Exceptions to the Established Passing Scores on Standardized Tests (Praxis I) or Grade Point Requirement for
Admission into Teacher Education Program and/or Student Teaching Clearance
Policy: Exceptions to the established passing scores on standardized tests (Praxis I) or minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for
Acceptance into Teacher Education may be granted to no more than 10% of the total number of students admitted to the
professional education programs for each admission period. Exceptions may not be granted to students who fail to achieve both
the passing scores on the standardized examinations (Praxis I) and the minimum grade point requirements.
Hearing Committee: The committee charged with determining if an exception should be granted includes:
- Program Director
- Associate Dean of Professional Education
- One other faculty member from either School Counseling, School Psychology and Special Education (SCOPE) or
Teaching, Learning and Leadership (TLL) department
Required Preconditions for Applying for an Exception to the Established Scores on the PRAXIS I:
- 2.75 cumulative GPA (or above)
- Attempted failed section of the PRAXIS I at least three times
- Documented evidence of appropriate preparation/remediation for PRAXIS I
- Successful completion of remaining two sections of the PRAXIS I
Factors to be considered by the Hearing Committee when reviewing a Request for Exception for the PRAXIS I or GPA:
- Evidence of student’s basic skills in reading, writing, or math, equivalent to passing score on the PRAXIS I;
evidence needs to be submitted only for the failed section of the PRAXIS I
- Required 2.75 cumulative GPA if applying for a PRAXIS I exception
- GPA in professional course work
- Quality of letter of appeal in terms of clarity, conciseness, format, grammar, and spelling
Procedure:
1. A student who is declared ineligible for admission into teacher education because passing scores on the PRAXIS I were not
attained or GPA does not meet minimum requirements must submit a typed letter of appeal to the Associate Dean of
Professional Education, which should include the following:
PRAXIS I
A. Evidence of basic skills equivalent to a passing score on the failed section of the PRAXIS I; include attachments
as needed. Examples of evidences include, but are not limited to, scores on an equivalent test or letters from
professors of courses in which the skill was demonstrated.
B. Evidence of appropriate preparation/remediation for PRAXIS I.
C. Rationale for pursuing a position in teacher education.
D. Rationale for failure to meet the minimum standardized PRAXIS I test score.
GPA
A. Rationale for exceptions to the grade point requirement, a plan of action to assure the attainment and maintenance
of an acceptable minimum grade point average.
B. Rationale for desiring to be a member of the profession.
C. Rationale for failure to meet minimum grade point average.
2. The letter of appeal and completed Appeals Form must be delivered to the School of Education Office of Assessment, Field
Experience and Licensing, 267 Heritage Hall.
3. The Hearing Committee meets at the end of each semester. The appeals form and letter are due in 267 Heritage Hall, 2 days
after Advisement Day for the respective fall or spring exceptions meeting.
4. The student may appear before the Hearing Committee to answer questions but may not present new data not included in the
written appeal. If he/she intends to appear before the committee, the student must notify the School of Education Office of
Assessment, Field Experience and Licensing at the time the documents are submitted. Students intending to appear before the
committee will be notified at least three days prior to the meeting.
5. The student may appeal the decision of the Hearing Committee through the University Positive Action procedure. This
procedure is published in the University Student Handbook. Please note that before the formal processes of positive action
begin, the issue should be discussed with the Department Chair of the student’s respective area.
School of Education Office of Assessment, Field Experiences and Licensing
267 Heritage Hall
Revised: July 24, 2015
Appeals Form for the PRAXIS I/Grade Point Requirement
Date:_________________________
Exception requested:
_____ GPA
_____ PRAXIS I
Name:_________________________________________ ID:_____________ Major: _____________________
Current Address:____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
School Phone Number: ____________________
Email: _________________________________
Term you wish to student teach:________________________
Anticipated graduation date:___________________________
Current GPA Status:
Current Cumulative Grade Point Average: _______________
Current PRAXIS I Status:
REQUIRED SCORE
CORE
PPST
156
175
Test date ________
Test date_______
Test date_______
Reading________
Reading________
Reading________
150
173
Math________
Math__________
Math__________
162
174
Writing________
Writing________
Writing________
Current PRAXIS II Status (If applicable):
Test date ________
Test Code/Name:
________________
School of Education Office of Assessment, Field Experiences and Licensing
267 Heritage Hall
Revised: July 24, 2015
Test date_______
______________
Test date_______
_______________