Contacts and Resources
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Resources

Academics

Academics: Individual Instruction Opportunities
Resources are available if you wish to strengthen your reading, writing, and lea Services, (273-6023), http://www.uni.edu/acaadvis/rlindex.html offers both short, informal courses and individual instruction to help in the development of efficient reading and learning skills. The Center for Academic Achievement, (273-2346), offers individual instruction to help in the improvement of writing and mathematics skills. See http://www.uni.edu/writingcenter/.

English Language Assistance

If you are joining UNI from another culture and have limited English proficiency, contact the Office of International Programs and investigate the Culture and Intensive English Program. Once you have been through this program, you may then consider receiving further academic assistance for speed-reading, mathematics, writing, or even preparation for the PPST.

PPST
The State of Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) requires that you pass a basic skills test to be admitted to the teacher education program. UNI has chosen the PPST as its assessment tool.

To pass:

  1. You must score at least 170 on each individual test, AND
  2. All three scores must total at least 522.

You will be required to retake deficient tests.

Test Locations and Dates:

  • UNI campus and other locations nationwide.
  • Test dates are available from the office of the Associate Director of Teacher Education (159A Schindler Education Center), the College of Education Advising Center (189 Schindler Education Center), and Academic Services, or go to http://www.ets.org/praxis.

Registration:

  • Paper/Pencil: go to the website http://www.ets.org/praxis.
  • Computerized: Call 273-6023, Academic Services, to register for the computer-based test on the UNI campus.

Hints to save time and money:

  • Prepare for the PPST, no matter how confident you are of your skills! Students are generally successful on the PPST if their ACT composite scores are 25 or above, but familiarity with each of the three tests can boost your confidence and success. For assistance:
    • Reading comprehension and test taking: Academic Services: 273-6023. Short courses are also available. (Link to http://fp.uni.edu/acaadvis/effective_study_strategies/courses_invite.htm )
    • Writing and mathematics: Center for Academic Achievement: 273-2346.
    • ETS PPST Guide and/or Essay Guide may be purchased when you register on-line (http://www.ets.org/praxis) or by mail for the PPST. These guides contain procedures for test preparation as well as sample tests.
    • Book stores have several books available for purchase. Some helpful books are:
      • The Cliff’s Notes: “PPST Preparation Guide”
      • “Kaplan Praxis 2005”
      • LearningPlus: a fully interactive computer-based instructional program for mathematics, reading comprehension and writing skills. For a fee of $25.00, you can review basic skills, improve your knowledge, and develop strategies prior to taking or retaking the PPST. Register for access to LearningPlus at Academic Services.
  • Take the PPST as early as possible.
    • Register to take the examinations prior to the semester that you declare your major and before you enroll in Level I of the professional education program.
    • You need not have the 2.50 cumulative GPA in order to take these tests.
    • You must fulfill this requirement in order to enroll in Level II coursework. This deadline applies to ALL students.
    • Failure to meet the deadline = no admission to Teacher Education.

UNI Education Career Services
http://www.uni.edu/acs/educators

  • Individual Placement Counseling
  • UNI CareerLink Registration System
  • Recruiting Fairs
  • Self-managed Credential File System for Education majors
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Contacts

Academics/PPST/English Language Assistance

Academic Services:
Reading Comprehension and Test Taking
319-273-6023

The Center for Academic Achievement:
Mathematics and Writing
319-273-2346

PPST Examination Services
Computerized Test Registration
LearningPlus Registration
319-273-6023

English Language Assistance Contacts:
Culture and Intensive English Program
Dr. Robert Pesek – Director
Baker Hall, Room 72
319-273-2182

Advising/Career Center
College of Education Advising Center (elementary majors)
Schindler Education Center, Room 189
319-273-2751

Academic Advising and Career Services
319-273-6857

Field Experience/Student Teaching Office:

Interim Director of Department of Teaching
Dr. Nadene Davidson
nadene.davidson@uni.edu
WRC 231
319-273-6171

Director of Office of Clinical Field Experience
Mrs. Dianna Briggs
Dinna.Briggs@uni.edu
SEC 509
319-273-6382

Placement Secretary:
Mrs. Nora Janssen
nora.janssen@uni.edu
SEC 509
319-273-2806

Licensure (UNI and State) Offices:
• UNI Registrar’s Office : 319-273-2245: http://www.uni.edu/regist/
• License applications: http://www.state.ia.us/boee/getapp.html
• Board of Educational Examiners : : http://www.state.ia.us/boee/index.html
• Iowa State Education Department: : http://www.state.ia.us/educate/

Teacher Education Administrative Office:

Interim Director of Teacher Education
Dr. Merrie Schroeder
Schindler Education Center, Room 159A
319-273-2265
merrie.schroeder@uni.edu

Records Analyst
Barb Hill
Schindler Education Center, room 159A
319-273-2265
barbara.hill@uni.edu