Redirection from the Program

Exit Policy for Initial Certification Programs

The state requires all educator preparation programs (EPPs) to have a published exit policy for dismissal of candidates. The dismissal policy is reviewed and signed by candidates upon admission to the EPP. This requirement is found in 19 TAC §228.31(b).

Every attempt will be made to effect such redirection as early as possible so that the teacher candidate may experience a minimum of inconvenience in the total program.

Dismissal from the Educator Preparation Program

Initial and professional certification candidates may be removed from the Dallas Baptist University Educator Preparation Program (EPP) when candidates demonstrate behavior inconsistent with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions expected of teachers and school leaders in Texas. Dismissal from the program may be based on grounds including but not limited to:

1. Candidate fails to meet coursework requirements.
2. Candidate fails to abide by policies and/or procedures established by DBU, the DBU EPP, and/or program requirements established by the State Board for Educator Certification as published in the Texas Administrative Code.
3. Candidate fails to pass the TExES PPR or Content Exams required for certification.
4. Candidate fails to make continual progress/meet benchmark requirements for field experience/clinical teaching/internship/practicum.
5. Candidate commits any action deemed a violation of the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
6. Candidate fails to establish and maintain a satisfactory performance level in field experience/clinical teaching/internship/practicum.
7. Campus/District refuses to accept/retain the candidate for field experience/clinical teaching/internship/practicum.

A Concern/Deficiency Plan will be developed between the candidate and program director to correct any deficiencies. Failure to correct the deficiencies in the time allotted may result in removal from the EPP. (See Clinical/Intern Teacher Handbooks for more information.)

Candidates who are dismissed from DBU will be automatically dismissed from the EPP.

If the candidate is dismissed from the EPP and does not agree with the decision, he/she may appeal in writing to the Dean of the College of Education within 5 business days.

Candidates who choose to withdraw from the DBU EPP prior to graduation or certification will be required to complete a written statement via the academic advisor or program director. The document outlines reasons for withdrawal and understanding of graduation without Texas certification, as approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Paid fees will not be refunded if a candidate is withdrawn or dismissed from the program.

Students previously enrolled and in good academic standing in an undergraduate/graduate degree program who wish to re-enter DBU after an absence of more than 24 months will be required to submit the full Undergraduate/Graduate Application for Admission and official transcripts from each college or university attended since the last enrollment at DBU. Students will similarly reapply to the EPP and meet current requirements for admission.

In the event a student becomes ineligible to continue in the EPP, the student will be redirected through consultation with the Dean, Associate Dean, or Program Director in the College of Education.