Curry School of Education

The Curry School of Education prepares students to assume leadership roles in the fields of education and related specialties such as communication disorders (speech pathology and audiology) and sports medicine (pre-athletic training or pre-physical therapy). Founded in 1905 and named for Dr. Jabez L.M. Curry, an eminent Southern educator and politician, the school was generously endowed by gifts from John D. Rockefeller and other private sources. Programs within the Curry School culminate in the Bachelor of Science in Education degree and the Master of Education, Master of Teaching, Education Specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees. The 5-year Teacher Education program allows students to complete both a bachelor's degree (B.A. from the College of Arts & Sciences) and a Master of Teaching degree(BA/MT). Both degrees are awarded simultaneously after 5 years of study.

The Curry School of Education has three departments and more than 20 specialized programs, including degrees in communication disorders (speech pathology and audiology), elementary education, secondary teaching, special education, kinesiology and health and physical education (see the section on Departments and Programs for specific listing of specializations). All teacher education degrees have National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education approval, as well as status as an approved program by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, reciprocity agreements provide equivalent certification to graduates who wish to relocate to most other states.

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
All students wishing to pursue an academic program leading to teacher licensure must complete a five-year program of study leading to the simultaneous awarding of both a bachelor's and master's degree. Programs provide an extensive liberal arts foundation, content area preparation, and professional study in education.

The five-year teacher education program offered by the Curry School is recognized nationally for its strong foundation in the liberal arts and its advanced professional training. Major characteristics of this program include:

Students complete all requirements for the bachelor's degree (BA or BSEd) while also completing all requirements for Virginia teacher licensure and a full major in the College of Arts and Sciences (or its equivalent for BSEd degrees).

Students are involved in the practical aspects of teaching during each year of the program, beginning with the second or third year, and culminating in a full semester internship during the fifth year. Flexible entry and exit points have been provided in the program to allow qualified and interested students to experience professional study early and continuously throughout a five-year period.

REQUIREMENTS
By the beginning of the third year, all teacher education students must have completed a minimum of 54 semester hours of course work in the areas of general education, plus a three-hour course in foundations of education. Courses must meet all requirements for the bachelor's degree plus any requirements specified for teacher licensure. These requirements are drawn from the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Specific requirements are specified in literature provided by the Curry School's web site. (accessible from the University of Virginia's home page) and other publications available from the Teacher Education Office (Ruffner 221).

Students wishing to enter the BA/MT program must apply to the College of Arts and Sciences, indicating an interest in teacher education. Students are encouraged to transfer after one year of college, though other qualified students may transfer after two years of college if they agree to attend summer school at the University of Virginia prior to the beginning of their third year. The program in teaching health and physical education (BSEd/MT) allows students to enroll in the Curry School of Education for either the second or third year.

Because students in teacher education will acquire a double major, one in the academic content area selected through the College of Arts and Sciences and the other in the Curry School of Education, students will be assigned two advisors--one in the College and one in the Curry School. To determine appropriate transfer credit, see the specifications within the College of Arts and Sciences section of this booklet. All degree requirements must be met from both schools in order to graduate in the teacher education program. Besides coursework, students will need to take and pass PRAXIS exams to be awarded a teaching license by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS
Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education (Teacher Education)
This department offers programs in early childhood developmental risk (birth to grade 3), elementary education (grades PreK - 6), secondary education (grades 6-12, with specializations in English, history, mathematics, science, or social studies). PreK - 12 programs are also offered in special education (with specializations in behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and mental retardation), health/physical education, and foreign languages (Spanish, German, French, Latin and Italian). Prospective teachers who do not wish to transfer until after two years of college must attend summer school at the University of Virginia before beginning of their third year.

Human Services
The Department of Human Services includes all programs in the areas of communication disorders, kinesiology and health and physical education. The teaching major in health/physical education is part of the regular five-year program, culminating in both a BSEd and MT degree. Students wishing to pursue this area should apply to the Curry School of Education after taking appropriate courses which include human physiology and biology during their first year of college. Prospective teachers who do not wish to transfer until after two years of college must attend summer school at the University of Virginia before the beginning of their third year. Students entering the programs in communication disorders and kinesiology in the third year are not generally required to attend summer school.

Students wishing to pursue professional preparation in areas related to communication disorders (speech pathology and audiology) must plan on a four-year pre-professional BSEd degree, followed by one or two years in graduate school. For this reason, students should plan to enter these programs (or transfer to the University) after two years of college credit has been earned. Upon graduation, students interested in licensure must continue to pursue professional training by enrolling in a graduate program in communication disorders.

Kinesiology Program Description
The undergraduate program in kinesiology is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a foundation in the sciences of human movement that will be applied to one of several specialty areas within kinesiology:

Sports Medicine

Exercise Physiology

Adapted Physical Education
The Kinesiology major does not qualify students to sit for licensure or certification in any professional domain. This program is designed to prepare students to enroll in graduate programs that provide entry-level training and the route for certification in physical therapy, medicine, athletic training, physician's assistant, nutrition, personal training and teaching special education. Admission preference for the Kinesiology major will be given to students whose general education program is competitive for graduate school.

The Sports Medicine option
The Sports Medicine option allows students to expand their knowledge of the basic sciences related to the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of the physically active individual. This program is for those intending to pursue advanced study in areas such as athletic training, rehabilitation services (physical/occupational therapy), medicine or physician's assistant. This program does not qualify students to obtain certification in athletic training. Interested students must seek accredited entry-level graduate program to fulfill the requirements. The University of Virginia does not have an accredited entry-level athletic training program; the Masters and Doctoral programs are advanced professional programs.

The Exercise Physiology
Students interested in pursuing graduate study in exercise physiology, nutrition, cardiac rehabilitation or medicine are recommended to concentrate in the exercise physiology category of kinesiology. This program permits qualified students to begin graduate study in conjunction with the undergraduate curriculum.

The Adapted Physical Education option
Students interested in adapted physical education or recreational therapy should consider the adapted physical education concentration in kinesiology. The University of Virginia has an accredited entry-level program in Health and Physical Education leading to licensure and endorsement through the BSEd/Masters of Teaching Program.

TEACHER LICENSURE
Graduates of the 5-year Bachelors plus Masters degree programs (BA/MT) are eligible to receive a license to teach in the Commonwealth of Virginia upon completion of the approved program and satisfactory scores on state mandated examinations.

COMPUTER CAPABILITIES AND FACILITIES IN THE CURRY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
All graduates of the Curry School of Education are trained in the utilization of computers and software designed to enhance educational experiences. Computer equipment available for students includes the mainframe capacity of the University and three large computer laboratories in Ruffner Hall.

SERVICES TO STUDENTS
Each student accepted into a program within the Curry School of Education has a faculty advisor. Through the services of this faculty member and the Director of Teacher Education, all students receive individual guidance in their professional preparation programs, academic counseling, and assistance in professional advancement after graduation. In addition, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs provides assistance in completing licensure and endorsement procedures for all states.

The Curry School of Education has a number of organizations through which students may develop their interests and professional skills. The Education Council provides, through elected student representatives, an avenue for direct student involvement in the life and academic affairs of the School. The Student Virginia Education Association offers preprofessional activities. Several student honorary associations recognize qualified individuals, including Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi, an area chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.

The Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs oversees the general quality of life for students in the Curry School. Among the many activities of that office is the supervision a support group specifically for transfer students.

ADMISSION
All students wishing to prepare as teachers at elementary or secondary levels, including special education, must first be accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, and then be accepted into the teacher education program sponsored by the Curry School of Education. Students should apply to the College of Arts and Sciences (BA degree) and designate teacher education as a second major. Individuals interested in communication disorders or health and physical education, including sports medicine, should submit their applications to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, noting their interest in the BSEd program

In selecting students for programs in the Curry School, the committee on admissions is guided by (1) scholastic ability, (2) past academic performance, (3) personal qualities, and (4) past experiences in educational or clinical settings. Scores on the SAT I or the American College Test (ACT) or Praxis I are required for admission to the Teacher Education program.

Normally, a B average is considered competitive for admission. The committee also seeks information on personal qualities such as sincerity, honesty, ability to adjust to changing environments, and experience with children or youth, etc. An applicant for transfer must complete the following General Education courses prior to enrollment in the undergraduate program: a minimum of 24 semester hours is required for transfer in the second year in either the BA/MT program in the College of Arts and Sciences or the BSEd/MT (teaching physical education) in the Curry School of Education; 54 semester hours is required to enter in the third year for either the College of Arts and Sciences (BA/MT program) or the Curry School of Education (BSEd program).

Curry School of Education Requirements
Recommended VCCS Courses

BA/MT Program
Minimum of 24 semester hours required to enroll.

Humanities
English Composition, Literature (American or English), one course from Art, Philosophy, Religion, or Music, and Foreign Language (see the foreign language requirement for the College of Arts and Sciences).

Natural Sciences
Science (one full year), and Mathematics (3 semester hours). Any other math or science course may be taken to fulfill the 12 semester hour requirement.

Historical Studies and Social Sciences
Western Civilization (HIEU 201 or 202), American History (HIUS 201 or 202), non-Western Studies (3 semester hours), and one 3 semester hour course from Psychology, Sociology or Economics.

BSEd/MT Program
Teaching Physical Education.The same requirements for the BA/MT program apply, with the exception of foreign language, which is not required.

BSEd Program
Communication Disorders and Kinesiology. A minimum of 54 semester hours is required for admission.

Humanities:
12 semester hours. English Composition (3 credits) and Literature (3 credits) are required. The balance may be taken from other courses in the Humanities.

Social Sciences - 12 semester hours.
American History (3 credits) and 6 credits in Psychology and Sociology are required. The balance may be taken from other courses in the social sciences.

Natural Science and Mathematics - 12-15 semester hours.
Communication Disorders: Math 111 or higher, Physics 105N or 106N, two other science courses, and a statistics course.
Kinesiology: Including Math 111 or higher; Biology 201/202 with labs.

Health and Physical Education - 4 semester hours.
Health Issues (EDHS 450) and Physical Education (1 semester hour).

The remainder of the requirements are specified online (Offsite).

TRANSFER OF CREDIT
Transfer credit is allowed for general education courses that correspond to ones offered at the University if the transfer course is equivalent in credit value and course content (including level at which taught) and if the student has received a grade of at least one letter grade better than the minimum passing grade. Courses corresponding to our general education courses taken at an institution using the pass/fail grading system and on which a grade of "passing" or better has been received are transferred with full credit. Transfer credit is not allowed for professional education courses. No credit will be allowed for work passed elsewhere by re-examination. Official evaluation of transfer credit is done by the Assistant Dean of the Curry School of Education or Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for BA/MT students.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Students to the Curry School of Education are accepted only for fall admission. The deadline for receipt of completed applications for the fall semester is March 1.