ONGOING
Assessment of Teaching Standards
Graduate assistant supervisors and clinical faculty assess standards throughout
the student teaching semester using rubrics and the syllabus as a guide.
The student teacher inquiry journal is a weekly requirement for all students in practicum programs. Supervisors and clinical faculty respond weekly to foster reflection and inquiry.
Students are required to collect artifacts as evidence of their competence as required by the State Department of Education.
MID-TERM
Mid-Term Progress Report and Goal Setting
This update is required by supervisors of pre-practicum student teachers
and clinical faculty. Any students who are having difficulty are immediately
reported to the Assistant Director (pre-practicum) or the Director (full
practicum).
Student Teacher Self Assessment (rubric) is required at mid-term for full
practicum student teachers, as well as an official State DOE Pre-Service Performance Assessment.
FINAL ASSESSMENT
Grading
While grading is legally the responsibility of the University, cooperating
teachers are always consulted for their recommendations. Grades are based
on successful completion of the teaching standards as outlined in the
pre or full practicum syllabus.
Observation of the student in the role as teacher, responses to inquiry journals, and successful documentation of syllabus requirements in the Student Teaching Evidence Binder and Inquiry Portfolio are all part of the grading process.
Pre-practicum
While official University policy for grading pre-practica is Pass/Fail,
all pre-practicum student teachers receive letter grades each semester
they are in the field. These grades are retained in the student's
file in the Practicum Office, but are recorded as a Pass or Fail on the
transcript record.
Full Practicum
Full practicum student teachers are graded by clinical faculty supervisors
with input from the cooperating teacher.
All grades for practicum experiences are reviewed by the Director and
submitted to the registrar for application to the transcript.
Forms
Teachers are also required to complete all appropriate forms to document
the completion of the pre or full practicum as noted at the Initial Meeting
with the College supervisor.
College Supervisor Final Report
Pre-and full practicum supervisors must complete a final report on each
student that highlights the student's progress in each licensure
competency area.
Licensure Mediator
At the initial meeting with the cooperating teacher, college supervisor,
and student teacher, a mediator must be selected and listed on Form #1 and on the PPA.
In case of dispute in regards to licensure, this person will mediate.
Licensure Endorsement Meeting
At the end of the full practicum experience, each student will meet in groups with the Director and clinical faculty. This endorsement meeting serves as the final stage of the practicum experience program. Students submit a Reflection Portfolio and the State Department of Education Pre-Service Performance Assessment Rubric, and learn how to apply for licensure (download a copy of Four Steps to Massachusetts Licensure in PDF format). Evaluations of the supervisor, the practicum program, and the Practicum Office are completed at that time.
Student Teaching Portfolio
Pre-practicum students maintain portfolios demonstrating their work in
the field throughout three semesters of pre-practica. The Pre-practicum
Portfolio includes artifacts from each of three semesters of pre-practica.
Full practicum student teachers complete an Evidence Binder and Reflection Portfolio,
with a pre-practicum section, illustrating and highlighting standards
for licensure and representing their work in all practicum experiences.
(see syllabi for specific requirements of Student Teaching Portfolio).
UNSATISFACTORY PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE
Procedures for Remediation
A specific goal setting plan will be designed for student teachers who
in the opinion of their cooperating teacher(s) or supervisors are in danger
of failing or are in need of more direct coaching. This plan will be overseen
by the Assistant Director (pre-practicum) or Director (full practicum).
Policies and Procedures for Withholding Endorsement and/or Dismissal
from Practicum Experience
Endorsement for licensure may be withheld for students who do not successfully
complete the remediation plan, or who do not meet the requirements for
successful completion of the syllabus and licensure. In some cases, a
student may be advised to withdraw from the program, or may be dismissed
from the practicum program. The Director in collaboration with the Associate
Dean of Undergraduate Student Services, or the Associate Dean for Graduate Admissions, will make the final decision regarding dismissal from
the practicum program. Students have the right to appeal under Lynch School
of Education grievance procedures .