Special education: Learning disabilities program
Student teaching/practicum
Learning disabilities licensure/M.Ed.
It is a good idea to visit some of the various public school
program sites over the course of your studies at the University of
Minnesota. This is important when you are requesting a practicum
placement, when you are requesting student teaching placement, or
when you begin your job search.
Student teaching (EPSY 5752)
Practicum for students not currently classroom licensed (EPSY
5701)
- part of the Teaching License Exemption requirements
- register for 2 semester credits or 1 credit for each of 2
semesters
- minimum 120 contact hours = 2 semester credits
- placements and supervision by
Mary Beth Kelley
- may be waived based on evidence verifying field based
experiences
- waiver can be issued by the student’s academic adviser
Practicum models
Resource room program model
In the resource room model, special education students are enrolled
in a regular education classroom. However, they also spend a portion
of their day in a special classroom managed by a licensed special
education teacher. This setting provides an opportunity for direct
instruction focusing on special skills that can not be taught in the
regular classroom. Although basic instruction is guided by the
regular education teacher, the special skills taught by the teacher
of special education students complement and assist the students’
ability to participate effectively in the regular class. The special
education teacher also provides supportive assistance to the regular
classroom teacher addressing attitude, understanding individual
student needs, determining curriculum modifications and choosing
accommodations to enable greater student participation in class
activities.
Self-contained program model
In the class for special education learners, students are enrolled
in a small, self-contained classroom for more than half of the
school day, instructed by a teacher of special education students.
These students require an intensive academic program and/or unique
skills training. Their needs are such that major curriculum
modification and mode of instruction are unique, precluding regular
classroom placement. Whenever feasible, students should be provided
the opportunity to participate in a regular program, either in
school or in the community.
Note: It is a good idea to visit some of the various
program sites over the course of your studies at the University
of Minnesota. Schools tend to be very different, and you may
prefer one model over another. This is important to know when
you begin your job search, or when you are requesting a
practicum placement.
June 2007
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