DIVISION OF EDUCATION HANDBOOK 1
Medaille College
Division of Education
BSED Early Childhood/Childhood
Professional Handbook
2014-2015
Table of Contents
Message from the Head
Mission Statement of Medaille College
Medaille College Vision for 2020
Mission of the Division of Education at Medaille College
Vision of the Division of Education at Medaille College
Philosophy of the Division of Education at Medaille College
Division of Education Claims
Important Education Links
Contact Information for the Amherst and Buffalo Campuses
Contact Information for Education Faculty and Staff
Office of Student Teaching and Certification (OSTC) Contact Information
New York State Teaching Certification Examinations (NYSTCE)
Child Abuse and SAVE Legislation Requirements for Initial Certification
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)...…………………………………………………12
Fingerprinting ($91.25 to NYS and $25.00 processing fee to Medaille)
Certification Information
Field Experiences (Pre-Student Teaching)...... 13
Student Teaching...... 14
Student Teaching Improvement Plan (IP)
Graduation...... 15
Catalogs
Drop/Add/Withdrawal
Statement on Disabilities
Academic Integrity
Books...... 16
E-MAIL...... 16
Campus Emergency Information and Sign up for Immediate Alert
Leave of Absence
Attendance
Academic Standards...... 17
Division of Education Undergraduate Dismissal Policy...... 17
Professional Dispositions
Professional Dispositions Overview
Attendance
Conduct...... 18
Expectations
Accountability
Legal and Ethical...... 19
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory (S) and (U)...... 20
Academic Review...... 20
Behavioral Decorum...... 20
Credit Pending (CP)...... 20
Incomplete (I)...... 21
Academic Warnings (see Appendix D)...... 21
Plagiarism...... 21
Grade Appeal Process...... 21
Methods Courses...... 22
Concentration Courses...... 22
Undergraduate Programs...... 22
Statement of Syllabus Understanding...... 22
Undergraduate Grading...... 22
APPENDICES...... 24
Appendix A...... 24
Child Abuse and SAVE Legislation...... 24
Appendix B...... 29
Refocus for Success...... 29
Appendix C...... 31
Medaille College Division of Education Academic Warning Report...... 31
Appendix D...... 32
Division of Education32
Statement of Syllabus Understanding...... 32
Appendix E33
Information to include on all Syllabi...... 33
Appendix F...... 34
PRE-STUDENT TEACHING/STUDENT TEACHING/PRACTICUM RELEASE FORM..34
Appendix G...... 37
Memo: Pre-Student/Student Teaching Coursework Expectations...... 37
Appendix H...... 38
SOE Advisory Board Members...... 38
Appendix I...... 39
Professional Dispositions Concerns Referral Form...... 39
Appendix J...... 41
MEDAILLE ONE...... 41
Appendix K...... 42
FERPA...... 42
Message from the Head
Welcome to the Division of Education at Medaille College. We offer undergraduate and graduate education programs at the Amherst, Buffalo, and Rochester Campuses. The Division of Education is dedicated and committed to engaging students in a positive learning environment. Our academic programs are exciting, but rigorous. Additionally, we offer multiple delivery systems to meet the needs of diverse learners. We believe in training educators who have the ability to meet the future needs and requirements of the education profession.
We have a supportive faculty and staff who are available and accessible to students. We believe in the development of positive and professional relationships with the faculty. I’m glad you have chosen Medaille and I wish you success in your academic career at the college.
Illana R. Lane, Ph.D.
Head, Division of Education
Medaille College Medaille College traces its roots to 1875 when it was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph as an Institute to prepare teachers among the religious community for Catholic schools. The tradition of providing an emphasis on training teachers has been with us since the beginning. In 1937, the Institute received an absolute charter from New York State and was named Mount St. Joseph Teachers College and was chartered to grant baccalaureate degrees in Education. In 1968, the Sisters of St. Joseph, led by Alice Huber, SSJ, Ph.D., initiated a change in the charter, which would create a new college, accessible to all men and women. New York State granted this charter and Medaille College was born.
Mission Statement of Medaille College
Medaille College concentrates on excellence in teaching, with an emphasis on personal attention to its diverse student body. Its curriculum provides a solid liberal arts and sciences foundation with early access to career-oriented education. The faculty and all of those involved in the mission of education challenge students and themselves to the highest possible standards of achievement, but that challenge is balanced by support for every individual student and a concern that each one succeeds.
Medaille College Vision for 2020
Medaille College will be known as the leader in preparing learners for career success and a lifelong commitment to a civic and sustainable future in Buffalo, the region, and the world.
Division of Education
Mission of the Division of Education at Medaille College
The Division of Education focuses on excellence in teaching with an emphasis on personal attention to our diverse learners. Our career-oriented curriculum builds upon a liberal arts and sciences foundation as we guide students toward initial and professional certification. This program is flexible because of the multiple delivery systems available to traditional students and practicing professionals. The staff and faculty are dedicated and committed to graduating students who are effective teachers. As reflective practitioners and scholars guided by constructivist approaches (Vygotsky, 1978) to learning and teaching, we challenge our students and ourselves to reach high standards of achievement through the relentless pursuit of best teaching practices. Learning occurs in our classrooms within a caring environment, with dedicated faculty who advise, mentor, and guide students from their admission to the program through to the completion of their capstone courses. Ultimately, we are invested in learning, teaching, and the continued success of our students.
Vision of the Division of Education at Medaille College
The faculty of the Division of Education consists of scholar practitioners focused on research-based best practice. We take pride in graduating men and women who can successfully contribute to pupil learning through their excellence in teaching. The Division of Education continues to engage its experienced faculty in practitioner-focused curriculum in traditional and non-traditional instructional formats. It is the vision of the Division of Education to be an effective and responsive provider of educational programs that meet emerging needs.
Philosophy of the Division of Education at Medaille College
Medaille College focuses upon excellence in teaching with an emphasis on personal attention to its diverse student body. The education programs provide a solid foundation in the study, design, and implementation of instruction and evaluation in the classrooms of the twenty-first century.
The overarching philosophy of the SOE is constructivism. This philosophy is a unifying thread that is evident in all our education programs. At the root of constructivism Vygotsky (1978) is the belief that students make meaning for themselves. It is a student-centered model in which the teacher contributes more as a facilitator whose efforts assist students in developing their own understanding and learning. They base their own prior knowledge and building mental constructs on existing knowledge bases. Knowledge does not exist independent of the learner.
Our approach to teaching emphasizes challenging opportunities for our teacher candidates to learn (Vygotsky, 1978). Through coaching from faculty, learners develop meta-cognitive strategies to monitor and direct their own performance and learning. The learners assume responsibility for their own learning. Teacher candidates work collaboratively on real-world, authentic activities. They are guided to develop and bring their own framework and perspectives. They integrate multiple perspectives, which help pupils negotiate and generate meaning.
The Master of Education programsuse research to teach prospective in-service teachers to design instruction for classrooms with diverse learners. Emphasizing critical thinking, research, and academic writing, teacher candidates are academically prepared to effectively design, implement, and evaluate curriculum for their schools and/or districts or boards.
Teacher candidates are encouraged to examine contemporary issues affecting curriculum and instruction within schools. Through integrated classes such as diversity, our students explore culture and society. Through courses like the history of education,teacher candidates learn how to examine howexternal forces influence school texts and pedagogy. In addition to emphasis on curriculum and instruction in schools, our teacher candidates are encouraged to use technology to enhance their skills, projects, assignments, and delivery of instruction.
Division of Education Claims
A process was established to systematically collect data that addresses the SOE’s three primary claims to the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).Medaille College graduates are qualified and competent as demonstrated by the following claims.
Claim 1:Medaille College graduates know the subject matter in their certification area(s).
Claim 2:Medaille College graduates meet the needs of diverse learners through effective pedagogy and best teaching practices.
Claim 3:Medaille College graduates are caringeducators.
Important Education Links
NYS P-12 Common Core Learning Standards
12_common_core_learning_standards_ela_final.pdf
NYS Learning Standards
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
NYS Professional Code of Ethics
NYS Teaching Standards
nysed.gov/tcert/pdf/teachingstandards9122011.pdf
Undergraduate Learning Outcomes
pg. 11
INTASC Standards
Contact Information for the MedailleCampuses
Buffalo CampusRochester Campus
18 Agassiz Circle1880 S. Winton Rd
Buffalo, NY 14214Rochester, NY 14608
716-880-2000585-272-0030
Toll free 1-880-292-1582
Contact Information for Education Faculty and Staff
Head of the Division of Education
Dr. IllanaR. Lane
716-880-2553
Program Director for BSED Adolescent Education/Students with Disabilities 7-12 and Early Childhood/Childhood B-6
Program Director for MSED Literacy and Students with Disabilities (SPED)
Clinical Assistant Professor Claudia Conway
716-880-2814
Program Director for the Undergraduate Evening Continuing Education Program
Early Childhood/Childhood B-6
Dr. Jane Scura
585-729-7679
Program Director for the MSED in Elementary Education and Adolescent Education
Dr. Kelly Ahuna
716-932-2625
SOE Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Assessment Coordinator
Clinical Assistant Professor Mary Beth Scumaci
716-932-2550
Reading Center Coordinator
Michelle Cefaratti
716-880-2815
Lawain Reed
Division of EducationAdministrative Assistant
716-880-2810
Office of Student Teaching and Certification (OSTC) Contact Information
Director of Student Teaching and Field Experiences
Ms. Crystal Elias
716-932-2548
Administrative Assistant, Canadian Education Programs, Office of Student Teaching/Certification
Ms. Susan Lowrey
716-932-2623
Secretary, Canadian Education Programs and Office of Student Teaching/Certification
Ms. Deborah Barcaro
716-932-2566
For student teaching information, documents, and forms go to
For specific information for Canadian Students go to
Division of Education Faculty
For information on Division of Education faculty members visit
PROGRAM INFORMATION
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Approved Division of Education(SOE) DegreesTable 1 lists the NYS approved teacher education degrees at Medaille College. The BSED degrees include:Early Childhood/Childhood (B-2, 1-6) and Adolescent Educationand Students with Disabilities (7-12). The MSED degrees include: Elementary Education Childhood (1-6); Literacy (Birth-6, and or 5-12); Students with Disabilities: Childhood (1-6)Generalist (7-12) & EXT 7-12; and Adolescent Education (7-12).
Table 1: (NYSED)Approved SOE Degrees and Advanced Certifications
Title NYSED Approved SOE Degree Program / DegreeAwarded / First Registered/ Last Registered / Certificate / Certificate Type
Elementary Education
Childhood(1-6) / MSED / 9/2001
1/2006 / Childhood 1-6 / Initial / Professional
Literacy (B-6) / MSED / 9/2001
12/2004 / Literacy, Birth – Grade 6 / Initial / Professional
Literacy
Advanced Certification
(B-6 and/or 5-12) / ADV CRT / 6/2009 / Literacy Birth-6
Literacy 5-12 / Initial/
Professional
Literacy (5-12) / MSED / 5/2009 / Literacy 5-12 / Initial/
Professional
Pre-K-Elementary EducationEarly Childhood/Childhood (B-2; 1-6) / BSED / 6/2009 / Early Childhood, Birth-2
Childhood, 1-6 / Initial
Students with Disabilities:
- Childhood (1-6)
- Middle Childhood (5-9)
- 7-12 EXT
- Generalist 7-12
Childhood 1-6,
Middle Childhood 5-9,
7-12 EXT
Generalist 7-12 / Initial/
Professional
Students with Disabilities:
Advanced Certification
- Childhood 1-6
- 7-12 EXT
- Generalist 7-12
9/2011
9/2011 / Childhood 1-6
Generalist 7-12 / Initial/
Professional
Adolescent Education andStudents with Disabilities (7-12)
EXT 7-12 / BSED / 8/2011 / Adolescent Education
Biology, English, Mathematics & Social Studies (7-12) / Initial
Adolescent Education (7-12) / MSED / 6/2008 / Adolescent (7-12) in English, French, Biology, Chemistry, & Mathematics / Initial/
Professional
Adolescent Education (7-12) / MSED / 1/2010 / Adolescent (7-12) Social Studies / Initial/
Professional
New York State Teaching Certification Examinations (NYSTCE)
BSED-Early Childhood/Childhood (B-6) students must take the following Certification Exams:
- ALST [Academic Literacy Skills Test]
- EAS [Educating All Students Test]
- CST-MST [Multi-Subjects Test – Early Childhood]
- CST-MST [Multi-Subjects Test – Childhood]
- edTPA[Teacher Performance Assessment]
Tests for Candidates Content Knowledge and Communication Skills
Content Specialty Tests
- Aligned with NYS Common Core Learning Standards
- Will be revised in batches, starting with the Multi‐Subject CSTs for early childhood (B‐2) andchildhood (1‐6) teachers
For multi‐subject CST, candidate must separately pass each subtest
Part 1: ELA/Literacy
Part 2:Mathematics
Part 3: Arts, Science and Social Studies (2 phase roll out)
Academic Literacy Skills Test
Focuses on candidates academic literacy and writing skills, Common Core based.
Tests of Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills founded on the NYS Teaching Standards
- Educating All Students Test
- Teacher Performance Assessment
Educating All Students Test
This test compliments the TPA covering topics of specific pedagogical interest.
- Diverse Student Populations
- English Language Learners
- Students with Special Learning Needs, Including Studentswith Disabilities and Students Who AreGifted and Talented
- Rights and Responsibilities
- School-Home Relationships
For exam pricing and additional details visit
Child Abuse and SAVE Legislation Requirements for Initial Certification
Child Abuse and SAVE are mandated regulations from New York State.
BSED Early Childhood/Childhood (Birth-6) students fulfill this requirement in ESP 230 co-registered with EDU 340.
See Appendix A for details.
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
Anyone applying for certification on or after December 31, 2013 will be required to have completed the Coursework or Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention required under the Dignity for all Students Act.
Fingerprinting ($91.25 to NYS and $25.00 processing fee to Medaille)
New YorkState mandates that all students applying for initial certification must be fingerprinted. For fingerprinting guidelines go to La’Wain Reed can fingerprint students on Buffalo Campus and Sue Lowrey can fingerprint students on the Amherst Campus (you will need to set up an appointment).For Rochester, check with the program director, Dr. Jane Scura.
Certification Information
Students who receive their degree or advanced certification from Medaille are recommended by the Office of Student Teaching and Certification (OSTC). For certification questions, please contact Crystal Elias at the Office of Student Teaching at 716-932- 2548 or . You can also view information at
Field Experiences (Pre-Student Teaching)
Students need to complete field experience hours for all certification programs. This is mandated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This is done prior to student teaching.
The BSED in Early Childhood/Childhood (B-6) has 150 hours spread over multiple courses.
Participation / Field Experience Hours – Overview
BSED Early Childhood and Childhood Birth-6th Grade
EDU 240 – 10 hrs
EDU 241 – 10 hrs
EDU 242 – 10 hrs
EDU 370 – 10hrs
EDU 371 – 10hrs
EDU 372 – 10hrs
EDU 373 – 10hrs
*EDU 378- 80hrs
Total 150 hours
A minimum of 15 hours must be working with Students with Disabilities – mild to severe- who have been identified for mandated services in their districts
To review the Pre-Student Teaching: Handbook, Forms, Participation/Field Experience Overview, and FAQ’s go to
Pre-Student Teaching Volunteer Sites, Pre-Student Teaching Intro Letter
Pre-Student Teaching Experience Validation , Reflection: Explanation
Reflection: Rubric, Participation / Field Experience Hours, Student Sign-In
Field Experience Requirement for BSED in Early Childhood/Childhood B-6
For concentrations in Biology, English, Math, Social Studies
- 75 hours will be at the Birth-2 level, (5 hours in EDU 240, 5 hours in EDU 241, 5 hours in 242, 2.5 hours in EDU 370, 2.5 hours in EDU 371, 2.5 hours in EDU 372, 2.5 hours in EDU 373 and 50 hours in EDU 378).
- 75 hours will be at the 1-6 level, (5 hours in EDU 240, 5 hours in EDU 241, 5 hours in 242, 2.5 hours in EDU 370, 2.5 hours in EDU 371, 2.5 hours in EDU 372, 2.5 hours in EDU 373 and 50 hours in EDU 378).
Thus there will be 75 hours spent in Early Childhood (B-2) settings and 75 hours spent in Childhood (1-6) settings.
EDU240 Literacy I: Language Development and Pre-Emergent Literacy=10 hours
EDU 241Literacy II: Emergent to Early Readers and Writers=10 hours
EDU 242: Literacy III: Transitional to Fluent Readers and Writers= 10 hours
EDU 370: Methods of Language Arts with Children’s Literature=10 hours
EDU 371: Methods of Mathematics=10 hours
EDU 372 Methods of Science and Technology= 10 hours
EDU 373 Methods of Social Studies and Creative Arts=10 hours
EDU 378 Field Experiences and Seminars=80 hours
Student Teaching
All students in initial certification programs must complete student teaching. BSED students must complete a minimum of 2 student teaching placements.
If a student delays student teaching after the successful completion of coursework, he or she may be required to take additional coursework to remain current prior to the student teaching placement.
Undergraduate students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to participate in student teaching and satisfactory completion of all pre-requisites.
Students who receive an unsatisfactory degree for one student teaching placement must attend “Refocus for Success”(seeAppendix C) and repeat the student teaching experience. For detailed student teaching information go to Student teachers who receive an unsatisfactory for two student teaching placements must follow the Student Teaching Improvement Plan.
Student Teaching Improvement Plan (IP)
The Improvement Plan (IP) was developed cooperatively by the Office of Student Teaching/Certification (OSTC) and the Division of Education (SOE) effective fall semester 2008.
The IP was developed for student teachers who were unsuccessful in two student teaching placements to participate in instructional and non-instructional activities in school districts/boards and other educational agencies. The volunteer and/or paid experiences would provide the student with additional experiences with children over one calendar year (minimum of 50 hours), thus assisting the student to be better prepared if they choose to apply for additional student teaching experiences via Medaille College.