Information in the Time of COVID-19
Updated January 14, 2020 at 8:45am.
This webpage provides guidance and information given the unique situation of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is compiled based on information and emerging policies from the university, Education Department, The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), and questions submitted by students.
We will update the content as new information becomes available and we further adapt our procedures.
Open Forums for updates and questions are offered as follows during Fall Semester. Email educ@plu.edu if you need the link.
- Graduate Programs (MAE and ARC): 2nd Monday of each month from 11am-12pm. (9/14, 10/12, 11/9, 12/14)
- Undergraduate Programs: 2nd Monday of each month from 2-3 p.m. (9/14, 10/12, 11/9, 12/14)
Information
We have reviewed all courses as a department and identified specific courses within each program that we currently plan to have meet in a blended/hybrid model (some distance, some face to face). The interactive schedule reflects current plans.
Per university requirements, at a minimum all classes will meet virtually the first week of the semester (9/8-9/12) and after Thanksgiving until the end of the semester. Face to face class meetings will depend on public health and university guidelines as the semester unfolds. You may request accommodations for complete distance/virtual learning at any point in the semester by emailing the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at OAA@plu.edu.
Fall 2020 Field Experience Information
Juniors: We will provide you with an applied practicum experience. EDUC 330 will meet on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. Dr. Weiss intends to offer this applied practicum experience in hybrid format and will communicate specific meeting dates prior to the start of the semester. As with all courses, you may opt for completely virtual instruction by emailing OAA@plu.edu.
Seniors:
Your fall field experience will reflect the situation of the district in which you are placed. Please connect with your cooperating/mentor teacher. If you have additional questions, please contact Megan Anderson.
Graduate students:
Your fall field experience will reflect the situation of the district in which you are placed. Please connect with your cooperating/mentor teacher. If you have additional questions, please contact Megan Anderson.
Spring 2020 Candidates
Your Emergency Certificate is valid for one year. You can submit your edTPA at any point during the 2020-2021 academic year. There are options for completing the edTPA during distance/virtual teaching. A key requirement is that at least a portion of your instruction must be synchronous. Please visit Requirements and Considerations fro Candidates from edtpa.com for more information.
Beginning August 20, Washington state has removed the student voice requirement from the edTPA and will be using the national handbook. These handbooks and requirements are identical to the Washington handbook with the exception of student voice. We will send you the national handbook no later than August 31.
There will be a series of webinars to support you throughout the fall. Dates will be available soon.
Candidates student teaching in Fall 2020
Your student teaching experience will reflect the situation of the district in which you are placed. Please connect with your cooperating/mentor teacher. If you have additional questions, please contact Megan Anderson.
Candidates student teaching in Spring 2021
You will receive your edTPA handbooks with introductory information by September 18. A series of edTPA support videos will be sent to you throughout the fall. Mark your calendars for the edTPA Jumpstart on November 11 from 9-12 on zoom.
You will submit the edTPA in Spring (typically April) 2021. Any adjustments to timelines or information about edTPA in virtual learning environments will be addressed as needed.
PLU will recommend you for a Residency Teaching Certificate no earlier than timelines in place for regular operations. In order to recommend you for certification, we must verify that you have demonstrated all standards and competencies, completed all coursework and program requirements, and passed the edTPA.
Spring 2020 Candidates holding Emergency Certificates will be recommended for Residency Certificates upon passing edTPA scores and verification of completion of any other outstanding requirements such as endorsement testing.
Undergraduate Students
We have updated the following timelines due to impacts from COVID 19
- WEST-B Deadline: Six weeks after all testing centers are fully open
- E-certification profile, Pre-Residency Clearance, and Liability Waiver Submitted: September 11
- Fingerprint Deadline: October 30
- We will accept P grades for pre-requisite courses taken at PLU from Spring semester 2020 and only Spring semester 2020.
Graduate Students (Master’s and Alternative Routes)
The 2020-2021 program will begin in Summer. Current plans for Orientation and the first day of class remain in place. We are monitoring the unfolding situation. We are developing contingency plans to adjust the schedule if needed and will notify you of any adjustments to the summer schedule or the following deadlines.
- Field Placement Application (sent in email and available in Sakai): May 4
- E-certification profile, Pre-Residency Clearance, and Liability Waiver Submitted: June 1
- WEST-B Deadline: Six weeks after all testing centers are fully open
- NES/WEST-E Deadline: Six weeks after all testing centers are fully open
- Fingerprint deadline: August 1
- We will accept P grades for endorsement courses taken at PLU from Spring semester 2020 and only Spring semester 2020.
Endorsement Exams
Online proctoring is now available (with most WEST and NES tests being offered on a rolling basis). Given this new opportunity, your testing deadline will be 6 weeks from the date registration becomes available for your specific test.
NES Elementary Education (Subtests I & II) the testing deadline to is January 19, 2021.
WEST-E Special Education the testing deadline is February 15, 2021.
NES Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction the testing deadline is March 2, 2021.
WEST-E English Language Learners testing deadline is April 13, 2021.
Please direct questions about the endorsement exams to Dr. Jan Weiss, Associate Dean of Education.
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