Teaching and Learning 402: Instructional Practicum Fall, 2013

Transcription

1 Instructor: Marcie Belgard, M. Eng. Phone: (509) Teaching and Learning 402: Instructional Practicum Fall, 2013 You will be assigned a university supervisor who will provide support and guidance through your practicum or student teaching experience. University supervisors will attend Orientation, so you will get a chance to meet this person. Please have your address to give your supervisor. A university supervisor will make two different visits to your classroom. Written feedback will be given on both occasions. This feedback is mandatory for your notebook. It is not the intent of these visits to observe a teacher candidate teaching a lesson. The successful completion of T & L 402, including the classroom experience and notebook, will contribute to students preparation and knowledge in meeting the standards and expectations of the TPA (Teacher Performance Assessment). The College of Education contributes to the theory and practice of the broad field of education, and dedicates itself to understanding and respecting learners in diverse cultural contexts. We facilitate engaged learning and ethical leadership in schools and clinical settings. We seek collaboration with diverse constituencies, recognizing our local and global responsibilities to communities, environments, and future generations. DATES OF INTEREST: Course Orientation: Wednesday, August 21, p.m. Practicum experience begins: When school begins Seminar #1: Friday, September 20, 2013, 12 2 p.m., Location: WSU West 133 Seminar #2: Friday, October 25, 2013, 12-2 p.m., Location: WSU, West 133 Final seminar: Friday, December 13, 2013, 12-2 p.m., Location: WSU, West 133 1

2 402 PRACTICUM CANDIDATE S ROLE IN THE CLASSROOM (To be discussed with the master teacher for clarification and expectations.) The candidates in a 402 practicum have no prior university experience in the classroom, other than a one-week observation of general operation or observations in 301. This practicum is intended for the candidates to watch a specific subject in action, literacy in this case, in order to match their WSU methods course (T & L 321, Early Literacy) with real classroom situations. They should be learning and applying literacy lessons. They have assignments to complete for the practicum, as well as for T & L 321. It is our expectation and hope that our practicum students are active participants in a classroom. The list below includes possible activities for the candidates: Assisting individual students or small groups Teaching a literacy lesson to a small group (with your approval and direction) Grading assignments Recording grades Helping gather student data, such as watching a case study student and recording data Observing students Observing the master teacher s lessons for ideas, pointers, clarifications, and best practices Helping to set up and clean up after group work Taking attendance and other entry task responsibilities Reading the read-aloud story to the class Conducting a spelling test With the master teacher s approval, the following T & L 321 assignments/activities could be performed with individual students or small groups of students. Please note that these assignments can be changed based on the syllabus of the T & L 321 instructor. Phonemic Awareness Activity Phonics/Word Study Activity Comprehension Lesson Plan pick one of the comprehension strategies to teach. Writing Lesson Plan Read aloud Lesson o An effective read aloud requires an interesting book, smooth and expressive reading, a specific purpose, occasional questions to encourage student engagement, and connections to students lives. o Lesson follows TPA format In addition, candidates are expected to spend three (3) hours each week in the classroom. This schedule should be convenient for both parties. Candidates are required to attend a minimum of 45 hours during the semester. They are expected to follow this schedule and to immediately notify their master teacher and university supervisor if they are missing a session. If they become sick, it is expected that they make up the missed time, which could occur during WSU s finals week. 2

3 Candidates are required to maintain a notebook (3-ring binder) to be submitted at the conclusion of their practicum experience. This notebook will help determine the student s final grade. Please refer to p. 22 for the required elements and use this checklist as the first page in your notebook on the date it is submitted. Paperwork should be organized in the notebook by sequence. (Page protectors or tabs are not necessary.) In addition, candidates are required to attend all T & L 402 seminars, including the orientation at the beginning of the semester. UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR S ROLE A university supervisor is an experienced teacher or administrator who visits the classroom twice to check on progress and respond to questions and clarifications. During these visits, the candidates need not teach an entire lesson, but they should be involved in the instruction to the extent possible. The supervisor will also complete an evaluation of the student which will be included in the student s notebook. If a major problem arises, it should be referred to the T & L 402 instructor of record. FOR THE MASTER TEACHER 1. Receive a T & L 402 handbook from your practicum student. 2. Approve the weekly schedule (3 hours per week). 3. Share your contact information with the practicum student. 4. Read pp. 2-3 of this handbook with your practicum student and sign below. 5. Please provide written/typed feedback on two different occasions. These could address strengths, how activities/lessons might be adapted for students, etc. 6. Assist the student in completing the Context for Learning form. 7. If appropriate for your curriculum or classroom schedule, please provide an opportunity for the practicum student to implement one T & L 321 assignment/activity. Please refer to p. 2 for possibilities. 8. Complete and sign the Final Evaluation form at the conclusion of the student s practicum experience. Signature of master teacher Date 3

4 T & L 402 COURSE DESCRIPTION The Elementary Education program at Washington State University encompasses both academic courses and field experiences. At the WSU Tri-Cities campus, students take T & L 402 concurrently with the literacy class, T&L 321, Early Literacy. Students are expected to focus their classroom activities on literacy and completion of assignments for T & L 321 when possible and in consultation with the master teacher. However, students should also expect that they undertake work that is not always focused on literacy. The following are suggested activities to get you started in your practicum. As you are in the classroom, your cooperating teacher will work with you to determine the scope of your activities. 1. Help students with deskwork. 2. Photocopy materials as directed by the teacher. 3. Collect assignments or hand back papers. 4. Assist with lessons for small and large groups. 5. Please consult with your T& L 321 instructor to determine assignments/activities which would ideally be carried out during your practicum time. Review these with your cooperating teacher to determine when you might complete them during your classroom time. You are required to spend 45 hours in your assigned classroom during the course of the semester. This should be completed in 3+ hour blocks once a week for 15 weeks. It is expected that you will attend during your assigned time. Special arrangements must be cleared with your T & L 402 instructor. Missed times (i.e., illness) must be made up during the semester to the satisfaction of all involved. Seminars are designed to provide students with additional information pertaining to classroom instruction and field experience. Students are required to attend and participate in topics addressed during these seminars. The first page of this handout lists the dates/times of these seminars. Students must have current liability coverage through the university to participate in any practicum (see attached form). K 8 Competencies Teaching & Learning 402 addresses the following K-8 competencies: Candidates establish classroom communities that support student learning and positive human relationships. Candidates design and execute a wide range of instructional plans and strategies that support student learning within and across the curriculum. Candidates design and implement a wide range of assessment strategies that support student learning within and across academic content areas. Evaluation Evaluation of the 402 Practicum is an essential component of the experience. Pre-service teachers are not able to move to student teaching without appropriate grades in coursework and without a satisfactory evaluation from their practicum experience. Arrange to have the university supervisor observe you working 4

5 with a group of children. Provide the supervisor with a copy of your activity, if appropriate. The supervisor will take notes and provide feedback to you at the end of the activity. A grade of pass/fail will be assigned based on evaluations from the cooperating teacher and summaries from the university supervisor. Since this field experience is a university requirement, the final evaluation of the pre-service teacher is the responsibility of the university personnel. However, school personnel (teachers and principals) will have the greatest amount of contact and experience with pre-service teachers while they are in the classroom, so we will rely heavily upon their assessment. Evaluation will be based on the qualities of competent teachers. The pre-service teacher will provide the cooperating teacher with the Final Evaluation form. Satisfactory performance will permit students to continue on to the next phase in the teacher training program. Pre-service teachers earning a failing grade will receive remediation or be counseled out of the program. Academic Integrity Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Any student caught cheating on any assignment will be given an F grade for the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Standards and Accountability. Cheating is defined in the Standards for Student Conduct WAC (3). It is strongly suggested that you read and understand these definitions: a) If the student admits violating academic integrity policies, the instructor may assign a zero on the particular work in question, require the student to resubmit the assignment for a reduced grade, receive an F in the course, and notify the Office of Student Conduct in writing of the allegations, the student's admission, and the sanctions imposed. b) If the instructor is unable to meet with the student or if the accused student disputes the allegation(s) and/or the outcome proposed by the instructor, the instructor shall make a determination as to whether the student did or did not violate the academic integrity policy. If the instructor finds that the student was in violation, the instructor shall provide the student and the Office of Student Conduct with a written determination, the evidence relied upon, and the sanctions imposed. Due process as described in the policy (WAC ) will be honored. (See and for more information about Academic Integrity definitions and policies.) Policy for Professional Communication The faculty members, instructors, and teaching assistants in the Elementary Education program emphasize the importance of effective written and oral communication for teachers. Students of the program are expected to demonstrate that they can meet standards of professional communication on all of their assignments. A student who fails to adhere to conventions of writing (e.g. makes consistent grammatical and/or spelling errors, frequently misuses words or phrases, fails to organize writing in an effective manner) may be required to work with the Writing Center or complete additional coursework. Students who fail to meet expectations after being provided with an opportunity for remediation and improvement may be removed from the program. Students will also be held accountable for demonstrating that they are capable of clear and professional verbal communication. 5

6 Students with Disabilities Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. If you have a documented disability, even temporary, make an appointment as soon as possible with the Disability Services Coordinator Cherish Tijerina, , ctijerina@tricity.wsu.edu. You will need to provide your instructor with the appropriate classroom accommodation form. The form should be completed and submitted during the first week of class. Late notification may delay your accommodations. All accommodations for disabilities must be approved through Disability Services. Classroom accommodation forms are available through the Disability Services Office. If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Services office at Course Guidelines and Suggestions 1. Be sure to provide a 402 Handbook to your cooperating teacher as soon as possible. He/she needs to know what is expected and what you need to accomplish during the semester. 2. You are a guest in the school, therefore you are not to try to change school policies or criticize cooperating teachers. They are your mentors and you are learning from them. 3. Please be professional in every way: in the classroom, in front of students, and when interacting with parents and other staff members. Everything that goes on in your classroom stays there and is confidential. Dress appropriately. Speak professionally and with proper grammar. 4. Attendance is required on the day and time previously arranged by you and your cooperating teacher. 5. Be sure to let your practicum supervisor and your cooperating teacher know if you need to be absent and when you to plan to make up the time. 6. Ask questions! Before and after class, discuss with your cooperating teacher any activity, condition, or behavior you do not understand. 7. For the first few days you will observe but then ask what you can do to help out. Be sure to talk to the teacher and ask what he/she would like you to do. 8. Be involved with classroom activities. 9. If students have early release, you need to stay until the end of your designated time. That s a good time to collaborate with the other teachers if team planning is done. (Who knows, these teachers may interview you for a job in the future!) 10. Visit the school s library to locate magazines, books of various genres, and other available resources that relate to your grade level. 11. Discover what types of technology are being used in the classroom and in the school. Learn to use the AV equipment. 12. Discuss the grading procedures used in the classroom with your cooperating teacher. 13. Familiarize yourself with the specialists and special areas of the school. 6

7 14. It is a wonderful experience to participate in parent/teacher conferences if possible. 15. We would like to observe a lesson if possible. If not, we can observe you assisting a small group or a student one on one. 16. As a practicum student you will observe the public school holidays or vacations. 17. Students from WSU Tri-Cities will be in classrooms the full semester, until the week prior to finals. 18. Be certain to let your practicum instructor or university supervisor know when a problem arises. That s why we re here. Please call, , or drop by when you have any questions or concerns. 19. Assemble a notebook (3-ring binder) with the required elements. EXPECTATIONS FOR THE PRACTICUM STUDENT In your role as a pre-service teacher, you are expected to meet the following expectations: Be prompt and present: It is expected that you will be present and on time in your assigned classroom every week. Teachers are on tight schedules to meet the demands of a school day. They plan on your presence in the classroom and will expect you to be a consistent part of their students learning. Be professional: Know and adhere to the policies and procedures of the school and the classroom. Dress and sound like a professional: Do not show bare mid-drifts and cleavage. Please do not wear jeans, low riding pants, sweats, or short skirts. Do not display studs and body piercings, or tattoos. Appearances that are a distraction or serve as a poor model for children are not acceptable. You could be asked to leave the practicum if not dressed appropriately and would be required to make up the time on a different day. Be respectful: Show effort, enthusiasm, and respect for the teaching profession and the professionals with whom you are working. It is not your place to confront or question the teacher s judgment, teaching style, or choice of activities. A respectful attitude, an eagerness to learn, and an appreciation for this opportunity will go a long way in creating a professional relationship between you and your cooperating teacher. Be a teacher: You will be expected to observe the students and your cooperating teacher. Take the initiative in working with students individually or in small groups, engage in classroom activities and lessons, be available to assist the students from the classroom to other learning situations (computer lab, assemblies, library), and collaborate with your cooperating teacher to complete assignments for this course. Be reflective: You are expected to reflect on your experiences during this field experience and to make connections to the topics discussed in your T & L 321 course. This is an opportunity for you to analyze and interpret the impact that this experience is having on you as a beginning teacher and the impact that you are having on the other professionals and the students with whom you work. 7

8 PRE-SERVICE TEACHER S ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The practicum provides you with an important opportunity to begin your professional development. Preservice teachers enrolled in WSU s teacher preparation program are expected to behave in a responsible and professional manner. The following guidelines address some of the issues for which you will be held accountable: Absences It is expected that you will be present in your assigned classroom each week. In the case of an emergency, illness, or accident, you are responsible for notifying your cooperating teacher and field experience coordinator if you are going to be absent or late. Absences will be made up to the satisfaction of all involved. Weather Conditions The schools prefer that you be resourceful (rather than calling the schools directly) in acquiring information about school closures due to adverse weather conditions. Check your radio stations or television stations that announce school closures at 6:00 a.m. Transportation You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the field experience site. It is important for you to be responsible and on time. If you are a passenger in another pre-service teacher s vehicle, please be sure you have other arrangements in case she/he is unable to drive to school. If you are driving other pre-service teachers in your car, please make sure you contact your passengers as early as possible if you are unable to attend. They will need time to make other arrangements. Sign-in You are required to sign in as a visitor in the school office each week when entering and leaving the building. A WSU nametag must be worn while inside the school buildings. It is essential that the administration be aware of who is in the building at all times. School Handbook Ask to borrow a school handbook from the main office during your first visit. Make sure that you read through the school handbook and follow the policies and procedures while you are in the building. Practicum Evaluation The T & L 402 instructor assigns a grade for this practicum. The grade is generally based upon the recommendations of the cooperating teacher. Grades are assigned on a satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (F) basis. A pre-service teacher receiving a failing grade may, upon recommendation of the Department of Teaching and Learning, be given an opportunity to repeat the practicum experience. In some cases, a failing grade may result in decertification from the program. The pre-service teacher is responsible for giving the cooperating teacher the Final Evaluation for completion. Practicum Supervision The T & L 402 instructor will communicate with the cooperating teacher and the pre-service teacher periodically throughout the experience. Pre-service teachers are responsible for notifying the instructor of any issues related to the practicum experience. Termination of Field Experience The College of Education reserves the right to refuse placement of any student in a field experience or to terminate individual placement, if there is a cause for concern about the fitness of that individual to work with children in a classroom setting. 8

9 Overview: The Elementary Education Program PRE-SERVICE TEACHER S HANDBOOK Washington State University s Elementary Teacher Preparation program is divided into four semester blocks encompassing both academic courses and field experiences. (While a majority of the courses in the program are assigned to a particular block, several classes may be taken in conjunction with either Block I or Block II.) The block sequence is as follows: 401: Provides students with the experience of working with Bilingual/ESL students. Field Component 45 hours, K-8 classroom experience (T & L 401) 402: Provides students with a foundation for understanding and articulating issues related to instructional strategies, literacy, technology, and assessment. Field Component- 45 hours, K-8 classroom experience (T&L 402) 405: Emphasizes effective strategies for teaching math and science. Field Component- 45 hours, K-8 classroom experience (T&L 405) 490/Advanced Practicum: Coursework focuses on the TPA and contemporary issues in the public schools. Field Component- 2 day/ week practicum experience provides students with a field experience in which they integrate educational theories with teaching in classroom contexts. (T&L 490) 415: Student Teaching (T&L 415) Full-time for 15 weeks. 9

10 T & L 402 COURSE REQUIREMENTS Objective: To experience practical learning in the public school classrooms associated with your university classroom theory; to make connections of theory to practice and to become familiar with various classroom responsibilities, duties, and approaches. The following expectations and paperwork document the progress of your personal connections and learning. 1. Follow your 3 hours of time in the classroom each week. Make up any missed sessions due to illness or a change in the school s schedule. 2. Attend the T & L 402 course orientation and three seminars. The dates for the seminars are on the first page. These seminars are mandatory and a doctor s note is required if you miss one. 3. During mid-semester, your teacher will let you know when your first check of the notebook is due. Please use the checklist on p. 16 to prepare for this checkup. 4. With the classroom teacher s approval, implement one assignment/activity from T & L 321. See page 2 in this handbook for possibilities, as well as the T & L 321 course syllabus. 5. Submit your completed notebook on the due date. All of the required elements on the checklist (p. 15) must be included. 6. Follow the guidelines and expectations outlined in this handbook. 10

11 $1,000,000 Liability Insurance School districts require that WSU students carry liability insurance before being placed for any field experience. To meet this requirement, your options include: WSU Student Experiential Liability Insurance Policy $9.42 per year (effective from date of payment days) Payable at cashier s office at WSU Tri-Cities, or by mailing form with check to cashier s office Enrollment form on reverse National Education Association (NEA)/SWEA Membership and Policy $22.50 per year (September 1 through August 31) Journals Job opportunities and postings Membership rolls over from student status to professional membership, with student dues reimbursement available Sign up online with credit or debit card: and select student membership in Washington State Pick the option that best suits your needs, and provide your proof of coverage via , fax, or paper copy to the College of Education, West 207O Questions? Please contact Lindsay Lightner at or llightner@tricity.wsu.edu, or Darlene Lewis at or dalewis@tricity.wsu.edu. 11

12 STUDENT EXPERIENTIAL LIABILITY INSURANCE COST: $9.42 PER YEAR This policy is renewed annually and once paid, coverage for all related internships are covered for 365 days from cashier s dated stamp below Student Name: WSU ID #: Department: Teaching and Learning, WSU Tri-Cities Department Contact and Phone: Lindsay Lightner, , or Darlene Lewis, Course(s) to be Insured: (Examples: T&L 402, SpEd 490, etc.) Permanent Address: Phone Number: This Student Experiential Liability Policy provides liability coverage with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $3,000,000 annual aggregate. Policy has a $2, per occurrence deductible which must be paid by the student if a loss occurs. Instructions: Take this form and $9.42 to the Student Accounts office at WSU Tri-Cities. They will receipt your payment and stamp this form as paid. Return this stamped form to your department contact. When authenticated with the cashier s paid stamp, this document serves as proof of insurance. You may also mail this form with payment to: Washington State University Tri-Cities Cashier s Office 2710 University Drive Richland, WA Trans Code: SSESLI Cashier s Paid Stamp T & L 402 Practicum Final Evaluation 12

13 Pre-service Teacher Date Evaluator/Master Teacher Grade 1. Professionalism Is punctual Maintains professional demeanor, behavior and attire Maintains social contact with students consistent with professional role 2. Interaction with students Relates positively to students, demonstrating interest, respect, equity, care and good rapport. Engages students in classroom activities and lessons Interactions with students are appropriate 3. Responsibility Comes to class prepared to assist the teacher in daily tasks Attends regularly 3+ hours a week; on time as scheduled Makes necessary arrangements to make up absences 4. Initiative COMMENTS: ( ) At/Above Standard ( ) Approaching Standard ( ) Below Standard COMMENTS: ( ) At/Above Standard ( ) Approaching Standard ( ) Below Standard COMMENTS: ( ) At/Above Standard ( ) Approaching Standard ( ) Below Standard COMMENTS: Displays a positive attitude and enthusiasm Shows initiative in the classroom (seeks information, asks questions, contributes ideas, helps where needed, etc.) Is self-motivated Displays a willingness to learn from cooperating teacher Responds positively to constructive comments made by mentors ( ) At/Above Standard ( ) Approaching Standard ( ) Below Standard (Please provide specific feedback for performance that is below standard.) (Continued on the next page.) 13

14 Did the pre-service teacher attend all 45 hours of practicum? Yes No Has this student fulfilled the teaching expectations of this practicum, and do you recommend he/she proceed in the teacher training program? Yes No Comments: Cooperating Teacher (Signature) Date University Supervisor (Signature) Date REQUIRED ELEMENTS FOR THE T & L 402 NOTEBOOK 14

15 (Please place this checklist as page one of your notebook on the due date.) Completion of a log sheet of hours. (Handout # 1). Your name, location and grade of practicum assignment, master teacher s name, and a weekly schedule of time in the classroom (i.e., every Monday from 8:30-11:30 a.m.). The log must total at least 45 hours. Please calculate the total hours and include this on your log Master Teacher checklist (with signature) on page 3 in the T & L 402 handbook 3. Context for Learning form (Handout # 2) 4. Diversity Documentation forms (Handout #3) A ½-1 page (typed, double-spaced), reflection regarding what you learned during the week, such as the importance of effective classroom management strategies, lesson adjustments that occur, ways to work with parent volunteers, etc. There should be 14 total reflections (one per week/classroom visit). Please include the date at the top of each reflection. (Handout # 4) First 6 reflections due October 25th. Remaining reflections due December 15th. Written/typed feedback from your master teacher on two different occasions. Written feedback from your university supervisor from two different visits. Campus Classroom Connections. (Handout # 5 where this activity will be described in depth. This must be neat and typed). A 2 page (double-spaced) reflection of a T & L 321 assignment/activity performed in the classroom. Please include the title of the assignment/activity at the top of your paper. Your reflection should be honest and thoughtful and could address strengths/weaknesses, results of the activity, etc. If you are unable to perform a T & L 321 assignment/activity, please include an additional 5 campus-classroom connections TYPED or attach the actual lesson with a reflection. (Handout # 6) Final Evaluation form (pp ). This must be signed by your master teacher and university supervisor. T & L 402 Mid-Semester Visit and Notebook Glimpse 15

16 When we meet, the following should be completed and organized in your notebook: 1) An up-to-date attendance log with specific activities 2) Master teacher checklist with signature 3) Context for learning 4) Diversity experience documentation 5) 6 reflections 6) At least 8 campus-classroom connections 16