Practicum

In all concentrations, the teaching practicum must be the last course taken in the coursework sequence. A practicum is required for all licensures.

• The last phase of the graduate program is the completion of the teaching practicum.
• Students are required to take and pass the required PRAXIS tests during their last two (2) courses.
• Students must complete the application process for the teaching practicum which includes a scheduled interview with the director of Special Education Programs.
• After completing all course work with satisfactory evaluations, passing all the required PRAXIS tests and submitting and completing the required application process for teaching practicum experience, the student may participate in the culminating clinical experience.
• During this clinical experience the student must demonstrate teaching performance that is proficient in the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required by the CEC/NCATE standards for an intervention specialist. This means that the candidate assumes the full responsibilities as an intervention specialist under the supervision and guidance of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor in two different settings and levels.
• There are cases when a student is under temporary or some other special contract with a school district and they are teaching for this school district in the licensure area that they are trying to acquire at Xavier University. It is possible for these students to complete their teaching practicum while teaching for the district. This situation is addressed individually and with the collaboration with the school district.
• Students seeking Kentucky certification will need to consult with the special education advisor about course and test requirements and procedures. Students seeking State of Ohio licensure in Special Education are required to take and pass the PRAXIS tests. It is recommended that these tests be taken before the Teaching Practicum.
• All state requirements must be satisfied before Xavier University can recommend the student for State of Ohio licensure.