Frequently Asked Questions
CTE AUthorization - New combined courses
- Will the BOEE allow these new courses to be used for the CTE Authorization?
Yes, UNI has been working with the Iowa BOEE to ensure that these courses meet the requirements of the authorization.
- What if I have already taken one or more of the courses for the CTE Authorization?
If a teacher has taken a portion of the required coursework, he/she has the option of continuing with the current courses or taking the new course. For example: A teacher has taken CTE 4110 CTE Methods and CTE 4120 CTE Assessment & Evaluation. The teacher has the option to take CTE 4130 Curriculum Design (2 credits) or CTE 4186 Studies in Comprehensive Teaching Strategies for Career and Technical Education (3 credits) to fulfill that portion of the requirements. NOTE: Even though the new course has more credit hours (3 vs 2), it may be more cost-effective to take the new course because of its lower cost.
- Does it matter that the new courses add up to six less credit hours (4 credits vs 10 credits for the previous courses)?
No, the BOEE does not require a certain amount of credit hours for the CTE Initial Authorization. The only requirement is content that is included in the courses.
- Will the cost per credit hour be the same as the previous courses or other Self-Paced Online Courses (SPOC) at UNI?
No. Not only does the bundling of content make earning the Initial CTE Authorization more time-efficient, both courses will be offered at a significantly reduced price which will make the coursework more cost-effective as well.
- Can I test out of the new courses?
Yes. A pre-test is available for those taking the course for undergraduate credit. A score of 80% or higher is required for a passing grade. If you pass the pre-test, payment is still required to receive credit for the course. The transcript will indicate “Credit by Exam” rather than a letter grade.
- After I have completed the coursework, how do I get the CTE Authorization?
The Initial CTE Authorization is granted when you begin teaching. You have three years to complete the coursework required for the CTE Authorization. After you have completed the coursework, it is your responsibility to send a transcript to the BOEE to obtain the CTE Authorization.
- Is the CTE Authorization the same as a regular teaching license?
No. The CTE Authorization is a limited license. You are limited to teaching the courses identified by the BOEE. The BOEE looks at your work experience to determine what courses you can teach.