SOE Application Requirements

APPLICATION DEADLINES: Applications for the Professional Education Program are only processed two times a year - February 22nd and September 22nd. Applications are due the Friday prior to the deadline if the deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Application Process.

ATTENTION: The School of Education has implemented enrollment caps for every teacher certification program. Due to these enrollment caps, students may be denied admission into the Professional Education Program even if they meet the minimum requirements. Enrollment caps may be implemented or adjusted at any time.

The following requirements must be met BEFORE applying to the Professional Education Program.

• 40 Credits completed
  Pass/fail credits, and courses below the 100 level are not included in the 40 credit requirement. Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, retroactive credits and credits by exam are included in the 40 credit requirement (if approved at UW-SP). Students under 54 credits are granted “conditional admission” and are required to submit report cards until 54 credits are attained.
  
  
• 2.75 Cumulative GPA from all accredited institutions attended
  Students who do not meet this requirement should read the waiver policy.
  
  
• Current enrollment at UWSP
  Students not currently enrolled at UWSP must include proof of admittance to UWSP with the application.
  
  
• 2.5 GPA in Freshman English courses 101 and 102 OR
  • Receive a C or better in English 150 OR
  • Receive a B- or better in English 250 OR
  • Test out of both courses through department test-out exam or receive credit by examination for both courses OR
  • Test out of one course (or receive credit by examination for it) and receive a grade of C or better in the other OR
  • Receive a passing score on the reading and writing portion of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and receive grades of at least a B in two Writing Emphasis courses OR
  • Complete the required work in the Professional Writing Competency Program. See personnel in Room 469 CPS to sign up.
  
  
  
• Listening Competency Test
  DESCRIPTION: Videotape with questions included on screen.
  
  The test is available at the beginning of every semester (see personnel in room 469 CPS for dates, times, locations, and to repeat when permissible).
  
  This test should be taken after 26 credits are completed (approximately the first semester of your sophomore year).
  
  Results are available after five working days in the SOE Advising, Recruitment & Retention Office, room 469 CPS.
  
  Fifty percent or better is a passing score.
  
  NOTE: Students with documented disabilities and ESL students may request special accommodations.
  
  
• Speech and Hearing Screening
  DESCRIPTION: The speech portion involves a brief conversation and a short oral reading. Your hearing is then screened.
  
  The screening is available at the beginning of every semester (see personnel in room 469 CPS for dates, times, and locations).
  
  This screening should be taken after 26 credits are completed (approximately the first semester of your sophomore year).
  
  A passing score is not required.
  
  
• Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST – also referred to as Praxis I)
  DESCRIPTION: See the ETS web-site
  
  Registration information is available at the ETS web-site listed above. There is a cost involved. The written version of this test is only offered on certain dates and has application deadlines for each test date available at their web-site. The computer version of this test is available by appointment only, either by phone or on-line at the ETS web-site. The web-site also has a list of computer-based testing sites available and the phone numbers for each. The Stevens Point computer site is at UWSP Testing Service, (715)346-4472. It is suggested to register at least 4 weeks prior to taking the computer version of the test. Communicative Disorders Majors do not need this test!
  
  Take immediately after completing Math 100 and English 101 and 102 or 150. Students usually take this test the summer after completing their freshman year.
  
  Students with documented disabilities or English as a Second Language may request special accommodations. Special paperwork must be filed with the ETS company at least 2-3 months prior to taking this test.
  
  ETS offers a limited number of Fee Waivers for the Praxis I test. Eligibility is largely determined by family income. Fee Waiver eligibility requirements and application forms can be found at the Praxis Series Web-site. Search for “FEE WAIVERS” in the search tool. Results are mailed 2 to 6 weeks after the test date.
  
  You are only allowed to take the PPST once per calendar month if taken on the computer.
  
  PPST Passing scores required:
  Reading 175
  Writing 174
  Math 173
  
  Students who do not meet this requirement should read the waiver policy.
  
  
• Pre-Professional Interview
  DESCRIPTION: The Pre-Professional Interview is a personal, tape-recorded, structured interview designed to measure personal style, attitudinal traits, and “teacherness” talents of prospective education students.
  
  The interview is ONLY required of students seeking admittance into Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Exceptional Education and Physical Education majors. A score of 15 or higher is required (Max score of 26). You may retake the Interview once if you have a score below 15.
  
  Appointments are available during the academic year and in June. Students should complete the interview within the 4 months prior to applying to the Professional Education Program. There is a fee involved. (see personnel in room 469 CPS for an appointment.)
  
  Students who do not meet this requirement should read the waiver policy.
  
  
• Technology Requirement
  The Technology Requirement can be met in a variety of ways. 1. Complete EDUCATION 205 at UWSP with a grade of B- or better. Education 205 is a required course for all education programs, and is the recommended way to meet the Technology Requirement. 2. Complete one section of CIS 102 – Internet Research, Power Point, Word Processing AND Spreadsheet sections only. 3. Complete the Technology Workshop Session - see personnel in 469 CPS for times and dates.
  
  
• Major/Minor Department Requirements
  Each department, outside of the School of Education, has the ability to establish their own, additional admission requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to see the department of major(s) and minor(s) for additional requirements and information on enrollment caps. All teaching majors and some teaching minors have enrollment caps.
  
  
• Conduct Disclosure
  Please be aware that you will be asked to self-disclose previous conduct-related matters during the School of Education application process. The existence of on-campus behavioral issues and/or a criminal record do not constitute an automatic bar to admission and will be considered only as it/they substantially relate(s) to the duties and responsibilities of the program and eventual licensure.
  
  It is strongly recommended that students seeking admission to the Professional Education Program practice positive role-modeling behavior early in, and consistently throughout, their student career. It is important to note that students are responsible for their own behavior, as well as the behavior of their guests on campus.
  
  Students with multiple, recent, and/or serious conduct histories may be required to meet with a committee in the Professional Education Program to discuss their behavior in order to determine admission status.