ACADEMIC CATALOG >>
2007-2008

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4-7: School of Education

4-7-1: Elementary Education Licensure Program
4-9-2: Music Education K-12 Licensure Program
4-7-2: Secondary Education Licensure Programs: English, General Science, Mathematics, History

Minors

4-7-3: Education Minor

The Bachelor of Arts degree offered through the School of Education prepares students to pursue careers in Elementary Education (K-6), Secondary Education (7-12), and Music Education (K-12). The School of Education offers professional programs within the framework of the arts and sciences, producing a broad background of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a person entering the field of education. School of Education programs prepare servant-leaders who integrate their faith and demonstrate Christian integrity and ethical behavior as they serve in public and private schools of the state, nation and world.

Teacher Education

The Teacher Education Program requirements include those stipulated by the Colorado Department of Education for licensure to teach in K-12 public schools of Colorado. Students completing the requirements of the program and graduating from the University will be recommended for Colorado Teacher Licensure awarded by the State of Colorado. To complete the Teacher Education Program, students must meet School of Education admission standards; course, field experience, and student teaching assessments; content knowledge standards; Colorado teacher performance standards required for licensure. Students must pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II exam in their content area prior to student teaching.

United States Department of Education Information

The United States Department of Education requires that all institutions receiving federal assistance under the Higher Education Act report the following information:

  • Program Information: The School of Education had 160 students in the School of Education College of Undergraduate Studies during the academic year 2006-07. 
  • The teacher preparation licensure programs offered by Colorado Christian University are approved by the State of Colorado. 
  • Pass Rate: CCU students taking the state teacher exam from Colorado Christian University had a 100 percent pass rate for the academic year 2005-06.

Screening

Students must qualify and be screened for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program. Application is made after completion of specific program criteria. For Elementary Education, students complete or are currently enrolled in EDU 201, EDU 214, and either EPS 203 or EPS 340. For Secondary Education, students complete or are currently enrolled in EDU 204 and EDU 215. Additional requirements for all students include but are not limited to basic skills assessment, Fingerprint Card, letters of recommendation, documentation of volunteer or paid experience with young people, and a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Application is made to the Dean of the School of Education. Specific criteria for admission are found in the Teacher Education Handbook and on the School of Education degree plans, and can be obtained online or by request through the School of Education.

Progress

Appropriate progress requires students to maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA or higher. In addition, students must demonstrate patterns of behavior appropriate for an individual preparing for a position of public trust. Students failing to maintain professional standards or failing to resolve performance dispositions may be dismissed from the program.

Student Teaching

Students must complete a minimum 16-week student teaching assignment bringing school-based clock hours to a minimum of 800 in an elementary or secondary school setting. Further requirements for the student teaching assignment are listed in the Student Teacher Handbook, and can be obtained by request through the School of Education. Students must pass the designated Colorado teacher licensure exam PLACE or PRAXIS II two semesters prior to student teaching.

Licensure

To be recommended for licensure, a student must complete the following:

  • Successful student teaching - including proficient Teacher Work Sample and evidence of proficiency on the Colorado Teacher Performance Standards. 
  • Documented 800 hours of K-12 classroom experience. 
  • Passing score on the Colorado Department of Education-adopted PLACE or PRAXIS II licensure test in the student's licensure content area. 
  • Completion of all course and CCU residency requirement
    with a cumulative GPA of 2.75. 
  • Colorado Department of Education application for licensure.

Course Requirements

Students must complete the core courses of the Teacher Education Program; the emphasis of courses specified for elementary, secondary, or K-12 music education licensure; and the courses of a complementary approved major. Specific major and professional courses may be changed from those listed in the catalog based on the need to meet dynamic CDE/CCHE teacher preparation requirements. The University's foreign language requirement is waived for students completing a program in teacher education, although foreign language proficiency is an asset.