THIS EMAIL WAS SENT TO ALL IDENTIFIED SCHOOL COUNSELING STUDENTS ON SEPT 27, 2012 AT 5:11PM BY NANCY HASHIMOTO IN THE COE ACADEMIC ADVISING OFFICE
Dear School Counseling students,
Please read the following information carefully!
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requires individuals to pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) test in order to obtain an Illinois educator certificate/license. The TAP is scored as four independent subtests. To pass the TAP, you must achieve a scaled subtest score of 240 or higher on each of the subtests: Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. If any of your subtest scores do not meet or exceed a scaled score of 240 or higher, you will not pass the TAP until you receive a passing score on each of the four subtests.
Beginning February 1, 2013, no one may be admitted to a school service personnel preparation program unless he/she has passed the TAP (or met the ACT plus Writing or the SAT requirements).
In order to remain in compliance with the State’s new rules, DePaul’s School Counseling program will now require its students to provide proof of passing the TAP test before they are allowed to enroll in advanced standing courses. The advanced standing courses are:
· CSL 475
· CSL 514
· CSL 519
· CSL 520
· CSL 521
· CSL 522
· CSL 523
Students who do not provide proof of passing the TAP test will be blocked from enrolling in these courses and will not progress in the school counseling program until the TAP requirement is met.
So, what do you need to do to make sure you can continue in the program without any delays?
1. Sign up for the TAP test
· Locate a testing center and date for the TAP test through the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS): http://www.icts.nesinc.com/index.asp
· Be sure to indicate that you want your scores sent to DePaul.
2. Prepare for the TAP test
· Visit the Academic Success Center (ASC) for free tutoring services, study guides, and workshops: http://education.depaul.edu/CurrentStudents/AcademicSuccessCenter/index.asp
Helpful (and important) information to know:
Effective January 12, 2010, no individual may attempt to pass the same test more than five times in any combination of the two formats (computer-based or paper-based testing). You may attempt to take the same test five times. If you have attempted the same test five times and do not pass, you will not be allowed to register to take the same test again.
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· Effective July 1, 2012, Illinois certification tests are valid for 5-years. The 5-year timeline is determined by the date the test was passed and the date that the fees are processed for the requested certificate or endorsement.
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· Individuals currently admitted and enrolled in a school service personnel program must pass the TAP in order to be entitled.
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What if you have already passed the TAP or Basic Skills test?
· If an individual passed the TAP for an Illinois teaching certificate and holds a teaching certificate, he/she does not need to retake the TAP in order to be admitted to the school service personnel program or take advanced standing courses. If DePaul has verified or received your scores, you’ll see the information in 2 different locations:
1. Degree Progress Report. To access this report, go to Campus Connection and select “Degree Progress” from the main page in the “Student Reminders” box. Then run the report and in the right column you’ll see an indication if the test has been passed or not.
2. EdTrack. Go to https://www.soedepaul.org/EdTrack/Programs/LogOn.htm. After logging in, go to “Tests, Endorsements, Certifications, Entitlements”. You’ll then see a listing of all the certification tests DePaul has on record for you.
If you have passed the test and you do not see your results listed, please submit your score report to Sandra Tanksley. They can be emailed to stanksle@depaul.edu, dropped off to SAC 481, or faxed to 773-325-7713.
Questions? Contact your Faculty Advisor or Nancy Hashimoto
