considers not only academic abilities and skill performance when making recommendations about student progress, but also such aspects as demonstration of appropriate levels of professional conduct, honesty, maturity, judgment, emotional stability, and sensitivity as needed in the teaching profession.

Specifically, students are expected to:

a.   complete all incomplete grades before the start of the following term;

b.   demonstrate professional and ethical behavior with:

• other students, supervisors, faculty, and staff in the program
• teachers, staff and administrators at the student teaching site
• students and their parents at the student teaching site.

c.   demonstrate competency in the requisite knowledge and skills for teaching.

Based on this review, the faculty will make a recommendation as to whether the student is making satisfactory progress toward licensure and degree.  If, in the professional judgment of the faculty, a student is not making satisfactory progress, the process outlined in the Retention Policy will be followed.  The faculty may recommend that one or more of the following courses of action is appropriate:

a.   placement in a new student teaching placement;

b.   a plan of assistance with specific targets for completion within specified time frames;

c.   temporary postponement of the program while completing specific remediation work (to be successfully completed within a specific time frame);

d.   removal from the licensure and Master’s degree programs

Continuance in the program is a collaborative decision made by the following people:

• Faculty of the College of Education
• University supervisors
• Public school cooperating teachers
• Public school administrator(s)
• OSU Director of Professional Teacher and Counselor Education Licensure Program

If, during a term, serious concerns are raised about a student’s academic, practicum, or student teaching performance and/or progress by any of the individuals listed above, OSU faculty (and, if appropriate, cooperating teacher (s)) will meet to discuss the problems that have been identified and to determine the appropriate course of action. (See the Retention Policy for details).   If public school teachers/administrators or the university supervisors request that a student teacher be removed from the site during the course of any practicum experience, the request will be honored.

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