Candidate Handbook
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Academic Year 2012-13
Diné College
PO Box 407
Tsaile, AZ 86556
Phone: 928.724.6699
Facsimile: 928.724.6839
http://www.dinecollege.edu/cdte
Approved by CDTE faculty and staff, August, 2012;
DC Academic Standards Committee, TBA;
and DC Administration, TBA.
Table of Contents
Yá’át’ééh!................................................................................................................3
Get organized .................................................................................................. 3
Seek help if you need it ................................................................................... 3
T'11 h0 1j7t4ego .............................................................................................. 3
Overview .................................................................................................................3
Program history ............................................................................................... 3
Mission ............................................................................................................ 4
K'é.................................................................................................................... 4
Admission................................................................................................................5
Application process ......................................................................................... 5
Background checks.......................................................................................... 5
Transcripts ....................................................................................................... 6
Advising .......................................................................................................... 6
Initial enrollment ............................................................................................. 6
Financial aid .................................................................................................... 6
Candidate orientations ..................................................................................... 6
Program requirements ..........................................................................................7
Enrolling in upper-level courses...................................................................... 7
Tuition ............................................................................................................. 7
Grades.............................................................................................................. 7
Incompletes ..................................................................................................... 7
Withdrawal ...................................................................................................... 8
Termination ..................................................................................................... 8
Good academic standing ................................................................................. 8
Academic probation ........................................................................................ 8
Academic suspension ...................................................................................... 8
Dismissal ......................................................................................................... 9
Practicum teaching ................................................................................................9
Field experience and full-time student teaching .............................................. 9
Selecting practicum sites and mentors ............................................................ 9
Requesting an incomplete in apprenticeship or student teaching .................. 10
Insurance ....................................................................................................... 10
Guidelines for field experience ..................................................................... 10
Field experience assessment .......................................................................... 11
Policies and procedures .......................................................................................11
Attendance ..................................................................................................... 11
Conflict resolution ......................................................................................... 12
Candidate referral .......................................................................................... 12
Counseling ..................................................................................................... 12
Email and cell phone communications .......................................................... 13
Field trips....................................................................................................... 13
Graduation ..................................................................................................... 13
Mailboxes ...................................................................................................... 13
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Personal photocopying .................................................................................. 13
Plagiarism ...................................................................................................... 14
Student Code of Conduct .............................................................................. 14
Use of program equipment, fax, supplies, and telephone .............................. 14
Assessment of candidate learning .......................................................................14
Program assessment ...................................................................................... 14
AEPA examinations ...................................................................................... 14
AEPA test-prep opportunities........................................................................ 15
Professional portfolio .................................................................................... 15
Professional licensure ..........................................................................................15
Requirements ................................................................................................. 15
Signature page ......................................................................................................17
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Yá'át’ééh
Welcome to the Bachelor's degree program in Elementary Education at Diné College. This handbook includes policies and information about the program. Upon successful completion of the
program, you will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEE). Having passed
the state of Arizona's content knowledge and professional knowledge licensure examinations,
you will be eligible for provisional K-8 teacher licensure. You will also have met the requirements for a provisional endorsement in Structured English Immersion and possibly an endorsement in Navajo Bilingual Education depending upon your program of study. We look forward to
helping you become a K-8 teacher.
Get organized
Read this handbook. Keep it on hand along with all other information sheets and materials. Expect to keep a binder for each course. Use folders, binders, and other organizers to keep track of
your coursework, due dates for assignments, and scholarships. Keep copies of everything: all financial assistance, scholarships, and any forms that you complete to enroll in courses.
Seek help if you need it
If you fall behind academically, ask for help from your instructor, advisor, or the CDTE Chair. If
your personal life is affecting your academic life, get help. The two years that you are in the program will make a big difference in opportunities for the rest of your life.
T’áá hó ájít’éego
Act responsibly for yourself, and find the answers that you need!
Overview
Program history
Since 1968, Diné College (formerly Navajo Community College) has provided post-secondary
education tailored to the unique cultural, historical, and sociolinguistic situation of Navajo learners. In 1978, Diné College initiated an Associate of Arts degree program in Elementary Education. In the early 1990s, Diné College developed plans for offering a four-year teacher education
program.
In 1994, planning for a four-year program took place in earnest. An accreditation visit took place
in February 1995. Evaluators stated that the new four-year program was much needed, and that
the curriculum and logistics that had been developed held promise, yet because adequate funding
for faculty and library resources had not been identified, accreditation would not be granted at
that time. They recommended that Diné College identify funds, acquire library resources, address facility needs, and streamline academic offerings, then to develop another accreditation request.
Since 1995, Diné College has worked on these recommendations. In addition, we partnered with
Arizona State University for launching a program. The collaborative program began with a cohort of upper-level students in fall 1996, and new cohorts each subsequent fall. The Center for
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Diné Teacher Education was established in spring 2000 as the organizational home for all of the
Diné College's teacher education programs.
In spring 2002, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) assessed Diné College’s readiness to
change from a two-year to a four-year college. In addition to extending the accreditation of the
College’s two-year programs, the HLC team said, “The Diné Teacher Education Program provides a model of bilingual-bicultural teacher preparation services to the Navajo Nation that is
characterized by effective teaching and learning components and major improvements; therefore,
it is ready to take the next step in degree offerings.”
In October 2008, Diné College was approved by the HLC to begin offering its own Bachelor’s
degree in Elementary Education. Efforts during the spring 2009 resulted in the formation of the
first cohort, which began studies at the junior-level in August 2009.
Mission
S2'ah Naagh17 Bik'eh H0zh00n b1 sil1ago b1'0lta'7 adoolee[7gi boh0n4edz32go 0hoo'aah, iin1
b7na'niltin doolee[. Biniy4 1h1t'7n7g77 47 n1asdi b1'0lta'7 daazl98'go d77 yee nida'nitin
doolee[, na'nitin 7l7inii, nits1h1kees, d00 naanish. Niha'1[ch7n7 noos4[7 yee j47 dahod7ltsaago
Din4k'ehj7 d00 Bilag1anak'ehj7 nideinitin doolee[.
K'é
K'é represents a core value of the program. It operationalizes the program mission. Faculty and
staff strive to promote K'4 in everything that we do at the Center for Diné Teacher Education.
We also aim for you to incorporate K'4 in everything that you do at the CDTE and with children
in schools. K’4 includes the following.1
K'4zn7dzin: Being conscientious of positive relationships.
 !daa 1kohwiinidzin: Being self-aware.
 Ho[ 7l9: Being respectful.
 H1 1hwiin7t’9’7: Being generous and courteous.
 H1 h0zh=: Being pleasant with pride at work.
 Ah44h jin7zin: Being appreciative of self, others, and job opportunities.
K’4 Jin7: Expressing K’é to others.
 K’4 bee y1j7[ti’: Being courteous at school and at work.
 Saad y1’1daat’4h7g77 bee k’4 jin7: Using appropriate and respectful terms to relate to
co-workers.
 K’4 binahj8’ 1k1 an7j7lwo’: Practicing the role of taking care of others.
 A[hizhdiits’a’ d00 a[k’izh’diit88h: Listening to and understanding others.
K’4: Maintaining positive relationships.
 K’4 binahj8’ 1daa 1kohwiinidzin: Understanding and perceiving oneself in a group
through K’4.
 !di[ j7dl9: Being respectful of oneself and the integrity of one's position.
1
We are indebted to Johnson Dennison for help with this section.
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Din4 ho[ nil9: Being respectful of co-workers.
Din4 bi[ j7l9: Being respected by co-workers.
A[k’eh hoj7l’9: Cooperating with co-workers.
K’4: Strengthening relationships.
 A[haa jijooba’: Being part of a group through devotion and cherished relations.
 Nizh0n7go a[haa nits1h1kees: Showing kindness to oneself and others.
 Ah7[k1 an1’1lwo’: Helping others create reciprocal relations.
 A[hizhd0t2’: Maintaining trusting relationships that build teamwork at school and the
work place.
Admission
Application process
The program is offered on a full-time basis at Tsaile campus. Individuals may apply any time of
the year but are formally considered in spring. Admission criteria are as follows:
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Completion of an A.A. in Education or Elementary Education (based on the College's
2009-10 catalog or more recent catalog) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or
better.
Passing score on the AEPA Elementary Education Content Knowledge exam. (This requirement is being phased in; recent applicants were required to take the test only.)
Current Navajo Nation tribal background check.
Current Fingerprint Clearance Card from the state of Arizona.
Application packet with essay and unofficial transcripts.
Personal interview with an admissions committee.
Applications from individuals who hold an A.A. in Education or Elementary Education from another institution or from Diné College prior to fall 2009, or an A.A. in a different academic specialization, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. These individuals may need to take additional
lower-division coursework.
The application deadline for an upcoming fall cohort is June 1. This allows for an admission decision prior to the Navajo Nation Scholarship deadline.
Background checks
You need at least two cleared background checks to participate in practicum experiences in the
BA program and ultimately work with children in schools: one from the Navajo Nation, the other
from the state of Arizona. If you plan to work in BIE schools, you will also need to obtain a federal background clearance on a school-by-school basis.
A Navajo Nation tribal background check is obtained in person through the Navajo Police Academy, in Toyei, Arizona. The fee is $5 (payable by money order only).
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An application packet for clearance from the state of Arizona is obtained from the CDTE or a
local school district. The processing fee to the Arizona Department of Public Safety is $67 (payable by money order only).
Additional background clearance must be obtained 1) from New Mexico if you are planning to
be an apprentice, or student-teach, in that state, or again 2) from a BIE school if they so require.
Transcripts
Once accepted into the BAEE program, candidates must send official transcripts to the Registrar's Office at Diné College for every college/university attended.
Advising
Each candidate is assigned an advisor based on the individual's last name. These designations are
posted on our website as well as a bulletin board in the CDTE on the sixth floor of the Ned
Hatathli Center. The CDTE faculty advisor assists candidates over the course of the entire program. Regular office hours are posted on each faculty’s door; appointments can be made as well.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to take advantage of these posted times or to schedule an
appointment, as needed.
Be sure to talk over any question regarding academics, the BAEE program, or a career in education with your advisor. Finally, when it comes time for a letter of recommendation for employment, your faculty advisor is a good person to ask.
Initial enrollment
Initial enrollment in all courses is completed by the candidate through the Diné College Registrar’s Office.
Financial aid
Scholarships are offered competitively and on the basis of need by the Navajo Nation, the Federal government, and other resources. The first step is to complete the FAFSA application
(http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) and submit appropriate documents to the Navajo Nation Scholarship
Office. We encourage you to speak with your advisor, the College's Financial Aid Office, and
the Navajo Nation Scholarship Office each semester to determine additional scholarships. The
contact number for the Financial Aid Office at Tsaile campus is 928.724.6738.
Candidate orientations
At the beginning of each academic year, we have a mandatory orientation meeting for all of the
program's candidates, faculty, and staff. At this session, candidates review the Candidate Handbook, and expectations and requirements of the program in general and practicum teaching, specifically. Other mandatory orientations take place at the beginning each new semester.
Program requirements
The BAEE degree is conferred by Diné College. The upper-level courses are offered over four
semesters. You can obtain a current program check-sheet by contacting your CDTE faculty advi-
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sor. All requirements must be met before you are allowed to enroll in EDU 496 Student Teaching, EDU 498 School Law, and EDU 499 Diné Education Seminar.
Enrolling in upper-level courses
Enrollment in all courses is completed by the candidate through the Diné College Registrar’s Office.
Tuition
As of the beginning of the 2011-12 academic year, the College has two rates for tuition: one for
students pursuing lower-level certificates and degrees, another for candidates pursuing the bachelor's in elementary education. Once your status is that of a bachelor's degree student, regardless
of the course that you take at the College, you will be charged for tuition at the upper-level rate.
This policy was approved by the Board of Regents and went into effect in 2011-12.
Grades
Grades are posted at the end of each semester. In each course, a grade is assigned that reflects
progress towards attaining the course objectives: A=excellent; B=good; C=average; D=needs
significant improvement; F=not passing, unsatisfactory, not meeting minimal requirements; and
I=incomplete (see section below). Field experience courses and student teaching are also graded
on a letter grade (A-F) basis.
Grades of A, B, or C provide credit for the course taken. A grade of D or F does not earn credit.
In this event, the course must be retaken. In most cases, this means waiting one full year before
being able to take the course again, in which case there is a risk of losing scholarship and financial aid funding. In addition, retaking a course may mean getting off-track from your program of
study, which can delay your graduation date. Finally, receiving a grade of D or F affects overall
standing in the program and can result in academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from the
program.
Before entering full-time student teaching and enrolling in the Diné Education Seminar, students
must have successfully earned credit for all outstanding lower-division requirements as well as
all upper-level courses in semester’s I-III of the BA program.
Incompletes
A grade of “I”, for incomplete, may be given by a CDTE instructor to a candidate who has completed at least eighty percent of all course assignments at the "C" level or better, and due to extenuating circumstances, is unable to complete the course. A grade of “I” is not assigned as a
way to avoid a failing grade, not given to buy more time to complete coursework, and not asked
for as a means to get a higher grade.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to request a grade of “I” from the instructor, and to provide any necessary documentation of extenuating circumstances. The definition of extenuating
circumstances is left up to each instructor’s discretion. If necessary, the instructor may discuss
the situation with other CDTE faculty and the CDTE Chair to determine whether the case fits the
definition of extenuating circumstances. If this happens, the instructor will follow FERPA law
and not reveal the candidate’s name or other identifying information.
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If the grade of “I” is appropriate, the candidate will meet with the instructor to complete a “Request for Grade of Incomplete” form on which arrangements for completing the missing assignments are spelled out. Following College policy, you are given one semester to complete the
work; otherwise, the “I” automatically turns into an “F” or failing grade.
Because of the group design of the program and the fact that failing grades not only jeopardize
scholarship support (no matter the source) but also require a repetition of a course with a different group of candidates, an “I” places you at risk of not completing the BA degree with your
original class. Therefore, you should avoid incompletes, and if one is given, remedy it by completing the necessary assignment(s) as promptly as possible.
A candidate who earns multiple "I’s" in any one semester will be asked to withdraw from the
program until all Incomplete grades are successfully completed.
Withdrawal
Individuals whose circumstances so dictate may petition to withdraw or “stop out” from the program. To do so, a formal request must be made to, and approved by, the CDTE Chair. A candidate who is approved for withdrawing from a course or courses must repeat the course(s) in the
next class cycle. Otherwise, after one semester, the incomplete(s) automatically turn into failing
grades, thus jeopardizing re-admission to the program.
Termination
A candidate wishing to terminate permanently from the program must state so in writing to the
CDTE Chair. It is important to work with the Chair to complete the necessary paperwork so as
not to jeopardize future higher education possibilities.
Good academic standing
Candidates must maintain a program GPA of 3.0. If you fall below 3.0 in any one semester, you
will be placed on academic probation.
Academic probation
Under academic probation, candidates can continue in the program, but must complete all courses during the subsequent semester with A’s and B’s (no C’s, D’s, F’s or Incompletes) in order to
return to good academic standing. Candidates who fail to meet these stipulations will be suspended from the program for one semester.
Academic suspension
Any candidate who does not meet the minimum requirements while under academic probation,
or any candidate who receives a “D” or “F” in any course in any semester, is immediately placed
on program suspension for one semester (this includes courses in which an “I” was initially given). Under academic suspension, you are not permitted to register for any 300/400 level courses,
and must spend time away from the program reflecting on commitment to the teaching profession.
To be reinstated, candidates under academic suspension must submit a letter requesting reinstatement and a study plan to the CDTE Chair indicating specific reasons for being placed on
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suspension as well as specific solutions for improvement. The CDTE faculty must approve the
letter and plan by consensus in order to return to the program.
Dismissal
Program dismissal is a last option if all of the remedies above fail.
Practicum teaching
Field experience and full-time student teaching
The B.A. program consists of coursework on campus and field experiences in Navajo Nation
schools working with children, mentor teachers, and faculty supervisors. A practicum folder is
maintained by the CDTE for each candidate throughout the program. All observation notes and
assessments are retained in this folder. Candidates have access to this folder upon request.
The CDTE supervisors present both theoretical knowledge and practical skills and ask candidates
to apply what they are learning with students in field experience. In the first three semesters of
the program, field experience is called “apprenticeship.” As each semester progresses, the candidate's classroom responsibilities increase. Student teaching in the final semester represents the
culminating experience in the program. A handbook for each field experience is provided at the
beginning of each semester during field experience orientation.
Selecting practicum sites and mentors
The CDTE has established extensive, long-term relationships with schools, principals, and mentor teachers within a ninety-mile radius of Tsaile. Through trust and hard work, great effort has
been made to select mentor teachers who are competent, confident, collaborative, and caring.
Training for mentors is provided by CDTE faculty for the apprenticeship and full-time student
teaching experiences. All mentor teachers must be approved by the principal as well as the
CDTE program.
The CDTE faculty members coordinate the placement of candidates in apprenticeship and fulltime student teaching. You are not allowed to place yourself. You must select several choices
from a roster of approved schools and mentors, then meet with your CDTE faculty advisor to
determine a specific school, class level, and mentor. Be advised that we will take every effort to
place you in an excellent school with solid leadership and an excellent mentor; likewise, we will
steer clear of schools that are unstable or in restructuring. Deadlines for identifying practicum
sites are:
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Spring semester: first Friday of November.
Fall semester: first Friday of April.
In addition, candidates are not permitted to complete apprenticeship or full-time student teaching
during summer or over College vacations. Any days or hours missed must be made up during the
regular semester with prior approval of the supervisor and mentor. Unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for apprenticeship, and thus jeopardize good academic standing in the program.
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Requesting an incomplete in apprenticeship or student teaching
Due to extenuating circumstances, candidates may request an incomplete for apprenticeship I-III
or full-time student teaching. They must do so in writing to the CDTE Chair. That request is considered and approved by the CDTE faculty.
For an incomplete in apprenticeship I-III, you will need to make up all missed time and teaching
assignments prior to moving ahead with your academic program.
For an incomplete in student teaching, you will need to make up the entire fifteen-week experience. In that event, to make up the incomplete, candidates must describe in writing to the CDTE
Chair factors that prevented successful completion of student teaching and steps taken to insure
future success.
Insurance
Because school districts have begun to require candidates to have liability insurance in order to
complete practicum teaching assignments in their schools, we must now require our candidates
to have insurance. Similar to fingerprint clearance cards, you must show that you have required
levels of liability insurance prior to participating in apprenticeship I-III and student teaching. Insurance is available for a modest sum annually through the Arizona Education Association
(http://www.arizonaea.org).
Guidelines for field experience
Always
 Attendance at all apprenticeship functions is required. When absence or tardiness is unavoidable, contact your faculty supervisor and your mentor teacher by phone, a day in advance if possible. All absences must be made up.
 Be neat, clean, well groomed, and appropriately dressed. Lasting judgments are made
about you as a future teacher and representative of the CDTE.
 Confidentiality: Do not share private information that you have about students or school
politics.
 Demonstrate your commitments to K'é. Be prepared, self-aware, courteous, respectful,
self-initiating, dependable, reliable, honest, and professional.
Never…
 Never medicate or physically tend to a student yourself; instead, send or take him/her to
the school nurse.
 Never drive a student in your personal vehicle.
 Never strike a student.
 Never touch a student in a manner that could be misinterpreted as sexual abuse.
 Never take alcohol or controlled substances on school premises.
 Never report to school while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Consistent professional behavior and instructional performance in field experiences are significant factors in determining whether you are suitable for the teaching profession. Physical or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. Likewise, unprofessional behavior toward the Mentor Teacher,
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students, other school staff, school administration, or parents is grounds for dismissal from the
program.
More information concerning the policies and requirements guiding field experience is provided
in the BAEE field experience handbooks.
Field experience assessment
Developmentally appropriate assessments are completed by mentor teachers and faculty supervisors in each semester of a candidate’s program of study. Candidates are also asked to self-assess
their own learning and development. The scale measures personal and professional attributes that
are central to the development of competence and confidence in teaching and follow program
goals.
Policies and procedures
Attendance
As teacher candidates, attendance for every class period is important and expected. This includes
apprenticeship and full-time student teaching in the schools. An absence from class or practicum
teaching is granted only in the case of:
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A verifiable illness (a doctor’s statement may be requested).
Being a patient in a Navajo or other traditional/religious ceremony (again, a medicineperson’s or equivalent’s signed, notarized statement may be requested).
A death in the immediate family.
All instructors must be contacted individually beforehand to request an absence. Instructors can
be contacted in person, by phone, or by email. Do not leave a message with another faculty or
staff person.
Absences (excused or unexcused) will result in having to retake a course, or an entire semester’s
worth of courses, and can jeopardize your academic standing in the program. If you anticipate
major health concerns, please consider delaying your program of study, or plan accordingly by
scheduling appointments during student breaks (winter, spring, and summer).
Instructors' individual policies for figuring attendance into their grading criteria are clearly
spelled out in course syllabi.
Conflict resolution
CDTE conflict resolution is designed to help candidates, faculty, and staff members resolve academic and non-academic problems between individuals. These can be between candidates, or a
candidate and a CDTE employee. Resolution consists of four steps. It begins with that step that is
most appropriate for resolving the problem. Above all, it is designed to help you successfully
complete the program. Conflict resolution between persons is initiated orally or in writing by a
candidate, faculty, or staff member in consultation with the CDTE Chair.
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Step 1: The individuals involved meet to remedy the problem. At this stage, the problem
is specific to one incident. The session takes place orally only.
Step 2: The individuals involved meet to remedy the problem. At this step, the problem
is specific to one incident or a series of incidents, and serious enough to warrant written
documentation (using "My Side of the Story") of the problem and the remedy.
Step 3: The concerned persons are involved in a series of problems or the same problem
with two or more candidates or staff members. Following review of the situation, those
concerned meet formally with the CDTE Chair. A remedy, or remedies, is then negotiated orally with concerned persons. Written documentation of the problem and remedy(ies)
is retained by the CDTE Chair.
Step 4: The concerned person(s) is involved in a major series of problems or one particular major problem, or the person(s) is involved with a problem for which Step 3 has already taken place. A review panel is convened by the CDTE Chair. Following review of
the situation, the concerned person(s) meet formally with the CDTE Chair and members
of the review panel. A written contract is then developed toward remedying the problem.
The contract is kept on file and reviewed according to the particulars spelled out in the
contract.
Candidate referral
If an issue develops pertaining to an individual candidate's successful participation in the program, which in the estimation of a CDTE faculty or staff member requires the attention of the
faculty as a whole, that candidate may be referred by the CDTE employee to the CDTE Chair.
After timely review, the Chair may intervene solely, or convene a review panel of faculty and
staff to look into the issue further. The individual candidate will meet with the CDTE Chair
and/or the review panel. A written contract, as appropriate, is then developed toward remedying
the issue. The contract is kept on file and reviewed according to the particulars spelled out in the
contract.
Some incidents are serious enough to warrant immediate administrative intervention, including
suspension or dismissal from the program. In these cases, the individual meets with the CDTE
Chair and representatives of the College administration.
Counseling
In coordination with Diné College’s Student Services, local Indian Health Service programs, and
other public health agencies and resources in the area, CDTE faculty and staff may refer you, as
needed, to counseling services for any difficulty that jeopardizes your effective participation in
the program.
Email and cell phone communications
Each candidate is expected to use an email account provided by Diné College's Information
Technology Department. Important CDTE messages and notices will be sent to this email address. All faculty members will provide you their own email addresses by which you may contact them. We expect you to access this account regularly and communicate with all CDTE
stakeholders – faculty, mentor teachers, and other key personnel at the College and at practicum
sites – on a timely and professional basis.
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The same principle applies to cell phone communications. Messages will be conveyed to you
from CDTE faculty and staff and especially from mentor teachers or other school personnel at
your practicum sites. In all cases, you must respond on a timely and professional basis.
Equipment checked out to candidates
Any equipment (including any and all peripherals) checked out to candidates for student learning
purposes must be returned in good condition as stipulated by the course instructor. In the event
of lost, stolen, or unreturned equipment, candidates will be billed on their College accounts for
replacement costs, as needed.
Field trips
Learning experiences are sometimes scheduled for individual courses away from the Tsaile
Campus for which attendance may be required. In all cases, candidates will be informed in advance about the purpose of the activity, trip logistics (including itinerary and schedule of events),
financial responsibilities of the program and of the candidates, and risks.
Candidates will also be required to sign a statement explaining health, safety, and conduct responsibilities. The latter requires that candidates travel as members of the group (rather than
meet the group at a field trip destination using personal transportation); that candidates comply
with Diné College rules, standards, and instructions for student behavior including rules spelled
out in the Student Code of Conduct about the use of alcohol or illegal drugs; and that, should a
candidate violate those standards of conduct, she or he may be sent home at the expense of the
candidate.
Graduation
Candidates are expected to participate in Diné College's graduation ceremonies. Information is
made available on-line for details of graduation including the purchasing caps and gowns, invitations, and steps to take to receive a printed diploma.
Mailboxes
A mailbox has been set up for your convenience to allow instructors and staff members to leave
materials for you. It is on the 6th floor of NHC in the inner circle. In addition, all CDTE employees have mailboxes attached to their office doors for you to leave materials for them.
Personal photocopying
You are responsible for all personal photocopying, including forms or course materials not otherwise provided to you by CDTE faculty and staff. Photocopying services are available in the
library. For the production of a large number of pages, DocuTech is available on the 2nd floor of
NHC.
Plagiarism
When you use material and ideas from another source, you must acknowledge that source, using
appropriate (American Psychology Association or Modern Language Association) citation strategies. Not doing so represents plagiarism: using without attribution someone else's words or ideas.
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Plagiarism can take three forms: copying someone else's words directly, using someone else's
words or ideas with slight changes, or copying someone else's general plan or organization of
ideas. These cautions apply to information in written texts or on the World Wide Web. See the
current College catalog for more information regarding Academic Integrity and Plagiarism.
Penalties for plagiarism are severe. They include failure for the assignment or for the course, at
the discretion of the instructor. In either event, the Academic Dean will be informed for the reason for the failing grade. For a full explanation of the College's policies regarding plagiarism,
consult the College Catalog, on Academic Integrity.
Student Code of Conduct
Diné College’s Student Code of Conduct applies to all other aspects of participation in the program not specifically described in this handbook, including academic and non-academic matters,
including plagiarism and dormitory living.
Use of cell phones and computers in class
Cell phone calls, texting, and web surfing in class, not associated with instructional activities, are
strictly prohibited. All extra-curricular electronic devices must be turned off in class.
Use of program equipment, fax, supplies, and telephone
All CDTE equipment and supplies, from computers and laminating equipment, fax and telephone, to paper and pencils, and textbooks and children's literature, are for program and not personal use. The materials are to be used only for coursework assignments and/or preparation for
field experience activities. Books must be checked out and returned. Phones and fax may be used
for program use only.
Assessment of candidate learning
Program assessment
To identify opportunities for ongoing program improvement, CDTE faculty and staff gather candidate learning data from a variety of sources: the AEPA Elementary Education and Professional
Knowledge examinations; course-embedded papers, projects, and performances; observations of
apprenticeship and full-time teaching, from supervisors', mentors', and candidates' own perspectives; surveys; and the candidates' professional portfolios. Faculty and staff meet at semi-annual
retreats to analyze these data, and design and implement program improvements.
AEPA examinations
The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments in Elementary Education and Professional
Knowledge are required for teacher certification in Arizona schools. The preparation for the Elementary Education test is done primarily in lower-level, general education coursework. The
preparation for the Professional Knowledge test is done throughout the B.A. program, and emphasized in particular during Senior Seminar. You must attain passing scores on both tests to obtain a provisional teaching license.
For these reasons, you are required to take the Elementary Education examination as an admissions requirement soon after you have completed general education courses. You will be re14
quired to take the Professional Knowledge examination early in the last semester of the program,
when you are optimally prepared for that test.
AEPA test-prep opportunities
In recent years, the CDTE has supported BAEE candidates by offering AEPA test-prep workshops and paying for one test-application fee for both the Content Knowledge and the Professional Knowledge tests. In fall 2012, new test-prep resources will be available, and new policies
will go into effect.
AEPA test-prep mini-courses will take place on selected Fridays in fall and spring semester in
2012-13. Each will have six sessions. The fall semester mini-course will focus on the Professional Knowledge test. The spring semester mini-course will focus on the Content Knowledge test.
Writing prompts that exemplify writing assessments on the AEPA tests have been included in
apprenticeship I-III packets. One question will be posed each semester. Candidates will work
with their assigned supervisors to draft and finalize responses to the questions. The answers will
be assessed according to the Six Traits writing rubric and AEPA evaluation criteria.
In addition, the CDTE has purchased licenses to online test-prep resources, which will be made
available to all BAEE candidates and AA candidates who declare their intention to apply to the
BAEE program. The CDTE will continue to pay for candidates’ test-prep fees one time only for
each AEPA examination only after candidates have scored 78% or higher on the appropriate
online practice test.
Information about all aspects of the AEPA exams is available at: http://www.aepa.nescinc.com.
Professional portfolio
All candidates are required to produce a Professional Portfolio in the last semester of the program, as a part of Senior Seminar, and to present it to fellow candidates, their relatives, the College's faculty and staff, and the general College community. The Professional Portfolio is designed to represent your professional and personal growth over the course of the program, and to
be used as a marketing tool for getting a desired teaching position.
Professional licensure
Requirements
The College is building the capacity to offer candidates an Institutional Recommendation (IR)
to the Arizona Department of Education upon successful completion of all program requirements. Until state approval of the program is attained, program graduates must submit applications for Arizona teacher licensure directly to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Requirements include:
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Copy of fingerprint clearance card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Application for certification with correct fees made payable to the ADE.
Copy of passing AEPA test scores.
Official transcript from the College.
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You may submit these materials by mail to, or in person at:
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 6490
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490
Physical address:
1535 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Walk-in service
Monday through Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
(602) 542-4367
For detailed information, go to: http://www.ade.az.gov/certification/generalinfo.pdf.
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Again, congratulations on your acceptance
into the BA in Elementary Education Program.
We look forward to working with you to advance your knowledge, skills, and dispositions so that you may achieve your own goals for Navajo youth.
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Signature page
Candidate Handbook
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Academic Year 2012-13
I have read the Candidate Handbook, had opportunities to ask questions about it, and pledge, by
my signature below, to abide by the policies and procedures described in it.
Your name (print)
Date (print)
Signature
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