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| Field
Experience |
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The field experience program provides education majors with
an early opportunity to study and gain teaching experiences in a
realistic setting prior to completing methods courses and student
teaching. In addition, university supervisors hold seminars that
are directly related to this field experience. Students get a
chance to view teaching "from the other side of the desk." Students
will complete over 90 contact hours in this field
experience.
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| Field-Based
Courses |
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Several special education courses have field components
designed to assist students in transferring knowledge and skills
from theory courses to the realities of the classroom. Placements
are made in local elementary, middle schools, and high school as
well as in social service agencies. Students will complete a total
of at least 50 contact hours through supervised field-based
courses.
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| The Special
Education Professional Semester |
| This unique semester combines four strategy courses with
Special Education Practicum. Students attend classes on-campus two
days per week for twelve weeks and spend a third day per week in a
classroom placement in a local school. During this time, students
can apply information gained from courses and complete assignments
for courses in real school settings. During the last three weeks of
the semester, students spend five days per week at their assigned
school. Students complete a total of 140 contact hours during this
semester. |
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Student
Teaching
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During the senior year, student teaching provides each
student with a capstone activity in which they complete over 450
contact hours with students in two different school placements. In
addition to approved sites (both urban and rural) in western
Pennsylvania, students also have the opportunity to participate in
student teaching programs in Las Vegas, Ireland, or Mexico.
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| Contact
Hours |
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Prior to formal admission to the teacher certification
programs (usually during the sophomore year) students complete 40
contact hours with children in formal and informal settings. In
addition to opportunities in the local communities and the
student's own home town, the student Chapter of the Council for
Exceptional Children, and the Special Education Honorary sponsor a
variety of activities with exceptional children in which special
education majors can volunteer.
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