Educating Professionals for All Learners

A collaborative project with the Department of Public Instruction

Silver Lake College Announces:

A licensure Program for

Training New Teachers of the
Blind & Visually Impaired

New Sequence Beginning June, 2006  
Applications now being accepted for the New Sequence,  Enrollment is limited
To begin Registration process call  1-800-236-4slc, extension 157
Students must begin each sequence with the first course unless prerequisite competencies can be demonstrated.

Introduction

Silver Lake College and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction have united to provide licensed Wisconsin teachers an opportunity to obtain licensure in the area of visual impairment within the state.  The program will meet all requirements for licensure, and will allow participants to work as they are participating in the training.

This program for licensed special education teachers consists of  7 courses, performance evaluation/student teaching and a field experience totaling 22 semester credits.  The course work will extend over two years plus an additional summer, which includes field experiences.  The program for licensed teachers without a special education  license may take up to four years and is individually designed.

The current sequence is  no longer open to new students. 

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REQUIREMENTS

The program as described in the brochure is designed for teachers who hold a current special education license. 

Students who do not have a special education license or a WI Licensure should read the following information.

    a.  Teachers without a special education license

Teachers who do not have a special education license must take the required special education common courses required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for licensure in any special education area, in addition to the courses for a license in Visual Impairment.   The sequence can be taken concurrently with the licensure for Visual Impairment sequence or can be taken before beginning the Visual Impairment sequence. 

Determination of the specific courses and credits requires a transcript evaluation. It is not possible to state a definite number of credits without a transcript evaluation. The number can range from 8 to 15 credits contingent upon prior course work or experience.  For an informal evaluation, please send copies of all transcripts plus a cover letter to:

Sister Mary Karen Oudeans, Ph.D.
Department of Special Education
Silver Lake College
2406 So. Alverno Rd
Manitowoc, WI 54220

A portfolio option is available for experienced teachers  ( See Portfolio Section). 

    b.  Without a Wisconsin Teaching License

Persons without a teaching license must take all of the courses required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for licensure as a teacher. Enrollment in a teacher education program at a teacher training institution is required.   The approximate number of credits would be contingent upon the specific program at the training institution of enrollment. 

Silver Lake College would require the demonstration of all competencies required for licensures. If the program included all traditional courses it would be approximately:    

    Teacher Education Core Courses                   30 credits
    Special Education Cross-categorical Core      15 credits      
    Visual Impairment Licensure sequence            20 credits 

COMPETENCIES DO NOT EQUATE TO CREDITS.  If participants in the program can acquire and demonstrate competencies in methods other than traditional courses this can be demonstrated through the portfolio process.

An appointment with an advisor must be made to determine the specific requirements.

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SCHEDULE

The sequence of courses is for licensed special education  teachers only. For course requirements for those without a special education license or a teachers license see  Requirements

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Questions and Answers

To assist in your planning, the following Q & A contains answers to possible questions that may arise.

1.  How and where will the courses be delivered?

Each semester course will have a minimum of three onsite meetings, usually three weekends, with the exception of SED 519 which will require a week of attendance during summer 2007.  The remainder of each course will be completed via home study assignments and e-mail.  The courses are in sequence, and need to be completed in sequence.  If someone drops out of the sequence, they will need to wait until the next cohort to pick up from where they discontinued.  Occasionally students may be required to attend a specific statewide institute, event, or conference that relates to coursework.

2.  What prerequisites are required?

1. special education license, or
2. general education license with special education courses required for licensure, or
3. general education license, and willingness to acquire general special education coursework simultaneously, or
4. a college degree, with willingness to acquire teacher education program first license requirements and the general special education core coursework.

Each applicant will be individually evaluated.  More information is on the website at www.sl.edu/specialedu/visualimpairment.htm.

3.  What is the registration procedure?

Complete a graduate application and return it along with a $35.00 application fee.  Applications can be obtained by contacting Julie Becker at 920-686-6190 or jbecker@silver.sl.edu.

3.  How long will it take to complete the V.I. licensure program? 

For persons having a special education license, it will take a minimum of two years and perhaps an additional summer.  For persons without a special education license, time will vary.  Students can register for SED 668 (Student Teaching), only when all coursework and other requirements are completed.

4.  How much will it cost?

For the 2006-2008 program, the tuition cost is $175.00 per credit hour. At present, there is a loan forgiveness program available for students enrolled in this licensure program.  This loan program provides funding that does not have to be paid back if the recipient works as a teacher of the visually impaired in Wisconsin for 3 years.  Information is available on the website at www.sl.edu/specialedu/visualimpairment.htm.

5.  Can I obtain a master's degree?

Yes.  A Master of Arts in Special Education degree can be obtained from Silver Lake College through acceptance into the Master of Arts in Special Education program and additional coursework.

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Application and Registration Information for Licensure Students and Special Students (Non Licensure)

    Application Procedures

    Licensure

     You must be accepted into Silver Lake College Graduate Program and the Teacher Education Program.  If you desire a master's degree you must also be accepted into the Master Degree Program in Teacher Leadership.  You are not required to enter the master degreed program.

    a.  Applications can be obtained by contacting Julie Becker at 920-686-6190 or jbecker@silver.sl.edu.

    b. Complete a graduate application and return it with a $35 application fee to the Finance Office.  Indicate on the form in the specified section that you are entering the licensure program and add in writing "Program for Visual Impairment."   Also, if you want to enter the master degree program, indicate by checking that section on the form. There are additional requirements for acceptance into the Master's Program and  you will be sent the required forms upon request. 

   c.  All teachers must include with your application, a copy of  your current teaching license.  

   d.  Request, from all college's or universities that you have attended, that official transcripts be sent to the Silver Lake College Admission Office.  An unofficial evaluation can be completed with unofficial transcripts before acceptance if prior arrangements are made with the Special Education Department.

   e. An individualized program plan will be developed upon receipt of the transcripts.  This plan will indicate the date of entry into the program, the estimated date of program completion, the courses and the sequence of courses which will be required for licensure.

• For teachers who have a current Wisconsin special education license, the development of the plan may be completed with a personal appointment or in some situations via the phone.
• For teachers who do not have a current Wisconsin special education license, schedule an appointment with the special education department for an individualized transcript evaluation and development of a program plan.
• For teachers who wish to complete a Portfolio for Prior Learning, request a Portfolio Guide.

Special Students (Non licensure)

You must be accepted into Silver Lake College as a Special Student by submitting a Graduate Application.   

    a.  Applications can be obtained by contacting Julie Becker at 920-686-6190 or jbecker@silver.sl.edu.

 You may also apply on line at:
                                        http://www.sl.edu\Admissions\application\onlineform.htm.

    b. Complete a graduate application and return it with a $35  application fee to the Finance Office.  Indicate on the form in the specified section that you are a special student.   

    c.  You must have the instructor's permission to enroll in a course in the Visual Impairment Licensure sequence.

Registration

Registration Forms and tuition information are available on line for all students who have been accepted into Silver Lake College and/or into the Visual Impairment program.  No registrations will be processed until application requirements have been completed.

There is a $50 tuition deposit, which is applied to the tuition, required to begin the registration procedure.  Total payment is due the first four weeks of the semester unless prior arrangements have been made with the Finance Office (920) 686-6180.

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Portfolio Development Guidelines and Procedures

    Guidelines

A Portfolio is an option for demonstration of the mastery of competency or the performance standards for licensure.

There are three types of Portfolio

  1.  Portfolio for Prior Learning -

The College recognizes that college level learning takes place in a variety of environments and under numerous circumstances outside of a formal college classroom.   This learning may have been obtained on the job, through seminars or workshops, through community participation, or in any activity that involves learning. 

There is an evaluation fee for each Portfolio for Prior Learning evaluation

• This portfolio is available for those who have educational experience working with the visually impaired or the blind.
• It is primarily for teachers who have taught the visually impaired or the blind in an educational environment
• It may be a means for those who do not have a teaching license but have teaching experience with the visually impaired to demonstrate mastery of performance standards required for licensure. 

      2.  Portfolio for Competence

This portfolio is required for those in the licensure program as the means to demonstrate mastery of new knowledge, skills and dispositions required for licensure that are acquired throughout the course of study. Specific guidelines will be given by each course instructor or by the student advisor.

       3. Portfolio for Licensure

This portfolio is required at the completion of the program of study to demonstrate mastery of all performance standards required for licensure.

Procedures

The Portfolio is a self-developed documentation of the mastery of the performance standards.

For those who are entering the program the Portfolio for Prior Learning is an option.

1. Request the Performance Standards for Licensure or
   Acquire the Syllabus from a specific course which identifies the performance standards that are addressed in that course.
   
2. Complete a self assessment using the performance standards or syllabus objectives as the standard of evaluation.
   
3. Compile evidence of mastery for each standard or objective.  This is evidence of the acquisition, application and synthesis of the knowledge, skill or disposition, not a list of workshops or seminars etc...
   
4. Complete an essay for each standard or objective which:

• describes in concrete terms the experience through which the knowledge, skill or disposition was obtained
• describes the knowledge which the student gained through the experience
  describe the ability and experiences in applying the knowledge, skill or disposition         
• synthesize the new knowledge skills or disposition by stating the integration into the prior knowledge skills or dispositions
• discuss the relationship among all components of the knowledge, skill or disposition from the specific standard or objective with all concepts in the program

    e.  Submit the portfolio for evaluation using the presentation guidelines provided by
         the VI Coordinator.

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Wisconsin Teacher of the Visually Impaired Loan Program

The Wisconsin Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) Loan Program provides loans to those who are enrolled at an institution in a program that prepares them to be licensed as teachers of visually impaired students or orientation and mobility instructors.  If borrowers meet certain conditions after graduating, part of the low interest loan may be forgiven.  For more information, go to http://www.sl.edu/finaid/aid_types_amounts.htm and click on "Wisconsin Teacher of the Visually Impaired Loan Program."

Master's Degree

A Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership with a specialty  in Special Education is available through Silver Lake College.

The Teacher Leadership Program includes a core of four or five courses focused on the knowledge and skills needed to exercise effective servant leadership.  These courses are required for the degree and do not depend on the area of specialization selected. For those in this licensure program the specialty area is Visual Impairment. 

The core courses are sequenced so that there can be an option of one each semester including summer.  They can be taken concurrently with the licensure program.   The final course (one of the core) is a culminating demonstration of scholarship and competence.  This demonstration must be characterized by originality and benefit to both the student and those whom the student serves.

There are two options for a Master Degree from Silver Lake College:

1. Teacher Leadership available on the Silver Lake College Campus
   
   A  33 credit program, with approximately 20 credits in the licensure program applying toward the degree.
   
   
2. Teacher Leadership available off campus.  Major sites are in the Wausau, Madison and Milwaukee areas
   
   A 36 credit program, with approximately 22 credits in the licensure program applying toward the degree.

Specific course requirements are contingent upon a transcript evaluation.   Please call Sister Mary Karen Oudeans at (920)686-6157 for an appointment.

For general information on the Master's program please visit the following web site.  http://www.sl.edu/graded

 

Licensure Module schedule

The following modules represent the special education competencies required for licensure as a teacher of the Visually Impaired.  These competencies may be demonstrated in a variety of methods.  The modular approach is one of these methods.  Each program is individually designed and it is not possible to give a definitive number of credits for each person's program

For those WITHOUT ANY TEACHING LICENSE, the general education competencies and the special education competencies must be acquired before a teaching license is granted.

For general education teachers WITHOUT A SPECIAL EDUCATION LICENSE, the special education competencies must be acquired before a license in VI is granted. 

SLC Licensure Modules

Licensure Modules	Credits
Communication and Communication Disorders	1
Career and Voc Ed - CWD	1
Behavior Management	1
Collaboration	1
PI 11 Processes	1
Classroom & Behavior Management	1
CD History and Current Issues  CD Definitions, Causes, and Implications	1 1
CWD in the General Ed Classroom	1
Individual Assessment	2
Family and Other Agencies	1

 

For those WITHOUT A TEACHING LICENSE, the following general education competencies plus the special education competencies must be acquired before a license is granted.  The listed competencies may be acquired as individual classes or demonstrated through a portfolio approach.  The following competencies may or may not represent an individual course but may represent a group of courses.  Each student's program is individually designed.  It is not possible to assign a definite number of credits to this sequence.  Students may acquire some of these competencies at any teacher training institution or through independent study.  If they have been accepted into the Silver Lake College program they must receive prior approval from Silver Lake College before enrolling in any course.

• Psychology of Education

• Educational Foundations

• Psychology of the Exceptional Person

• Developmental Reading knowledge and skills (elementary or secondary)

• Instructional methodologies (elementary or secondary)

• Assessment knowledge and skills

• Clinical and field based experiences (elementary or secondary)

• Human Relations

• Conflict Resolution

• Native American

 

Students are also required to maintain a 2.75 grade point average, and pass the PPST.

 

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Student Teaching Requirements - Demonstration of Competence

The requirements for demonstration on competence are individually determined for each student   The following are taken into consideration when making the decision. 

a.  prior licensure
b.  amount of experience in teaching students with visual impairment
c.  degree of mastery of the competencies

Teacher candidates are required to demonstrate mastery of all Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction competencies and Silver Lake College approved program competencies for teachers of students with visual impairment.  Following are the general guidelines for student teaching and field placement.

General guidelines:

For teachers who have a general education or a special education license (Specific requirements will be individually determined)	For teacher candidates who do not have a general teaching license or a special education teaching license
A.  Performance Evaluation Requirements (Student Teaching) Second license requirements will be determined based on candidates prior experiences and competency needs 1.  Teachers without teaching experience in special education Teachers who do not have mastery in the competencies for licensure in special education and  Visual Impairment will be required to demonstrate mastery in a teaching environment: Examples: - with a mentor teacher - in another teaching environment - in a teaching environment with a cooperating teacher for a predetermined period of time Teacher will enroll for 2 credits for one semester.  Mastery of competencies will determine completion of the student teaching requirement.   Enrollment for a second semester may be required. 2.  Special Education teachers without teaching experience with students with visual impairment Teachers who do not have mastery in the competencies for licensure for Visual Impairment will be required to demonstrate mastery in a teaching environment.  - with a mentor teacher - in another teaching environment - in a teaching environment with a cooperating teacher for a predetermined period of time Student will enroll for 2 credits for one semester.  Mastery of competencies will determine completion of the student teaching requirement.  Enrollment for a second semester may be required.	A.  Performance Evaluation Requirements       (Student Teaching - Required) All Candidates Candidates who do not have a teaching license need an environment with a cooperating teacher to demonstrate teaching competence. a.  First license candidates who are not currently  teaching in a classroom for the Visually Impaired require an eighteen week placement for one semester b.  Provisionally licensed candidates have the following placement options based on prior/present experiences and competency needs: - with a mentor teacher - in another teaching environment - in a teaching environment with a cooperating teacher for a predetermined period of time Candidate will enroll for 2 credits for one semester.  Mastery of competencies will determine completion of the student teaching requirement.  Enrollment for a second semester may be required.
B.  Field Based Experience        (Individually determined) Teachers with teaching experience with students with visual impairment Demonstration of competency through the portfolio process will determine the placement for the field based experience For teachers with mastery of the teaching competencies,  a field based experience may be required: Examples: - working with parents - working with community agencies - leisure or mobility competencies Student will enroll for 1 credit for one semester.  Mastery of competencies will determine completion of the field based requirement.  Enrollment for a second semester may be required.	B.  Field Based Experience  (Required) All Candidates Demonstration of competency through the portfolio process will determine the placement for the field based experience Examples: - working with parents - working with community agencies - leisure or mobility competencies Student will enroll for 1credit for one semester.  Mastery of competencies will determine completion of the field based requirement.  Enrollment for a second semester may be required.

 

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