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2012-2013 Graduate Programs Academic Catalog
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Student teaching can be waived with a portfolio
of evidence validating both experience and class-
room competency. Experience must include at
least three years of full-time teaching in the area
of certification. The portfolio must include letters
of recommendation, annual evaluations docu-
menting successful teaching, and documents ver-
ifying proficiency in SC State Standards
competencies. Individuals requesting this exemp-
tion should discuss their experience with the
M.A.T. program director. Candidates granted this
exemption will enroll in EDU 6480 Professional
Portfolio Development.
Residency and Transfer Requirements
Policies governing transfer credits are outlined in
the Admissions section of this material. Transfer
credits may be received on a limited basis, but
the majority of coursework must be taken at CIU.
Candidates wishing to receive transfer credit for
the M.A.T. program should consult with the pro-
gram director.
Time Limitation
The time limit for completion of all requirements is
six years measured from the date a candidate is
admitted into the M.A.T. Program (Milestone 1).
Graduation Requirements
Candidates must satisfy the following require-
ments in order to graduate:
• Completion of Milestones 1-6.
• Completion of M.A.T. Course of Study.
• Completion of all Bible/theology and content
prerequisites.
• Maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or
above and receiving no grade below “C.”
• Achieving a grade of “B” or better in Clinical
Practice/Student Teaching.
• Achieving passing scores (as set by the South
Carolina Department of Education) on required
Praxis II exams.
• Achieving at least the minimum acceptable
competency level rating on each of the seven
candidate proficiencies.
• Completion of Graduation Application form.
Applications must be received by the Office of
the University Registrar no later than the
announced dates. Candidates should check with
the Office of the University Registrar to determine
the appropriate dates.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to be sure that
all prerequisite, course and degree requirements
are met. Candidates must also petition any
changes to the curriculum as outlined in this cat-
alog at least one semester prior to graduation.
Although candidates for the Master of Arts in
Teaching program must fulfill all requirements as
stipulated by the catalog, additional program
requirements found in the M.A.T. Candidate
Handbook must also be fulfilled for successful
completion.
Certification Recommendation
Requirements
Candidates who wish to be recommended for
South Carolina state initial certification must meet
the following requirements:
• Completion of Milestone 7 Graduation.
• Submission of Application for Student
Teaching Approval and Initial Certification.
The application for initial licensure in South
Carolina includes a fingerprint review to deter-
mine any criminal history, state or federal. Note:
Pursuant to Section 59-25-115 of the SC Code of
Laws, all teacher candidates must have a cleared
background check on file with the South Carolina
Department of Education before they can begin
the student teaching semester. Background
checks are valid for 18 months. Eligible appli-
cants who have prior arrests and/or convictions
must undergo a review by the State Board of
Education and be approved before a certificate
can be issued to them. The requirements for a
teaching credential in South Carolina are subject
to change by the State Board of Education and
the South Carolina General Assembly during the
period for such credential. The College of
Education may revise the M.A.T. program at any
time and cannot assume responsibility for
Master of Arts in Teaching – Early Childhood and Elementary Education
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