Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2014-2015 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Specialized Programs in Urban Education


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Faculty

Chairperson: Edmundo F. Litton

Professors: Marta Baltodano, Edmundo F. Litton, Shane P. Martin, Marta Sanchez

Associate Professor: Yvette Lapayese

Assistant Professors: Ernesto Colin, Philip E. Molebash

Clinical Faculty: Michael Castiglione, Katharine Clemmer, Lindsay DeVeny, Katie Laskasky, Diana Murphy

Contact Information

Chairperson: Edmundo F. Litton

Phone: 310.568.6853

Location: University Hall 2600

Introduction

The Department of Specialized Programs in Urban Education offers credential and Master of Arts degree programs designed for teachers who are employed as the teacher of record in either a private or public school. The Department prepares teachers to work in urban settings where the student population is economically, linguistically, and culturally diverse.

Admission Requirements

Each specialized program cohort in Urban Education has special admission requirements in addition to the requirements listed in this section. Additional admission requirements for these specialized program cohorts are communicated to applicants during the admission process.

  1. Graduate Application and Fee
  2. Statement of Intent: Applicants must write a 3- to 5-page essay describing how their experience and professional goals are compatible with the Mission and Goals of the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University.
  3. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit letters of recommendation. Some specialized cohort programs ask candidates use specific recommendation forms.
  4. Grade Point Average Requirement: This requirement is met in one of three ways:
    1. A cumulative undergraduate degree GPA of 3.0 or higher
    2. A GPA of 3.05 or higher in the last 60 units of the applicant’s undergraduate degree
    3. A GPA of 3.0 or higher obtained in 9 semester hours of graduate work

         Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement will need to file an appeal with the Exceptions Committee.

  1. Transcripts: Applicants must submit two sets of official transcripts in sealed envelopes with their application. The transcript for the undergraduate degree must show that the undergraduate degree has been posted. Applicants who have attended more than one college or university must submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  2. Basic Skills Proficiency Requirement: All credential applicants must meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing basic skills requirement. An official passing score on one of the following examinations is required to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills:
    1. The California Basic Skills Examination Test (CBEST)
    2. CSET Multiple Subjects plus Writing Section (for multiple subjects only)
  3. Subject Matter Competency: All credential applicants must meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing subject matter requirement. This requirement can be met in the following ways:
    1. Passing score on the appropriate examination in the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)
    2. Completion of an approved subject matter program (for single subject candidates only).
  4. Certificate of Clearance: Candidates must be able to successfully apply for a Certificate of Clearance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing prior to teaching full time.
  5. Technology Requirement: Candidates must satisfy the technology requirement through self-verification of basic technology skills or by completion of on approved course.
  6. Interview: Candidates will be asked to schedule an interview with the appropriate program personnel.
  7. Verification of Employment: Applicants must document employment as a full time teacher using the appropriate form provided by the Department.

LMU|Teach for America Partnership


Director: Edmundo F. Litton

Associate Director, Los Angeles: Doris Madrigal

Associate Director, Bay Area: Katharine Berlin

This comprehensive two-year program combines coursework for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education with a preliminary teaching credential while participating in Teach for America in Los Angeles. The Bilingual Cross-Cultural Academic and Language Development or BCLAD teaching credential (Spanish emphasis) can be added to the credential if a candidate meets the requirements of this program. A Master of Arts in Child and Adolescent Literacy or Education Administration may be available to applicants who already have a teaching credential, pending transcript evaluation.

Introduction

The School of Education is committed to social justice and therefore maintains a strong focus on serving underrepresented and underresourced school communities. In order to advocate for education for these school communities and their students, the School of Education has partnered with Teach for America (TFA), the national corps of outstanding graduates of all academic majors who commit to teach in public schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunities for all children. As the preferred university partner in Los Angeles since 2000, the LMU|TFA Partnership expanded to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2010. The LMU School of Education is currently the exclusive university partner with Teach for America in California, serving both the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay regions (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento). Since expanding to the San Francisco regions, the School of Education now has approved regional centers in Northern California. The program information outlined below is based on the program offerings in Los Angeles and are available/applicable to LMU|TFA Partnership students in the Northern California regions.

The LMU|TFA Partnership program requires that candidates work fulltime in a public school district while they complete requirements for a California 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential, that aligns with their teaching assignment, and a Master of Arts degree. Once candidates are admitted into the LMU|TFA Partnership program, they will have the opportunity to choose a credential and/or Master of Arts degree program that supports their teaching assignment. All LMU|TFA students pursue a California SB2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential (either Multiple Subjects for K-5 teachers or Single Subject for grade 6-12) or a California Mild/Moderate Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential. Candidates with an interest in bilingual education can also take additional courses to earn their bilingual authorization. Participants in the LMU|TFA program may be eligible for an Americorps educational award through their TFA membership. Participants are also eligible for an LMU SOE tuition grant that is contingent on full-participation in all related grant program requirements and completion of their two-year commitment to TFA and LMU program.

The LMU|TFA program pathways include Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects), Secondary Education (Single Subject: Math, Science, English, Foreign Language, Social Studies), Special Education, and Early Childhood Education. For specific information about the Special Education intern program pathway, please refer to the Special Education program section. For specific information about the Early Childhood Education program pathway, please refer to the Early Childhood Education section.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the LMU|TFA Partnership is limited to candidates who have been admitted to, and matriculate at, Teach for America in the Los Angeles or Northern California regions. Students interested in participating in these programs must begin their application process with Teach for America directly and be assigned to one of these regions in order to apply for the LMU|TFA Partnership program. Admission into this program is contingent upon the availability of space as well as the candidate meeting all LMU School of Education admission requirements and deadlines for their program pathway. Candidates must complete all admission requirements outlined in either the Multiple Subjects or Single Subject credential program as described in respective sections. Once students are confirmed TFA Los Angeles or TFA Northern California corps members, they will receive admissions application instructions from their respective LMU program office. LMU|TFA Partnership students are admitted under Provisional or Controlled Admission. Please see the School of Education Academic Regulations for information on the admission categories.

Program Requirements

LMU|TFA Partnership students admitted to a program are required to attend all LMU Orientation events as well as any additional requirements for their specific program pathway. Orientation events include recruitment webinars, in-person presentations about their program, sessions on registration, program and disposition expectations, credential requirements and processes, and financial responsibilities. Eligible students are also required to participate in all institutional scholarships/grants. Students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their LMU programs as well as meet all SOE policy guidelines for successful progress and completion of their program and degree. LMU|TFA Partnership students take their coursework over a period of two years. Exceptions to the recommended sequence must be approved by the Program Director, Department Chair, and Credential Manager. The Partnership is comprehensive and includes all the coursework and field experience required to obtain a preliminary teaching credential and Master of Arts degree.

Course Requirements for the Teach for America Program


Credential Coursework


The following information is for LMU|TFA Partnership students holding teaching assignments in General Education, K-12, settings only. Course requirements for Special Education and Early Childhood Education LMU|TFA Partnership students can be found in those respective sections in the Bulletin.

Note:


One or two additional semesters of Fieldwork Experience coursework may be required for individual students on the Multiple Subjects or Single Subject traditional program pathway depending on their program and credential progress.

In addition to the required coursework, candidates for the teaching credential must also pass all tasks of the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA Tasks 1-4) and complete a program exit presentation before they can be recommended for their credential and continue on with the Master of Arts degree in Urban Education.

Early Completion Option


The Early Completion Option (ECO) program pathway is available only to LMU|TFA Partnership students who have successfully passed the Teaching Foundations Exam (in addition to all other required credentialing exams) prior to enrollment and hold confirmed teaching assignments in Multiple Subjects (K-5) or Single Subject Math, English, or Science (6-12) only.

Students who opt into this program track must take and pass the required Eco Entrance Exam before they can be accepted into this program track. This program track is a total of 12 units and provides candidates the option to complete their credential program requirements on an earlier timeline than traditional track students. In order to remain on the ECO program track, students must take and successfully pass each Teaching Performance Assessment task (TPA) the first time they take it. ECO students are not able to re-take TPAs on this program track. Failure to successfully pass each TPA on the first attempt exempts the student from continuing on this program track and the student will need to enroll in the traditional program track appropriate for their teaching assignment and meet all program and course requirements for that track. Early Completion Option students do not enroll in Fieldwork coursework and therefore do not receive support from a university supervisor or on-site support provider while they are fulfilling their teaching assignment.

Note:


In addition to the required coursework, candidates for the teaching credential must also pass all tasks of the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA Tasks 1-4) on their first attempt and complete a program exit presentation before they can be recommended for their credential and continue on with the Master of Arts degree in Urban Education.


PLACE Corps-Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education


Director: Diana Murphy

Location: University Hall 1300

Introduction

This comprehensive two-year program combines coursework for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education or Master of Arts in Secondary Education with a State of California 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential while participating in a Catholic teacher service corps. A Master of Arts in Reading Instruction, Special Education, or Guidance and Counseling may be available to applicants who have or will have by the time the program begins a credential, license or certificate to teach, pending transcript evaluation.

The PLACE Corps is a nationally recognized teaching service corps in partnership with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE). The PLACE Corps is built upon three pillars: spirituality, community, and professional development. This University program incorporates full-time teaching in an under-resourced Los Angeles Archdiocesan elementary or high school with an academic program through the School of Education.

The ideal candidate for the PLACE Corps is an enthusiastic recent college graduate who has an appreciation for Catholic education and wishes to “give something back.” The PLACE Corps member, serving as a role model in Catholic schools, will be instrumental in maintaining the traditions of Catholic education in Los Angeles.

The ideal candidate has an ardent desire to work with young people. There are no prerequisite courses, other than a Bachelor’s degree in any field. PLACE Corps recruits nationally. Interested students in the local area should attend an information meeting in the fall and subsequent application distribution meeting.

PLACE Corps members work under contract as teachers for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon the availability and offer of a compatible teaching position in an Archdiocesan PLACE Corps partner school. A portion of the Corps member’s salary will contribute toward housing and other member expenses.

Participants of this service corps may be eligible for the AmeriCorps Education Award and an LMU grant which contribute toward tuition.

Those admitted to the new cohort are required to attend the Orientation Weekend in April. The orientation includes such topics as program expectations, the academic program, housing, and program funding. Incorporated into the weekend is an opportunity for the PLACErs to meet their principals. Contracts for employment will be offered by the Archdiocese through the individual school.

Application Deadline: The PLACE Corps application has two components, an online and paper application. The deadline for the online application is January 17. The deadline for the paper application is January 31. The full-time commitment begins the subsequent summer.

Admission Requirements

The PLACE Corps admits an average of 25 members per cohort. Admission to the PLACE Corps requires the following:

  1. Candidates must complete all admission requirements outlined in either the Multiple Subject or Single Subjects credential program as described in respective sections. Please refer to the Teacher Practitioner/Intern sections of Elementary or Secondary Education  in this bulletin for more details.
  2. Graduate Division application, PLACE Corps application, statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, signed letter of commitment, and a Judicial Affairs clearance.
  3. Interview with PLACE Corps Candidate Selection Committee.
  4. Observation Hours: All candidates must present acceptable evidence of having completed at least 20 hours of observation in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting within the age range they are planning to teach. It is beneficial to the candidate to do so within a public school setting as these 20 hours may be applied towards the 60 hours of public school observations required for credential requirements for teachers in private and parochial schools. Any remaining hours of public school observations still required may be completed during the first summer of PLACE Corps participation.

Program Requirements

PLACE Corps members will begin their two-year commitment with participation in a program summer retreat designed to support and inspire members. Participants are invited to become actively involved in ongoing spiritual aspects of the program while fully engaged in an intentional community to which they are assigned.

In addition to specific program requirements, PLACErs must satisfy all contractual obligations of the school to which they are assigned. In the fall, while living in community, PLACE Corps members will begin their teaching, along with taking two classes (generally one night per week) each semester.

For the most part, over the two-year period, PLACE Corps members will be enrolled in courses as a cohort. If a PLACEr has an academic background which includes prior education courses, the PLACE Corps staff will work with the PLACEr in making appropriate adjustments to his/her respective course of study. Any exception to the recommended sequence must be approved by both the PLACE Corps director and coordinator. PLACErs must take only their prescribed courses and may not take any additional coursework concurrently.

The sequence of academic coursework will be outlined at the Orientation Weekend in April. The PLACE Corps academic program is comprehensive and includes all the coursework and field experience required to obtain a State of California 2042 Preliminary Teaching Credential and Master of Arts degree.

Course Requirements for the PLACE Program


Multiple and Single Subject Candidates


Multiple Subjects Candidates only


Note:


Candidates in the PLACE program may also have the option of completing the degree requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Reading Instruction, Special Education, or Guidance and Counseling. More information can be obtained from the PLACE Corps staff.

CMAST-Center for Math and Science Teaching

Contact Information

Director: Kathy Clemmer

Phone: 310.338.3783

Email: kclemmer@lmu.edu

Location: University Hall 1300

Introduction

CMAST is dedicated to strengthening science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and STEM-related fields by transforming the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

CMAST’s goals are:

  • Creating a professional learning community comprised of faculty, teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community members dedicated to increasing student engagement and achievement in mathematics and science
  • Finding and sharing solutions that increase the number of students who pursue science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and science and mathematics teaching as careers
  • Building teacher retention by providing opportunities for shared leadership between transformational teacher leaders, administrators, and parents
  • Designing, strengthening, and sharing best practices in teaching and learning to improve teacher quality and collegereadiness

LAMS-Los Angeles Math and Science Residency

Introduction

The Los Angeles Math and Science Residency (LAMS) is an innovative and rigorous year-long teacher training partnership program that integrates practice, content, theory, and pedagogy through an in-field apprenticeship model within The Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools in the Los Angeles region.

The LAMS Program advances student achievement by developing highly trained, effective math and science teachers for high-needs schools who will become future transformative leaders in math and science education.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the LAMS Residency Program, you must:

  • be a college graduate with a B.A. or B.S., preferably in mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics (minimum 3.0 GPA)
  • have strong math or science content knowledge, at a minimum, candidates must have a minor in mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics
  • have passed the Math or Science tests for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) and California Basic Skills Test (CBEST)
  • desire to pursue a teaching career and become a highly effective math or science teacher and future transformative leader in Los Angeles urban schools serving low income and minority students
  • have an unwavering commitment to teaching in urban schools for at least 4 years

Course Requirements

Center for Equity for English Learners

Contact Information

Director: Magaly Lavadenz

Phone: 310.338.2924

E-mail: mlavadenz@lmu.edu

Associate Director: Elvira G. Armas

Location: University Hall 2600

Introduction

The Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) was established in 2006, with support from Bank of America, for the purpose of improving educational outcomes of English Learners (ELs). The Center’s research and professional development agendas will inform leadership and instructional practices for the state’s 1.5 million English Learners and the nation’s 3.5 million English Learners. CEEL’s mission is to pursue equity and excellence in the education of English Learners by transforming schools and educational systems through the Center’s research and professional development agendas. An integral component of this work is the development of advocacy-oriented leadership. Educators who utilize students’ cultural and language resources while developing students’ academic competencies have the potential to significantly transform schools and educational systems.

Programs

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