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Monitoring student progress is taken very seriously...
by the Wilkes Department of Education. It is a responsibility mandated by the PA Department of Education (PDE). Because students in education are members of the larger Wilkes student body, all rules and regulations apply to Education students, perhaps more so. Time after time, rulings from the PDE and state and federal judicial systems have held teachers to higher standards than other citizens because of the high level of responsibility of the profession.

For these reasons, monitoring student progress is a continuous process in both formal and informal settings on both academic criteria and the criteria set forth in the Code of Professionalism and Academic Honesty and the PA Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.

Academic monitoring is performed by a student's academic advisor and by the Chair of the Education Department who receive grade reports as each student progresses through the program. The Education faculty on an ongoing basis examines a student's progress, related to professionalism and academic honesty. Unprofessional, unethical, and dishonest behavior can impact certification potential and retention in the program.


Retention is governed by the PA Dept of Education...
with strict regulations, including a Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators. Professional practice relates to ethical behaviors, interest and active participation in the profession, as well as dedication to the profession. It encompasses collegiality, which is positive interaction and respect for one's fellow professionals, attendance, punctuality, and the use of effective and respectful communication skills. Professional conduct is expected within all facets of the Teacher Education Program, including courses, committees, and field work.

Professional conduct also includes intellectual responsibility necessary in preserving academic honesty. Violations of academic honesty will be addressed at the program and university levels and may result in a decision of course failure or program dismissal.

Retention in the Teacher Education Program is contingent upon demonstration of professional conduct, academic honesty, and a number of other essential factors, as indicated here...

Program Retention Checklist

• Maintain the cumulative GPA required at the time of student's admission to the Teacher Education Program.
• Earn grades of 2.0 or higher in all education courses.
  Note: Education courses in which a grade is lower than a 2.0 can be retaken once.
• Maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 in minor or major courses.
• Update current Act 34 and Act 151 clearances each year and submit these to the Department of Education.
• Maintain professionalism and academic honesty as prescribed by the Code of Professionalism and Academic Honesty and the PA Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.