Clinical Studies for Education Programs

Outline of the Clinical Semester

Typical Schedule* for the MAT Clinical Semester

Weeks/Days	Responsibilities
Week 1- 3 (15 days)	A Practicum/Pedagogy class focused on methodology at the middle and secondary levels of teaching. Over the three weeks of the class the student will participate in a combination of Wilmington University seminars and field experience. The balance between the two activities evolves over the three weeks.  Week 1 is solely devoted to seminars but by Week 3 the student is spending considerable time in a host classroom.
Weeks 4-8 (25 days)	Carefully structured routine duties, guided observations (including a broad-based exposure to the total school culture) and clinical practice under the direction of the Cooperating Teacher. The Student Teacher develops teaches, and reflects on lesson/unit plans in collaboration with peers, the University Supervisor, and Cooperating Teacher. The Student Teacher gradually assumes increased responsibility and duties, typically one subject area or period per week, although some Student Teachers may assume responsibilities more quickly.  Student Teachers in the graduate programs will develop their research plan and obtain necessary approvals.
Weeks 9-10 (10 school days)	Mid-term assessment. The Student Teacher’s performance is reviewed in a three-way conference (University Supervisor, Student Teacher, and Cooperating Teacher).  Plans for the unit are reviewed and approved. Decision is made regarding Student Teacher’s readiness to assume full responsibility.  If necessary, a plan is developed for areas/skills needing improvement.
Weeks 11-14 (20 school days)	Pending a satisfactory mid-term assessment, responsibilities increase until Student Teacher is in complete control of the class.  Full responsibility continues for at least two(±) weeks.  Student Teacher assumes responsibility for all planning, instruction, supervision, classroom management and assessment of pupil progress.
Week 15 (5 school days)	The Student Teacher develops a plan for the gradual and systematic return of full responsibility to the Cooperating Teacher. Student Teacher completes portfolio and participates in concluding seminar(s). Student Teachers in graduate programs complete the research project. Final, three-way evaluation conference is held. All required reports are prepared, signed, and submitted. Closure is achieved in a manner that is thoughtful and sensitive to the needs of children in the class.

*Ultimately, the University Supervisor and the Cooperating Teacher will determine the Student Teacher’s schedule based on the learning needs of the classroom students and Student Teacher.

All students are required to attend group meetings that are usually scheduled during the late afternoons or early evenings. University Supervisors arrange and facilitate these seminars. Locations vary, and may be held at placement sites or alternate locations.

The final evaluation checklist and the narrative report are due one week after conclusion of the placement. Original, signed documents should be submitted to the University Supervisor for inclusion in the student’s placement file, with copies provided for the Student Teacher and the Cooperating Teacher.

 

Typical Schedule* for the MEE and BS
Clinical Semester

Weeks/Days	Responsibilities
Weeks 1-5 (25 days)	Carefully structured routine duties, guided observations (including a broad-based exposure to the total school culture) and clinical practice under the direction of the Cooperating Teacher. The Student Teacher develops teaches, and reflects on lesson/unit plans in collaboration with peers, the University Supervisor, and Cooperating Teacher. The Student Teacher gradually assumes increased responsibility and duties, typically one subject area or period per week, although some Student Teachers may assume responsibilities more quickly.  Student Teachers in the graduate programs will develop their research plan and obtain necessary approvals.
Weeks 6-7 (10 school days)	Mid-term assessment. The Student Teacher’s performance is reviewed in a three-way conference (University Supervisor, Student Teacher, and Cooperating Teacher). Plans for the unit are reviewed and approved. Decision is made regarding Student Teacher’s readiness to assume full responsibility. If necessary, a plan is developed for areas/skills needing improvement.
Weeks 8-11 (20 school days)	Pending a satisfactory mid-term assessment, responsibilities increase until Student Teacher is in complete control of the class. Full responsibility continues for at least two(±) weeks.  Student Teacher assumes responsibility for all planning, instruction, supervision, classroom management and assessment of pupil progress.
Weeks 11-14 (20 school days)	Pending a satisfactory mid-term assessment, responsibilities increase until Student Teacher is in complete control of the class. Full responsibility continues for at least two(±) weeks.  Student Teacher assumes responsibility for all planning, instruction, supervision, classroom management and assessment of pupil progress.
Week 12 (5 school days)	The Student Teacher develops a plan for the gradual and systematic return of full responsibility to the Cooperating Teacher. Student Teacher completes portfolio and participates in concluding seminar(s). Student Teachers in graduate programs complete the research project. Final, three-way evaluation conference is held. All required reports are prepared, signed, and submitted. Closure is achieved in a manner that is thoughtful and sensitive to the needs of children in the class.

*Ultimately, the University Supervisor and the Cooperating Teacher will determine the
Student Teacher’s schedule based on the learning needs of the classroom students and Student Teacher.

All students are required to attend group meetings that are usually scheduled during the late afternoons or early evenings. University Supervisors arrange and facilitate these seminars. Locations vary, and may be held at placement sites or alternate locations.

The final evaluation checklist and the narrative report are due one week after conclusion of the placement. Original, signed documents should be submitted to the University Supervisor for inclusion in the student’s placement file, with copies provided for the Student Teacher and the Cooperating Teacher.

Typical Schedule* for the Clinical Semester MSE 1–8 and AS 0–K Degree Programs

Weeks/Days	Responsibilities
Week 1	Begin routine duties and guided observation.
Week 2	Begin unit planning in collaboration with advisor and the Cooperating Teacher. Begin teaching one subject.
Week 3	Assume responsibility for second subject.
Week 4	Complete writing of unit. Assume responsibility for additional subject. Select two weeks for teaching of unit and at least one week of full responsibility (not necessarily the same weeks).
Week 5	Performance review. Three-way conference includes Student Teacher, the University Supervisor and the Cooperating Teacher. Decision made as to readiness to assume full responsibility.  Improvement plan developed for areas of weakness.
Week 6	Continue to expand teaching responsibilities.
Week 7	Assume full responsibility, including all planning, supervision, instruction, and assessment of student progress.
Week 8	Complete unit and solo work. MSE Student Teachers implement a systematic plan to return full responsibility to the Cooperating Teacher. Final evaluation conference and portfolio review held for MSE Student Teachers.
Week 9 (AS Program)	AS Student Teachers return full responsibility to the Cooperating Teacher. 3-way final evaluation conference held for AS Student Teachers.

*Ultimately, the University Supervisor and the Cooperating Teacher will determine the Student Teacher’s schedule based on the learning needs of the classroom students and
Student Teacher.

Final evaluation checklists and narrative reports are due one week after conclusion of the placement. Original, signed documents should be submitted to the University Supervisor for inclusion in the student’s placement file, with copies provided for the Student Teacher and the Cooperating Teacher.

One 8-week placement (40 teaching days) is required for the MSE program (1-8).
One 9-week placement (45 teaching days) is required for the AS Internship program (0-K).