The community college segment is currently designing a core curriculum for the A.A.S. programs in early childhood which will be proposed to the 4 year institutions for automatic acceptance. It is expected that a jointly developed, common core curriculum will facilitate articulation of credit to the 4 year institutions. The issue will be addressed at the September 23rd meeting along with efforts needed to assess the competencies of teacher candidates in the arts and sciences. Members discussed the extent to which 4 year institutions institute selective admissions requirements for teacher education programs, particularly any G.P.A. requirements at the receiving institution. Concern was raised that a separate requirement for achieving a specific G.P.A. after transfer to the receiving institution and prior to acceptance into the teacher education program unfairly discriminates against transfer students.
Evidence also suggests satisfactory performance of transfer students at receiving institutions.
Teri Hollander indicated the USM Office would review any institutional practices that might disadvantage the transfer student. USM hosts the transfer advisors in the spring. The need for links from College websites was noted. The Intersegmental Chief Academic Officers meet September 23, 1998. MHEC will raise issues related to teacher education transfer for recommendations on action steps.