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Frequently Asked Questions How does advising happen? Both Education and Arts and Sciences faculty who teach
in and are familiar with the program do advising for Liberal
Studies/Education majors. This
reflects the curriculum of the program, which integrates education courses
with courses in the subject areas required to teach the Virginia
Standards of Learning. Each
student should check the WIN system to get the name of their advisor. During freshman and sophomore years, students are required to
see advisors to schedule courses. Since
the program is complex and contains many requirements and deadlines, we
strongly recommend that students keep in touch with their advisors even
after it is not required for registration. What licensure options are available? Longwood offers teacher preparation students the option of NK-6 (Elementary) licensure, or 6-8 (Middle School) licensure, or both, in addition to N, K -12 Special Education licensure. Longwood?s Liberal Studies/ Teacher Preparation program was originally developed to prepare students for teaching grades NK-8. The State of Virginia, however, now licenses candidates for NK-6 and 6-8 (with two subject area concentrations). We encourage seeking double licensure in elementary and middle school education for several reasons. First, with careful course planning, it can be done in approximately the same four years as the single licensure since it requires the addition of only a few courses to the existing Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation program. Second, in our experience many candidates find during Practica in the schools that they like working with middle school students more than they originally expected. Third, the job market for 6-8 teachers is very good and the addition of this licensure to NK-6 will significantly strengthen a candidate?s credentials and increase job options. Students select a licensure span on admission to Longwood. If they change their minds, they should inform the Registrar?s office. Students can check their current licensure election on myLongwood by accessing their student transcript. For changes, please fill out a ?Change of Major? form, even though you will continue as a Liberal Studies major seeking teacher licensure. What is PRAXIS I? Why must I take it? All prospective teachers seeking initial licensure in
Virginia are required to take the Praxis I Test and submit a passing
combined score
of 532, unless
they have earned SAT scores that are above the state minimums for admission to the Teacher
Preparation program. PRAXIS I should be taken during the freshman year, but no later than
the first semester sophomore year. Praxis I is a test of basic academic
skills with sections on Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Students who
achieve a minimum 530 on both verbal and math and a combined total of 1100
on the verbal and math sections of the SAT may waive the PRAXIS I requirement.
A brochure giving more detailed information concerning the PRAXIS and
test dates is available in the Office of Professional Services. PRAXIS I (or
SAT) scores must be sent to the Director of Professional
Services before a student can be admitted to the Teacher Preparation program. How do I get admitted to Teacher Preparation? I. Requirements for admission to Teacher Preparation are: 1. Completed application. The application my now be accessed
online at: https://www2.longwood.edu/inq5/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.cgi?idx=CKTHWT What is the Partnership Semester? Elementary and middle education candidates participate in a full semester of courses in partnership with a local school division during their junior or first semester senior year. Partnership consists of 4 days each week of methodological coursework in reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social sciences taught at the public school site. One half of each day is spent in the public school classrooms working with children. Teacher candidates return each Friday to campus for courses that focus upon exceptional learners and classroom management. Special education candidates follow a modified form of this program. What is the Virginia Reading Assessment? The Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) is a test which addresses a new licensing requirement to assess prospective teachers preparation in reading instruction. Candidates seeking initial licensure in elementary or special education are required to take the test, and should plan to do so immediately following the Partnership semester. For information and registration go to: http://www.va.nesinc.com.
The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) is an assessment required of all teacher candidates . Cut off scores for passing the VCLA have been established as follows: Writing - 235; Reading - 235; or a composite score of 470. For more information, go to: http://www.va.nesinc.com.
I. Applications for admission to Student Teaching are
available online at: https://www2.longwood.edu/inq5/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.cgi?idx=K5HPHB II. Students must complete an application for Student Teaching two semesters
or one full year prior to the Professional Semester. III. Deadlines: Specific deadlines regarding the application process are available on the web site. IV. Requirements for admission to Student Teaching are:
NOTE: A student denied admission into the Teacher
Preparation Program or the Professional Semester may reapply when the
acceptance criteria are met. 1. A passing score on VRA, VCLA & PRAXIS II 2. A grade in student teaching of "A", "B", or "C" 3. An overall grade point average of at least 2.50 4. A grade point average for the professional semester of at least 2.75. Whom may I
contact for help? Dr. Patricia Lust, Director, Liberal Studies Program Dr. Nancy Powers , Coordinator, Elementary Education |
Longwood University - Liberal
Studies: Teacher Education |
