CPL through RAPIL
The University of Northern Iowa’s College of Education accepts professional development hours completed from the Regents Alternative Pathway to Initial Licensure (RAPIL) program. RAPIL is an alternative teacher licensure program approved by the Iowa Department of Education and supported by faculty at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.
Description
The University of Northern Iowa’s College of Education accepts professional development hours completed from the Regents Alternative Pathway to Initial Licensure (RAPIL) program. The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is applied to a Master's in Transformative Education degree at UNI. RAPIL is an alternative teacher licensure program approved by the Iowa Department of Education and supported by faculty at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. In addition, candidates have classroom teaching experience and other experiential learning activities, which elevates this to graduate-level equivalency.
RAPIL has the equivalent of 18 hours of graduate course credit. Credits earned through prior learning assessment are different from credit that is transferred from another institution. CPL credits are usually only granted to meet credentialing or graduation requirements at the institution where they are earned. Prior learning credits are not eligible for financial aid and do not count toward full-time status.
Eligibility
To qualify for RAPIL CPL, students must be registered at UNI during the semester CPL is requested. CPL will only be recorded on your academic record after the student has satisfactorily completed 12 hours of credit at UNI or at least 1/3 of the graduate plan of studies.
How it Works
- Determine Eligibility: The student contacts the CPL Coordinator to check if they are eligible for credit. Graduate Studies will then reach out to the appropriate department to confirm they are a RAPIL student.
- Submit Documentation: In working with the CPL Coordinator, the student submits their portfolio/documentation along with the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Graduate Evaluation Request Form to the appropriate department for review.
- Faculty Review: The program faculty reviews and evaluates the submitted portfolio/documentation.
- Notification of Outcome: The Graduate Studies office informs the student of the evaluation outcome. If awarded college-level credit through CPL, the credit will be noted on the official student transcript with a grade of CR (credit received). The CR grade is not included in computing the student's GPA.
Guidelines for Portfolio Development
The instructions below are designed to assist you in preparing a portfolio for review and evaluation of credit for prior learning. Preparing a well-organized, polished portfolio that reflects the learning outside the traditional classroom environment is important. Before you begin developing your portfolio, you should speak with the CPL Coordinator to determine eligibility.
- Fill out the CPL Evaluation Request Form.
- Provide final transcripts.
- Complete a 2-3 page essay on the following topic:
- "Reflect on your journey through RAPIL’s two-year program of coursework and internship. How has your unique professional history prepared you for the rigors of secondary education? Please provide specific examples of industry knowledge or professional 'soft skills' that have allowed you to serve as a continuous learner and advocate for your students."
Need More Information or Have Questions?
Contact us at Linda.Emery@uni.edu.