Practicum Process
This document outlines the procedures of practicum and the specific tasks expected of each person involved.
Preparing
When: One week before practicum starts
Practicum Student
- Attend practicum orientation.
- Send an introductory email to CP.
- Respond to introductory email from US.
- Schedule regular meetings with US.
- Schedule regular meetings with CP.
- Review Practicum Notebook.
Cooperating Professional
- Participate in supervision orientation provided by ECSE program.
- Respond to introductory emails from US and PS.
- Schedule regular meetings with PS.
- Review practicum materials provided by ECSE program.
University Supervisor
- Participate in supervision orientation provided by ECSE program.
- Send an introductory email to PS and CP.
- Schedule regular meetings with PS.
- Review Practicum Notebook and Supervision Handbook.
Getting Started
When: Week 1
Practicum Student
- Complete Student Information Form and send to US and CP.
- Have first meeting with US, to review supervision expectations and procedures, ask questions, and plan for first few weeks of practicum.
- Familiarize yourself with placement, including philosophy, policies, personnel, etc.
- Learn about your children and families, including IEP/IFSP documents, assessment results, developmental milestones, and current objectives.
- Discuss lesson/session planning procedures with CP and decide on a form to use (see forms and examples provided; you may also use your CP’s preferred form).
Cooperating Professional
- Read Student Information Form.
- Familiarize PS with placement, including philosophy, policies, personnel, etc.
- Orient PS to children and families, including IEP/IFSP documents, assessment results, developmental milestones, and current objectives.
- Discuss lesson/session planning procedures with PS and decide on a form to use (see forms and examples provided; PS may also use your preferred form).
University Supervisor
- Read Student Information Form.
- Have first meeting with PS, to review supervision expectations and procedures, answer questions, and plan for first few weeks of practicum.
Observing
When: Weeks 1-2
Practicum Student
- Complete observations using at least three Observation Guides. Share with US.
- Schedule first 3-way meeting.
Cooperating Professional
- Provide opportunities for PS to observe.
- Schedule first 3-way meeting.
University Supervisor
- Review and discuss with PS the completed Observation Guides.
- Schedule first 3-way meeting.
First 3-way Meeting
When: Weeks 2-3
Practicum Student
- Prior to the meeting, review Contract Checklist and be prepared to discuss it.
- Prior to the meeting, complete the Competency Rating Scale. Share with CP and US.
- At the meeting, share information about your background and experiences with CP and US.
- At the meeting, engage in discussion about the items in the Contract Checklist.
- Develop a clear and shared understanding of what the placement will look like.
- Reach consensus with CP and US regarding the activities to be completed during the semester in the placement.
- Consider scheduling midterm and final 3-way meetings.
- Discuss possible schedule for observations (best days, times, families, etc.) and schedule first observation.
Cooperating Professional
- Prior to the meeting, review Contract Checklist and be prepared to discuss it.
- Review the PS’s completed Competency Rating Scale.
- At the meeting, share information about your background and experiences with PS and US.
- At the meeting, engage in discussion about the items in the Contract Checklist.
- Develop a clear and shared understanding of what the placement will look like.
- Reach consensus with PS and US regarding the activities to be completed during the semester in the placement.
- Consider scheduling midterm and final 3-way meetings.
- Discuss possible schedule for observations (best days, times, families, etc.) and schedule first observation.
University Supervisor
- Prior to the meeting, send PS and CP reminder of tasks to be completed. Also share format of meeting.
- Prior to the meeting, review Contract Checklist and be prepared to discuss it.
- Review the PS’s completed Competency Rating Scale.
- At the meeting, share information about your background and experiences with PS and CP and invite CP and PS to share about themselves.
- Provide a brief overview of the supervision process, including 3-way meetings, required 6-8 observations by US, and gradual assumption of responsibilities by PS, culminating in takeover.
- At the meeting, facilitate discussion about the items in the Contract Checklist.
- Develop a clear and shared understanding of what the placement will look like.
- Reach consensus with PS and US regarding the activities to be completed during the semester in the placement.
- Consider scheduling midterm and final 3-way meetings.
- Discuss possible schedule for observations (best days, times, families, etc.) and schedule first observation.
- After the meeting, within 48 hours, send brief summary of meeting, including any scheduled observations or meetings and establish ongoing lines and communication.
Ongoing
When: Every week
Practicum Student
- Keep track of hours on the Timesheet.
- Keep track of completed activities from the Contract Checklist.
- Review the Semester Calendar regularly.
- Discuss roles and responsibilities with CP and US and gradually assume more responsibility.
- Participate in professional development activities offered at your site.
- Engage in ongoing, reflective conversations about what you observe, teaching practices, family engagement, and planning.
- Communicate with US and CP regularly, including through regular face-to-face meetings.
- Provide CP with lesson/session plans prior to implementation of the plans.
Cooperating Professional
- Discuss roles and responsibilities with PS and US and PS’s gradual assumption of more responsibility.
- Allow time for ongoing conversations with the PS.
- Involve the PS in planning meetings.
- Review the PS’s Semester Calendar and Timesheet regularly.
- Discuss opportunities for PS to participate in at least two extra professional development activities (e.g., staff in-services, trainings).
- Engage in ongoing, reflective conversations with PS about what they observe, teaching practices, family engagement, and planning.
- Review the PS’s lesson/session plans prior to implementation and provide the PS with feedback.
- Inform PS of any changes related to the schedule that may impact planning.
- Engage in discussions with the PS about relevant topics (e.g., behavior management, communication with families, teaching practices, collaboration, assessment, culturally responsive practices, etc.).
- Communicate with US regularly and share any concerns about PS as they arise.
University Supervisor
- Provide support and guidance to PS and CP as needed and requested.
Observations by US
When: Beginning in weeks 3-4 and continuing approximately every other week for 6-8 observations total
Practicum Student
- Schedule observation with CP, US, and, if applicable, family.
- Schedule pre-observation and post-observation meetings with US. The pre-observation meeting should occur at least 24 hours prior to observation. The post-observation meeting should occur withing 24 hours after observation.
- Send Request for Observation Form and lesson/session plan form to US prior to pre-observation meeting.
- At pre-observation meeting, review lesson/session plan, discuss with US what data you would like collected and how, and confirm observation logistics.
- At observation, conduct planned lesson/session. The observation by US should last 30-60 minutes, although the specific lesson/session might be shorter.
- At post-observation meeting, meet with US for 15-30 minutes to discuss observation, including what went well and what could be improved.
- After the post-observation meeting, complete Post-Observation Reflection Form and send to US.
Cooperating Professional
- Schedule observation with PS, US, and, if applicable, family.
- Provide support and guidance to PS as needed and requested regarding planning lessons/sessions.
University Supervisor
- Schedule observation with PS, CP, and, if applicable, family.
- Schedule pre-observation and post-observation meetings with PS. The pre-observation meeting should occur at least 24 hours prior to observation. The post-observation meeting should occur withing 24 hours after observation.
- Ensure all required forms (Request for Observation Form and lesson/session plan form) have been submitted before conducting pre-observation meeting.
- Prior to the meeting, review Request for Observation Form and lesson/session plan form and prepare to discuss the plans and offer ideas.
- At the meeting, ask PS to review the lesson/session plan; provide feedback and ideas as needed.
- At the meeting, discuss with PS what data they would like collected and how, and confirm observation logistics.
- Conduct observation at planned time. The observation should last 30-60 minutes, although the specific lesson/session might be shorter.
- Collect data and notes about the PS’s performance to guide reflection and feedback.
- At post-observation meeting, meet with the PS for 15-30 minutes to discuss observation, including what went well and what could be improved. Take notes.
- After the post-observation meeting, read Post-Observation Reflection Form sent by PS.
- After post-observation meeting, share summary of discussion and feedback provided at post-observation meeting. Consider sharing relevant resources with PS.
Observations by CP
When: Weekly
Practicum Student
- Plan opportunities with CP to begin leading lessons/sessions.
- Complete lesson/session plan form and share with CP prior to observation.
- Before each observation, discuss with CP what they will do during observation.
- At observation, conduct planned lesson/session.
- After the observation, discuss the observation, including what went well and what could be improved.
Cooperating Professional
- Plan opportunities for PS to begin leading lessons/sessions.
- Before each observation, review the PS’s lesson/session plan and provide feedback.
- Before each observation, discuss with PS what you will do during observation (e.g., sit back and observe).
- During the observation, take notes on PS’s implementation of lesson/session, including how they adjust their plans to meet the needs of the child(ren) and/or family.
- After the observation, discuss the lesson/session, including what went well and what could be improved.
University Supervisor
- Provide support and guidance to PS as needed and requested regarding planning lessons/sessions.
- Provide opportunities for PS to reflect on completed lessons/sessions, including what went well and what could be improved.
Midterm 3-way Meeting
When: Weeks 7-9
Practicum Student
- Prior to the meeting, complete the Competency Rating Scale and Contract Checklist. Share with US and CP at least 24 hours prior to meeting.
- At the meeting, review Contract Checklist with US and CP, reaching consensus for each item.
- At the meeting, engage in discussion led by US about your experiences so far and plans for rest of semester.
Cooperating Professional
- Prior to the meeting, review the PS’s completed Competency Rating Scale.
- Prior to the meeting, review and complete the Contract Checklist. Share with US at least 24 hours prior to meeting.
- At the meeting, review Contract Checklist with PS and US, reaching consensus for each item.
- At the meeting, engage in discussion led by US about PS’s experiences so far and plans for rest of semester.
University Supervisor
- Prior to the meeting, send PS and CP reminder of tasks to be completed.
- Prior to the meeting, review and complete the Contract Checklist.
- Review the PS’s completed Competency Rating Scale.
- At the meeting, review Contract Checklist with PS and CP, reaching consensus for each item.
- At the meeting, facilitate discussion about PS’s experiences so far and plans for rest of semester.
- After the meeting, within 48 hours, send brief summary of the meeting.
- If there are concerns about PS’s performance, consult with program coordinator.
Takeover
When: Weeks 12-13 (approximately)
Practicum Student
- Prior to takeover, discuss with the US and CP how to prepare for takeover.
- Create a two-week takeover schedule that covers all responsibilities of CP.
Cooperating Professional
- Prior to takeover, discuss with the PS and US how to prepare for takeover.
- Provide guidance and feedback to PS on two-week takeover schedule that covers all responsibilities of CP.
- During takeover, provide guidance, opportunities for reflection, and feedback to PS.
University Supervisor
- Prior to takeover, discuss with the PS and CP how to prepare for takeover.
- Provide guidance and feedback to PS on two-week takeover schedule that covers all responsibilities of CP.
- During takeover, provide guidance, opportunities for reflection, and feedback to PS.
Final 3-way Meeting
When: Weeks 13-14
Practicum Student
- Prior to the meeting, complete the Competency Rating Scale and Contract Checklist. Share with US and CP at least 24 hours prior to meeting.
- Prior to the meeting, reflect on your experiences and growth.
- At the meeting, review Contract Checklist with the US and CP, reaching consensus for each item.
- Sign the Timesheet and Contract Checklist.
- After the meeting, continue to attend practicum until the last day of the semester.
Cooperating Professional
- Prior to the meeting, review the PS’s completed Competency Rating Scale.
- Prior to the meeting, review and complete the Contract Checklist. Share with US at least 24 hours prior to meeting.
- At the meeting, review Contract Checklist with the PS and US, reaching consensus for each item.
- At the meeting, engage in discussion led by US about the PS’s experiences in the practicum.
- Sign the Timesheet and Contract Checklist.
University Supervisor
- If there are concerns about PS’s performance, consult with the program coordinator prior to the meeting.
- Prior to the meeting, send PS and CP reminder of tasks to be completed.
- Prior to the meeting, review and complete the Contract Checklist.
- Review the PS’s completed Competency Rating Scale.
- At the meeting, review Contract Checklist with PS and CP, reaching consensus for each item.
- At the meeting, facilitate discussion about PS’s experiences in the practicum.
- After the meeting, within 48 hours, send a brief summary of the meeting.
- Sign the Timesheet and Contract Checklist.
Wrapping Up
When: Week 16 and beyond
Practicum Student
- With CP, plan “closure” activity with children and, if applicable, families.
- Write a thank you note to CP.
- Complete required evaluations forms, which will be sent by the program coordinator.
- Consider asking US and/or CP for letter of recommendation.
Cooperating Professional
- With PS, plan “closure” activity with children and, if applicable, families.
- Consider writing a recommendation letter for employment if requested by PS.
University Supervisor
- Ensure all necessary forms and other documents are in the PS’s folder on Box.
- Consider writing a recommendation letter for employment if requested by PS.
Practicum Process, 07.28.23
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