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Implementation of Entrance Criteria

Students in a baccalaureate degree program are expected to meet the entrance criteria in order to enter into their major.

The Basic Skills Testing for Reading, Writing and Mathematics are available year round by appointment, at flexible times and locations. Candidates must take these tests prior to formal entrance to a specific Penn State major that is also a Teacher (Educator) Preparation Program. Basic Skills Testing registration information, including test dates, locations, deadlines, and costs, etc., is available by speaking to your Academic Advisor.

The volunteer or paid education work experience hours with an age-appropriate population are planned by the candidates and reported on an Education Work Experience Form (pdf) available online, from the advisor or in 228 Chambers Building. Completed forms are sent to the appropriate area listed on the work experience form to be reviewed for applicability to the candidate's intended program area. Post high school experiences are required for Secondary Education (SECED), Special Education (SPLED) and World Language students (WL ED).

Implementation of Retention Criteria

Candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. If a student’s cumulative GPA drops below 3.00, a warning letter will be sent to the student, their adviser and the program head. Traditionally, a student is given one semester to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher or they will not be permitted to continue in a Teacher (Educator) Preparation Program.

Implementation of Exit Criteria

Representatives in the Advising and Certification Center verify a candidate’s successful completion of all necessary exit criteria for a Teacher (Educator) Preparation Program in conjunction with the program representative’s approval. The certifying officer also confirms a candidate’s eligibility for the teaching credential on the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).

Candidates must apply for teacher certification using PDE’s online Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) before a certifying officer for Penn State can recommend them for certification.