Q: Do I have to choose two areas of concentration for my program of Study?
A: A. Yes. The program requires that students choose any two core of the four concentration areas may be chosen -(Math, Science, English or Social Studies).

Q: What courses must I take in my Area "F" Core?
A: Science concentrations must have BIOL 1107 & Math 1108
 Math concentrations - MATH 1113;
Social Studies concentrations- GEOG 1111;
and English – ENGL 2250.

Q: Can I be admitted into the program spring semester?
A: A. Yes. However, you may only take one MGED core course, MGED 3213. Students may take upper level content specialization courses as prerequisites permit.

Q: How does the program work once I am accepted?
A. Your advisor will provide a middle grades concentration sequence sheet and track sheet. Students may take a combination of MGED core courses and upper level content specialization courses as prerequisites permit.

Q: Are middle grades education courses offered during the sessions?
A: No. MGED courses are only offered during the fall and spring semesters. However, students may take upper level content specialization courses.

Q: Can I be certified at the undergraduate level with only one concentration area?
A: Yes. Sometimes people candidates have passed only one of the GACE Content Assessment tests by the time they graduate. Certification paperwork with only one certification area may be submitted. When the second test has been passed, an updated certification application can be submitted.

Q: Once I am certified, how can I add additional certification areas to my teaching certificate?
A: Additional certification areas can be added by taking and passing the Appropriate GACE content Assessment. Middle grades teachers may be certified in all 4 of the concentration areas.
 

Q: When do we have to fill out graduation paperwork?
A: Graduation paperwork must be submitted by midterm of the semester prior to graduation.

Q: What is the Beginning of the Year Experience?
A: The Beginning of the Year Experience is a planned field experience where you spend time with a practicing teacher at the beginning of the school year. You learn about the start up of school and the first days of school. August Experience consists of the first ten days of school including pre-planning.

Q: I have to miss part of my Beginning of the Year Experience for a family vacation. Can I make up the time?
A: No – You can not miss this experience. You are given the information about this at least a year in advance. Plan accordingly.

Q: Why can’t we select the schools where we do our field experiences?
A: We are required to provide a variety of field experiences for you. In order to assure that you have experienced diverse field experience placements, your field experience placements are made through our Professional Development School network. For a list of schools we use, see the Professional Development School link on our website.

Q: How long is apprenticeship?
A: Apprenticeship consists of 75 days including any professional development days.

Q: How can I find out who my advisor is?
A: A current list of advisors can be found on the Department of Teacher Education website.

Q: Are courtesy placements (students from another institution completing their apprenticeship under the supervision of ASU faculty) accepted at ASU? If so, what is the cost associated with this service?
A: Yes, courtesy placements are sometimes accepted at ASU. However, these placements must be approved by the chair and are approved based on our ability to place a student in a Professional Development School and our ability to supervise extra students that semester. The charge for a courtesy placement is $500 (which covers travel reimbursement and supervision fees for the University Supervisor and Mentor Teacher).