Southern Connecticut State University
School of Education
Office of Clinical Field Experiences & School of Education Student Services
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCES
Clinical field experiences are an essential component of any teacher preparation or advance practice program. The School of Education strives to assure that
students have a successful learning experience AND that their interactions in area schools are positive and productive for the students, teachers, and
administrators who partner with SCSU.
What is a clinical field experience course?
Any course requiring a student to complete a school-based placement as an assignment in the course may be a clinical field experience course. This includes
observations (even one time), clinical, field, internship, practicum, or student teaching experiences. When students enter a Pre K-12 setting, even for limited
observations, there is the potential for interaction with students; thus in all cases of a school-site visit, SCSU students must complete the requirements
mandated of a clinical field experience course.
Courses that require ONLY an interview with a teacher or administrator, attendance at school board meetings, participation in non-school-based PreK - 12
programs or community organizations are NOT considered a clinical field experience course.
How do I know if my course is considered a clinical field experience course?
The following is a current list of SCSU clinical field experience courses:
COURSE
NUMBER
ART 270
ART 370
ART 371
CSP 536
CSP 652
COURSE TITLE
CLINICIAL FIELD EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
Introduction to Art Education
Art Education (Elementary School)
Art Education (Secondary School)
School Psychology Practicum
Internship & Seminar School Psychology
Self-placement
Self-placement
Self-placement
Arranged by CSP Department
Arranged by CSP Department
3
3
10 hours
300 hours
1200 hours
CSP 537
Gate
# of HOURS
EXPECTED
6 hours
Arranged by CSP Department
3
300 hours
EDL 687
EDL 688
EDU 200 *
Internship I
Internship II
Teachers School and Societies
Arranged by EDL Department
Arranged by EDL Department
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
3
3
1
100 hours
100 hours
20 – 40 hours
EDU 201 *
Introduction to Teaching Professions
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
1
40 hours
1
ADDITONAL REQUIREMENT
40 hours when taken in the same semester as SED
225
20 hours required when taken alone
COURSE
NUMBER
EDU 206 *
COURSE TITLE
CLINICIAL FIELD EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
Gate
Principles Early Childhood Education
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
1
# of HOURS
EXPECTED
20 – 40 hours
EDU 300
Student Teaching I
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
4
16 weeks
EDU 301
EDU 309
EDU 311
EDU 312
EDU 400
Reading
Curriculum Design and methods for Preschool
Responsive Curriculum and Assessment
Integrated Curriculum in the Primary Class
Student Teaching
Self-placement
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
3
6 hours min
3
2
4
40 hours
40 hours
16 weeks
EDU 413
EDU 450
Secondary Education
Student Teaching I
Self-placement
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
4
40 hours
16 weeks
EDU 451
Student Teaching II
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
4
16 weeks
EDU 500
Student Teaching
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
4
16 weeks
EDU 504
EDU 505
EDU 506
EDU 534
Math in Elementary School
Social Studies in Elem School
Language Arts & Children’s Literature
Curriculum: Design and Methods for the
Elementary Classroom
Child Development for Elementary Teachers
Classroom Management
Teaching Lit to Adolescents
English (Secondary School)
Student Teaching - English
Self-placement
Self-placement
Self-placement
Self-placement
3
2
5 hours
6 hours min
6 hours min
Self-placement
Self-placement
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
2
2
2
3
4
3-4 hours
6 hours
10 hours
20-30 hours
16 weeks
EXS 191
EXS 291
EXS 292
EXS 350
EXS 394
EXS 495
HIS 490
HIS 494
Introduction to Exercise Science
Exploring Teaching of Physical Education
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
1
1
1
2
20 hours
2 hours
64 hours
6 hours
4
3
4
98 hours
30 hours
10 weeks
IDS 470
ILS 581
Literacy in the Content Areas
4
16 weeks
EDU 539
EDU 544
ENG 492
ENG 493
ENG 494
Teaching Physical Fitness K-12
Physical Education (Elementary School)
Physical Education (Secondary School)
Social Science (Sec. School)
Student Teaching (History)
Self-placement
Self-placement
School Media Specialist Practice
2
ADDITONAL REQUIREMENT
40 hours when taken in the same semester as SED
225/20 hours required when taken alone
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
COURSE
NUMBER
MAT 490
MAT 494
COURSE TITLE
CLINICIAL FIELD EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
Gate
Mathematics – Secondary Schools
Student Teaching (Mathematics)
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
SCE 490
SCE 494
Science (Secondary School)
Student Teaching (Science)
Arranged by Course Instructor
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
SED 225
Introduction to Exceptionalities
SED 235
Early Childhood Special Education for the
Exceptional Individual
Curriculum and Methods for Exceptional
Individuals
Accommodating Individuals with Physical
Disabilities and other Health Impairments
Educational Individuals with Moderate &
Severe Disabilities
Academic Assessment and Remediation
Classroom Management Techniques in Special
Educational settings
Language Arts for Exceptional Individuals
From Theory to Practice: School Based
Experiences in Special Education
Curriculum Methods and Materials for
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and
Other Developmental Disabilities
Nature and Needs for Individuals with Autism
Spectrum and Other Developmental
Disabilities
Developmental Intervention with Seriously
Emotionally Disabled
Early Childhood and Development Differences
Evaluation and Service Delivery Early
Childhood
Applied Behavioral Analysis in Educational
Settings: Instruction and Assessment
Advanced Application Behavioral Analysis
Supervised Independent Field Application
Behavioral Analysis
Practicum in Diagnosis of Reading & Language
Arts Difficulties
SED 325
SED 335
SED 355
SED 365
SED 375
SED 435
SED 449/IDS 449
SED 512
SED 520
SED 523
SED 550
SED 552
SED 610
SED 692
SED 695
RDG 568 **
ADDITONAL REQUIREMENT
3
4
# of HOURS
EXPECTED
40 hours
10 weeks
4
10 weeks
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office
(when taken with EDU 200 or EDU 206)
Self-placement when taken alone
Self-placement
1
20 - 40
40 hours when taken in the same semester as SED
225/20 hours required when taken alone
Self-placement
2
1 hour
Self-placement
2
10 hours
Arranged by Course Instructor
Self-placement
2
2
8 hours
10 hours
Self-placement
Self-placement
2
3
8 hours
30 hours
8 hours
Self-placement
Self-placement
1 hour
Self-placement
1 hour
Self-placement
1 hour
Self-placement
Self-placement
Self-placement
5 hours
Self-placement
Self-placement
varies
varies
Arranged by Course Instructor
3
Requires application & approval for student
teaching
COURSE
NUMBER
RDG 659 **
RDG 665
COURSE TITLE
CLINICIAL FIELD EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
Gate
# of HOURS
EXPECTED
112
----
ADDITONAL REQUIREMENT
Practicum Remedial Reading & Language Arts
Arranged by Course Instructor
2
Practicum and Seminar in Reading and Lang
Arranged by Course Instructor
3
Arts Res
RDG 676
Practicum & Development and Leadership for
School Literacy Program II
WLL 491
Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages at
Arranged by Course Instructor
Secondary School
WLL 452
Secondary School Student Teaching World
Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office 4
16 weeks
Requires application & approval for student
Languages
teaching
* Students taking EDU 200 or EDU 206 as a LEP course (not intending to apply to a teacher education program) may NOT request a school based placement. An alternative assignment will be
offered by the course instructor for LEP students. Students planning to apply to a teacher education program are required to complete 40 hours of a school based clinical experience for application
to their program.
Students intending to apply to a teacher education program must make a placement request. Placement arranged by the Clinical Field Experience Office to occur in the New Haven Public Schools.
This placement has already been arranged with the district. New Haven Public Schools has been selected for students in these courses because: the district offers placement in diverse school
settings; required of all teacher education candidates. The proximity to the SCSU campus makes these placements a convenient location for most students. Students may request an exception, but
must submit a REQUEST FOR SELF PLACEMENT (https://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/education/clinicalfieldexperiences/Clinical%20Field%20Experience%20Handbook.html) and
receive approval prior to arranging for any placement.
*** Students in this course meet on the SCSU campus and are not required to have a RESC fingerprint/background check for this course ONLY.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ARRANGING FOR A CLINICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT?
What is required for my clinical field experience course?
Students enrolled in clinical field experience courses must meet the following requirements:
1. Have a valid background check from a state RESC agency on record with the University AND
2. Must report their placement information to the University
I have heard that ONLY the Clinical Field Experience Office can arrange my placement?
A limited number of courses REQUIRE placement arrangement through the Office of Clinical Field Experience. Please refer to the chart above regarding your
course placement:
 Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office – EDU 200, EDU 201, & EDU 206
These courses require placement by the Office of Clinical Field Experiences. These courses require a request or application for placement so that
arrangements can be made for your placement. Please note the following:
 Students MUST complete a Clinical Field Experience Request - available at: https://southernct.tk20.com/campustoolshighered/start.do

Students MUST attend a Clinical Field Experience Orientation – information available at:
https://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/education/clinicalfieldexperiences/index.html

Arranged by Clinical Field Experience Office – Student Teaching
All students in an initial certification program MUST complete student teaching. Student teaching requires an application be completed in 1-2 semesters
prior to the student teaching semester. The application period for student teaching is:
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SPRING 2015 – April 2014 – October 3, 2014
applications received after the deadline may not be eligible for placement
FALL 2015 – November 1, 2014 – February 6, 2015
applications received after the deadline may not be eligible for placement
Candidates MUST complete an application through a paid account in TK20, meet all of the requirements for student teaching, AND attend an information
meeting for student teaching. Additional information is available at: https://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/education/clinicalfieldexperiences/index.html

Arranged by Course Instructor – The instructor or department has arranged for students placement in an area school setting. All students will complete the
clinical experience at the location designated by the instructor. All students MUST meet the fingerprint/background check requirements.

Self -Placement – Students may arrange for their own placement with their course instructors approval provided they have met the fingerprint/background
check requirements for clinical placement. Approval by the Office of Clinical Field Experiences is not required for courses designated as self-placement.
Why do I have to make a request if you have already made an arrangement for my placement?
A request is necessary to assure that: (1) we are placing all of the students needing a clinical field experience, (2) we have accurate information about you for
placement purposes, and (3) we can address any special needs or requests regarding your placement.
I heard that I cannot self-place in some school districts?
True, several school districts in the area will ONLY accept a placement request from the Office of Clinical Field Experiences. These districts include: New Haven,
Cheshire, and Woodbridge. Do not attempt to seek self-placement in these districts.
If my course is a “self-placement” course, can I get assistance with arranging a placement?
The Office of Clinical Field Experiences can assist with placement for courses (or combination of courses) requiring 10 or more hours of observation within a
limited number of districts in the New Haven area. To request a placement, the student MUST complete a request in TK20 at:
https://southernct.tk20.com/campustoolshighered/start.do. Please allow 2-4 weeks AFTER completion of the request and AFTER the start of the semester for our office
to communicate a placement arrangement.
What is a field placement orientation meeting and why do I have to attend?
The school-based clinical experience is a unique experience. Students who are initiating their first school-based experience will find this orientation to be helpful
in completing the request AND knowing what to expect during their first placement. Additionally, our staff will provide additional information to assure that
students have completed ALL of the requirements for placement.
Why do I have to complete the New Haven Volunteer Form when placed in the New Haven Public Schools?
Many school districts establish their own requirements for background checks, additional information, and application forms for placement. This form is
required for students completing placements in the district. Our office has agreed to help assure that students complete this requirement prior to placement.
Because the district is requesting information we work to assure that your information is kept in a safe, confidential location until we turn the form over to the
New Haven School Board.
I work during the day, how am I supposed to complete a school-based clinical experience?
All teacher education programs will require students to participate in school-based observations throughout their preparation. This is a requirement of all
teacher education programs for accreditation and certification. Experience in a diverse array of schools and classrooms are essential to preparation of teachers.
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In some circumstances, you may be able to arrange early morning and after school program participation but ALL teacher preparation, programs will require
regular school hour placement at several times during your academic program. You will need to make arrangement with your employer so that you can fulfill
your program’s requirements for field placements.
Why am I required to report my placement information?
The School of Education is accredited by NCATE (soon to be CAEP). To meet accreditation standards the University must keep an accurate account of students’
placements in clinical field experience courses. This information is also used to assure that candidates have a diverse set of placements throughout their
academic program. The information is required for our office to arrange your student teaching placement.
This information request will be completed in your course by your instructor by mid semester. Students should be ready to provide the following information:
School District
School Name
Mentor Teacher Full Name
Mentor Teacher Email address
Where can I find additional information regarding Clinical Field Experience?
A Clinical Field Experience Handbook is available on line at:
https://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/education/clinicalfieldexperiences/Clinical%20Field%20Experience%20Handbook.html
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FINGERPRINTING/BACKGROUND CHECKS?
Why does the University require me to complete a fingerprint/background check?
Connecticut state law requires any students completing a PreK-12 school-based clinical field experience to have a valid background check on record with their
college or university. This law designates that background checks MUST be completed through a state RESC Agency.
What will qualify as a valid fingerprint/background check receipt?
State RESC agencies are located throughout the state. Each agency has its own practices regarding fingerprint/background checks. Students may use any of the
state RESC agencies to complete this requirement but the University MUST receive a valid receipt to verify completion of this requirement. The receipt must
include from the agency:
 be on agency letter head
 have the students name as it appears on university records
 indicate the date the agency processed the request (fingerprint date)
 Include the student’s ID number
Where can I have my fingerprint/background check completed?
The background check MUST be completed by a RESC Agency within the last 3 years (as of the date on the receipt) AND Southern Connecticut State University
MUST be designated as a recipient of the results. If the background check was completed for another university or employer, the student is responsible for
notifying the agency that they are using the background check for SCSU and assuring that it is stent to SCSUTeacherEd@southernct.edu. Independent
verification from the agency for the background check is required.
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The following are NOT acceptable for completion of the background check requirement:
 local police agencies
 employers
 other state or federal government agencies
 any other agency
 school district background checks
EFFECTIVE SPRING SEMESTER 2015 – The background check receipt must be on file no less than 30 days prior to the first day of classes for the semester/session.
Students without a valid background check 30 days prior to the start the semester will not be eligible to participate in clinical field experience hours during the
semester/session. Background check receipt dates must be on OR before.
 SPRING 2015
December 12, 2014
Semester begins January 9, 2015
 ALL SUMMER SESSIONS, 2015
April 24, 2014
Semester begins May 18, 2015
 FALL 2015
July 31, 2015
Semester begins August 31, 2015
The following RESC agencies have been designated by the state for processing fingerprints/background checks. The cost is between 50-60 dollars for processing
of both fingerprints and background checks. Check with the appropriate agency regarding accepted methods of payment. An appointment is required.
ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services)
350 State Street
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 498-6817
http://www.aces.org/
The University STRONGLY recommends that students use the ACES location for processing their fingerprints/background checks. ACES is the designated agency for SCSU, provides a receipt for the
student to submit, AND works easily with the University in the event that a matter needs to cleared up regarding fingerprint/background check processing. Other RESC Agencies may/may not notify
or independently confirm your background check which can lead delaying participation in a clinical field experience. http://www.aces.org/services/fingerprinting or PHONE: 203-498-6800.
Education Connection
350 Goshen Road, P.O. Box 909
Litchfield, CT 06759
(860) 567-0863
http://www.educationconnection.org/
EAST CONN
376 Hartford Turnpike
Hampton, CT 06247
(860) 455-0707
http://www.eastconn.org/
CREC
111 Charter Oak Ave
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 247-2732
LEARN
44 Hatchetts Hill Road
Old Lyme, CT 06371
(860 43404800
http://www.learn.k12.ct.us/
I heard that ACES comes to campus for fingerprint & background check processing?
Yes, the School of Education arranges for background/fingerprint processing on site. Typically, ACES will be on campus in December & April of each year.
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Is it true that I can get fingerprinted at my local police department and then submit the background check to a RESC
agency?
Yes, but this is NOT recommended. Although it may be less convenient, we STRONGLY encourage students to make arrangements to complete the fingerprinting
at ACES because of its reputation for securing a "clean" print. You will be less likely to have to be “reprinted”, Which can delay your participation in a field
experience.
Why is the fingerprint/background check requirement so restrictive?
There are several reasons. First, state law (not the University) determines the process and parameters for background check requirements for teacher education
programs; second, the University does NOT receive a copy of your background check but rather receives notification if there is an item on your background
check; third, the background check is a federal-level background check conducted through the FBI.
How long is my fingerprint/background check valid?
Three years from the date of the receipt. The receipt must cover the ENTIRE semester in which the student is enrolled in a clinical field experience course. The
University uses the last day of regular classes each semester/term. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that their fingerprint/background check covers the
period of enrollment AND to assure that the University receives a new fingerprint/background check receipt prior to the expiration date if enrolled in clinical
field experience course.
Where do I submit my fingerprint/background check receipt?
The Office of Clinical Field Experiences & School of Education Student Services (Davis 110 & 112) MUST receive the receipt for your fingerprint/background check
receipt. Always keep a copy of your receipt for your records. You may be asked to provide a copy to an instructor, academic program, as part of the application
process, or school district. The Office of Clinical Field Experience will confirm the date of your receipt on file to another SCSU Office, or faculty member.
Regretfully, we CANNOT provide a copy of your receipt from your file. Please submit your receipt to:
DROP OFF:
EMAIL:
MAIL:
Davis 110 or Davis 112
SCSUTeacherED@southernct.edu
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent St.
New Haven, CT 06515
c/o Office of Clinical Field Experiences &
School of Education Student Services (Davis 110)
Can I use the background check completed with a RESC Agency when I was employed previously by a school district?
Yes, as long as it has been within 3 years, AND you notify the agency that you are using your receipt for Southern Connecticut State University. If you were not
previously provided with a receipt please call the agency and request a receipt to submit to the Office of Clinical Field Experiences.
I was not able to get my background check complete OR I didn’t submit my Confirmation of Background Check to the Office
of Clinical Field Experience in time. Can I proceed with my placement anyway?
No, you may not enter a public or private PreK – 12 school setting without a valid background check on file. Students proceeding without a valid background
check are subject to review for continued enrollment in a course or within the School of Education.
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I currently work for a public or private school in Connecticut. Does the fingerprint/background check requirement apply to
me?
Yes, employed educators and administrators must have a valid fingerprint/background check on record with the University to participate in a PreK - 12 clinical
field experiences through SCSU. You must contact the agency where you are employed and request that they send confirmation of your background check to
SCSU. Your background check must be processed through a state RESC agency. Most agencies will email this to SCSUTeacherEd@southernct.edu.
I believe that something might show up on my background check. What should I do?
The student is responsible for notifying the University that there may be an item on their background check. Please contact Angela Todaro at
todaroa2@southernct.edu prior to the start of any placement. In the event that the University becomes aware of an item on a background check after the start
of a clinical field experience the student AND the instructor will receive notification that the student may not able to proceed with their placement.
The school at which I am observing, interning, or student teaching requires verification of my background check. How can I
send them the information they are requesting?
There are some school districts which will require your background check information. If you receive this request you must comply and assure that your
information is forwarded to the school district. To do this you must contact the RESC Agency at which you completed the fingerprint/background check and
request that they send the verification to the school district. The School of Education cannot verify your background check on your behalf.
I am completing my clinical field experience in my employing district. I have heard that there is a form that I can submit
that won't require me to have a background check?
Yes, you can complete the CONFIRMATION OF BACKGROUND CHECK FORM at:
(https://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/education/clinicalfieldexperiences/Clinical%20Field%20Experience%20Handbook.html )
This must be signed by a designated school administrator confirming that you will be completing your clinical field experience ONLY in your employing district.
This form is ONLY valid for one semester or summer term and MUST be resubmitted each semester the student is participating in a school-based clinical field
experience.
Will I be able to use my employing district for all of my clinical field experiences for my program?
While you may be given permission to complete some placements in your district, you will not be given permission to complete all of them in the same district.
ALL students in initial certification or advanced practice programs must complete some clinical experiences in school settings outside of their employing
district/school. The University is responsible for assuring that all students in all programs have experiences with diverse students over the course of their
academic program.
Revised: 10/16/2014
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