Admission to Teacher Education

Admission to Teacher Education is a two-phase process. Admission criteria are set by the Teacher Education Council and are subject to change. Phase one consists of provisional admission and phase two is full admission. Provisional admission occurs at the completion of the course EDUC 250 – Introduction to Education. Completion of the portfolio content review is required for full admission.

Provisional Admission Criteria are:

1. Completion of a minimum of 24 hours prior to enrollment in EDUC 250 – Introduction to Education;
2. Completion of EDUC 250 - Introduction to Education, with a minimum grade of “C”;
3. Satisfactory completion of Pre-Professional Experience;
4. A passing score on each of the three subtests of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST);
5. A minimum grade of “C” in ENGL 110 and 120 – College Composition I and II;
6. A minimum grade of “C” in COMM 110 – Fundamental of Public Speaking;
7. A minimum overall GPA of 2.50;
8. Recommendation from advisor;
9. Recommendation from the EDUC 250 - Introduction to Education instructor and the Pre-Professional university supervisor;
10. Approval of the chair of the Department of Teacher Education; and
11. Completion of Portfolio Peer Review.

Full Admission

Upon completion of 60 semester hours, students will be reviewed by the department of their major for Full Admission to Teacher Education. Candidates are reviewed by their major department on the basis of scholastic record, personality character traits, and skill in oral and written communication. The department will make a recommendation to the Teacher Education Council for admission or denial. The Teacher Education Council or a designated subcommittee during times when school is not in session, will make final decisions regarding full admission to Teacher Education. In cases where the Council must refuse admission to candidates, assistance will be given for developing other career plans. Specific criteria for admission can be found in the Teacher Education Handbook or by consultation with the chair of the Department of Teacher Education.

Pre-Professional Skills Test

Applicants to the Teacher Education Program are required to pass the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) that includes subtests in reading, writing, and mathematics, as one of the criteria for program entrance. Each student who takes the PPST must obtain minimum scores of 170 on the mathematics subtest, 173 on the writing subtest, and 173 on the reading subtest in order to eligible for provisional admission. The required minimum test scores meet North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) requirements for licensure. Candidates will be informed of test registration procedures and are responsible for scheduling and fees. Refer to the Teacher Education Handbook for more information.

Portfolio Assessment

All education majors must develop a portfolio displaying their skills and competencies, which will be developed starting their sophomore year and carried out through graduation. Each portfolio will be assessed three times with a final presentation just prior to pre-service teaching.

Pre-Service Teaching

Dickinson State University students enrolled in teacher education programs complete their requirements for supervised teaching in elementary and secondary schools in Dickinson and nearby communities. Students must submit applications for pre-service teaching at least one semester in advance.

To be admitted to the supervised teaching program, an applicant must have an overall grade point average of at least 2.50; a 2.75 average in major courses; a 2.50 average in minor courses; be fully admitted to Teacher Education; satisfactory completion of portfolio final review; and be recommended by the chair of the student's major.