Each clinical experience site used by the SCSU is coded in terms of their diversity status. Current codes are based on state and national trends: Free or Reduced Lunch ≥ 40%; Students of Color ≥ 26%; Limited English Proficiency ≥ 7%; Special Education ≥ 15%. Highly diverse settings are those that meet or exceed the above thresholds in two or more domains; diverse settings are those that meet or exceed the above thresholds in at least one domain, low diversity settings are below the above thresholds in all domains. Candidates are placed in at least one highly diverse site during the course of their program. Of the candidates completing their programs in 2013-14, 88% had been in three or more diverse placements over the course of their preparation at SCSU (Exhibits 3.4.g.2; 3.4.g.3).
Candidates at SCSU are assessed by cooperating teachers and university supervisors throughout their student teaching experience. The Summative Assessment of Student Teaching (Exhibit 3.4.f.6) is aligned with state standards and the unit’s conceptual framework. Candidates in our programs also complete an edTPA during their student teaching experience, which encompasses candidate competencies in planning, instruction and assessment.
