Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to find my own supervisor?

No. Your sponsoring educational entity is responsible for providing the required supervision.  The clinical faculty is responsible for setting up your summer externships and securing those supervisors.

What is required of a supervisor?

All school-based supervisors are required to attend an initial TETN supervisor training seminar and are required to attend TETN supervisor training meetings four times a year.  The initial training and meetings are available through the teleconferencing system.

Can I work during the summer?

You must reserve the hours between 7 am and 6 pm for practicum assignments. Many summer externships require 30-40 clinic hours per week for 8 or more weeks. In addition, you must reserve the hours from 4 to 8 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays for class nights.

How much clinic time will be required during the normal school semester?

School semester clinic time will run approximately 5 ½ - 6 hours per week.

What is an educational entity?

Public schools, private schools, charter schools, and co-op schools in Texas are considered educational entities.

Who can I contact about practicum information?

Ms. Ginger White at jwhite@mail.twu.edu and/or Ms. Paula Chance at paula.chance@sbcglobal.net.

Who can I contact about applying to the program?

You must attend one of the information meetings prior to applying to the program. If you have further questions after that meeting, please contact the TETN secretary, Sue Colton at scolton@twu.edu.

What is the deadline for application?

Leveling Application

The deadline for the receipt of the application packet for the TWU leveling sequence is May 1, 2008. Please note: Admission to the leveling sequence does NOT insure acceptance to the master’s program.

Graduate Portion Application packets for TETN (Cycle 5) are due December 15, 2008. (No exceptions will be made for any application not postmarked by December 15, 2008).

Application packets for TETN (Cycle 6) are due December 15, 2010. (No exceptions will be made for any application not postmarked by December 15, 2010).

Incomplete application packets will not be considered by the admissions committee.

Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam?

Yes. You must take the GRE and have the scores sent to TWU with your application to the graduate program. If your GRE was taken within the last 5 years, the Education Testing System may have a record of your scores. You may use older GRE scores as long as you can attach an official record of them. Be sure to take the GRE in time to assure that your scores can be submitted with your application.

Can I be employed during Cycle 5?

Yes. TETN was created to allow candidates to work as licensed assistants in Speech/Language Pathology in the public schools while they obtain their master's degree.

Do I have to work as a licensed assistant in speech pathology while I am in Cycle 5?

TWU does not dictate that you be employed. However, if you do work in your sponsoring district, you must hold an assistant's license. During Cycle 5, you will obtain your regular practicum hours in your sponsoring public school during the school day (fall and spring semesters.) You will obtain practicum hours in medical facilities during the summer. You must be available during the work day. See clinical practicum.

Can I attend the TETN program if I don't intend to work for an educational entity in Texas?

No. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Texas Education Agency for the express purpose of ameliorating the shortage of SLPs in the schools of Texas. Sponsoring school districts (who contribute supervision and offer release time to attend class) typically require their sponsored student to remain employed in the public schools for a minimum number of years. However, successful completion of the SLP master's program prepares students to apply for Texas licensure and ASHA certification, which credential the graduate to practice in any SLP setting.

What are leveling courses?

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Communication Sciences and Disorders (or similar name), you must take basic prerequisite or “leveling” courses before you begin graduate work via the TETN program. Although you may be enrolled in your final leveling courses when you apply, you must successfully complete these courses with a grade of A or B before you can begin your graduate course work.

How can I take leveling courses?

Leveling courses can be taken at TWU or other universities offering commensurate coursework. If you plan to take leveling courses at TWU you must apply to the university and the COMS department. Leveling courses are offered online (via computer) with the exception of the final exam. TWU levelers may be required to go to their local Education Service Center to take the final exam for each course.

How can I apply to take leveling courses at TWU?

You must apply to the university as a post baccalaureate student, you must submit official transcripts, and you must be admitted by the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Applicants for leveling courses must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in their last 60 hours of college work. Please attend an information meeting for full details. Completion of leveling courses does NOT constitute automatic acceptance into the TETN master’s program learning venue.

For more information on leveling, please contact Dr. Kathy Millay at kmillay@mail.twu.edu.