College of Education 189 Department of Curriculum and Instruction 196 Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation 206 Department of Psychology and Counseling 212 Department of Special Services and Leadership Studies 224
Steven A. Scott, Dean
Room 115 Hughes Hall
Telephone: 620-235-4518
Fax: 620-235-4520
http://www.pittstate.edu/edsc
e-mail: sascott@pittstate.edu
The programs of the College are designed
- to provide professional curricula for the preparation of teachers, administrators, various school services, Psychologists, Counselors, and Recreationists;
- to offer undergraduate work leading to the baccalaureate degree with majors in elementary education, physical education, psychology, and recreation;
- to offer graduate work for early childhood, elementary, secondary, and community college teachers; school and college service personnel; administrators; psychologists; counselors; and recreational therapists. The College of Education is also organized to provide professional services to schools and to other educational and social agencies. An important role is to encourage and to conduct educational research.
Pittsburg State University is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and both undergraduate and graduate preparation programs for teaching and school service positions are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Community Agency Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Baccalaureate Degrees
Curricula are offered leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science, and the Bachelor of Science in Education degrees. The following baccalaureate degrees are offered through the College and the respective departments:
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Psychology
Bachelor of Science Degree
Psychology
Recreation
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree
Early Childhood/Late Childhood (K-6)
Physical Education
Psychology
Graduate Degrees
The Departments within the College offer the following graduate degrees, majors and emphases:
Master of Science Degree:
Counseling (Community or School Emphases)
Educational Leadership
Educational Technology (Technology Facilitator-
Industrial Setting; Technology Facilitator-
Educational Setting; Library Media Certification Emphases)
Physical Education
Psychology (General or Clinical)
Reading (Reading Specialist-Certification and
Classroom Reading Teacher Emphases)
Special Education Teaching
Teaching (Early Childhood,
Elementary,
English for Speakers of Other Languages or Secondary Emphases)
Specialist in Education Degree
Community College and Higher Education
Counseling
General School Administration
School Psychology
ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION
All students who wish to prepare to teach and to meet licensure requirements should obtain a Teacher Education Handbook from the Office of Teacher Education, 110 Hughes Hall. This handbook guides students in the necessary admission requirements to teacher education and the professional semester. The application for admission to teacher education should be made during the sophomore year, or in the case of community college transfers, early in the first semester of their junior year. A student must file an application for admission to teacher education before he/she can receive credit for pre- profession-al laboratory experiences counting toward a B.S.Ed. degree at Pittsburg State University. Application forms for admission to teacher education may be obtained from the Office of Teacher Education, 110 Hughes Hall.
Requirements For Admission For Early Childhood/Late Childhood K-6 Majors
- Complete the Admission Application.
- Be recommended for Teacher Education by advisor and three college instructors.
- Pass a Basic Skills Test:
- PPST: Reading = 173, Writing = 172, Math = 172,
- A composite score of 24 or higher on the ACT,
- College-Base scores: Reading, Writing and Mathematics = 235 or higher on each section,
- A score of 1040 or greater on the SAT.
- Complete CURIN 261 Explorations in Education with a minimum grade of "C" and a positive recommendation for continuance from the cooperative school-based teacher.
- Complete General Education Core Curriculum with a minimum GPA of 2.7500.
- If applicable, show remediation or progress on the Professional Teacher Candidate Improvement Plan.
- Signed Attestation Form.
- Complete electronic portfolio (Folio-Live requirements).
Requirements for Admission For Secondary
Education Majors
- Complete the Admission Application.
- Be recommended for Teacher Education by advisor and three college instructors.
- Pass a Basic Skills Test:
- PPST: Reading = 173, Writing = 172, Mathematics = 172,
- A composite score of 24 or higher on the ACT,
- College-Base scores: Reading, Writing and Mathematics = 235 or higher on each section,
- A score of 1040 or greater on the SAT.
- Complete CURIN 261 Explorations in Education with a minimum grade of "C" and a positive recommendation for continuance from the cooperating school-based teacher.
- Earn a "C" or better in ENGL 101 English Composition, ENGL 299 Introduction to Research Writing, COMM 207 Speech Communication, and three hours of Mathematics.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5000.
- Signed Attestation Form.
Before applying for admission to teacher education, the student and advisor should prepare a tentative plan of the full scope of the student's remaining program. The plan should ensure that all courses and requirements for admission to teacher education are met prior to the final year of study. Otherwise the student can not enroll in restricted courses.
Students must be admitted to teacher education before they can enroll in the following courses:
Early Childhood/Late Childhood (K-6)
CURIN 308 Specialized Clinical Experience..................................1
CURIN 361 Elementary School Mathematics....................................3
CURIN 363 Elementary School Social Studies.................................3
CURIN 367 Intermediate Reading and Language Arts...........................3
CURIN 368 Effective Classroom Management...................................1
CURIN 566 Reading and Language Arts Practicum..............................3
Secondary/K-12 Majors
(____) 479 Techniques for Teaching (____)..................................3
Teacher candidates must be admitted to teacher education prior to application for
the professional semester. Application for admission to the professional semester
may not be made during the same semester or summer session in which application for
admission to teacher education is filed.
At least six hours of resident credit at Pittsburg State University must have been
completed before admission to the professional semester.
Pre-Professional Skills Test
Admission to the Teacher Education Program at Pittsburg State University requires successful completion of a Basic Skills Test. Students who receive a 24 or higher on the ACT or a score of 1040 or greater on the SAT have fulfilled this obligation. Others will need to choose between the PPST and the College-Base Test.
The PPST assessments measure competency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills. The Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) required scores are:
Required Component Required Score
Reading 173
Writing 172
Mathematics 172
College BASE assesses knowledge and skills in
Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Required Component Required Score Reading 235 Writing 235 Mathematics 235 Information bulletins and test registration booklets can be obtained from
the Teacher Education Office, 110 Hughes Hall, or the Testing Center, Whitesitt Hall.
Scholastic Achievement in Common Core
For admission to teacher education, the Early Childhood/Late Childhood (K-6) teacher candidate must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7500 on a common core of general education courses. The general education common core of courses is as follows:
Early Childhood/Late Childhood (K-6)
33-36 total hours - Required GPA 2.75
Hours
Basic Skills..................................................................15
COMM 207 Speech Communication*.........................................3
ENGL 101 English Composition*..........................................3
ENGL 190 Honors English Composition* or
ENGL 299 Introduction to Research Writing*.............................3
MATH 204 Mathematics for Education I*..................................3
MATH 304 Mathematics for Education II..................................3
*Must have a "C" or better in each of these Basic Skills courses.
General Education Electives................................................37-40
Sciences..................................................................10
Natural Sciences
BIOL 113 Environmental Life Science..............................4
BIOL 114 Environmental Life Science Laboratory for Teachers.......1
or
BIOL 111 General Biology..........................................3
BIOL 112 General Biology Laboratory...............................2
Physical Sciences (Select one)
PHYS 171 and 172 Physical Science and Laboratory.................4
CHEM 105 and 106 Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory...........4
AND
PHYS 114 Physical Science Laboratory for Teachers................1
Social Studies **..........................................................3
SOSCI 100 Introduction to Sociology..............................3
Political Studies**........................................................3
SOSCI 101 U.S. Politics..........................................3
**One of the two courses counts for the 33 hours General Education
Core GPA of 2.75.
Producing and Consuming..................................................5-6
Economy (Select One)..................................................3
ECON 191 Issues in Today’s Economy.............................3
FCS 230 Consumer Education.....................................3
Technology and Business (Select One)................................2-3
ACCTG 201 Financial Accounting.................................3
CSIS 130 Computer Information Systems..........................3
GT 190 Introduction to Technological Systems...................2
GT 350 Technology and Civilization.............................3
MGMKT 101 Introduction to Business.............................3
TE 551 Technological Literacy for Educators....................3
TM 350 Societal Influence of Technology........................3
Fine Arts and Aesthetic Studies............................................3
ART 311 Art Education..............................................3
Cultural Studies (Select one)..............................................3
SOSCI 106 World Regional Geography.................................3
SOSCI 300 Elements of Geography....................................3
Health and Well Being....................................................4-6
Psychological
PSYCH 155 General Psychology...................................3
Physical (Select one)
FCS 203 Nutrition and Health...................................3
HPER 150 Lifetime Fitness Concepts.............................1
Human Heritage.............................................................6
History (Select One)
HIST 101 World History to 1500.................................3
HIST 102 World History from 1500...............................3
HIST 201 American History to 1865..............................3
HIST 202 American History from 1865............................3
Literature (Select One)
ENGL 113 General Literature....................................3
ENGL 114 General Literature (Genre)............................3
ENGL 116 General Literature (Theme)............................3
TOTAL..................................................................52-55
Secondary/K-12 Majors
Undergraduate students preparing to teach secondary or K-12 school must meet
University general education requirements and earn a minimum grade of "C" in
ENGL 101, 190 or 299, COMM 207, and three credit hours of mathematics.
Courses meeting general education requirements may also satisfy major, minor, emphasis
or program requirements.
Refer to curriculum guides in the department of your major for additional
course requirements.
Hours
Basic Skills......................................................................12
COMM 207 Speech Communication*............................................3
ENGL 101 English Composition*.............................................3
ENGL 190 Honors English Composition* or
ENGL 299 Introduction to Research Writing*................................3
Mathematics (Select one)...................................................3
MATH 110 College Algebra with Review*.................................3
MATH 113 College Algebra*.............................................3
MATH 133 Quantitative Reasoning*......................................3
MATH 143 Elementary Statistics*.......................................3
*Must have a "C" or better in each of these Basic Skills courses.
General Education Electives....................................................34-42
Sciences........................................................................8-10
Natural Sciences (Select one)
BIOL 111 and 112 General Biology and Laboratory.......................5
BIOL 113 Environmental Life Science...................................4
BIOL 211 Principles of Biology I......................................4
Physical Sciences (Select one)
CHEM 105 and 106 Introductory Chemistry and Laboratory................4
PHYS 160 and 165 Physical Geology and Laboratory......................5
PHYS 162 and 163 Physical Oceanography and Laboratory.................4
PHYS 166 and 167 Meteorology and Laboratory...........................4
PHYS 171 and 172 Physical Science and Laboratory......................4
PHYS 175 and 176 Descriptive Astronomy and Laboratory.................4
PHYS 375 and 176 Solar System Astronomy and Laboratory................4
Social Studies (Select one)........................................................3
SOSCI 100 Introduction to Sociology.......................................3
WOMEN 200 Introduction to Women’s Studies.................................3
Political Studies (Select one).....................................................3
SOSCI 101 U.S. Politics...................................................3
SOSCI 324 Introduction to Comparative Politics............................3
Producing and Consuming (Select one from two of the following
three categories)................................................................5-6
Economy
ECON 191 Issues in Today’s Economy....................................3
FCS 230 Consumer Education............................................3
Technology
GT 190 Introduction to Technological Systems..........................2
GT 350 Technology and Civilization....................................3
TE 551 Technological Literacy for Educators...........................3
TM 350 Societal Influence of Technology...............................3
Business
ACCTG 201 Financial Accounting........................................3
CSIS 130 Computer Information Systems.................................3
MGMKT 101 Introduction to Business....................................3
Fine Arts and Aesthetic Studies (Select one).....................................2-3
ART 155 Printmaking I.....................................................3
ART 178 Introduction to the Visual Arts...................................3
ART 188 The Designed World................................................3
ART 217 Crafts I..........................................................3
ART 222 Jewelry Design I..................................................3
ART 233 Drawing I.........................................................3
ART 244 Ceramics I........................................................3
ART 266 Sculpture I.......................................................3
ART 277 Painting I........................................................3
ART 288 Western Art History I.............................................3
ART 289 Western Art History II............................................3
ART 311 Art Education.....................................................3
COMM 105 Performance Appreciation.........................................3
COMM 205 Performance Studies..............................................3
COMM 295 Theatre History..................................................3
ENGL 250 Introduction to Creative Writing.................................3
HPER 151 Dance Appreciation...............................................3
MUSIC 120 Music Appreciation (Classical, Jazz, or World Music)............3
MUSIC 121 Introduction to Music Literature................................2
MUSIC 321 History of Music................................................3
Cultural Studies (Select one)....................................................3-5
MLL 124 French Language and Culture I.....................................5
MLL 134 German Language and Culture I.....................................5
MLL 144 Portuguese Language and Culture I.................................5
MLL 154 Spanish Language and Culture I....................................5
MLL 184 Russian Language and Culture I....................................5
MLL 194 Korean Language and Culture I.....................................5
SOSCI 106 World Regional Geography........................................3
SOSCI 300 Elements of Geography...........................................3
SOSCI 304 Human Geography.................................................3
WOMEN 399 Issues in Women’s Studies.......................................3
Health and Well Being............................................................4-6
Psychological
PSYCH 155 General Psychology..........................................3
Physical (Select one)
FCS 203 Nutrition and Health..........................................3
HPER 150 Lifetime Fitness Concepts....................................1
Human Heritage (Select one from two of the following three categories).............6
History
HIST 101 World History to 1500.........................................3
HIST 102 World History from 1500.......................................3
HIST 201 American History to 1865......................................3
HIST 202 American History from 1865....................................3
Literature
ENGL 113 General Literature............................................3
ENGL 114 General Literature (Genre)....................................3
ENGL 116 General Literature (Theme)....................................3
ENGL 120 Literature and Film...........................................3
ENGL 315 Mythology.....................................................3
Philosophy
SOSCI 103 Introduction to Philosophy...................................3
SOSCI 105 Ethics.......................................................3
SOSCI 111 Ethics: Applied Emphasis (___)...............................3
SOSCI 208 Logic and Critical Thinking..................................3
SOSCI 231 World Religions..............................................3
TOTAL..........................................................................46-54
Proficiency in English Usage
The teacher candidate must complete ENGL 101 English Composition with a grade of "C" or higher, ENGL 299 Introduction to Research Writing, or its equivalent, with a grade of "C" or higher, as well as COMM 207 Speech Communication or its equivalent, with a grade of "C" or higher.
Physical Fitness
The teacher candidate must meet the same requirements of physical condition as those pertaining to regularly employed school personnel.
This criterion is met by submitting a certification of health signed by a licensed physician on a form prescribed by the Kansas State Board of
Health, which includes a statement that there is no evidence of a physical condition that would conflict with the health, safety, or welfare of pupils.
Forms are distributed in professional education classes.
Emotional Stability
The office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the faculty advisor will be responsible for reporting any evidence of lack of emotional
stability on the part of the applicants for admission to teacher education.
Personal-Social-Ethical Fitness for Teaching
The teacher candidate's faculty advisor and three instructors named as references by the student will complete an evaluation sheet on which they provide information with reference to the student's personal-social-ethical fitness and other characteristics for teaching. In those cases where sufficient reservations are indicated, the student's application will be formally reviewed by the Committee on Admission To and Retention In Teacher Education (CARTE).
Pre-Professional Laboratory Experiences
Laboratory experiences are required for all students preparing to teach. Such experiences normally begin in the sophomore year. To be approved for
admission to teacher education, students must successfully complete the pre-professional laboratory experience.
Successful completion requires the successful completion of CURIN 261 Explorations in Education, with a letter grade of "C" or higher, and a
positive recommendation for continuance from the cooperating school-based teacher.
Those enrolled in teacher preparation programs or who wish to explore interest in teaching take CURIN 261 Explorations in Education during the
sophomore year.
An application for admission to teacher education must be submitted prior to placement at a school site for field experience requirement in
CURIN 261 Explorations in Education.
CURIN 307 Clinical Experience is taken during the junior year, with recommended concurrent enrollment in PSYCH 357 Educational
Psychology. (CURIN 307 Clinical Experience is required for students preparing to teach at the elementary level; some secondary education
majors are required to complete a second pre-lab experience.)
CURIN 308 Specialized Clinical Experience provides field experiences for students who are focusing on learners with special needs or
learners in early childhood or middle school programs. (A required course for these designated areas and an elective for all other teaching areas.)
Retention in Teacher Education
After a student has been admitted to teacher education, the student must continue to meet the criteria established in the several areas indicated above.
Upon conclusion of pre-professional laboratory experiences, the cooperating teacher prepares a formal evaluation and recommendation which is utilized in the review of files for admission to teacher education and the professional semester.
In the area of scholastic achievement, the specified requirements for admission to the professional semester must be met. The record of each student admitted to teacher education is reviewed with regularity.
Reviews assure the successful continued progress of each student toward the goal of recommendation for licensure to the Kansas State Department of Education.
Teacher Education Transfer Credit
Students currently enrolled at Pittsburg State University who wish to enroll in professional education courses at another institution for transfer back
to Pittsburg State University must have written approval of the student's advisor, the department chair, and the Dean of the College of Education
prior to registration for the courses. It is the student's responsibility to have the grades on these transfer credits reported to the Registrar's Office as
soon as possible after the completion of the course.
ADMISSION TO PROFESSIONAL SEMESTER
All students preparing to teach are required to successfully complete the professional semester.
Criteria for Admission to the Professional Semester
An applicant for the professional semester must meet the following criteria at the time of enrollment for the professional semester. Application for the professional semester must be made by March 15 for the fall semester and September 15 for the spring semester.
- Admission to teacher education prior to application for the professional semester.
- At least six hours of resident credit at PSU must have been completed before admission to the professional semester.
- Successful completion of Multi-Cultural Experiences in:
- PSYCH 357 Educational Psychology
- SSLS 510 Overview of Education for Exceptional Students
- Signed Attestation Form
- Approval from the Major Academic Department
Additional Professional Semester Admission Requirement for
Early Childhood/Late Childhood K-6 Majors
- Successful completion of the following Academic Standards:
- Cumulative GPA = 2.8000
- In-Major GPA = 3.0000 with no grade below "C"
- Completion of ALL courses listed under the Education, Psychology, and Laboratory Experiences section Component, page 212 (50 hours)
- Completion of a minimum of 100 credit hours
- A 2.0000 GPA in each field of concentration
- A grade of "C" or higher in PSYCH 263 Developmental Psychology and PSYCH 357 Educational Psychology
- Successful completion of CURIN 307 Clinical Experience
- Completion of MATH 304 Mathematics for Education II
- Satisfactory completion of specific components of the Electronic Portfolio
- If applicable, all deficiencies listed in the Professional Teacher Candidate Improvement Plan exhibit successful remediation or a rating of "progress being made" to eliminate deficiencies.
Additional Professional Semester Admission Requirement for
Secondary and PK-12 Majors
- Successful completion of the following Academic Standards:
- Cumulative GPA = 2.5000
- In-Major GPA = 2.7500
- A minimum grade of "C" in PSYCH 263 Developmental Psychology
- A minimum grade of "B" in PSYCH 357 Educational Psychology
- A GPA of 3.0000 in 15 hours of Professional Education courses with no grade below a "C" in the following:
CURIN 261 Explorations in Education
SSLS 510 Overview of Education for Exceptional Students
PSYCH 357 Educational Psychology (minimum
of "B")
CURIN 520 Middle and Secondary Reading
( ) 479 Techniques for Teaching Middle and Secondary School (Must be admitted to Teacher Education before eligible for enrollment)
- . Completion of a minimum of:
95 cumulative hours
30 hours in major
- For more specific information about the professional semester and procedures for enrolling in it, the student should consult the Director of Teacher Education in the Office of Teacher Education, Room 110, Hughes Hall.
Additional Requirements
The teacher candidate must complete a course relating to the teaching of the exceptional child. The course offered at Pittsburg State University which meets this requirement is SSLS 510 Overview of Education for Exceptional Students.
Kansas State Department of Education requires all applicants for initial issuance of licensure to take and satisfactorily pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching Test (PLT) and a content test in each teaching area for which licensure is sought.
Information regarding testing dates on the Pittsburg State University campus is available in the Testing Center, Whitesitt Hall or 110 Hughes Hall.
RECOMMENDATION FOR A KANSAS LICENSE TO TEACH
All licenses to teach in Kansas are issued by the State Department of Education.
Each application for an initial license, or for additional subject matter licensure, must be supported by (1) an official transcript of all college work completed, and (2) the recommendation of the Licensing Officer. It is the policy of Pittsburg State University that every applicant recommended to the Kansas State Board of Education, or to the State Department of Education of other states, for initial licensure, has complied with the policies and regulations of this university for admission to and retention in teacher education, has completed a teaching major, and has met the general and professional educational requirements for teacher licensure. The Registrar shall certify to the Licensing Officer that the applicant has complied with requirements for the teaching major.
It is important to note that the Dean of the College of Education, who also serves as Director of Teacher Education, has the responsibility of recommending individuals who are applying for licensure based on credits earned at Pittsburg State University. The recommendation will reflect the confidence of university authorities in the professional promise of the applicant. It is not based solely on the fact that the applicant has completed a specified program or sequence of courses.
The application, application fee, transcript, and recommendation by the Licensing Officer should be submitted together through the university by taking the following steps:
1. Obtain an application form in the Office of Teacher Education, Room 110 Hughes Hall. Complete the application in all details, including the subject and/or level of the license for which application is being made, or at the student teacher licensure seminar held the last week of each semester.
2. Attach a personal check, or money order or cashier's check for $36.00 made payable to the Kansas State Department of Education, Topeka.
3. Order a transcript from the Office of the Registrar, Room 103, Russ Hall, to accompany the application for a license.
4. Submit the completed application with attached personal check, cashier's check or money order to the Office of the Registrar, Room 103, Russ Hall.
5. At the end of the semester, or when the materials are received, these three items, together with the recommendation of the Licensing Officer, will be forwarded to the Kansas State Department of Education.
Further information relative to requirements for licensure renewal may be obtained from the Licensing Officer, 110 Hughes Hall.
Title II Disclosure Concerning Teacher Education Graduates
I I October 1998, the U.S. Congress enacted amendments to the Higher Education Act that require the disclosure of pass rates of candidates who complete teacher education programs and seek initial state licensure. Reporting periods include July 1st to June 30th for 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. To receive additional information regarding the Title II report, please contact the Director of Teacher Education, 110 Hughes Hall.
The following lists the number of program completers per year and the pass rate for the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test:
Year # Completers % Pass 1999-2000 187 100% 2000-2001 204 98% 2001-2002 174 97.1% 2002-2003 222 96.8%
SPECIAL UNITS AND SERVICE FACILITIES
Interactive Distance Learning Classroom
The College of Education houses the University's first fully functioning interactive distance learning (IDL) class-room. The classroom, Room 315, Hughes Hall, contains the latest in distance learning technologies.
While the IDL classroom serves the entire University, the College of Education has been active in using IDL to deliver classes, conduct in-services, and hold statewide and regional meetings via this technology. The IDL is an essential component in the delivery of entire degree programs.
The system provides for full motion two-way audio and video connections for up to four locations. A computer system has been integrated into the system, providing an avenue for delivering computer mediated instruction to the distance sites. An important benefit of the computer is access for IDL instructors to full World Wide Web resources and the ability to display these resources to all connected sites. In addition, the configuration of the IDL classroom allows it to be used locally as a mediated classroom. This enables undergraduate and graduate students majoring in education to be exposed to the very latest in instructional delivery systems.
Pittsburg State University Professional Development School Partnership
The Professional Development School (PDS) Partnership is a collaboration between local educational agencies and the Pittsburg State University Teacher Education program. The partnering institutions share responsibility for the support of children's learning; the clinical preparation of new teachers; the continuing development of school and university faculty; and the support of research directed at the improvement of teaching and learning.
The mission of the partnership is to continue to improve the quality of education for area PK-12 students by utilizing research-based techniques and teaching strategies. The partnership provides teacher candidates with extended, authentic experiences, which effectively utilize unique elements of a diverse student population and experienced and professional staff in area schools. The PDS is designed to stimulate and encourage the participating PK-12 schools and PSU faculties to develop professionally through continuous collaboration and interaction.
The Pittsburg State University Professional Development School Partnership is a member of the Kansas Coalition for Professional Development Schools.
Instructional Resource Center (IRC)
The Instructional Resource Center (IRC) located in B25 Hughes Hall serves as a major instructional resource in all areas of teacher and school
service personnel preparation. While its primary use has been by prospective teachers, it is designed to serve experienced teachers and administrators
school systems in the service area of Pittsburg State University.
The IRC occupies approximately 2200 square feet of floor space with facilities to accommodate substantial numbers of students in the main library
area with conference, audio-visual, and individual work spaces provided. Services available for student's use include a photocopier, laminating
machine, computers, and printers. A wide variety of instructional resource materials is available.
The primary purpose of the IRC is to provide experience with unit planning, wise selection, organization and effective use of multiple instructional
resources, and to encourage curriculum development and improvement. The IRC has been added as a branch library to the university's on-line library
catalog.
College of Education Computer Laboratory
The College of Education Computer Laboratory, located in B22 Hughes Hall, houses the computing services available to education majors at Pittsburg State University. The laboratory contains hardware and software representative of computing environments which exist in area schools. Through experiences in the laboratory, education majors acquire the skills and knowledge associated with educational technologies.
More than 24 of the most up-to-date computers are available in the lab in Windows plat-form. Word processing, spreadsheet, and data base software are accessible through all computer platforms. The Windows computers are connected to campus-wide networks which allow for the sharing of numerous and varied software products, including instructional software, statistics software, and drawing and painting packages. The networked computers also support research and communications by education majors by providing access to the World Wide Web.
Laboratories for Psychology and Counseling
Specialized laboratory areas in Whitesitt Hall are provided in support of the programs in psychology and counseling. Facilities include a diagnostic
psychological assessment clinic, classroom-laboratory areas and counseling/therapy observation suites, complete with dual cameras and split screen video equipment for observation and recording.
Clinical Field Experiences
Clinical field experiences for prospective and practicing teachers and other school service personnel are provided through cooperative arrangements
with public schools and other educational or education-related agencies in the area.
Pre-student teaching experiences, student teaching, practicum experience, and internships are included.
Center for Economic Education
The Center for Economic Education is located in the Instruction Resource Center (IRC), Room B25 Hughes Hall. The center is a member of the
Joint Council on Economic Education and is linked to 300 university-based centers. The mission of the PSU Center for Economic Education is to
assume a leadership role in promoting economic literacy in the elementary and secondary schools of Southeast Kansas. To accomplish this
mission, the center utilizes the following vehicles:
1. Teacher Education
The center provides both on-campus and off-campus in-service experiences for classroom teachers and administrators. These activities normally involve academic credit. Individualized seminars are developed around the specific needs of a school district or a consortium.
2. Materials Dissemination
The center provides instructional materials to teachers wishing to integrate economics into their instructional units. Nationally and state developed materials are loaned to teachers at no cost.
3. Research
The effectiveness of innovative economics instruction can be determined by the center staff. This research can take the form of a needs assessment or a complete curricula evaluation. The user fee is deposited into the center account and is utilized to purchase additional materials for teacher use.
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Admission
The minimum admission requirements for master's degree curricula offered in the College of Education may be obtained from the respective departments, the College, or from the Dean of Continuing and Graduate Studies. (See, also, general requirements for Admission to Study for the master's degree listed elsewhere in this catalog.)
Options
Option I of the Master of Science degree requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours, including thesis credit of three to six semester hours. Of the 30 hours, no fewer than 15 should be in courses numbered 800 to 899, including 890 and 891, and 24 must be in courses numbered 700 to 899. Students with strong academic records who plan to do advanced work beyond the master's degree are particularly encouraged to follow this option.
Option II of the Master of Science degree may be elected by the student upon the recommendation of the major advisor. This option requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours of approved course work. Of these, no fewer than 16 semester hours should be in courses numbered 800 to 899, including Methods of Re-search 891, and no fewer than 26 should be in courses numbered 700 to 899.
Option III of the Master of Science degree may be elected in special cases by the student upon recommendation of the advisor and approval of the department chairperson. This option requires completion of at least six semester hours in graduate research seminars with an average grade of "B" and satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours of approved course work. Of these no fewer than 15 semester hours should be in courses numbered 800 to 899, and no fewer than 26 should be in courses numbered 700 to 899.
Comprehensive Examinations
Candidates for a graduate degree in fall or spring semester must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination in the field of their major graduate work not later than four weeks prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred. For summer term candidates, the examination must be passed not later than two weeks prior to the degree conference date. This examination may be either oral or written or both. The format is at the discretion of the department which prepares, administers, and evaluates the examination. Registration for the comprehensive examination must be completed in the office of the Dean of the College of Education at least two weeks prior to the examination.
Advisement
Each graduate student is assigned to an advisor at the time of admission to graduate study. It is essential that the student plan tentatively the entire program in consultation with the advisor and that the advisor be consulted prior to each enrollment. Specific curriculum designs, incorporating the common requirements as well as required and recommended courses for a particular curriculum, are available from the chairperson of the department concerned or the advisor.
Education Certification Program
The applicant for admission to study for the Master of Science degree with a major in a curriculum in education must present evidence of successful completion of a mini-mum of 18 semester hours of undergraduate credit in education and psychology, distributed so as to furnish an adequate background for the work proposed in the graduate level. For admission to a major at the master's degree level in elementary teaching, secondary teaching, school counseling, special education, library media, or elementary and secondary school administration and supervision, an applicant must hold or be eligible for a standard teaching license. Special exception to the requirement for licensure may be made for candidates preparing for employment in higher education or other agencies.
Candidates for the degree must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in education and psychology. The course in Methods of Research 891 should be taken early in the graduate program, preferably in the first enrollment. This course is required both under Option I and Option II. It may be required under Option III.
Special requirements. Candidates preparing for work in special professional fields should select their courses under the guidance of the advisor with a view to meeting licensure requirements.
Physical Education
The applicant for admission to study for the Master of Science degree with a major in physical education must present evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 20 semester hours of acceptable undergraduate credit in physical education, distributed so as to furnish an adequate background for the work proposed on the graduate level. The Miller's Analogy Test or the Graduate Record Examination is required for admission to candidacy.
Candidates for the degree must complete a minimum of 30 hours for Option I: Thesis or 32 hours for Option II: Coursework. A minimum of 23 semester hours must be completed within the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. (See departmental section for listing of specific courses required.)
Psychology and Counseling
The applicant for admission to study for the Master of Science degree with a major in psychology or counseling must present evidence of successful completion of a mini-mum of 20 semester hours of undergraduate credit in psychology and closely related subjects distributed so as to furnish an adequate background for the work proposed on the graduate level.
Candidates for the degree must complete a minimum of 20 semester hours in psychology at the graduate level.
The General Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination is required for admission to the programs.
SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION DEGREE
The program leading to the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree is a professional program in education requiring one year of intensive work in specialized graduate study beyond the master's degree. Although the degree is normally earned in the area of the individual's master's degree, the experience, background and professional aims of the candidate for admission may indicate modifications of this general plan.
The student's program is formulated on the basis of requirements common to all Specialist in Education degree curricula in the college and course work selected through advisement appropriate to the student's background and to the particular specialization.
Option I of the Specialist in Education degree requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours including an Ed.S. Thesis (Special Research Project 990).
Option II of the Specialist in Education degree requires completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours, including SSLS 930 Seminar in Research Skills (or other approved 900 level research course).
Admission
The applicant for admission to study for the Specialist in Education degree must present evidence of successful completion of a master's degree in the area in which specialization is proposed or in a closely related area. The applicant who lacks required specific background in the proposed area of specialization must complete satisfactorily not less than ten graduate hours in such study before beginning the specialist degree program. A significant teaching internship experience or equivalent teaching experience shall be completed prior to admission to candidacy for the degree. (See, also, Requirements for Admission to Study and Requirements for the Degree under the Specialist in Education Degree in the general requirements section of this catalog.)
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination in the field of their graduate major not later than four weeks before the date on which the degree is to be conferred. This examination may be either oral or written or both. The major department shall prepare and give the examination over the formal and informal study required for the degree. The department will then certify on the Petition for the Degree to the Office of Continuing and Graduate Studies that the student has satisfactorily passed the examination Registration for the comprehensive examination must be completed in the office of the Dean of the College of Education at least two weeks prior to the examination.
Advisement
Each applicant, admitted to graduate study for the Specialist in Education degree, is assigned to a major advisor. It is expected that those admitted to this program will be mature graduate students who are knowledgeable and responsible with respect to program and research requirements. The student should take the initiative, in consultation with the advisor, in planning the degree program and in meeting fully all requirements. Specific curriculum designs incorporating the common requirements, as well as required and recommended courses for a particular area, are available from the chairperson of the department concerned or the advisor.
