Project Handbook
3D COALITION PROJECT Partner Institutions Des Moines Area Community College Drake University Des Moines Public Schools The 3D Coalition Project is made possible through the collaborative effort of the partner institutions and funded by generous donors who support the coalition s mission to recruit, train and hire a new generation of quality minority teachers for Des Moines Public School classrooms.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Program Overview............................ Page 4 Eligibility Requirements........................... Page 4 Application Process............................. Page 4 Institutional Procedures.......................... Page 5 Institution Specific Procedures... Page 6 Des Moines Area Community College Application Process. Page 6 Drake School of Education Program Requirements Undergraduate Students.................... Page 8 Graduate Students........................ Page 10 Program Requirements Page 11 3D Mentoring Guidelines and Checklist................ Page 12 Expectations for Mentors.................... Page 12 Contact Hours.................... Page 13 Expectations for Candidates Page 13 Example of 3D Mentor Contact Log.................... Page 14 Example of 3D Candidate Journal.. Page 15 Directory of 3D Staff and Offices.................... Page 16
Program Overview The Des Moines Public Schools, the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), and Drake University have created the 3D Coalition project as a vehicle for increasing the number of high quality teachers of color and Native teachers in schools that enroll large numbers of low income students who are from ethnic minority groups. The partnership is funded through philanthropic groups and individuals. The goals of the project include supporting the minority teacher candidate recruitment efforts of the three partner institution, funding forgivable loans and other supports as selected candidates complete their teacher preparation programs at DMACC and Drake, providing a high quality teacher preparation training, and creating a more diverse teaching force for classrooms in Des Moines Public Schools. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and agree to teach in Des Moines Public Schools upon receiving their Iowa teaching license one year for every year of receiving a 3D Coalition forgivable loan. The applicant must: Eligibility Requirements 1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent. 2. Be an ethnic or racial minority candidate with proof of citizenship or permanent residency. 3. Complete all phases of the application process. 4. Apply and be accepted at DMACC and the Drake University. Meet with a 3D representative to determine and build a plan for degree completion. 5. Commit to attending all 3D Coalition program activities. 6. Commit to working in the Des Moines Public School District for a required number of years. (See Scholarship Terms and Conditions) The applicant must: 3D Application Process 1. Complete the 3D application form, online or paper copy. This includes: A. In 250 words or less, explain why you want to be a teacher and how the 3D Program can help you attain your goals. B. Resume and/or reference letters from a supervisor, instructor, or community member. C. Submission of all high school transcripts and/or any college transcripts from all schools/colleges attended. D. Complete a background check and show verification. E. Submit a copy of residency card. 2. Have a program interview with 3D representatives to determine eligibility. - - 4 - -
3. Student will be notified of acceptance into program once review committee has met. 4. If selected, meet again with a 3D representative to: A. Go over program requirements. B. If you are a DMPS employee, you will need to meet with the 3D staff from the DMPS Human Resource Department to review scheduling and policies. C. Review and sign contract. D. Start DMACC application process, including FAFSA process. E. Once admitted to DMACC, register for first semester classes. ***Application Deadlines*** If you plan to attend classes in the fall, you will need to have your application turned in by May 1 st. If you plan to attend classes in the spring, you will need to have your application turned in by October 1 st. If you plan to attend classes in the summer, you will need to have your application turned in by February 1 st. Institutional Procedures After a candidate is admitted into the 3D Coalition program, the 3D Student Services Coordinator will refer the candidate to either DMACC or Drake University to complete his/her academic preparation for the Iowa Teacher License. In some instances, the Student Services Coordinator will refer a candidate to advisors at both institutions to determine the academic program that will serve the best interests of the candidate. Upon referral to the institution, the candidate must provide an official copy of ALL transcripts from higher education institutions previously attended. Official transcripts must be sent from all previous institutions directly to the 3D Coalition institution in a sealed envelope. Transcripts directly issued to students cannot be accepted for formal admission processes by the 3D Coalition institutions. Once the candidate is referred, he/she will complete institutional advisement, application, and admission/registration procedures with the institutional advisor. These procedures must be completed in a timely manner according to 3D Coalition and institutional guidelines in order for the candidate to begin his/her semester classes on schedule. If the process gets started too late, the candidate may have to wait until the next semester to start. Candidates must also complete advising and registration procedures as outlined by each 3D Coalition partner and meet deadlines in order to continue their academic program in a sequential manner. If a candidate is employed with the Des Moines Public Schools, they will be enrolled in classes on a part time basis. It is recommended that participants take two classes per semester (fall, spring and summer); although in special circumstances, students may carry a greater course load contingent on 3D staff review and approval. All undergraduate candidates must file for Federal Financial Aid through their academic institution. - - 5 - -
Institution Specific Procedures DMACC s 3D Application Process 1. Fill out the application for admission online at www.dmacc.edu (select Apply Now ). You will need to: A. Complete any required assessment of ACT or COMPASS, as well as the ALEKS math assessment. B. Complete program entry requirements or course prerequisites. C. Submit an official high school or GED transcript. D. Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. 2. If you have attended DMACC before, you will need to check your academic and financial aid satisfactory academic progress statuses to verify that you aren t on academic warning, academic conditional enrollment, academic disqualification and/or financial aid warning or suspension. If you are, you will need to meet with an academic advisor and/or financial aid advisor at the Urban Campus before proceeding. 3. If you have previously attended DMACC and have any holds that may affect your enrollment, you will need to have them resolved before enrollment can take place. 4. Once you have completed your required assessment requirements, make sure your scores are received by Admissions. 5. Six to twelve weeks before the semester starts, you will need to apply for financial aid (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use DMACC school code 004589. 6. Submit requested financial aid documents and online forms. You will receive notification from DMACC concerning required documents 10-14 days after your FAFSA is submitted. 7. Allow 6-12 weeks to receive your financial aid award notification. Accept or decline your award on the Web Information System, and complete any other loan requirements. 8. Scholarship Grant Process: A. Name of 3D participant will be sent to 3D Program Financial Aid Advisor for evaluation of students EFC. The Financial Aid Advisor will then send the names and EFC to the Financial Aid Specialist and the DMACC Foundations Executive Director who will distribute Forgivable Loan funds to 3D participant. B. Distribution of funds will be as follows: - - 6 - -
a. If the student qualifies for full Pell they receive a $500 3D Forgivable Loan. b. If the student does not qualify for Pell the 3D grant pays the full tuition cost for the student. c. If the student s EFC is 4700 or above they receive a $750 3D Forgivable Loan. If the students EFC is below 4700 they receive a $500 3D Forgivable Loan. d. Money is to be used for tuition and books. The Forgivable Loan is non-refundable. C. Notification of Forgivable Loan Award will occur within 5 to 10 business days. 9. Once you get an email invitation from DMACC, register online for New Student Orientation. 10. Following orientation, you can register for classes. This can be done in person, online or by phone. 11. Confirm your class schedule and billing due dates. 12. Purchase your textbooks. 13. Attend class. - - 7 - -
Drake School of Education Program Requirements Undergraduate Students Prospective 3D undergraduate students will work with their 3D Advisor and Admission representatives for Drake University on the following steps: Application for admission to Drake University 1. Complete the Drake University Undergraduate Application for admission; the $25 application fee is waived when applying electronically at http://www.drake.edu/admission/undergraduate/ 2. Arrange for all required documents* to be sent directly to this address: Office of Admission Drake University 2507 University Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505 *Depending upon your educational background, required documents may include an official GED or final high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, and/or official academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (undergraduate and/or graduate courses). Students with foreign educational records need to provide officially certified records with translations, if necessary, and may contact the Office of Admission for specific information. 3. Apply for financial aid. The FAFSA application is available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov please use 001860, Drake University s FAFSA Code to be considered for all federal (Pell grant), state and institutional aid, including student loans. Check with Drake s Office of Student Financial Planning for deadlines that involve federal and state financial aid. A good rule is to get this done early in the semester preceding the time you will need financial aid. NOTE: You must be fully admitted to your Drake degree program to be eligible for financial aid. Approval for enrolling in classes or registering for classes does not satisfy federal financial aid requirements. Initial Enrollment and Advising Registration in classes cannot take place until you receive a letter of admission from Drake University, and, for transfer students, your official evaluation of transfer credits. 1. Upon admission, you will receive details on how to proceed with registration. Transfer students will also receive information on how to access their Drake unofficial transcript and degree audit online. 2. At this point, you will meet with the academic advisor in the School of Education who will be assigned to help you set up a program of study. In addition to your major coursework, this - - 8 - -
program of study will include these three components of the Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduate students earning a bachelor s degree: First Year Seminar if you are entering Drake directly from high school or are transferring fewer than 30 hours of college credit. Area of Inquiry courses (general education courses that may be transferred in or taken at Drake). Be sure to check with your academic advisor to make sure courses taken in high school, at a community college or another four-year college will count toward your requirements. Senior Capstone successful completion of student teaching requirements You will meet with your academic advisor each semester to check progress prior to registration for the following semester. Pre-candidacy for Teacher Education Successfully complete the following for acceptance into Teacher Education (which is required in order to register for and take methods classes): 1. Take and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test scores of 156+ for Reading, 162+ for Writing, and 150+ for Mathematics. All information is available at ets.org. It may be taken at Prometric Test Center in Urbandale, Iowa, but scheduling is done at a central location. 2. Completion of the following four classes (or equivalent at DMACC) with a C or better: EDUC 103 (Foundations of Education) EDUC 105/106 (Human Development) EDUC 107 (Learning and Assessment) SPED 120 (Introduction to Special Education) 3. Earn a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or above 4. Recommendation forms from two Drake faculty members, one of which should be in the School of Education. Forms are available in the Dean's Office in the School of Education. 5. Complete the one-page application to Teacher Education (available in the Dean's Office in the School of Education) 6. Successful completion of a background check: You can create an account at this website: http://scholar.verifiedcredentials.com/drake by using the code: FGBJG-32442 7. Completion of INTASC standards at a "Beginning" level. - - 9 - -
Post-acceptance to Teacher education 1. Continue to hold a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, at least 10 semester hours of which must be taken at Drake. 2. Successfully complete your course of study, which includes your education program, endorsement(s) and electives. 3. Satisfactorily complete all field placement (practicum) hours. 4. The semester before you plan to student teach, complete the application for student teaching. 5. Take the two Praxis II tests that are required for licensure and score at or higher than the state cutoff score for both the pedagogy and the content area test. 6. Successfully complete student teaching (Drake Curriculum, Senior Capstone) 7. Complete and submit a graduation form. 8. Walk across the stage and flip that tassel! Graduate Students An applicant for the Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Teaching must meet all the following requirements before s/he may be considered for admittance to the Drake University School of Education s graduate programs: Successful completion of a bachelor s degree. A minimum of 2.50 cumulative undergraduate GPA, to be calculated by including all previous undergraduate coursework. If this minimum GPA is not met, an applicant may complete 6 credit hours as a non-admitted student and must maintain a 3.0 or better. Successful completion of the Praxis Core exams and Drake Writing Competency Exam, meeting the respective minimum score requirements within each content area: 156+ for Reading, 162+ for Writing, and 150+ for Mathematics. Submit all required application materials: o Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities o Current professional resume/curriculum vitae o Admittance Essay/Statement of Interest o Two professional letters of recommendations Special Note: Admissions procedures are guidelines only. Final determination of admission status will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Drake Admissions Department. International applicants may be required to complete additional test scores. Also, official transcripts must be submitted directly from the international institution. Transcript evaluations provided by a third party service will not be considered official. - - 10 - -
The applicants who are selected will: Program Requirements 1. Submit all required paperwork by specified deadlines. 2. Submit official transcripts to the assigned institution (either DMACC or Drake). Official transcripts must be generated from the previous institution and sent directly to the receiving institution. 3. Apply for federal financial aid. 4. Not have a default status regarding any federal financial aid that has been previously received. 5. Complete a background check and show verification. 6. Work with the program coordinators, and/or advisors to assist in scheduling and academic support. 7. Maintain communication with 3D Coordinators and staff. Please note the communication process outlined below: A. You are expected to respond to communication (email or phone) by 3D coordinators within 1 week. B. After 1 week, you will be sent a reminder email, copied to DMACC, Drake, and DMPS leadership. C. If we do not hear from you after this second email, you will be required to attend a meeting with the 3D coordinator and DMACC or Drake leadership. 8. Attend all 3D Coalition activities. Scheduled activities may be held during the evening/late afternoon hours as well as during some daytime hours. Please note the list of required meetings for participation in the 3D program each year, and notify 3D coordinators in advance if you cannot attend a meeting. A. 1 large group fall meeting B. 1 small group fall meeting (DMACC or Drake) C. 1 small group spring meeting (DMACC or Drake) D. Individual meetings as scheduled 9. Must demonstrate academic success by maintaining at least a 2.5 grade point average. Please note that participation in the 3D program requires a 2.5 GPA each semester. If you do not attain a 2.5 GPA in any given semester, you will not be eligible for 3D funding for the following semester. You will be reinstated for the 3D Forgivable Loan the semester after you - - 11 - -
achieve a 2.5 GPA. If a student does not meet the program requirements of attaining a 2.5 GPA for two semesters, they will no longer be eligible to participate in the 3D Program. Please do not hesitate to contact 3D coordinators if there are any special circumstances. 10. Demonstrate characteristics that are suitable for a future educator as expressed by a consistent positive and cooperative attitude with 3D Coalition staff, classmates, mentors, supervising teachers, parents and students as well as respectful and ethical behavior during all phases of the 3D Coalition program. 11. Be assigned a mentor during last year before program completion and attend regularly scheduled meetings. 12. Be able to pass the PRAXIS Core Test to qualify for an initial educator teaching license for Iowa. 13. If the student has two semesters of not meeting the contractual agreements, they will no longer be eligible to be a participant of the 3D Program. Note: Failure to meet these expectations may result in dismissal from the 3D Coalition program. 3D Mentoring Guidelines and Checklist Mentors from the Des Moines Public Schools are matched with 3D candidates during the year prior to program completion. Candidates and mentors are encouraged to establish a professional relationship that will support candidates as they complete their academic studies and student teaching experiences. A 3D Coordinator, DMPS Director of Teacher Development, and principals will match mentors with candidates and approve any reassignments. Expectations for Mentors Maintain regular contact with their assigned program participant during the semester through telephone contacts, face-to-face contacts, school activities, and potential 3D and school professional development sessions. Contact is expected to be a minimum of at least twice a month, with 21 documented hours (using the Mentor Log Sheet), of contact during each semester. Mentor contact logs must be signed by both the mentor and the 3D candidate and submitted to the Director of Teacher Development at the end of each semester. Provide support, advice, and counsel to 3D candidates. Attend 3D Mentor overview sessions with the Director of Teacher Development. - - 12 - -
Contact Hours A minimum of three face-to-face meetings are required each semester. In addition, the contact hours may include, but are not limited to, informal discussions, observations by the candidate of the mentor or another teacher designated by the mentor, participation by the candidate in the mentor s classroom activities, attendance at 3D events and sessions, support of the candidate s portfolio development aligned with the Iowa Standards for Teacher Quality, and attendance at school meetings, in-services, and events. Expectations for 3D Candidates Candidates must keep a journal of their mentoring reflections in which they will record progress toward at least one goal in each of the following areas: o Professional Development o School culture o Classroom instruction o Any other area determined by the candidate/mentor. Maintain a level of professionalism while working with your mentor. Complete a background check and show verification. Maintain communication with your mentor. Honor appointments set and if you cannot attend, give the mentor at least a 24 hour cancellation notice. Then reschedule the meeting for as soon as possible. Demonstrate characteristics that are suitable for a future educator as expressed by a consistent positive and cooperative attitude with 3D Coalition staff, classmates, mentors, supervising teachers, parents and students as well as respectful and ethical behavior during all phases of the 3D Coalition program. - - 13 - -
3D Mentor Log Sheets (Example) Name: Date: Amount of time spent: Follow-up from last meeting: Did you get done what you said you would? Why or Why not? Big Focus Areas: * * * Objective: What happened? Just the facts. (Who, what, when, & where?) Reflection: Summarize impressions. Compare the desired outcome with the actual results. Interpret: Links to possible next steps. (The if s and what s?) Direction: Conscious commitment to change and/or continuation. (The now what and next steps.) Comments: Mentor signature: Candidate signature: - - 14 - -
Candidate Journal (Example) Candidate Journal Entry for: Date: Thoughts from the last meeting: My next steps are: Questions I still have: - - 15 - -
3D STAFF AND OFFICES Administration Drake School of Education Des Moines Public Schools Des Moines Area Community College Jan McMahill, Dean Tom Ahart, Superintendent Robert Denson, President Coordinators DMACC 3D Coordinator Drake 3D Coordinator DMACC Education Program Chair Drake Associate Dean of Education DMPS Chief of Human Resources DMPS Equity Coordinator Jo Aukes jbaukes@dmacc.edu Jennifer Chung jennifer.chung@drake.edu Patsy Steffen pesteffen@dmacc.edu Catherine Gillespie Catherine.gillespie@drake.edu Anne Sullivan anne.sullivan@dmschools.org Isaiah Mcgee Isaiah.Mcgee@dmschools.org - - 16 - -