Department Of Special Services and Leadership Studies
College of Education Pittsburg State University
Preparing Competent, Committed and Caring Educators
Fall 2008
Course Number:
SSLS 761
Title:
Practicum for Students with Adaptive Learning Needs
Credit Hours:
3
Instructor:
Ann George, Ed.D.
Office:
211 Hughes Hall
Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 1:00-5:00
By appointment
Office Phone:
(620) 235-6090
E-mail:
ageorge@pittstate.edu
Fax:
620-235-4520
Course Description
SSLS 761 Practicum for Students with Adaptive Learning Needs is a course specifically
designed to enhance the student’s ability to be a competent special education teacher. This is a
supervised experience under the direction of university personnel and a master’s level certified
teacher.
Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide a supervised experience (150 hours) that enables the
student to gain critical knowledge necessary for professional success.
Instructional Resources
The Special Education Practicum Handbook and all other course documents will be posted on
ANGEL.
Written Communication Skills
All text submitted should represent the writer’s best writing skills. Spelling, punctuation,
grammar, and sentence structure will be evaluated in each assignment and graded accordingly.
Course Requirements
A. Professional considerations:
1. Maintain a professional relationship with practicum supervisors, students,
teachers, and parents.
2. Demonstrate ethical behavior.
B. Observation:
1. Become familiar with student records.
2. Become familiar with each individual student’s strengths and weaknesses.
C. Projects:
1. Create and maintain a journal (Appendix B Handbook) that records practicum
experiences and required activities (Appendix A Handbook).
2. Complete Teacher Work Sample (Appendix E Handbook).
3. Maintain a log that records 150 practicum hours (Appendix C Handbook).
Evaluation
During the practicum the student will be observed and evaluated using a multifaceted system.
Some evaluation methods include observations, checklists and rubrics. A rating scale will be
completed by the cooperating teacher.
Participation
The student will participate in conferences with the supervisors and follow suggestions as
presented. If possible, the student will participate in parent conferences. The student will be
responsible for assisting in keeping attendance, bus duty, and other designated duties.
Responsibilities
In order to provide a successful learning experience for the practicum student, it is necessary that
the cooperating teacher, university supervisor, and student work together as a team. The
following guidelines articulate each team member’s responsibility.
A. Responsibilities of the cooperating teacher
1. Provide the practicum student with information on school policies, classroom
management, expectations, and any information on the pupil(s) that will be helpful to the
university student.
2. Provide partial responsibility, such as checking attendance, preparing materials, checking
papers, and helping individuals or groups of students.
3. Provide opportunities for the student to complete required projects.
4. Move the student from observer to participant.
5. Keep in contact with the university supervisor. Problems and/or areas of concern should
be immediately discussed with the university supervisor.
6. Complete the practicum evaluation form for the practicum student included in this packet
(See Appendix D Handbook).
B. Responsibilities of the university supervisor
1. Conduct classroom visits to observe the practicum students, this will include one
observation of the student teaching a lesson.
2. Inform the student and/or the cooperating teacher of any changes in requirements or
schedules that may occur during the practicum.
3. Receive the Practicum Evaluation Form from the cooperating teacher.
4. Evaluate required projects.
5. Provide assistance as needed.
C. Responsibilities of the student
1. Be in attendance during scheduled times. Maintain a time log which must include a total
of 150 hours at the end of the semester.
2. Complete projects outlined in the course requirements.
3. Teach lessons as assigned by the cooperating teacher.
Academic Honesty
Students are reminded to be familiar with the ”Dishonesty in Academic Work” policy in the
University Catalog. Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity at all times.
Violations will be handled as indicated in the written policy.
Respect for the Academic Process
The rights and responsibilities that accompany academic freedom are at the heart of the
intellectual purposes of the University. Our conduct as community members should protect and
promote the University’s pursuit of its academic mission. We are all, therefore, expected to
conduct ourselves with integrity in our learning, teaching and research, and in ways in which we
support those endeavors.