Reading & Language Arts Program

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How many credits can I transfer from another accredited institution?
A: You may transfer a total of 6 semester hours of credit.

Q: If I am a foreign student what is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission into the program?
A: The minimum score is 550. You must also take the GRE and meet the same standards as other students.

Q: How many credits as a special student can I take before being admitted?
A: You can take up to 12 semester hours of credit.

Q: Will the 12 semester hours of credit carry graduate degree credit?
A: No, however if approved by a student's supervisory committee, up to 12 semester hours of "B" or better may be used. This is done on the program of study.

Q: If I take 12 semester hours and get good grades as a special student does that guarantee I will be admitted?
A: No. The faculty reviews your work and other admission information before making a determination.

Q: I am a returning student but have not been enrolled for some time. Can I still apply some of my previously taken graduate work?
A: Work taken more than 7 years prior to graduation may not be used toward the degree.

Q: Can a summer workshop apply toward my graduate program?
A: No, the summer workshops will not apply toward the graduate programs of degree-seeking students.

Q: If I am in the master's program, do I have to write a thesis?
A: No. You may choose to take a course instead. If you follow a course-type program, you must register for comprehensive exams.

Q: What are local resources available to reading and language arts students?
A: Many programs are available:

• Project Literacy U.S. (PLUS) Leon County Task Force, (Organization) 385-5944
• Campus Alliance for Literacy, (College student volunteers) 681-6321
• Council of Volunteer Reading Tutors, (Individual tutoring) 893-1360
• Dyslexia Research Institute, (Diagnostic testing, classes, and individual tutoring for Dyslexic adults) 893-2216
• Florida Baptist Association for Literacy, (Individual tutoring) 877-3625
• Leon County Schools Adult and Community Education, (ABE, GED, and ESOL Classes) 922-5343
• Leon County Reading Council, (Projects that encourage professional growth) 385-3918
• Literacy Volunteers of Leon County, (Individual tutoring in basic reading and ESOL) 487-4444

 

For more information…

1. If you would like more information about ADMISSION PROCEDURES, visit the following links:
1. Online application
2. Required documents
3. Application tips
4. University deadlines

2. If you would like more information about TUITION, visit the following links:
1. General tuition information
2. Current tuition rates
3. Cost of attendance
4. Payment and deadline information
5. Online fee payment

3. If you would like more information about SCHOLARSHIPS, visit the following links:
1. FAFSA
2. College of Education scholarships
3. FSU – Scholarship Information
4. View your financial aid

4. If you would like more information about FSU ID/PASSWORD, visit the following links:
1. Get an FSU Card
2. Activate your FSU ID (need FSU Card)
3. YOUR profile, classes, bill, grades, registration pin, transcript, etc. (need FSU ID)

5. If you would like more information about REGISTRATION, visit the following links:
1. General information
2. Drop/Add
3. Course lookup
4. Signing up for classes
5. View your class

6. If you would like more information about FINGERPRINTING, visit the following links:

For many of your classes, you will need to go out into classrooms and observe teachers or even teach a lesson or two yourself. A Level II Security Check is required for all FSU students who will have direct contact with PreK-12 students in Leon County. Students should be aware that if you have been arrested for certain crimes you may not be considered for a teaching position.
Leon County has made it fairly easy for us to implement this new statutory requirement. Applications are available in the Office of Clinical Experiences 312 Stone Building. FSU students conducting observations beginning in Fall 2004 should:

1. Pick up a copy of a Leon County School Board Request for Background Check. These forms are available from The Office of Clinical Experiences.
2. Complete form.
3. Take completed form and picture ID to Leon County School Board 2757 West Pensacola Street (complete instructions are listed on form).
4. The Leon County School Board will give students directions about presenting clearance information at the schools in which they are observing.
5. When you apply for Student Teaching you will need to present a copy of your Leon County finger print card to the Office of Clinical Experiences. This lets the OCE know you have passed the background check.

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7. If you would like more information about the FLORIDA TEACHER CERTIFICATION EXAM (FTCE), visit the following links:

1. FORMAT: You will have to complete three exams during at least one semester prior to Student Teaching: (1) Subject Area Exam in English 6-12; (2) Professional Education Test (pedagogy and professional practices); and (3) General Knowledge Test (math, reading, English language, essay). You can register for the Subject Area and Professional Education Test on the same day, but must register for the General Knowledge Test on a different day.
2. STUDYING: A review booklet is available through the state certification office. See this site  for information on test preparation.
3. COMPUTER-BASED TESTS: When you visit the website below, you will notice that you can take the General Knowledge Test (except for the essay) and Professional Education Test on the computer here at FSU. Please note that you must still sign up for the paper/pencil GK test to do the essay. These are just two of your options:

• OPTION #1: 
  Test date #1: Computer tests – GK (except essay); Professional Education Test
  Test date #2: Paper/Pencil test – GK essay (morning)
  Test date #3: Paper/Pencil test – Subject Area in English (morning)



• OPTION #2:
  Test date #1: Paper/Pencil test – GK (morning)
  Test date #2: Paper/Pencil test – Subject (morning); Professional (afternoon)

4. REGISTER: Visit this site for all testing information and registration materials. You can also pick up a registration booklet from Stone Building, Room 108.

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8. If you would like more information about the PROGRAM OF STUDY, visit the following links:
1. Program of study

9. If you would like more information about GRADUATION, visit the following links:

1. Visit A3900 University Center to apply for graduation
2. Deadlines for:
• Applying for graduation
• Ordering your cap and gown from the FSU Bookstore
• Picking up your cap and gown from the FSU Bookstore
• Commencement dates

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10. If you would like more information about GETTING YOUR TEACHING CERTIFICATE, visit the following links:

1. Application– Don’t wait too long before applying – It’s a long process!
2. Note: Often, counties will hire you before you have actually received your certificate, based on your guarantee that you have met certificate requirements and that you have started the application process. So, DON’T postpone a job interview if the opportunity arises before you actually have this document in hand!