EPSB - University of the Cumberlands

The GEC oversees the graduate programs of the unit. Members of the GEC include many P-12school partners who host initial graduates in their schools. Interviews demonstrate that partnersoften call or email the MAT Director, or other Unit faculty, for assistance in improving programrequirements. The initial graduate level (Master of Arts in Teaching and Option 6) offers 18certificates. There are 120 participating Kentucky school districts and 54 independents, and morethan 63 districts in Tennessee, Alaska, Arizona, California, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, NorthCarolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Indiana, and Ohio. Through interviews and evidence ofteacher mentor, candidate, and unit feedback on performance and programs, all stakeholdershave an opportunity to provide recommendations for changes to the program.A database system (EDUCAN) is in the initial stages of implementation. It is systematicallycataloging a) the kinds of diversity experiences, b) programmatic and Kentucky standards, c)schools and teachers used in the field experiences.Summary of Findings for Advanced Teacher Preparation and/or the Preparation of OtherSchool Professionals:A database system (EDUCAN) for systematically cataloging the kinds of diversity experiences,programmatic and Kentucky standards, schools, and teachers, is in the initial stages ofimplementation.3b. Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Field Experiences and Clinical PracticeDesign, Implementation, and Evaluation of Field Experiencesand Clinical Practice – Initial Teacher PreparationDesign, Implementation, and Evaluation of Field Experiencesand Clinical Practice – Advanced PreparationAcceptableAcceptableSummary of Findings for Initial Teacher Preparation:The Director of Field Placement arranges field experiences for initial candidates in Pillars I andII. The Director of Undergraduate Programs/Director of Student Teaching coordinates clinicalexperiences at the undergraduate level. The Director of MAT Programs coordinates clinicalexperiences in the initial certification graduate program. Candidates and principals may requestplacements with schools and /or teachers, but these offices make final placement. Fieldexperiences are distributed among schools based on diversity, type of experience, and size ofschool. The Director of Field Placement is not identified in the staff directory but was identifiedthrough interviews.There are multiple assessments of candidate performance at the initial undergraduate andgraduate levels. At the initial level, Pillars I, II, IV, and V candidates must complete a FieldExperience Reporting/Timesheet for all field experiences. This form is delivered to the directorsof field placement and MAT. The form identifies the specific nature of the field experience andactions taken by the candidate. Candidates are evaluated by course instructors on dispositionsand standards throughout Pillar II. Supervising teachers, content area specialists, and the16