Defining College of Education Clinical Practice

 

Clinical Practice is fieldwork experiences associated with coursework for credential programs and courses. In general, students begin their journey to earning a teaching credential by first applying to the university for a credential program. Once admitted to the university, students enroll in their chosen credential program pre and co-requisite courses. Undergraduate students are also eligible to take pre and co-requisite courses. These courses are considered the Clinical I (Early Fieldwork) portion of the program. In Clinical I, students are mainly observing in classrooms and may be working with small groups of students or one on one.

After completing pre-requisite courses, students submit a credential program application and interview with program faculty for admission to a credential program.  Upon acceptance into the program, students enroll in program core/pedagogy courses. This is the Clinical II phase of the program. Clinical II courses have specific fieldwork requirements that the students complete at their school sites. Students are typically working in small groups or one on one with students.

Once students complete the Clinical II part of the program, the next step is to submit a student teaching application.  Student teaching is the Clinical III phase of the program. Students spend an entire semester in a classroom working alongside a cooperating teacher. Students are providing whole-class instruction and are supported by a University Supervisor. Supervisors visit students in their classrooms to observe, support, and give feedback.  Upon successful completion of student teaching and other credential requirements, a recommendation is sent by CSULB to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the student to apply for their Preliminary Teaching Credential.

More information about each level of clinical practice can be found below.

SERVE is an undergraduate requirement which includes courses such as; EDEL 200 and EDEL 300. SERVE Students are required to participate in 40-45 hours of fieldwork.

The SERVE (Service Experiences for ReVitalizing Education) Program creates an opportunity for students at the undergraduate level, in particular for those who are considering careers in K-12 education, to learn about the realities of urban classrooms and the needs of the diverse K-12 student population. SERVE students work with students individually and in small groups to provide academic support and encourage personal growth. It is through this involvement that CSULB students assess their careers goals and provide direct service to students and teachers in grades K-12 and their communities.

In clinical I fieldwork, students are mainly observing in classrooms and may be working with small groups of students or one on one. The purpose of Clinical I fieldwork is to introduce students to the Education environment by allowing them to experience a classroom setting and observe student learning and interaction.  Clinical I fieldwork sets the foundation for a credential program; however, it also gives students the opportunity to determine if teaching is the right career choice before applying to a credential program. 

Most of the courses in this category require a minimum of 10 hours of clinical practice/fieldwork, with the exception of EDSS 300A-S, EDEL 380, and EDSP 454, which require a minimum of 45 hours of clinical practice/fieldwork.

To participate in Clinical I fieldwork, students must obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the CTC and have a valid TB test prior to beginning clinical practice/fieldwork. 

Students choose a clinical practice/fieldwork site from our list of approved districts and then self-place in one of those districts, with the exception of  LBUSD.  Students must complete a placement form for a placement in LBUSD.

Clinical I Courses by Program  

Liberal Studies SSCP MSCP ESCP
EDEL 100 EDSS 300A-S EDEL 380 EDSP 350
EDSP 350   EDEL 413 EDSP 454
EDSP 454   EDEL 431 EDSP 410

 

Single Subject Credential Program Subject Matter Observation courses include the following courses:  

ART 300, ART 401, ART 415
ENGL 310, ENGL 482
KIN 370, KIN 380, KIN 387, KIN 388, KIN 427, KIN 477, KIN 489A
MTED 411, MUS 382B, MUS 482A, MUS 485

Clinical II courses typically require candidates to work with small groups of students or possibly teach a lesson to a full class. 

Clinical II Courses are:

  • EDEL 452 

  • EDEL 462 

  • EDEL 472 

  • SCED 475 

  • EDEL 453S 

  • EDSE 435 

  • EDSE 436 

  • EDSE 457/ 458/ 459 

  • EDSS 450 A-S  

  • EDEL 442 

  • UDCP 400 

  • UDCP 401 

  • UDCP 410

  • UDCP 402

  • UDCP 411

  • EDSP 534 

  • EDSP 564 

  • EDSP 577 

  • EDSP 578 

 

Clinical III is student teaching where the candidate is in the classroom for a full semester working along a mentor teacher.