Siena Heights University
3 . To provide professional development opportunities for P-16 educators . Goal : Educators will satisfy state , national-mandated and locally-preferred professional development requirements while building and strengthening a repertoire of current “ best ” practices .
Definitions To maintain the integrity and reputation for quality of the Graduate Education Program at Siena Heights University , policies and practices reflect rigorous standards , particularly relating to the kinds of offerings acceptable for graduate-level credit . The Graduate Education Program adheres to the guidelines and standards established and evaluated by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , the Michigan Department of Education , and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( CAEP / TEAC ). The Graduate Education Program uses specific definitions for some common terms in the education field to illustrate its commitment to high quality education .
In-service In-service education and training is considered to be a short-term , one-time-only instruction pertinent to expectations of the school or school district . In-service opportunities usually have little , if any , follow up . They serve to disseminate information necessary for the operations of the school or district , or to satisfy requirements placed upon the school or district by the Michigan Department of Education and other accrediting bodies . Inservice education and training are not provided for graduate-level credit through Siena Heights University .
Professional Development Professional development is designed as continuous study and practice of a particular area related to the profession of teaching or the field of education . Generally , the individual educator is considered the best source for the development , implementation , and evaluation of a professional development plan that satisfies individual needs and interests . Professional development activities may or may not be related or dependent on each other . Learning from professional development activities is expected to be implemented in the classroom or educational setting in the short-term . In addition , CAEP / TEAC defines professional development as “ opportunities for educators in Educator Preparation Institutes ( EPI ’ s ) to develop new knowledge and skills through activities such as in-service education , conference attendance , sabbatical leave , summer leave , intra- and inter-institutional visitations , fellowships , and work in P-12 schools .”
Graduate-level Education According to the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association , " a graduate program characteristically consists of a coherent and intensive course of study designed by the institution to prepare students in a specialized area . . . graduate credit is granted only for demonstrated learning at a level substantially beyond the baccalaureate level ."
At Siena Heights University , graduate-level education is focused in content and purpose . Graduate-level education is expected to be intellectually engaging and challenging . Scholarship , research , and practice are components of graduate-level education . Siena strives for a high degree of student-faculty interaction through intellectual discussion .
Graduate-level education at Siena Heights University is considered a program of related courses which delve into the area of specialization selected by the student .
Graduate Education Program At Siena Heights University , individuals who apply for admission to the Graduate Education Program can apply for a certification or a degree only pathway . Individuals seeking certification must be certified teachers , seeking an additional endorsement . If an individual is seeking a degree-only path , this is obtained without certification .
Admission Prospective students must apply for admission to Siena Heights University as a graduate student and consult with the Director of the Graduate Education Program . All applicants seeking to earn an additional teaching endorsement must hold a Michigan teacher certificate , a copy of which must be submitted with the student ' s application for admission . All Siena admission and residency requirements must be fulfilled for the university to serve as the authorizing institution for endorsements .
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 2016-2018 327