Drivers Education is a 16 credit, 4 course sequence provided by the Indiana University of PA Highway Safety Center in conjunction with the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA). It is designed to meet the immediate needs for training and preparing instructional staff in driver education. This certification has been in place at IUP over the last five (5) academic years. There are approximately 40 to 45 students completing it annually. Typically, undergraduate students take this sequence in addition to their regular academic program during the year. In the summer, the program is designed primarily to be utilized by teachers already practicing in public schools or private driving schools. Because this is a four course certification, this report will modify the response to some of the questions related to the ten general standards to fit the actual design of the program.

The professional education program shall have a cooperatively developed mission statement that is based on the needs of the professional educator candidates, public school entities and their students, and consistent with the design of the program.

The primary goal of this program is to provide quality driver education teacher preparation for either public or commercial (private) schools. The program also recognizes competence in achieving certain standards set by the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association.

The IUP Highway Safety Center works collaboratively with local intermediate units and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to conduct workshops and training. This department is maintained by one full time faculty member and one part time faculty member. The full time faculty member is involved with the PDE and has served on the PRAXIS Test Development Committee. He is also currently serving on a committee to develop the standards for state high school drivers education programs.

School district personnel are made aware of the program and mission through several channels. Newsletters are sent out through PA Association of Safety Education (PASE) and via the PDE bulletins which are distributed to school entities and describe various Act 48 offerings.

IUP is one of four (4) sites offering this certification. By virtue of this, recruitment is not generally necessary. The College of Health and Human Services advertises program availability via its IUP home page. Retention has not been a problem. Once individuals begin they generally complete the sequence. The mission is consistent with the composition of its students. Those who apply and meet the criterion are accepted into the program.