Margaret C. McCarthy, Dean; James M. McDonnell, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Assessment, and Certification Officer; Shawn O’Rourke, Associate Dean for Graduate and Canadian Programs, and Certification Officer; Paul Fields, Executive Director of Educational Partnerships; James Bagwell, Director of Graduate Admissions; Nancy Wellenzohn, Beatrice Slick, Graduate Admissions Representatives; Tracy Meissner, Administrator, Technology Specialist and Certification Officer.
Mission Statement
The School of Education and Human Services, in concert with our candidates, school partners, alumni and community, seeks to prepare highly competent, professional and socially committed teachers, administrators and counselors who value the Jesuit traditions of cura personalis, social justice and leadership through service. The mission of the unit is to prepare professionals who possess content, pedagogical and professional knowledge; use their gifts in the service of others; and demonstrate professionalism and leadership in their field.
Academic Programs
All initial teacher preparation and all advanced preparation programs in the School of Education and Human Services are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The major program in athletic training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). All programs are registered and approved by the New York State Education Department.
The School of Education and Human Services offers curricula leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in a number of areas, including 46 different teacher certification programs available at the childhood and adolescence level, and in students with disabilities and physical education.
The Education Department offers undergraduate degree/certification programs in childhood which include: early childhood education (birth through grade 2); childhood education (grades 1 through 6); a dual certification program in early childhood/childhood education (birth through grade 6); a dual certification program in students with disabilities/early childhood (birth through grade 2); and a dual certification program in students with disabilities /childhood education (grades 1 through 6). Each of these five programs requires candidates to select a ten course academic concentration in one of eight disciplines: English, mathematics, science, social studies, music, French, German or Spanish. Candidates enrolled in childhood education programs may elect to take two additional courses in middle childhood education and apply for an extension to teach in grades 7 through 9 (though not in music).
Undergraduate degree programs in adolescence education lead to teacher certification (grades 7 through 12) in one of nine academic disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, English, mathematics, social studies, French, German and Spanish. Candidates enrolled in adolescence education programs may elect to take two additional courses in middle childhood education and apply for an extension to teach in grades 5 and 6.
The Department of Physical Education, Health and Sport Studies offers a teacher certification program in physical education, and a dual certification program in physical and health education. Minors are offered in sports psychology and sport administration.
The Department of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science has a major program in athletic training and a minor in health and human performance.
At the graduate level, the School of Education and Human Services offers master’s degree programs in childhood education, adolescence education, literacy, differentiated instruction, physical education, students with disabilities, special education for educators of deaf/hard of hearing students, counselor education, educational administration and supervision, health and human performance, sport administration and college student personnel administration. These programs are described in the Graduate Catalog.
As required by the New York State Education Department, the pass rates for Canisius College on the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations for the period 2005-2006 are as follows:
- Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST): 99%
- Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATS-W): 100%
- Academic Content Scores: 98%
Conceptual Framework
Canisius’ teacher preparation programs focus on knowledge, service, leadership and professionalism, the foundational tenants of our conceptual framework. Academic programs offer candidates the content, pedagogical and professional knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for quality performance in their field of study. Candidates will demonstrate the ability to reflect on their instructional practice, apply knowledge, exhibit skills and develop dispositions essential for success in P-12 schools. In coursework and in practice, candidates will display a clear understanding of the historical, philosophical, sociological, legal and psychological bases of education and educational policy. Candidates must be committed to the education of the whole person and to the belief that all individuals can learn. Within the contexts of their work, candidates promote authentic learning, social and emotional development, and a commitment to service and social justice in environments that foster respect for diversity and the dignity of all. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the urban community in which the college is located and, through a variety of field experiences and service-learning opportunities, to interact with an ethnically, racially, culturally, religiously and intellectually diverse population. Collaborative projects allow candidates to learn from others, develop a professional orientation, and assume positions of responsibility and leadership. Candidates develop the ability to reflect thoughtfully on their experiences in order to guide professional development and to improve practice and are encouraged to join professional organizations and actively participate in professional conferences.
Performance outcomes aligned with knowledge (K), service (S), and leadership/professionalism (P) are:
Knowledge: The acquisition, creation and dissemination of knowledge is a continuing, transformational process.
Knowledge Outcomes — The competent professional:
- applies theory and research in practice;
- applies effective teacher/counselor/administrator principles;
- demonstrates appropriate dispositions, emphasizing student responsibility for behavior and achievement.
Service Outcomes — The competent professional:
- is committed to diversity, equity and social justice;
- has a sense of purpose and power, and in all endeavors works for thbenefit of all learners in their respective human-service professions;
- demonstrates appropriate dispositions: enthusiasm toward content/subject area(s);
+ appreciation of social/cognitive/emotional development of all learners;
+ appreciation of human diversity;
+ values development of students’ critical thinking;
+ engages in comprehensive and collaborative planning that meets curricular goals;
+ commitment to utilizing assessment information to inform decisions.
Professionalism/Leadership Outcomes — The competent professional is:
- an effective communicator;
- a reflective practitioner;
- a lifelong learner;
- demonstrates appropriate dispositions:
+ values and utilizes effective communication techniques in professional settings;
+ is committed to, and actively seeks out, opportunities to grow professionally;
+ is committed to advocating for the well-being of children and families.
Although coursework for all teacher certification programs normally begins in the freshman year, continued registration as a major is contingent upon several assessments. Through the assessment system performance is evaluated at five transition points, providing candidates with ongoing and integrated feedback on their progress. The five major transition points are: (1) program entrance; (2) prior to field experience I; (3) prior to field experience II; (4) after field experience II; and (5) before graduation. Transition to each successive level requires successful performance on all measures described at the transition point. Performance measures include outcomes based on INTASC (Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) principles, the standards of specialized professional associations, and faculty expectations of knowledge, service, leadership and professionalism. The faculty review the progress of each candidate and, if deficits are noted, a plan is developed to address and remediate any shortcomings. Candidates who consistently do not meet program expectations may be counseled out of, or dismissed from, the program.
Assessment at Transition Point 1 - Program Entrance:
- Acceptance to the college: SAT score; high school GPA; assessment tests in reading, math, and/or writing as may be required
- Successful portfolio review
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher; grade of C or higher in all education courses
- Satisfactory performance in prior field placements
- Program specific requirements
- Successful final portfolio review
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher; grade of C or higher in all education courses
- Satisfactory performance in prior field placements
- Program specific requirements
- Successful final evaluations from college supervisor
- Successful completion of all program requirements
The development and exhibition of dispositions appropriate to teaching all children is a requirement of all Canisius teacher preparation programs. Candidates who demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to act in a mature, respectful and professional manner will be prohibited from participation in field experiences, including student teaching.
Certification
To obtain initial teacher certification, candidates must pass the examinations required by the New York State Education Department. These include the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the Content Specialty Test (CST). The LAST should be taken in the sophomore year or early in the junior year and the ATS-W and the CST in the senior year.
For the professional certificate, candidates will need additional professional development, three years teaching experience, and the completion of an appropriate master’s degree within five years. Contact the New York State Education Department at www.nysed.gov for additional information.
Codes
EDE Childhood Education
EDY Early Childhood Education
EDU Teacher Education (applies to several or all programs)
EDS Adolescence Education
EMC Middle Childhood Education
SPE Special Education
PED Physical Education
HED Health Education
HHP Health & Human Performance
ATH Athletic Training
AS Area Studies
M Major
CN Concentration
FE Free Elective