Welcome to Western Illinois University and the College of Education & Human Services

College of Education & Human Services Bilingual/Bicultural Education Elementary/Early Childhood Secondary Education (6-12) & Special (K-12) programs Special Education

 120 semester hours minimum (or more depending on major).  Approximately 15 hours a semester.  12 hour minimum to be a full time student.  15 semester hours = approximately 15 hours in class (labs or electives may add one hour per week).  For every 1 semester hour of a course in class a student should expect to study a minimum of 2 hours outside of class.  Example: 3 credit hour class = 6 hour minimum study time per week.

 All freshmen will enroll in two FYE courses, one fall semester and one spring semester.  FYE courses have been designed to equip students with the skills to become life-long learners.  Small in size – 15 to 18 students per class.  FYE courses will be general education courses.  FYE course numbers are designated with a Y.

 If this is something you are interested in talk with your advisor today.  We recommend you complete the study abroad during the second semester of sophomore year.  It is critical that you start planning today to ensure you have the correct courses available to take during this experience.  Late planning, could require an additional semester in your program.  Summer study abroad opportunities are also available.

 I. Communication (9 s.h.)  II. Natural Sciences/Mathematics (10-16 s.h.)  III. Social Sciences (9 s.h.)  IV. Humanities & Fine Arts (9 s.h.)  V. Multicultural Studies (3 s.h.)  VI. Human Well Being (3 s.h.) Similar to what you had to do to graduate from high school. General education curriculum requires that you take certain classes in specific areas.

 The Illinois State Board of Education requires all candidates seeking teacher certification to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all directed general education courses, all core courses and all courses in the option. Note: C- is below a C. This includes ENG 180, 280, COMM 241 and the specified math course for each major.

Course S.H. English Composition 3 Humanities /Fine Arts 3 Social Science 3 Multi-cultural 3 Natural Science/Math 3-4 Total Refer to General Education Curriculum Sheet in your folder

 All students along with their advisors will create a Student Degree Plan. This plan will include general education, major requirements.  This plan along with the WARD (Western’s Audit of Requirements for Degrees) Report is used in advising sessions to ensure that students complete all courses required for graduation.  Both the Student Degree Plan and WARD are available on STARS.

 Teacher Education programs are not available for GRAD Trac.  Bilingual Education  K-9 th grade (self-contained classroom)  5 year program.  Some summer work may be needed.  Study abroad required during junior year.  Additional Spanish courses may be needed.  Must become proficient in oral and written Spanish  Early Childhood Program  Birth-3 rd grade  4 year program requires summer work or 18 s.h. each semester.  Sequential program.  Elementary Education  K-9 th grade (self-contained classroom)  4 – 4 ½ year program.  Sequential program.

 Special Education Program  K-High School  4 ½ year program.  Sequential program.  Dual Certification Program  Student’s major in Special Education, receive certification for both Special Education and Elementary Education.  Take additional Elementary Education required courses.  5 year program; some summer work may be needed.  Physical Education  K-12  4 year program  Sequential program

 2.75 cumulative and major GPA for entrance to Teacher Education Program (end of 3 rd semester) and junior/senior level departmental courses. (PE requires minimum 2.50 GPA)  2.5 needed for all freshmen/sophomore level major departmental courses.  SPED & ECH majors must earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA their first semester to enroll in the first major course during the second semester freshman year.  Elementary and Bilingual majors need the 2.50 minimum GPA by end of freshman year to enroll in their first major course, first semester sophomore year.

 Must meet all requirements by end of sophomore year:  2.75 (2.50 for PE) cumulative & major GPA.  Minimum grade of “C” in ENG 180, 280, COMM 241 and required MATH course.  Reflective Paper I  ICTS Basic Skills Test: $86 (paper-based test).  Technology Competency Assessment: $25  On-line Safety Training  FBI & Illinois State Police Fingerprint Investigation: $52-$54  National Sex Offender, Convicted Methamphetamine Manufacturer and Illinois State Police Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registries will also be checked.

 State Basic Skills.  Required for entrance into TEP (sophomore year).  Content Tests.  Required for student teaching clearance.  SPED & BIED majors have 2 content tests.  Dual Certification requires 3 content tests  Assessment of Professional Teaching.  Required for certification. Paper based test fees: $60 plus $26 processing fee

 Students will complete a variety of field experiences prior to student teaching semester  Observations  Tutoring/aiding in the classroom  “Block” pre-student teaching  All placement arrangements are made by the instructor  Student will be responsible for their own transportation (within miles of campus)

 Apply for student teaching one year prior.  Student chooses region they wish to teach in, placement is made by WIU officials.  Student Teaching Regions.  Chicago suburbs (requires 3.0 GPA and most require an interview).  Chicago city.  Quad Cities.  Western Central Illinois.  Requirements.  Acceptance to TEP.  All course work must be completed.  Successful completion of all required content tests.  Successful completion of ELL modules  TB skin test.  FBI and Illinois State Police Fingerprint Investigation.  National Sex Offender, Convicted Methamphetamine Manufacturer and Illinois State Police Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registries will be checked

 It is important to activate ( and check your WIU regularly.  Financial Aid information, mid-term and semester grades, registration information, billing statements are all sent to your . Faculty and Advisors will also contact you through this address.  Keep your WIU account separate from your personal .

Student/Alumni Records System Account  Allows you to register online.  Check your grades.  Billing information.  Financial Aid information.  Student Degree Plans.  WARD (Western’s Audit of Graduation Requirements for Degree).  Request transcripts and much more!

There are 4 main resources used in Academic Advising, and they are provided to you by the university:  Undergraduate Catalog (pick up in September).  General Education Handbook (in folder).  Student Handbook (will be distributed in the fall).  Teacher Education Handbook (

 The advisor can be the first contact to go to for information and help.  Registration Assistance.  Degree Plan questions.  Policy questions.  Grade appeals.  One mandatory meeting minimum each semester prior to registration.

 Initial resource and referral.  General concepts, procedures and policies.  Due to FERPA (Federal Education Right to Privacy Act) advisors cannot release information to family members without the consent of the student and appropriate documentation on file with the university.

Questions This presentation is available for review on our web site:

STAR NUMBER DEPT/COURS E # DAYTIMEBUILDING GEOG 110YTT11:00-12: MATH 099NMWF9:00-9:50Browne POLS 122TT2:00-3:15Morgan 8:00- 8:50 9:00-9:50 10:00-10:50 11:00-11:50 12:00- 12:50 1:00- 1:50 2:00-2:50 3:00-3:50 Evening Monday Math Wednesday Math Friday Math 8:00-9:15 9:30-10:45 11:00-12:15 12:30-1:45 2:00-3:15 3:30-4:455:00-6:15Evening Tuesday Math Geog POLS Thursday Math Geog POLS