Students planning to pursue an initial Certification in Spanish at Kean University should follow the steps outlined below.
Students planning to acquire a secondary certification in Spanish should consult the following page for Instructions:
Secondary Certification in Spanish
STEP 1: All students seeking initial certification through Kean University Education Programs must pass the Praxis Core Exams before being admitted officially into specific programs--see link to register for this series of tests. DO NOT DELAY THE TAKING AND PASSING OF THESE TESTS SINCE THIS CAN DELAY YOUR PROGRESS TOWARDS GRADUATION.
PRAXIS CORE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION
The Praxis Core test (Core Academic Skills for Educators Test) is used as an entrance exam for all elementary, middle and secondary education majors. The Praxis Core tests students' abilities in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. Passing this test is one of the requirements that must be met in order to be Declared into any program in the College of Education. Please have your scores sent to Kean University--you can do this during the registration process--our code is 2517. Also you must have your scores forwarded to the NJ Department of Education--their code is R7666. In addition, you must include your passing scores when making application (through Chalk and Wire) for Clinical Placement. Your social security number is required to fill out this form.
The College of Education provides resources and support to help you prepare for this test--please visit the Praxis Resource Center on the third floor of Hennings to obtain preparation materials and learn of other resources to help you pass these tests. KEAN RESOURCE CENTER WEBSITE
EXTRA TIME FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS:
If Spanish is your first language, you may qualify for extra time on the Praxis Core–instructions for acquiring this accommodation can be found at this website: https://www.ets.org/content/dam/ets-org/pdfs/praxis/praxis-information-bulletin.pdf (Instructions on pgs. 12-13, forms that need to be filled out on Pgs 34, 38 and 39)
STEP 2: Admission Requirements and Clinical I Application Process
Admission to Kean University does not mean acceptance into any K-12 teacher certification program. Students seeking admission to the major must complete the application and all of the required courses, tests, and requirements:
The application for Clinical Practice is for candidates who meet the minimum requirements for placement (including passing sophomore field, earned 90+ credits, and hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher). Candidates are advised to meet with their academic advisor for full eligibility and to ensure that they are declared in the correct major (and content area if applicable). All applications are processed through Chalk and Wire (link below). Students that are having trouble accessing the Chalk and Wire site can reset their password by clicking the "forgot your password" link on the main login page: https://kean.chalkandwire.com/Login.aspx.
Applicants seeking to begin clinical practice each semester must submit a copy of their PRAXIS I (CORE) score report and substitute credential or applicant approval employment history to coepo@kean.edu. Candidates who do not yet have a valid substitute credential, should begin working on their application through NJEDCERT including their background check/fingerprinting. All candidates should secure an appointment for Mantoux testing (test results within 6 months of placement start date) and a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card ready to present to a potential district. All documentations must be scanned to a PDF file (no screenshots/pictures please).
STEP 3: Take Spanish courses and Certification Track courses--see this page for program requirements--please take careful note of application process and be aware that deadlines apply to placement:
Spanish P-12 Cert Program Requirements
STEP 4: Take Praxis II Spanish-World Languages Exam--Test Code 5195--registration and preparation materials here:
Praxis II for Spanish Registration
STEP 5: Take ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) and receive a score of Advanced-Low to meet NJ DOE requirements--SEE OPI DESCRIPTION AND PREPARATION SHEET ATTACHED BELOW--Registration information through Language Testing International can be found at:
STEP 6: Make application for Clinical II Placement--EMSE 4811--please take careful note of application process and deadlines--Candidates moving into Clinical II do not need to re-apply; however, they must submit their PRAXIS Spanish assessment (PRAXIS II) scores to coepo@kean.edu as soon as possible. Limited CEAS continues to remain an option.