Exit Policy for Certification Programs

The state requires all educator preparation programs to have an exit policy for the dismissal of candidates that is published, reviewed and signed by candidates when they are admitted to the program. The requirement is found in 19 TAC §228.20(h).

Dismissal from the Educator Preparation Program

Candidates may be removed from the University of Houston Educator Preparation Program in the event they demonstrate behavior inconsistent with professional and ethical expectations of an educator in Texas. Dismissal from the program may be based on grounds including but not limited to:

1. Failure to meet coursework requirements.
2. Failure to abide by policies and/or procedures established by the University of Houston Educator Preparation Program and/or program requirements established by the State Board for Educator Certification as published in the Texas Administrative Code.
3. Any action deemed a violation of the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, and/or;
4. Any action deemed a violation of the University of Houston Student Code of Conduct; and/or;
5. Any action deemed a violation of school district and/or campus policy during field-based experiences or clinical teaching or internship.

Dismissal from the program is determined by a committee composed of the program faculty. This may occur at any time. Candidates who are dismissed from the University of Houston College of Education will also be automatically dismissed from the Educator Preparation Program. All decisions of dismissal can be appealed following College policies.

Withdrawal from the Educator Preparation Program

A candidate who voluntarily decides to withdraw from the Educator Preparation Program must send a written notice of that intent from a University of Houston email account including their PeopleSoft ID. The candidate also needs to submit a signed form provided by the program. Withdrawal from the College of Education translates to withdrawal from the Educator Preparation Program.