1996-1997 Undergraduate Catalog

 NMSU
College of Education

Dean - Barbara J. Simmons
Associate Dean - Michael A. Morehead
Associate Dean - Roy C. Rodriguez
Undergraduate Advisement Center Coordinator - William P. Soules
Undergraduate Advisement Center Adviser - Margo Trevino


DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Science in Education - Majors in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education with endorsements in Bilingual Education, Business Education, Foreign Languages, General Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Reading, Social Studies, TESOL; Major in Special Education; Major in Communication Disorders

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Education

Associate Degree - Education Paraprofessional, option in Early Childhood

The College of Education provides undergraduate students with a broad general education and professional teacher training.

General Requirements

1.
Complete at least 132 acceptable credits, including a minimum of 55 credits in courses numbered 300 or above with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
2.
Students in teacher preparation programs must pass the preprofessional skills test or enter college with a composite ACT of 21 or higher before admission to education courses numbered above 299.
3.
Satisfy the general education requirements. Detailed programs are available in the College of Education Advisement Center. General education requirements will be individually planned for those students with an ACT composite standard score of 25 (85th percentile) or a 1020 SAT score (84.1 percentile).
4.
Students in teacher preparation programs must be officially admitted to the Teacher Education Program. See requirements under Admission to the Teacher Education Program and Competitive Admission Process.
5.
Complete the teaching field requirements.
6.
Be officially admitted to student teaching during the senior year. Requirements are below.
7.
Students must complete all professional education courses and all courses in the student's teaching field or major with a grade of C or better.
8.
All students, including transfer students, must complete the last 30 semester credits required for the baccalaureate degree on the New Mexico State University campus. The four-year Servicemen's Opportunity College Program students are not exempt from this regulation.
9.
Each student must possess the academic ability, character, and attitude suitable for teaching. A student who, in the professional judgment of the faculty and staff, does not possess these qualifications may be examined by a Selective Review Committee. The committee may recommend any of a variety of actions, ranging from remedial procedures to withdrawal from the Teacher Education Program.
10.
Students with a bachelor's degree seeking teacher licensure must meet all admission criteria for the Teacher Education Program and be admitted to the Graduate School.
In addition, if faculty at any time determine that a student is weak in a particular skill, the College of Education may require remedial procedures in areas such as mathematics, composition, speaking, or other skills needed for success in public school teaching.

The above requirements are established for those seeking a teaching license. Other programs in the college such as Athletic Training, Nonlicensure, Physical Education, and Communication Disorders have specific requirements. Check in the advisement office or appropriate departments for program information.

Competitive Admission Process

Applicants who successfully complete the minimum requirements for admission will be reviewed by the Teacher Education Program admission committee. The admission committee will base admissions decisions on applicants' academic qualifications, written communication, faculty recommendations for the student and the student's portfolio.

Applicants should be aware that admission to the Teacher Education Program is competitive and is based upon available faculty resources. Posted GPA and basic skills test scores are minimums which are necessary to be considered for admission by the Teacher Education Program committee and do not ensure admittance into programs. Applicants are encouraged to develop a strong student portfolio, achieve the highest GPA possible, and present the portfolio in a professional manner.

Suggested Program of Study

Requirements of a general nature and for each endorsement are available in the advisement center of the college. It is imperative that students, especially those new to the campus, report frequently to the advisement center to have their programs carefully and continually monitored in line with newly developing requirements.

All students henceforth will pursue a baccalaureate program leading to a Level I Teaching License. Preparation for this license includes 55 credits of general education (to be selected from the list below), a professional block of course work of 36 credits in elementary education or 30 credits in secondary education, teaching field specialty blocks or endorsements of from 24 to 54 credits, and the remainder in electives. Students are urged to acquire as many endorsements to the initial license as possible. Course work taken in general education can be counted again within the endorsement areas when appropriate.

General Education Requirements

1.
Twelve to thirteen credits in English (language arts)
2.
Twelve credits in history, including American history and western civilization
3.
Six credits in mathematics
4.
Six credits from among the following social sciences: government, economics, sociology, anthropology, geography, philosophy
5.
Twelve credits in science from among the following sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy
6.
Six credits in fine arts.

NOTE: Lists of specific courses that meet these requirements are available in the Education Advising Center.

Professional Education Courses

I. Assumptions

A.
All students will take a course in developmental psychology.
B.
Field experiences will be interwoven throughout most courses.
C.
All students, during their program will complete at least three Extended Field Experiences.

II. Professional Education Courses Required of All Students Seeking Elementary, Secondary Licensure, or Early Childhood
EMD 250, Introduction to Education 2
CEP 210, Educational Psychology 3
EDUC 315, Multicultural Education 3
SPED 320, Mainstreaming Exceptional Learners 2
Student Teaching 9
Student Teaching Seminar 3

III. Professional Education Courses Required of All Students Seeking Early Childhood Education
ECED 440, Science/Math Curriculum
ECED 441, Language Arts/Social Studies
ECED 455, Art/Music/PE Curriculum
RDG 350, Reading Process/Methods and Math
ECED 259, Field Experience K-3
ECED 351, Literature Development in ECED
SPED 450, Working with Young Children (3-8)
ECED 451, Play/ECED Curriculum
ECED 452, Teaching Language/Minority Child
SPED 451, Assessment of Young Children, Birth-Eight
ECED 405, Home Center School Collaboration
FCCS 481, Infant Development
SPED 464, Working with Young Children with Special Needs, Birth-Two

IV. Professional Education Courses Required of Elementary Teachers
EDUC 450, Early Childhood Education 3
EDUC 451, The Science Curriculum 3
EDUC 452, The Math Curriculum 3
EDUC 453, The Language Arts Curriculum 3
EDUC 454, The Social Studies Curriculum 3
EDUC 455, The Art, Music, and Physical Education Curriculum 3

V. Professional Education Courses Required of Secondary Teachers
RDG 356, Reading in the Content Fields 2
EDUC 475, Contemporary Issues in Education 3
One of the following courses:
EDUC 460, Methods of Language Arts
 3
EDUC 461, Methods of Social Studies
 3
EDUC 462, Methods of Mathematics
 3
EDUC 463, Methods of Science
 3
EDUC 464, Methods of Foreign Language
 3
EDUC 466, Methods of Physical Education
 3
EDUC 467, Methods of Teaching Business Education
 3

VI. Electives

A.
Six credits in reading will be required of elementary majors as part of a mandated language arts endorsement.
B.
Reading in the Content Areas is required for secondary majors.
C.
Instructional computing courses will be elected by both elementary and secondary students.

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Education
MAJOR: Elementary Education

General education and professional education are similar for all degree programs in the College of Education. Students should meet with an adviser to plan appropriate general education courses for an elementary education major.

Language Arts Teaching Field (24 credits)
RDG 360, Reading Processes in the Elementary School 3
RDG 361, Diagnostic Teaching of Reading in the Elementary School 3
ENGL 363, Literature for Children and Young Adults 3
ENGL 211G or 311G 3
COMM 253G or 265G 3
Language Arts electives (ENGL, RDG, THTR, COMM, or LING) 9

Elementary Education Major Requirements (17 credits)
EDUC 450, Early Childhood Education 3
EDUC 451, Science Curriculum 3
EDUC 452, Math Curriculum 3
EDUC 453, Language Arts curriculum 3
EDUC 454, Social Studies Curriculum 3
EDUC 455, Art, Music, Physical Education Curriculum 3

Elementary Education Endorsement Areas (18-24 credits)

Elementary Education majors are encouraged to complete a minor or endorsement area in an academic area. A list of concentration areas is available in the Education Advising Office.

Bilingual/TESOL Endorsement

Students interested in a bilingual or TESOL endorsement should contact the advisement office. These endorsements can now be included in an undergraduate degree program without significant additional hours required.

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Education
MAJOR: Secondary Education

General education and professional education requirements are similar for all degree programs in the College of Education. Students should meet with an adviser to plan appropriate general education courses for a secondary education major. In addition, students must complete a broad teaching field. Further information on the following teaching fields is available from the Education Advising Center.

Business Education (36 credits)
ACCT 201, Fundamentals of Accounting I, or
S A 120, Bookkeeping Procedures I
 3
ACCT 202, Fundamentals of Accounting II, or
S A 121, Bookkeeping Procedures II
 3
BLAW 317, Business Law I 3
BCS 338, Business Information Systems 3
ECON 251G, Macroeconomics 3
ECON 252G, Microeconomics 3
EDUC 467, Methods of Teaching Business 3
MGT 309, Human Relations in Business 3
MKTG 303, Principles of Marketing 3
S A 101, Typewriting (or any higher level typewriting course) 3
SA 106, Business Math 3
S A 203, Office Equipment and Procedures I 3
S A 114, Speedwriting/Shorthand, or
S A 207, Machine Transcription
 3

French Education (30-35 credits*)
FREN 111, Elementary French I 4
FREN 112, Elementary French II 4
FREN 211, Intermediate French I 3
FREN 212, Intermediate French II 3
FREN 313, Composition and Grammar I 3
FREN 314, Composition and Grammar II 3
FREN 325, Intermediate Conversation 3
FREN 352, French Phonics 3
FREN 362, Contemporary French Culture 3
FREN 381, Survey of French Literature I 3
FREN 382, Survey of French Literature II 3

* Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Elective credits in French will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

German Education (30-35 credits*)
GER 111, Elementary German I 4
GER 112, Elementary German II 4
GER 211, Intermediate German I 3
GER 212, Intermediate German II 3
GER 313, Intermediate Composition and Grammar I 3
GER 391, History of the German Language 3
GER 325, German Conversation I, or
GER 425, German Conversation III
 3
GER 362, German Studies, or
GER 363, Austria and Switzerland
 3
German electives numbered 400 or above 9

* Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Elective credits in German will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

Language Arts (42 credits)

Students must complete all of the core courses and one of the subject areas.

Core Courses
ENGL 251 or ENGL 252, Introduction to American Literature 3
ENGL 363, Literature for Children, or
ENGL 416, Approaches to Literature
 3
ENGL 401 or ENGL 402, Advanced Study in English Literature 3
ENGL 403 or ENGL 404, Advanced Study in American Literature 3
ENGL 408 or ENGL 409, Shakespeare 3
ENGL 451, Practicum in Grammar 3
ENGL 470, Approaches to Composition 3
COMM 384, Interpersonal Communication 3
COMM 376, Communication and Culture 3
JOUR 105, Mass Communication 3
THTR 360, Creative Dramatics 3
One of the following courses:
ENGL 220, Imaginative Writing
ENGL 304, Creative Writing: Prose
ENGL 306, Creative Writing: Poetry
 3

One of the following areas:

Communication Studies
COMM 351, Persuasion Theory 3
COMM 353, Advanced Public Speaking or
COMM 425, Small Group Communication
 3

English (two of the following four courses)
ENGL 421, Advanced Study in a Literary Period or Movement 3
ENGL 422, Advanced Study in a Literary Form or Genre 3
ENGL 423, Advanced Study in a Major Author 3
ENGL 424, Advanced Study in a Major Text 3

Journalism and Mass Communication
JOUR 110, Writing for the Mass Media 3
JOUR 210, Writing for the Print Media 3

Theatre Arts
THTR 110, Acting I 3
THTR 215, Directing 3

Math Education (36 credits)
MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 3
MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 3
MATH 279, Introduction to Finite Math 3
MATH 291, Calculus and Analytic Geometry III 3
MATH 331, Introduction to Modern Algebra 3
MATH 332, Introduction to Modern Analysis 3
MATH 459, Euclidean Geometry 3
C S 171, Algorithmic Computations 3
STAT 371, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists 3
Math electives (9 hours of approved math
courses numbered above MATH 275
 9

Physical Education (K-12) (36 credits)
PE P 185, Introduction and Foundations 3
PE P 210, Theory and Technique of Aquatics 1
PE P 281, Theory and Technique of Fundamental Motor Skills 2
PE P 308, Theory and Technique of Fitness Programs 1
PE P 311, Organization and Administration 3
P EP 315, Elementary School Physical Education 3
PE P 342, Motor Development and Learning 4
PE P 363, Theory and Technique of Lifelong Outdoor Leisure Activities 1
PE P 391, Theory and Technique of Gymnastics, Track and Field 1
PE P 392, Theory and Technique of Sports and Games I 2
PE P 393, Theory and Technique of Dance and Rhythms 2
PE P 394, Theory and Technique of Sports and Games II 2
SP M 271, Anatomy I 3
SP M 271L, Anatomy I Lab 1
SP M 305, Kinesiology 3
SP M 308, Exercise Physiology 3
SP M 308L, Exercise Physiology Lab 1

Russian Education (30-38 credits*)
RUSS 111, Elementary Russian I 4
RUSS 112, Elementary Russian II 4
RUSS 211, Intermediate Russian I 3
RUSS 212, Intermediate Russian II 3
RUSS 313, Composition and Grammar I 3
RUSS 314, Composition and Grammar II 3
RUSS 325, Advanced Conversation I 3
RUSS 326, Advanced Conversation II 3
RUSS 362, Contemporary Russian Culture I 3
RUSS 363, Contemporary Russian Culture II 3
RUSS 381, Survey of Russian Literature I 3
RUSS 382, Survey of Russian Literature II 3

* Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Elective credits in Russian will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

Science (51-58 credits)

Students must complete all of the core courses and one of the four composite areas.

Core Courses
BIOL 190G and BIOL 190L, Principles of Biology and Lab 4
BIOL 220, Botany, or BIOL 222, Zoology 3
CHEM 111, General Chemistry I 4
CHEM 112, General Chemistry II 4
GEOL 111G, Survey of Geology, or
GEOL 291, Principles of Physical Geology
 4
GEOL 297, Historical Geology 3
PHYS 211 and PHYS 211L, General Physics I* 4
PHYS 212 and PHYS 212L, General Physics II* 4

*Physics teachers should follow the physics composite in lieu of PHYS211 and PHYS212.

Composite Areas (complete one of the following areas):

Life Sciences (23 credits)
BIOL 221 and BIOL 221L, Microbiology, and Lab 4
BIOL 301, Principles of Ecology 3
BIOL 305, Principles of Genetics 3
BIOL 467, Evolution 3
BIOL electives (300+) 4
MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra 3
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences 3

Earth Sciences (28 credits)

Chemistry (21 credits)
ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy 4
GEOG 257, Introduction to Meteorology,
or GEOG 357, Climatology
 3
GEOG 281, Map Use 3
GEOL 310, Mineralogy 3
GEOL 318, Geology of New Mexico, or
GEOL 295, Environmental Geology
 3
GEOL 353, Geomorphology 3
GEOL or GEOG elective (300+) 3
MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra 3
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and
Social Sciences, or MATH 180, Trigonometry
 3
CHEM 311, Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM 312, Organic Chemistry II 4
CHEM 371, Analytical Chemistry 4
CHEM 431, Physical Chemistry 3
CHEM 356, Inorganic Chemistry 3
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological, and
Social Sciences, or MATH 291, Calculus III
 3

Physics (32 credits) (Physics courses listed below should
be taken instead of core physics courses)
ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy 4
PHYS 110G, The Great Ideas of Physics 4
PHYS 151, Introduction to Computational Physics 2
PHYS 250 and PHYS 251, Mechanics, and Lab 4
PHYS 260 and PHYS 261, Electricity and Magnetism, and Lab 4
PHYS 280 and PHYS 281, Heat, Light, and Sound, and Lab 4
PHYS 390 and PHYS 391, Modern Physics, and Lab 5
MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 3
MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 3

Social Studies (58-67 credits)

Students will complete all of the Distributive Core and one of the seven concentration areas.

Distributive Core (40 hours)
ANTH 201G, Introduction to Anthropology 3
ECON 251G, Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ECON 252G, Principles of Microeconomics 3
GEOG 155G, Introduction to Physical Geography 4
GEOG 241G, World and Regional Geography 3
GOVT 100G, American National Government 3
GOVT 361, International Relations 3
SOC 101G, Introductory Sociology 3
HIST 101G, Roots of Modern Europe 3
HIST 102G, Modern Europe 3
HIST 201G, Introduction to Early American History 3
HIST 202G, Introduction to Recent American History 3
One of the following, based on the concentration area chosen:
GEOG 325, Geography of New Mexico,
HIST 261, History of New Mexico, or
GOVT 353, New Mexico Politics
 3

Concentration Areas:

Economics (27 hours)
ECON 304, Money and Banking 3
ECON 371, Intermediate Macroeconomics 3
ECON 372, Intermediate Microeconomics 3
ECON electives (300 or above) 12
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences 3
ACCT 200, ACCT 201, STAT 251, or EST311G 3

Geography (27 hours)
GEOG 201G, Survey of Geography 3
GEOG 257, Introduction to Meteorology, or
GEOG 357, Climatology
 3
GEOG 281, Map Use 3
GEOG 321, North America 3
GEOG 325, Geography of New Mexico 3
GEOG 361G, Economic Geography, GEOG363G, Cultural
Geography, or GEOG365, Urban Geography
GEOG 328, Latin America, GEOG331G, Europe, or GEOG337,
Australia and Oceania
 3
One from three of the following four areas: 9
GEOG328, Latin America, GEOG331G, Europe, or GEOG337,
Australia and Oceania
GEOG351, Fundamentals of Biogeography, GEOG353, Geomorphology, GEOG363G, Cultural Geography, or GEOG357, Climatology
GEOG361G, Economic Geography, GEOG363G, Cultural Geography, or GEOG365G, Urban Geography
GEOG 381, Cartography, or GEOG382, Introduction to
Remote Sensing

Government (24 hours)
GOVT 110G, Introduction to Political Sciences, or GOVT150G, American
Political Issues, or GOVT160G, International Political Issues
 3

One course in two of the following six areas (6 credits):

1)
GOVT341, Introduction to Public Administration, GOVT343, Domestic Policy, or GOVT442, the Regulatory Process
2)
GOVT 351, American State and Local Government, GOVT352, Congress and the Legislative Process, GOVT353, New Mexico Politics, GOVT355, Political Parties and Interest Groups, GOVT356, Women and Politics
3)
GOVT 361, International Relations, GOVT362, American Foreign Policy, GOVT367, Inter-American Relations, GOVT465,International Regional Politics
4)
GOVT 370, Comparative Politics, GOVT371, Latin American Politics, or GOVT372, Political Development, GOVT471, Central American Politics
5)
GOVT 383, American Political Ideas, or GOVT386, Modern Political Thought, GOVT387, Contemporary Political Theory
6)
GOVT390, Constitutional Law, GOVT391, Judicial Process I,GOVT394, Supreme Court, or GOVT492, Civil Liberties
GOVT electives (300 or above) 15

History (18 hours)
HIST elective, U.S. history (300 or above) 6
HIST elective, world history (300 or above) 6
HIST elective (300 or above) 6

Sociology (24 credits)
SOC 351, Sociological Theory 3
SOC 352, Social Research I 3
SOC 371, Race and Ethnic Relations 3
SOC 381, Individual and Society 3
SOC 392, Juvenile Delinquency 3
SOC electives (300 or above) 9

Anthropology (24 credits)
ANTH 301, Cultural Anthropology 3
ANTH 315, Introduction to Archaeology 3
ANTH 350, Anthropological Theory 3
ANTH 355, Physical Anthropology 3
ANTH elective 3
ANTH elective (300 or above) 9

Sociology/Anthropology (27 credits)
SOC 351, Sociological Theory 3
SOC 352, Social Research I 3
SOC 371, Race and Ethnic Relations 3
SOC 381, Individual and Society 3
SOC 392, Juvenile Delinquency 3
ANTH 301, Cultural Anthropology 3
ANTH 315, Introduction to Archaeology 3
ANTH 350, Anthropological Theory 3
ANTH 355, Physical Anthropology 3

Spanish Education (30-35 credits*)
SPAN 111, Elementary Spanish I 4
SPAN 112, Elementary Spanish II 4
SPAN 211, Intermediate Spanish I 3
SPAN 212, Intermediate Spanish II 3
SPAN 313, Spanish Grammar 3
SPAN 314, Spanish Composition 3
SPAN 325, Advanced Conversation, or
SPAN 327, Advanced Oral Language
 3
SPAN 340, Introduction to Spanish Linguistics 3
SPAN 350, Introduccion a Estudios Chicanos 3
SPAN 387, Survey of Spanish Penninsular Literature 3
SPAN 388, Survey of Spanish/American Literature 3

* Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Native speakers of Spanish may not be eligible for some sections. Please check the course descriptions for details. Elective credits will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Education
MAJOR: Special Education

General education requirements are similar for all degree programs in the College of Education. Students should meet with an adviser to plan appropriate general education courses for a special education major. Students may get a dual license in special education and elementary education or in special education and secondary education.

Professional Education Courses (36 credits)
SPED 215, Orientation to Special Education and
Communication Disorders
 2
SPED 350, Survey of Programs for Exceptional Learners 3
SPED 360, Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Special Education 3
SPED 459, Approaches to Classroom Management for
Exceptional Learners
 3
SPED 463, Assessment of Exceptional Learners 3
SPED 470, Life Span Development and Transition in Special Education 2
SPED 481, Practicum in Special Education 2
Two of the following courses:
SPED 458, Mental Retardation: An Introduction
SPED 466, The Learning Disabled Student
SPED 467, Behavior Disorders
6
SPED 482, Student Teaching 12

All special education students will choose a developmental psychology course (CEP 110G) and EDUC 101.

OPTIONS:

All special education students must choose one of the following options:

Dual License in Elementary Education (50 credits)
Complete the Language Arts Teaching Field or Requirements for
Elementary Education majors
 24
Complete the Elementary Education Major Requirements 18
C D 360, Language Acquisition 3
EDUC 489, Elementary School Practicum 3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs 3

Dual License in Secondary Education (48 credits)

Complete first teaching field requirements in one area 36 (min.)
C D 360, Language Acquisition 3
EDUC 460-467, Secondary Methods (take course
appropriate for teaching field
 3
EDUC 489, Secondary School Practicum 3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs 3

Special Education and Focal Areas (Early Childhood-Special Education,Developmental Disabilities, or Counseling and Educational Psychology) (48credits)

Complete a second teaching field 24 (min.)
C D 360, Language Acquisition 3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs 3
Additional course work in one area of ECED-SPED, DD,
or CEP. (See an adviser for details.)
 18

Minors

The college offers minors in counseling, coaching, dance, and in physical education. Those interested in the counseling area with a view eventually to enter this professional specialty should contact the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology for advice.

Undergraduate students wishing to work with children with disabilities, ages birth through five, and with their families in public and nonpublic school settings may take an 18-credit planned minor in early childhood special education. Details of this program are available in the advisement center and also in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Cooperative Education Program

Cooperative Education Program students work in public schools while meeting their certification requirements. The possibility of student teaching in an international setting enhances this option. Qualified students may earn financial assistance through this program. For details, contact:

Director, Cooperative Education
College of Education
Box 30001,
NMSU
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

Transfer Students

Transfer students should have their transcripts evaluated by the advisement center and must meet all basic skills requirements, as well as be admitted to the Teacher Education Program through the formal application procedures. (See "Admission to the Teacher Education Program" below.)

Students with Degrees Seeking Certification Only

All students who already have degrees and who are seeking licensure must be admitted through a graduate licensing program. Details are available in the advisement center.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Even though students declare their majors when they enter New Mexico State University, teacher candidates are not officially admitted to the Teacher Education Program until they formally apply and meet the following requirements:
1.
A cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50
2.
Demonstration of competence in reading, mathematics, and composition by passing the preprofessional skills test: details are available in the advisement center or enter college with an ACT composite of 21 or higher
3.
A demonstrated desire to work with young people (demonstrated in an autobiographical statement or other appropriate evidence)
4.
Submission of three letters of recommendation indicating potential ability as a teacher
5.
Submission of the student's portfolio. Information available in the advisement office in the College of Education. This portfolio will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. (See "Competitive Admission Process.")

Competitive Admission Process

Applicants who successfully complete the minimum requirements for admission will be reviewed by the Teacher Education Program Admission Committee. The admission committee will base admissions decisions on the applicants' academic qualifications, written communication, faculty recommendations for the student, and the student's portfolio.

Applicants should be aware that admission to the Teacher Education Program is competitive and is based upon available faculty resources. Posted GPA and basic skills test scores are minimums which are necessary to be considered for admission by the Teacher Education Program committee and do not ensure admittance into programs. Applicants are encouraged to develop a strong student portfolio, achieve the highest GPA possible, and present the portfolio in a professional manner.

Students who are not admitted may not take designated professional education courses numbered above EDUC 299. Students with a bachelor's degree seeking teacher licensure must meet all admission criteria for the Teacher Education Program and be admitted to the Graduate School.

Admission to Student Teaching

To be admitted to student teaching a student must

1.
Submit complete formal application papers to the College of Education Advisement Center by February 9 for spring and by October 9 for fall a year prior to student teaching.
2.
Establish a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50 prior to beginning student teaching.
3.
Complete all prerequisites to student teaching (details available from the advisement center).
4.
Students must complete all professional education courses and all courses in the student's teaching field with a grade of "C" or better.
Students who do not meet all College of Education requirements for admission to student teaching will not be allowed to begin their student teaching until those requirements are met.

Student teachers can only be placed within an 80-mile radius of the campus.

Student Teaching Expectations

During the senior year, students must keep one semester free from other responsibilities so that they can devote full time to their student teaching responsibilities. Students should not have any outside commitments that will interfere with their student teaching activities. Students may be expected to follow the public school calendar rather than the university calendar. Exceptions must be approved in advance and in writing by the director of the Teacher Education Program. Any course work in addition to student teaching constitutes an overload that must be approved by the College of Education.

Student teachers should expect to meet all requirements of the school and school district in which they are working.

Licensure Requirements

In the event that state teacher licensure requirements change, students preparing for licensure to teach should keep abreast of the licensure requirements of the State Department of Education. Copies of the rules and regulations governing licensure are available for students in the Advisement Office and the Office of the Dean of the College of Education. College of Education requirements meet or exceed the state licensure requirements. Whenever state licensure requirements are less than College of Education requirements, students must meet the College of Education requirements to receive a degree from or be recommended for licensure by NMSU. The College of Education reserves the right to change its requirements at any time in order to comply with changes in the regulations governing licensure.

Applying for teacher licensure is the responsibility of the student. The New Mexico Department of Education grants licensure.

The State of New Mexico requires that all candidates for licensure take and pass the National Teacher Examination. Upon completion of the degree and planned programs in the teaching fields, students are eligible for teacher licensure depending on their having also completed the National Teacher Examination successfully. The test is administered in October and March each year and information is available through Student Development in Garcia Annex. Students must register for the NTE at least one month prior to the testing dates.

Graduate Work

The College of Education offers curricula leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Specialist in Education, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Philosophy in education.

Those interested in pursuing graduate degrees in education should consult the Graduate School Catalog for full information. A copy may be procured by writing the dean of the Graduate School.

Accreditation

The university's teacher preparation program, which involves several colleges and which is directed by the College of Education, was accredited in 1962 by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Also, in the College of Education, the Communication Disorders master's program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and the undergraduate athletic training program in Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance is accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation. The Physical Education Program is approved by the National Association for Sports and Physical Education. Both undergraduate and graduate programs in Special Education have been accredited by the Council on Excep-tional Children. The undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare individuals for licensure to work in public and private schools in New Mexico have been approved by the New Mexico State Board of Education.

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Last Modified: Friday April 18, 1997
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