UMF Catalog On-Line

UMF programs are designed to meet requirements of the Maine State Department of Education, the university and accrediting agencies. Specific requirements vary depending upon the year a student enters the program. Students must consult carefully with their advisors to make certain that the courses they take fulfill requirements.

To enroll in professional courses at the 200-level or above, students must pass: EDU 125 with a grade of C- or higher, SED 125 with a grade of C- or higher, and Praxis I at or above the level established by the State of Maine.

Praxis I

The Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) are standardized tests of basic skills required by the State of Maine for teacher certification. The PPST consists of three parts (reading, writing, mathematics) and may be taken on specified days; the computerized PPST may be taken at commercial testing centers at any time by appointment. In order to enroll in EDU 202, EDU 280, EDU 302 and EDU 388, students must pass Praxis I at or above the level established by the State of Maine. The qualifying scores on the PPST are as follows:

Reading 176

Writing 175

Mathematics 175

As an alternative, students must achieve a composite score of 526 on the three sections of the PPST, with no single score on any section being more than three points lower than the required score listed above.

Professional Standing in Elementary Education

Students must submit an application for Professional Standing in Elementary Education once they have met the criteria listed below. The form is available in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. With the exception of EDU 302 and EDU 388, students who apply and fail to meet the required standards of Professional Standing will not be eligible to enroll in 300- and 400-level professional education courses until all standards have been met. To be eligible for Professional Standing, students must:

1. pass Praxis I at the level established by the State of Maine,

2. pass ENG 100 with a grade of C or higher,

3. pass EDU 202, and

4. earn an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Student Teaching

Prior to beginning student teaching, students must meet these additional criteria:

1. Complete all required professional education courses with a grade of C- or higher.

2. Complete at least 16 credit hours of concentration courses with a grade of C- or higher.

3. Achieve an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

4. Pass the Praxis II 0014 test (Elementary Education: Content Knowledge) at or above the level established by the State of Maine.

Middle School Endorsement (Elementary Education)

Elementary Education majors who are interested in earning a Middle Level Teacher Endorsement should consult with their advisors.

Graduation

Students must have grades of C- or higher in their professional education and concentration courses while attaining an accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to graduate.

Professional Licensure and Certification Notice

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their UMF program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, and/or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the university will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the state certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at UMF does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.