Alternative Education Certification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For the Masters Degree, Alternative Education Concentration (available face-to-face and on-line), click here.
General
Can you give me more information on the program?
The Alternative Education Certification program consists of two courses (ED POL 534 Students at Risk and ED POL 535 Educating At-Risk Students) that when completed, allow an already DPI licensed educator to apply for an add-on certification to teach in alternative education settings for typically at-risk students. A mini-portfolio is also required, but is an embedded aspect of the two courses.
We typically offer Ed Pol 534 face-to-face in the fall and Ed Pol 535 face-to-face in the spring. Every summer we offer the courses fully online. We also offer the courses online in the fall and spring when we anticipate enough need to fill a course. For an up-to-date listing of courses you can visit:
http://www4.uwm.edu/schedule/
If you would like to take the courses as part of an accredited master’s degree program you will need to apply to the graduate school. For more information on this please visit: http://www.graduateschool.uwm.edu/
If you just would like to take these courses to earn the certification and are not intending to use the courses for a graduate degree you may apply as an undergraduate university special student. Please read the attached “Application Instructions” and visit the following website for more information on the application process:
https://www4.uwm.edu/future_students/special_guest/special_student_information.cfm
If I took the ED POL 534 and 535 courses would I qualify for the 952 Alternative Ed license?
Yes, if you’re a DPI licensed teacher and complete Ed Pol 534 and 535 with a B- or better, along with the embedded mini-portfolio, you would be eligible for the add-on license in Alternative Education.
Is it possible to enroll in Ed Pol 535 without having completed Ed Pol 534?
The courses do not have to be taken in order. You may take Ed Pol 535 before or while you are taking Ed Pol 534.
Do most people take the two classes at the same time?
Every student is different. It really depends on your personal schedule and timeline for needing to complete the courses.
Will the course be offered again in the fall in the same format?
This fall semester (2009) we are planning to offer both Ed Pol 534 and 535 online. We are also offering Ed Pol 534 face-to-face as well. For the most up-to-date information about course offerings please visit: http://www4.uwm.edu/schedule/
Are these graduate or undergraduate classes?
These courses are considered to be undergraduate/graduate classes and may be taken at either status. For the most part students take these courses at the undergraduate level to save money on tuition as they just need the undergraduate level to get the certification. However, if you’re planning to take these courses as part of an accredited master’s degree you will need to take them at the graduate level.
Are there only the two classes needed for the certification? If so, when are they offered? Are both of these classes offered online?
Yes, these are the only two courses needed to gain the certification. You also need to complete a mini-portfolio which is embedded in the coursework. We typically offer Ed Pol 534 face-to-face in the fall and Ed Pol 535 face-to-face in the spring. Every summer we offer the courses fully online. If we anticipate a large number of students needing the online versions of these courses we sometimes offer them online during the semester. For an up-to-date listing of courses you can visit:
http://www4.uwm.edu/schedule/
When are the courses offered?
The courses for this certification are offered every fall, spring, and summer. During the summer the courses are offered online while in the spring and fall they are typically offered face-to-face.
What times are classes held?
To view the most up-to-date information on class times, places, and mediums please refer to the Schedule of Classes.
I am trying to find out where Ed Pol 534 is being taught. Do you know or know how I can find out?
You can check where classes are held in two ways. You can either check your PAWs account that you used to register for the course or you may check the Schedule of Classes at:
http://www4.uwm.edu/schedule/
When the courses are online can I start them early?
Even though these courses are sometimes offered online does not mean that they function like correspondence courses might. In fact, when the courses are oftered online they tend to resemble a seminar course in that students are expected to complete readings and participate in meaningful discussions with fellow classmates via UWM's online course platform, Desire2Learn (D2L).
What is the cost and are these 3 credit courses?
Yes, Ed Pol 534 and 535 are each 3 credit courses. Costs tend to change each year. Therefore, it is best to check UWM’s Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date information: http://www.bfs.uwm.edu/fees/
If I am taking the courses online are they considered on campus or off campus?
When these courses are offered online they are considered to be off campus courses.
These courses sound interesting. Do I have to have a teaching license to take them?
No, you may take these courses for elective credit. However, if you want to get the add-on 952 certification you need to possess a teaching license.
Applying and Enrolling
I am not enrolled in a UWM program at this time, but want to get my 952 license. How do I enroll?
You may enroll as a Special Student and take courses as an undergraduate or graduate for the certification. You may take these courses for undergraduate credit unless you are planning to use the credits towards a graduate degree. To apply you must view the application instructions and complete an online application. Note: You must apply before you can register for classes.
I mistakenly applied as a graduate student when I really wanted to be a special student. What do I do?
If you would like to become a special student after applying as a graduate student you will need to contact the Office of Adult and Returning Students at 414-229-5932.
I have a hold on my PAWs registration account because I have to fill out an application for the School of Education. What does this mean?
This means that your application has been processed as a regular student and not as a special student. Please contact the Office of Adult and Returning Students at 414-229-5932.
I got accepted into the program. Do you have an idea when I would be able to sign up for the courses?
In your admissions letter you should have received an ePanther ID and information telling you how to log into to our online course registration system, PAWs. After logging in you will see “Enrollment Dates” along the right side of the screen. If the enrollment date for the semester in which you would like to take the course has passed you may register for the courses.
If I apply as a special student am I required to pay the $15 application fee?
No, you should not have to pay an application fee when applying for this program.
Alternative Education Certification #952
Do I need to have a teaching license to obtain the Alternative Education Certification?
Yes, to get the add-on 952 DPI certfication you need to possess a teaching license.
If I took the ED POL 534 and 535 courses would I qualify for the 952 Alternative Ed license?
Yes, if you’re a DPI licensed teacher and complete Ed Pol 534 and 535, along with the embedded mini-portfolio incorporated in the coursework, you would be eligible for the add-on license in Alternative Education.
Could you tell me what grade levels the alternative education certification license covers?
The alternative education license is issued at the early adolescence-adolescence level (grades 5-12).
I don’t have a teaching license, but want to get one. Can I get my initial DPI license through your program?
Only those holding a teaching license are able to get the Alternative Education Certification. The Alternative Education Certification is just an add-on license that allows teachers to teach in alternative education settings.
If you are interested in an alternative method of getting a teaching license you can contact or Curriculum and Instruction department (414-229-4814 or cni@uwm.edu). Otherwise, if you are interested in taking these courses just to understand at-risk students better these courses are open to non-certification seeking students as well.
I am currently enrolled in a teacher education program. Can I get the add-on license concurrently by taking these two courses?
Yes, you can take the two courses along with your initial teacher certification courses and get both an initial and an add-on license at the same time.
Can I take the courses now and then enroll in a teacher education program and retroactively get the add-on license?
It would depend on how long ago you took the courses. If you took them less than five years ago, they will count. If you took the courses over five years ago, contact the program coordinator to see if the courses count towards the add-on certification or not. The courses are constantly updated with new information and research to ensure that the current issues with youth 'at-risk' are being addressed.
I've completed the courses and the mini-portfolio. What do I have to do to get my add-on 952 license?
To get the license you will need to complete a Change of Plan Form if you are not enrolled in a regular UWM program. Please note that if you applied and enrolled as a University Special Student you must complete this form. Individuals seeking the 952 add-on license must also complete the State of Wisconsin DPI license application form (Initial In-State Teaching or Pupil Sevices--PI-1602-IS) which can be found on their website or by visiting the Office of Academic Services (Enderis 209) or the Certification Office (Enderis 210). Once you complete the form you must take it to be notarized. This can be done at your financial institution or at the Certification Office. To view a sample application please click here. Finally, you must forward your Change of Plan Form, your notarized license application, and your $100 payment to:
UWM School of Education
Certification Office, Enderis 210
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413
For further information on this process please view our printable checklist of steps and the Guide to Licensure. If you have further questions about the process of getting your 952 add-on license please contact Linda Randolph at 414-229-4153.
If I don't live close enough to UWM to go there, get my application notarized, and drop the materials off what do I do?
You can complete your application, leaving the "Signature of the Certifying Officer" area blank, and sign it with a notary in your area who will then notarize the application. You may then send all your materials (application and change of student plan form), along with your payment to the Certification Office (see address above).
I just finished the courses and sent my materials in. Can I get proof of completion for my employer?
Once your materials are received in the Certification Office and deemed to be complete a verification letter will be sent to you.
Further Questions
I have further questions about the program. What do I do?
You may contact:
Dr. Raquel Farmer-Hinton Nicole Weber
Assistant Professor Graduate Assistant
517 Enderis Hall 561 Enderis Hall
rfarhin@uwm.edu nicolea5@uwm.edu
414-229-5752 414-229-2326
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