English Learner Authorization

(1)

Student

Teaching

Handbook

(2)

Introduction

Welcome to SFSU Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Student Teaching (SPED 730). You are about to begin an experience that will give you the opportunity to continue your rich university courses with hands-on application in community early intervention and early childhood special education settings. For some of you, this experience will be a familiar one. For others, the setting will present a new situation for you, and at first you may feel a bit apprehensive. Even though you may come from different backgrounds and experiences, you are all necessary and valuable assets to this field.

This handbook provides information on policies and procedures related to student teaching experiences and roles and responsibilities of the Student Teacher, Field Site Supervisor, and University Supervisor. Any questions concerning information provided (or not provided) in this manual may be directed to the ECSE Fieldwork Coordinator, Dr. Summer Hsia.

Please remember that your student teaching experience is a very important part of your ECSE program. You will be expected to demonstrate your proficiency using evidenced-based intervention practices in authentic programs with children receiving special

education services and their families. Use your supervisors as resources of support to solve problems or to address student teaching requirements to better demonstrate your skills. Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education is a rewarding career, and the experiences that you will have during your student teaching will help you for many years to come. Enjoy what each experience has to offer and good luck!

(3)

English Learner Authorization

Student teaching includes demonstration of skills required to receive the English Learner (EL) Authorization in the State of California. All student teaching activities and portfolio requirements should be designed and implemented using a Universal Design for Learning (UDL; Rose & Meyer, 2006) approach with differentiated approaches as

appropriate to the individual needs of the children and families, including English language learners and English language learners with disabilities.

Students are required to demonstrate ECSE competencies as applied to working with English Language Learners and will be evaluated through observations and evaluations by their SFSU and Field Site Supervisors. The following indicators will be evaluated in partial fulfillment of EL Authorization requirements:

• Students take the initiative to schedule a meeting with the program or center

administrator (or appropriate alternative) to discuss the characteristics of program- or center-based structures designed to meet the needs of English learners and are able to articulate those characteristics to their SFSU Supervisor.

• Students demonstrate the ability to conduct assessments and develop effective

intervention programs appropriate for children who are English learners.

• Students demonstrate the ability to implement intervention procedures to promote

(4)

Policies and Procedures

You are required to complete a minimum of 320 contact hours of student teaching in two semesters (200 hours each semester) to receive a minimum of 6 units of credit. One semester of 120 hours must be with a program serving children birth through 3 with disabilities and one semester of 200 hours must be with a program serving children 3 through 5 with disabilities. Contact hours are those spent with children, families, and/or other professionals. In addition, a Student Teaching Workshop (SPED 729) is required during the two semesters of the student teaching experience. A schedule of contact hours a student will fulfill with the site (e.g., program, center, or school) should be developed by the Field Site Supervisor in accordance to his/her program in order to meet the required time allotted for completion.

As a Student Teacher, you will have frequent contact with your University Supervisor. During each supervision visit, the University Supervisor will provide feedback on your performance during the observation period. In addition, you are to maintain agreed upon contact with your University Supervisor. Your University Supervisor may require more observations or additional assignments if you need further practice to demonstrate proficiency in any particular competency area.

In addition to the 320 contact hours with children and families, all Student Teachers need to satisfactorily complete the Intervention Portfolio assignments and forms outlined in the Student Teaching Handbook. Passing student teaching each semester is dependent on (a) completing required contact hours, (b) demonstrating fieldwork proficiency through observation and feedback, and (c) demonstrating intervention proficiency in the

Intervention Portfolio. Grades will be withheld until all the paperwork is turned in. No incompletes will be given unless approved by your University and Field Site Supervisors according to SF State Incomplete Grade Policy:

(5)

ECSE Student Teaching Responsibilities

As a Student Teacher you will be required to perform activities specific to your site. These activities will vary according to your program. Use this list as a guideline to complete all or your requirements for passing.

____ Participate in the development of the Student Teaching Contract. ____ Consult on a regular basis with the SFSU Supervisor and Field Site

Supervisor regarding the on-going completion of requirements. ____ Adhere to the attendance policy (see guidelines in the next section) ____ Get to know the children with whom you will be working as well as the

correct spelling of their names.

____ Read the files on the children with whom you will be working. (Remember that confidentiality is a must. DO NOT discuss a child’s information with other parents or professionals not involved with the child’s program.) ____ Become familiar with the program’s safety and security policies. Know what

to do in the event of a fire, earthquake, etc.

____ Obtain the roles and responsibilities of the Paraeducator and Related Services personnel

____ Assist with preparation and clean up of the center including diapering. ____ Carry out any responsibilities requested by your Field Site Supervisor. ____ Obtain consent and videotape an intervention activity at the field site.

Provide the intervention plan and embedding schedule of all participants to the University Supervisor (may also be used for Intervention Portfolio). Provide video for your University Supervisor in the designated format. ____ Participate in meetings discussion your performance.

____ Complete the evaluations of the Site and University Supervisors.

____ Attend and participate in the Student Teaching Workshop (SPED 729).

(6)

Additional tips to make your experience successful

____ When you arrive at your site sign/check in at the office or other appropriate location. (Get to know the program director, principal, secretary and the custodian and/or other staff. They may become your most valuable assets) ____ Give priority to your student teaching. Remember that this is a big

commitment and requires hours of preparation.

____ Dress appropriately and remember that you may get dirty. This is a hands on job and anything can happen.

____ Respect program property and return things that you borrow.

____ Become as much a part of the staff as possible. Introduce yourself to team members and join in meetings and social functions when invited.

____ ASK QUESTIONS!!! If you do not understand something or are unsure of why someone is doing something ask questions and listen to the answers. ____ If you are having trouble with something or a child or family ask your Field

Site Supervisor for help.

____ Become familiar with the center or school if applicable. Know where to locate the bathrooms, offices, library etc.

____ Follow through on your commitments and be prepared for activities.

____ Use the materials and skills you have learned from your course work when developing your portfolio.

____ Understand the Field Site Supervisor’s expectations of you.

____ Timely discuss concerns and problems with the Site and University Supervisors

(7)

Attendance Policy

• You are expected by the site to attend the student teaching placements on their

scheduled days for the entire semester. The site depends on you to be there.

• You are not allowed to deviate from your student teaching schedule after the

Fieldwork Coordinator, University and Field Site Supervisors have approved it. Any changes in the schedule must be discussed and arranged with the supervisors in advance. You must notify your University Supervisor if you will not be at the site on a scheduled observation day.

• Student teachers are allowed one sick day per semester. You do not need to make

up student teaching hours on this sick day, but should call your Field Site

Supervisors to let them know they will not be at the site so the Field Site Supervisor can make plans to cover the absence. Sick days beyond one per semester must be made up.

• Unexcused or excessive absences may be grounds for an action plan and/or

grounds for a “no pass” grade for the student teaching semester.

• You are permitted one conference day per semester and do not need to make up

hours at their field placement for that day if the conference has been approved by the University Supervisor. However, you must notify the Field Site Supervisor well in advance of your absence.

• Student teachers who arrive late at sites or are absent more than two times in one

semester will be given a written warning from your Site Supervisor, who will also notify the University Supervisor. If a student is late or absent a third time, the Field Site Supervisor will take remedial action by requiring the student to submit a plan of action to the University and Field Site Supervisor to rectify the problem. Both supervisors must agree to the plan of action and you will be required to follow it for the remainder of the term or receive a “no pass” grade for the student teaching credits that semester.

(8)

SFSU Supervisor’s Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of the Student Teaching Contract.

• Provide on-site supervision and support on a regular basis. Visit the Student

Teacher at the field site a minimum of 3 times each semester. Schedule these visits in consultation with the Field Site Supervisor.

• Provide timely feedback on completed sections of the Intervention Portfolio,

including suggestions for revision.

• Consult with the Field Site Supervisor as needed.

• Consult with the Student Teacher on a regular basis regarding the completion of the

requirements.

• Discuss with the Field Site Supervisor and Student Teacher modifications of the

requirements. Make the final decision about the Student Teacher’s requirements.

• Participate in the evaluations of the Student Teacher.

• Complete the ECSE Student Teacher Evaluation, including the Intervention Portfolio

and assign the Student Teacher a grade.

• Provide all necessary forms to the Field Site Supervisor and the Student Teacher.

Field Site Supervisor’s Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of the Student Teaching Contract. • Orient the Student Teacher to the program.

• Plan, organize and coordinate activities and learning experiences for the Student

Teacher so he/she understands the total function of the program.

• Ensure that the Student Teacher performs meaningful tasks and has direct contact

with children and families.

• Provide on-going on-site supervision.

• Assist the Student Teacher in planning appropriate instructional activities. • Hold regular meetings with the Student Teacher in which policies, roles, and

(9)

• Consult with the Student Teacher and the University Supervisor about

modifications in the student teaching requirements.

• Consult with the University Supervisor if needed. • Participate in the evaluations of the Student Teacher.

(10)

Intervention

Portfolio

Requirements

(11)

Intervention Portfolio Description

Description: This portfolio demonstrates your competency conducting curriculum-based assessment, program planning, and progress evaluation for one child aged birth to five. The portfolio represents some of the critical elements required to plan intervention goals/objectives, document intervention strategies and modifications, and evaluate child progress towards individualized intervention goals/objectives. You will complete one Intervention Portfolio for each semester you are enrolled in Student Teaching. Assignments completed in coursework prior to Student Teaching are suggested references for

completing each section of the Intervention Portfolio. There are twelve sections in a portfolio.

Note that there are some items in the portfolio that are more specific to preschool or infant toddler interventions. Adjustments to the portfolio or exceptions should be

discussed and approved by your University Supervisor based on the specific opportunities at your site. It is important to be able to demonstrate all skills implemented in your site to pass student teaching and upon completion of the program.

Directions: Your supervisor will provide information about how you will submit sections of your completed Intervention Portfolio. You may be asked to submit a 3-ring notebook or a CD, post materials to a website, or send documents via email. Each section should have a brief (no more than 3 pages) reflection. See the portfolio evaluation form for reflection questions. Reflections should be succinct. Your supervisor will complete an evaluation of each section of the Intervention Portfolio.

Writing a Good Reflection: Reflection questions can be found in the portfolio and should be answered completely and thoughtfully. When determining how to fully meet this reflective practice competency, look at what the evidence-based practices may be for that area of competency. For example: You may have limited access to the families with whom you work or to child files. When writing your reflection about gathering

information about the family, consider how you might have had a different relationship or how you could improve communication. Talk to your Field Site Supervisor and ask

(12)

had to overcome to maintain a relationship with a particular family. Draw from your coursework to help you determine a better course of action and reflect on what you have learned.

Each site will provide unique opportunities for you and flexibility is important. Preschool programs may have more opportunities for large group instruction than infant toddler programs but explore what kind of activities fit the population you are serving. Reflect on how your site addresses the needs of the children with whom you are working and incorporate your thoughts based on knowledge and experience of what you could do to implement strategies into your own program. In your reflection please include thoughts on how you could incorporate the relevant strategies with all of the children and families with whom you are working not just your focus child. In accordance with the English Learner Authorization please reflect on how you may include a child or children who are an English Language Learners especially if your focus child is not an ELL.

Selecting a Focus Child: For the purpose of this portfolio you will need to select a child and family as the focus of your intervention. The Field Site Supervisor should give input and ultimately approve selection of the child and family. You need to select a child and family you feel you will have enough material and access to in order to complete all required documents in the portfolio. Ideally this should be a child that you think you can learn from and one who is from a population with which you have less experience. For example, if you have extensive experience with children with Autism, choose a child who does not have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, you should select a child whose parents you will have access to during your student teaching experience. Using strategies for partnering with families is a critical part of intervention competency; selecting a family who is comfortable working with Student Teacher will be important as you provide intervention during the semester and complete your portfolio.

Evaluation: The evaluation method, criteria and ratings are listed on the following pages. The following pages are a guide to help the Student Teacher complete the

components of the Intervention Portfolio. The following criteria are used to evaluate each section of the Intervention Portfolio. You must receive a 4 or 5 rating on each section in

(13)

Teaching and receive an ECSE credential and/or Master’s Degree. The ratings are defined below:

1 Missing Competence - section is incomplete and the quality of items is

unacceptable. Demonstrates little apparent awareness of either information or skills. 2 Developing Competence - section contains required items but the quality of the

item(s) is inadequate and therefore in need of expansion and rewriting. Demonstrates inconsistency in applying knowledge and skills.

3 Growing Competence - section includes required items but the quality of the items requires a minimal amount of work to improve upon the section. Demonstrates an understanding of required information and the ability to apply it most of the time. 4 Initial Competence - section includes required items and the quality of the items

meets expected standards. Student is capable of independently applying information and skills but benefits from reminders, reviews and support.

5 Mastery Competence – section includes required items and the quality of the items exceeds expected standards. Student is capable of independently applying information and skills without need for reminders, reviews and support.

(14)

I. Intervention Philosophy

Include the following:

! Name ! Site Address ! Telephone/Email ! Educational Background degree, teaching credentials, professional licenses, relevant courses, etc.

! Professional Experiences. Briefly describe experiences you have had working with: children (atypical and normally developing),

parents of children, adults with disabilities, etc.

! Career Goals

! Professional Goals for Student Teaching

! Intervention Philosophy

2 pages, double-spaced and typed

description of how you believe young children grow and learn (both typically and atypically developing)

how this philosophy guides you in various aspects of your practice (e.g., assessment, work with families, etc.)

Include names of theorists (e.g., Vygotsky) and specific intervention/teaching methods and/or approaches (e.g., Naturalistic Approaches, Prescriptive Approaches).

Section Contains: Quality

Criteria: Individual Intervention Philosophy

Theoretical description of how young children grow and learn (typical and atypical; specific theories are cited)

How philosophy guides range of early intervention practices (specific methods/approaches are cited)

(15)

II. Portfolio Rationale

One page description of a Linked Systems approach to Early Intervention (Bagnato, Neisworth & Munson, 1996; Bricker, 1989; Bricker et al, 1993; Pretti-Frontczak & Bricker, 2004).

Criteria: Portfolio Introduction

Description of the Linked System of Intervention

Family-friendly presentation of the concepts discussed (could include an analogy for describing the process to families)

Citations from the literature

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

III. Letter to Families

Are families whose children I am working with aware of who I am and my role in their child’s program? Do I have permission from appropriate sources to perform the

requirements of the portfolio with my focus child? Section Contains:

Quality

Criteria: Letter to Families

Letter to all families that introduces the Student Teacher including his/her experience and interests related to working with children, and role in children’s program during student teaching

(16)

IV. Site, Child and Family Description

Who is the child I’ve selected for this Portfolio? Who are the child’s family members? Which program is serving the child and family?

Criteria: Description of Site

Includes a description of program philosophy, mission and goals.

Provides a general description of children and families served by program. Describe the social and physical environment, including furniture arrangement, toys and instructional materials, adult-child ratio, daily schedule of program activities, etc.

Includes visual representation of program space used by children and families (e.g. map or pictures of the classroom and/or home environment which are labeled).

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the environment. Discuss what changes you would make and why

Description of Child

Describes physical characteristics of child (e.g. weight, height, eye/hair color, ethnicity, stature)

Describes history of child’s involvement with EI or ECSE services including: 1) when and how the child became eligible for services (e.g. brief

description of the assessments used to determine child’s eligibility), 2) how long child has been receiving services, (e.g. duration and type of services child and family has received, and 3) type of disability or “at-risk” condition that made child eligible for services.

Uses objective language to describe child

Includes factual information that is obtained from child’s file – does not include opinions that lack supporting evidence

Provides a general, yet personalized picture of child’s development based on child’s interests and strengths.

Description of Family and Consent Letter

Consent Form to obtain permission from the family of your focus child to gather materials in intervention portfolio (consult with Field Site Supervisor) Describes family constellation (father, mother, siblings, extended family members directly and immediately involved with child).

Describes relevant family practices/information if known such as: daily routines, weekend activities and sources of support.

Optional: includes an ECO-Map, which visually identifies family’s sources of support.

(17)

Reflection (answer the following questions and add additional comments as appropriate)

Why is it important to gather information about the child and family and program that serves them?

How will the information you collected assist you in designing and implementing an intervention plan for your focus child?

Describe any challenges you encountered in the information gathering process.

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

V. Child and Family Assessment

What information about the child and family will be necessary to develop an IFSP/IEP with an interdisciplinary team?

Criteria: Child Curriculum-Based Assessment

Describe the assessment used.

Assessment is comprehensive (e.g., AEPS, Hawaii Early Learning Profile, etc.).

Assessment is appropriate for child’s developmental level

Assessment is appropriate for child’s preferred language(s) and culture Assessments were conducted prior to intervention

Assessment information was primarily obtained by observing the child during routine and planned activities at home and/or in EI/ECSE program. If not, text must accompany the assessment and explain why other methods of collecting information were required.

Assessment is complete (all items scored, anecdotal information when application, summary graphs completed)

Child’s Present Level of Functioning

Includes narrative summary of child’s present level of functioning in all areas (e.g., cognitive, social-communication, gross motor, fine motor, social and adaptive areas).

Written using family friendly language.

Reports objective information about the skills the child is currently using and skills that are emerging.

(18)

Includes examples of how and where the child uses the skills reported in the summary and child’s interests related to skills.

Includes pertinent information provided by parents and other team members about child’s use of skills in various activities and environments.

Family Interest/Needs

Family information can be obtained through home visits and formal or informal meetings. May use informal or formal protocol (e.g. Notes from family visit/interview; Family Needs Survey, Bailey & Simmenonsen; Family Needs Scale, Dunst et al.; Family Strengths Inventory, Stinnett & DeFrain). Concerns, priorities and resources are specifically discussed with family (required for infant/toddler; recommended for preschool). In addition, determine focus for child intervention. Include supporting evidence of discussion (e.g. notes)

Were the assessment tools you selected appropriate for the child and family? Would you use different tools next time? If so, why?

Describe any challenges you encountered in the assessment process

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

VI. Child/Family Goals and Objectives

What skills does the child need to develop? What are the family’s concerns, priorities and resources? In what areas does the family need support?

Criteria: Child Goals and Objectives

Contains 3 - 5 Long Range Goals in child’s area(s) of need, based on the assessment results in Part V of the requirements.

Contains 2 - 3 corresponding objectives for each long-term goal, which are arranged in a sequential order leading to the goal. The order takes the form of logical steps, which lead, from most to least difficult and/or most to least support required for the child to accomplish the skill.

Goals are functional, sensitive to cultural diversity, developmentally appropriate, generalizable.

Goals and objectives include antecedent, behavior and criteria. Goals and objectives are based on assessment results.

(19)

Family Outcomes

Includes summary of family priorities and concerns.

Includes family resources that are available and resources needed. Includes steps to address priorities and concerns.

Reflects information gathered on family assessment. Written in family-friendly language.

Explain rationale for selecting the goals and objectives. Describe the effectiveness of the meeting

Describe any challenges you encountered in writing goals/objectives and family outcomes.

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

VII. Working with Parents and Families

Are you using effective communication skills, such as active listening and paraphrasing, when interacting with family members?

Section Contains:

Interacting with Parents and Family Members Uses of effective communication skills.

Give examples of practice that show cultural competence. Reflection

What were the challenges and outcomes of your interaction with parents and family members?

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

VIII. Intervention Plans

What intervention will be most helpful for the child to master individual goals and objectives?

(20)

Quality

Criteria: Linked System of Intervention

Activity Schedules and Activity/Lesson Plans build on one another and link back to Assessment and IFSP or IEP goals and objectives

Objective Matrix and Activity Schedule

Includes all obtainable objectives written for focus child and obtainable objectives for at least 3 other children

Specifies opportunities in which the focus child and at least 3 other children can practice their individual objectives.

Opportunities are specific such that another teacher could embed goals/objectives into activities.

Activity/Lesson Plans

Include 4 activity plans as applicable to your program.

Activity plans are of varying types (e.g. planned, routine, individual, small group, and large group).

Activity plans reflect target child’s interest and developmental abilities. Target child’s goals and/or objectives from IFSP/IEP are incorporated in the activity plans with multiple opportunities for child to practice them. Group goals and individual goals and objectives of other children are incorporated in the activity plans.

Activity plans address the following: 1) environmental strategies, 2) special considerations for fostering social interactions, 3) considerations for positioning and handling, 4) specific intervention strategies to embed opportunities for children to practice individual goals and objectives, 5 ) modifications to materials, 6) identification of vocabulary which targets children’s individual communication goals/objectives, 7) modifications and variations, and 8) parental involvement considerations/strategies, 9) English language acquisition and use considerations

Rationale for selection of activities

Were the components of your intervention plan effective in helping your focus child master the skills addressed during instruction?

What were the strategies you used to encourage peer interaction? How would you change your intervention plan if you were to do it again? Describe the successes and challenges you encountered while providing intervention.

(21)

IX. Data Collection

What do I want to know about the child’s progress towards goals/objectives and intervention planned to address them

Criteria: Data Collection Forms

Data are reflective of goals and objectives selected from assessment and targeted for intervention.

Form is easily understandable to all team members.

Contains at least 10 days (or data points) of data on each targeted goal or objective.

Data reflect criteria contained in the IFSP/IEP per targeted goal or objective. Quantitative/Qualitative data are recorded.

Data are collected by multiple sources when possible (e.g. parent, team members, program staff).

Key contains codes on the data collection form that match criteria of goal or objective.

Graphs Summarizing Data

One graph is included per goal/objective targeted. Axes are labeled.

Key and title of graph are included.

Graphs are easily understandable by all team members, including family Reflection (answer the following questions and add additional comments as appropriate)

Describe the challenges of collecting data.

Did your data system give you the data you wanted? If not, how would you modify your system if you were to do it again?

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

X. Data-Based Decisions

What did the data tell you about the intervention that you implemented for the child? Section Contains:

Quality

(22)

Includes discussion of decisions made during intervention process based on data (i.e., was intervention modified based on data collected).

Identifies areas which need modifying for child’s successful attainment of goals/objectives and child’s overall, continued growth.

Further instruction suggested is based on data and on child’s interests, strengths and needs, including English learner considerations

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

XI. Organization and Synthesis

Does the portfolio reflect the intervention process by linking each section in a purposeful manner?

Criteria: Logical Organization and Clear Synthesis

Sections are clearly defined and contents of sample are organized. Information identifying child and family blocked out throughout sample. Well written ---few grammar and spelling errors.

Clearly documents an understanding of a linked systems approach to Early Intervention/Special Education.

Score: 1 2 3 4 5

Evaluation Summary _Score

I Intervention Philosophy II Portfolio Rationale III Letter to Families

IV Site, Child and Family Description V Child and Family Assessment VI Child/Family Goals and Objectives VII Working with Parents and Families VIII Intervention Plans

IX Data Collection X Data-Based Decisions XI Organization and Synthesis

(23)

Averaged Score Total Score

COE 8/15/07 2:56 PM