Why CUW for Alternative Education Licensure?

1. Classes are conveniently located in your area.
2. Students can add an additional license to their current license by taking just six credits.
3. Courses are offered in an accelerated format. 
4. Credits earned will fulfill the Professional Development Plan requirement.
5. Knowledge gained through Alternative Education courses is useful in all classrooms.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible for the program?

The Alternative Education License is an additional license for people who have or are eligible for a teacher's license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in their undergraduate work to be eligible for the program.

How many credits are required to complete the courses needed for licensing?

Alternative Education License #952 is an add-on license that requires two classes: EDG 632 Educating Students at Risk and EDG 633 Alternative Education.  Each of these courses is three graduate credits.  The two classes must be taken consecutively.  Only six credits are required to complete licensing requirements. 

What is alternative education?

Wisconsin defines alternative education as "an instructional program, approved by the school board, that utilizes successful alternative or adaptive school structures and teaching techniques and that is incorporated into existing, traditional classrooms or regularly scheduled curricular programs or that is offered in place of regularly scheduled curricular programs."

What types of students are considered at-risk?

At-risk students may exhibit these characteristics:

1. Poor attendance
2. Failing grades (D/F)
3. Family crisis
4. Referred to but did not qualify for special education services
5. Social/emotional/medical issues
6. Free/reduced lunch
7. Below-average performance on assessments
8. Discipline problems
9. Drug and alcohol issues
10. Criminal behavior
11. Poor peer relationships
12. Retained or considered for retention
13. Significant deficiencies in credits

Will teachers in a traditional classroom benefit by these classes?

Yes.  Traditional classrooms include many at-risk, vulnerable and disengaged students.  The alternative education courses will assist teachers in meeting the needs of students and developing skills to improve learning opportunities for all children.

Alternative Education Courses

EDG 632 Educating Students at Risk

3 graduate credits

• This course intends to help identify students in a K-12 setting who are, or have the potential to be, at risk academically, behaviorally or socially.
• The course intends to help develop attitudes, skills, and techniques that will enable you to be more effective teachers of the at-risk student.
• The course will look at social, personal, cultural, and community dynamics in relation to the education of students who are at risk.

EDG 633 Alternative Education

3 graduate credits

• This course studies the nature of the alternative education K-12 program in the public schools.  The various delivery systems and the role of the teacher in each system will be addressed. 
• Alternative education, as a part of a community process, will be discussed.
• Discussion will range from early intervention to "last chance" programs.

What are the admission requirements?

1. Completion of a Non Degree Seeking Application
2. Copy of teaching license from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

OR

1. Copy of transcript leading to bachelor's degree (does not need to be official)
2. The above materials should be mailed to: 
   Concordia University Wisconsin
   Graduate Admission Office
   12800 North Lake Shore Drive
   Mequon, WI  53097

Will the Alternative Education Classes Lead to a Master's Degree?

The six graduate credits that are earned for Alternative Education licensure may be applied toward a Master of Science in Education in Counseling or Curriculum & Instruction.   

Where do I go for more information? 

Aaron Dobberstein

Graduate Admission Counselor

800.330.9866 or 262.243.4576