Checkpoint Application for Current Catalogs
2016-17 or later
New Catalog (2016-17 or later)
Checkpoint Submissions and Essay Assessment
The resources on this page will provide the appropriate documentation needed for each Checkpoint application. Instruction and assistance with applications will be provided. Candidates are required to submit all documentation in a timely manner and documentation must be received four weeks prior to the local Teacher Education Committee meeting for review. Your advisor can provide a timeline specific to your program.
In addition, successful completion of the Checkpoint Essay is required for Teacher Education Program Checkpoints I, II, and III. Rubrics will serve as the guide for essay completion. As the candidate moves through the program, an appointed committee member will evaluate the essay. Essay submissions will be reviewed within one week. The candidate may resubmit the essay to demonstrate satisfaction of the competency no more than three times. In order to continue in the program and be recommended for teacher certification, the candidate must demonstrate a minimum rating of Satisfactory on each element of the evaluation rubric for each essay. The second and third re-submissions will also be reviewed by another BVU faculty/staff member. If the essay does not receive a Satisfactory after the final re-submission, the candidate cannot pass the checkpoint and cannot continue in the Teacher Education program.
Checkpoint I: Progress through Educational Foundations and Acceptance to the Teacher Education Program
- Forms:
- Additional Requirements:
- Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of "C-"
- ALL: EDCO 240 or 241, EDCO 245 or 246, EDCO 255 or 256, EDCO 301
- ESSI Majors: ESSI 102, 103, 405
- Successful Completion of Background Check
- All education and content courses taken to this point passed with a "C-." This includes all course work for major, secondary certification content, and endorsement content.
- Successful Completion of Praxis I Exam (Reading 156, Writing 162, Math 130)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Minimum major GPA of 2.5. If applicable, minor GPA of 2.5.
- Minimum 3 credits successfully taken at BVU
- Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of "C-"
Checkpoint II: Completion of Educational Foundations and Continuing with Theory into Practice
- Forms:
- Additional Requirements:
- Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of "C-"
- ALL: EDCO 280, 390
- Elementary: EDCO 303, EDUC 317, EDUC 371, EDUC 393
- Secondary, Post Baccalaureate: EDCO 303, SEDU 310, SEDU 365
- ESSI Majors: ESSI 210, ESSI 220, ESSI 230, ESSI 303, EDUC 317, EDUC 371, EDUC 393, EXSC 321
- All education and content courses taken to this point passed with a "C-." This includes all course work for major, secondary certification content, and endorsement content.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Minimum major GPA of 2.5. If applicable, minor GPA of 2.5.
- If since Checkpoint I, the student has been on a growth plan related to the Teacher Education Program Professional Conduct Policy, the student must successfully have achieved the goals of the plan.
- Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of "C-"
Checkpoint III: Developing Professional Identity and Acceptance to Professional Seminar III - Student Teaching
- Forms:
- Additional Requirements:
- All education and content courses taken to this point passed with a "C-." This includes all course work for major, secondary certification content, and endorsement content.
- All major, and minor if applicable, requirements complete
- Successful Completion of Background Check
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Minimum major GPA of 2.5. If applicable, minor GPA of 2.5.
- If since Checkpoint II, the student has been on a growth plan related to the Teacher Education Program Professional Conduct Policy, the student must successfully have achieved the goals of the plan.
- Resume, references, and Letter of Introduction for cooperating school district submitted to BVU office
- Senior standing and in residence
Checkpoint IV: Licensure Requirements
- Forms:
- Teacher Education Program Checkpoint IV Application
- Graduation Application- available from SL campus/OSG Site
- Licensure Information- available from Student Professional Experiences Coordinator or Education Coordinators
- Iowa Board of Educational Examiners- Link to Iowa Application
- Iowa Board of Educational Examiners- Link to Iowa Background Check Information
- Additional Requirements:
- Successful completion of BVU degree requirements
- Successful completion of the teacher education program that BVU has on file with the Iowa Department of Education
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Minimum major GPA of 2.5. If applicable, minor GPA of 2.5.
- Minimum grade of a "C-" in each of the student teaching placements
- Fingerprinting/Background Check 10-12 weeks prior to completion of student teaching
- Successful completion of the Praxis II exam for pedagogy and content per state requirements
- Graduates are required to meet Buena Vista University's major requirements for their first endorsement area. Additional endorsement areas may be obtained by completing the Buena Vista University requirements or the Iowa minimum requirements for licensure. Individuals should consult with their advisor and the Licensure Officer about these options.
- Recommendation for Iowa licensure upon program completion will be subject to requirements in effect at the time of recommendation. Any changes to the Teacher Education Program that Buena Vista University has on file with the Iowa Department of Education or to the licensure requirements from the Board of Educational Examiners must be met. Failure to meet program completion requirements in a timely manner may, at minimum, require additional courses and /or field experiences.