Most students begin taking courses during the summer (indicated below as Summer 1). Courses continue throught the following summer (Summer 2). The MATWL program allows for flexibility so students should talk with the director of the program each semester to ensure that they are on the schedule that fits their situation.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the MATWL program includes:

• an ACTFL rating of Intermediate High or better in language area;
• Internship/Student Teaching in language content area reflecting exposure to diversity (MATWL degree candidates spend one semester interning in a program at the elementary or middle school level and in a program at the high school level);
• Internship/Student Teaching in a second language area if this is a student’s goal (MATWL candidates may complete Student Teaching in two languages but have to add appropriate course work to their curriculum contract in this area as decided upon by their advisory committee);
• an additional ACTFL test for the second language area as necessary;
• successful completion of all course work;
• successful evaluation at mid- and end-point by the program faculty;
• successful performance on comprehensive exams;
• passing scores on PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING AND TEACHING and PRAXIS II tests;
• a complete Portfolio.

The Portfolio

The Kentucky EPSB New Teacher Standards are the organizing principle of the Portfolio. Students begin the Portfolio in their first semester and continue it into their last semester. It documents a student's teaching philosophy and reflection on the practicum and field experiences. Because the portfolio is an integral part of the exit requirement, a student must produce a well-designed portfolio if s/he is to be recommended for certification. Portfolios are evaluated for:

• quality and quantity of experiences documented under each of the Standards;
• quality of thought and reflection as related to the underlying pedagogical issues;
• observance of requisite components;
• the style, structure and appearance of the portfolio as a professional document

Praxis II exams

You will be required to pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam (PLT) test as well as the necessary content area Praxis II for your language. The Praxis exams are administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).  You can find additional information on the certification exams, including study guides and sample questions, on their website: www.ets.org click on PRAXIS in the middle of the page to find information on registering, test dates, etc. Important: Passing the PRAXIS exams is required for you to receive your teaching certification.

Most of the Praxis tests are offered in both computer-based and paper-based forms; however, this is not true for all language tests. Whereas the computer-based tests are offered on numerous occasions at various testing locations, the paper-based tests are only given a certain number of times each year at designated testing locations.  All of the paper-based Praxis tests are offered at the University of Kentucky; however, not all of them are available at the same time. Be sure to check with the Kentucky Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB) to see which tests you need and then register early.  The EPSB website is http://www.kyepsb.net

While most MATWL Students do fine on the PRAXIS tests, you should guard against the possibility of failure. In other words, don’t wait until the last available test date to take all of your exams. If you do not pass any of them this will delay or possibly eliminate you from seeking employment upon completion of the MATWL program.

There are review guides online and in the Education Library (205 Dickey Hall).