Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the GRE to enter Program RELEVANCE?

Yes, you do have to take the GRE in order to take any course counting towards graduate studies. This is a requirement of the University of Iowa and all College of Education graduate programs require that official GRE scores be submitted before an application can be reviewed.

What is the minimum GRE cut-score to enter Program RELEVANCE?

GRE scores are one among other criteria that will be reviewed by our committee to decide upon acceptance of a student in Program RELEVANCE. We will be considering your GRE scores, past academic performance, statement of purpose as well as your letters of recommendation. All of these items will be weighted in your application

Can I apply to Program RELEVANCE if my school is not a School In Need Of Assistance (SINA) or if it has been taken off of the SINA list?

Yes, you can apply, and your application will be considered with attention. But priority will be given to in-service teachers teaching in SINA.

Where should I ask for a tuition waiver?

You do not need to apply for a tuition waiver. It will be handled internally for you upon acceptance in the program.

What about the costs to enter Program RELEVANCE?

All costs towards initial application are left at the applicant’s charge but will be reimbursed upon acceptance in the program. Once enrolled in Program RELEVANCE, students will be provided with financial support for tuition fees. Please note that students will NOT be provided with financial support for computer purchase and/or Internet access fees, or for books and materials (webcam and headset for online access to the Virtual Classroom).

Where can I get the books and materials?

References on books and materials will be communicated to you at least two weeks before classes start. All books and materials can be found on on-line book sites or at Iowa Book on campus.

When do classes start?

Classes will start the end of June 2011 for Cohort 4.

How long will Program RELEVANCE last?

Program RELEVANCE started in 2007 and will last until 2013.

How many people will be accepted in Program RELEVANCE?

We will accept 4 students for Cohort 4.

What courses will be offered?

Projected plan of study for Cohort 4:

I don't speak any foreign language. Does that matter?

Although learning a foreign language is a great asset in the acquisition of skills and knowledge that is part of Program RELEVANCE, it is not necessary to know a foreign language to become a student in Program RELEVANCE.

Is there any exit exam to complete Program RELEVANCE?

No. Completion of the Program and delivery of the ESL endorsement is conditioned by the successful completion of all classes in the Program, as well as the completion of a professional ePorftolio.

Any other expectations I should be aware of?

We expect our students to be highly motivated and interested in ELLs. We also consider our students to be Graduate students. This is reflected in the level of time-commitment, and qualities of autonomy, initiation, reflection, and responsibility that we require our students to demonstrate.

Will the classes be offered on ICN?

No, the classes will not be offered on ICN. The online part of the classes will be using Adobe Connect and on ICON (as a web-course management system). The class is accessible via the Internet.

What type of online program is Program RELEVANCE?

Program RELEVANCE allows you to take all your classes online through an Innovative Course-Management System (ICON) and a Virtual Video-Conferencing Platform (Adobe Connect).  Although asynchronous tools are available for students to take their classes, instructors in the Program may require live, synchronous presence in their attendance policy.  In other words, courses in Program RELEVANCE are NOT independent studies.  Moreover, Program RELEVANCE also promotes and allows for enhanced communication and connection between in-service teachers of Iowa who are members of Program RELEVANCE, and pre-service and graduate students of The University of Iowa who study on campus by bringing both populations together in the classroom.