Clinical Experience FAQs

FAQ: The Clinical Placement Application (CPA) is due but I don't have Subject Matter Proficiency (SMP) yet. Does this mean I won't get a placement?

Not necessarily!

Even after the CPA priority deadline, as soon as you gain Subject Matter Proficiency (SMP) (either by passing all your CSETs or equivalent) you should submit your Clinical Placement Application (CPA). The earlier you submit your CPA, the better your chances of getting placed in your first choice district. Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) may be submitted until the first day of the following semester. No applications will be accepted after the first day of the following semester.

For Final Phase 3 Clinical in the Fall Semester:

Students who clear in April and May will MOST LIKELY still be placed in their district of choice. Students who submit Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) in June, July, or August will be put on a PLACEMENT WAITING LIST. School districts may or may not allow candidates to be placed after May - this is UP TO THE DISTRICTS. If districts do make placements available, late Clinical Placement applicants will not be placed until after the beginning of the semester because districts WILL NOT make placements during August. Late Clinical Placement applicants will not be permitted to make special requests for clinical placements. This will result in late Clinical Placement applicants starting their placements later in the semester BUT ALL CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS MUST STILL BE MET.

FAQ: I'm taking my CSETs in the summer. Will I be able to continue in the program?

Maybe!

You must be cleared with Subject Matter Proficiency (SMP) in order to submit your Clinical Placement Application (CPA) for Final Phase 3 Clinical. Students who pass their CSETs and submit Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) in June, July, or August will be put on a PLACEMENT WAITING LIST. School districts may or may not allow candidates to be placed after May - this is UP TO THE DISTRICTS. If districts do make placements available, late Clinical Placement applicants will not be placed until after the beginning of the semester because districts WILL NOT make placements during August. Late Clinical Placement applicants will not be permitted to make special requests for clinical placements. This will result in late Clinical Placement applicants starting their placements later in the semester BUT ALL CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS MUST STILL BE MET ON TIME.

FAQ: I can't pass the CSETs. What do I do?

There are several resources that you can access to provide support for the CSETs:

• Fresno Unified School District provides FREE preparation workshops for the CSETs. Follow the link to access the district calendar.
• Tulare County Office of Education provides low-cost online CSET preparation workshops. Follow the link for more information.
• There are many test-prep resources available. Information can be found online.

FAQ: I am scheduled to take the CSETs but I won't get my results until after the Clinical Placement Application (CPA) is due. How will this affect me?

You must be cleared with Subject Matter Proficiency (SMP) in order to submit your Clinical Placement Application (CPA) for Final Phase 3 Clinical. As soon as you get your CSET results, even after the CPA priority deadline, you should submit your Clinical Placement Application (CPA). The earlier you submit your CPA, the better your chances of getting placed in your first choice district. Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) may be submitted until the first day of the following semester. No applications will be accepted after the first day of the following semester.

FAQ: I missed the deadline for submitting the Clinical Placement Application (CPA). Can I submit my application late?

Incomplete Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) will not be accepted. Even after the CPA priority deadline, as soon as you gain Subject Matter Proficiency (SMP) (either by passing all your CSETs or equivalent) you should submit your Clinical Placement Application (CPA). The earlier you submit your CPA, the better your chances of getting placed in your first choice district. Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) may be submitted until the first day of the following semester. No applications will be accepted after the first day of the following semester.

FAQ: I thought we were getting a CSET waiver for Liberal Studies majors. What's going on?

The Liberal Studies CSET waiver application process is managed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). We are in the process of applying to the CTC for the Liberal Studies CSET waiver. To date, we have gone through 3 rounds of reviews, with more revisions requested. We have no control over how long the review cycles take or how many rounds of revisions we will be asked to submit. As soon as we have any good news to share, we will send out an announcement.

FAQ: I can't afford to take the CSETs. What should I do?

Please contact the Associate Dean, Dr. Laura Alamillo.

FAQ: I heard you can request specific placements for clinical experiences. How do I do this?

In the past, candidates have been allowed to request specific districts, school sites, or mentor teachers. At the request of our partner districts, we are no longer permitting special requests for school sites or mentor teachers.

Candidates who submit their Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) by the priority deadline may request a specific DISTRICT for placements. Making a request does not guarantee that the request will be filled. Our Office of Clinical Placements (OCP) works closely with each partner district to do its best to honor special placement requests.

Special requests by candidates who submit their CPAs after the priority deadline will not be honored.

FAQ: If I don't pass my CSETs and we don't have the waiver yet, can I still complete the program?

There are several options for candidates who need Final Phase 3 Clinical Experiences but do not yet have Subject Matter Proficiency (SMP):

• GET A CONTRACT AS A STSP OR PIP: A short-term staff permit (STSP) or provisional internship permit (PIP) allows an employing agency to fill an immediate staffing need by hiring an individual who has not yet met the subject matter competence requirement. You can continue working in a real classroom and gaining additional experience while you are working on your CSETs or waiting for the Liberal Studies CSET waiver.

• SUBSTITUTE TEACH: Become a substitute teacher for one or more districts. You can continue gaining experience and earn additional income while you are working on your CSETs or waiting for the Liberal Studies CSET waiver.

• CONTINUE COURSEWORK: You can continue your coursework without a formal clinical placement. Keep in mind that you may have field-based assignments that you will need to complete for some courses.

FAQ: Where do I go for advising or questions?

Candidates in the Program:

1. You should always go to your Clinical Coach first.
2. If you need additional information or support, email msprogram@mail.fresnostate.edu with your question. Please include your name, cohort, and detailed explanation of your issue.

Applicants:

Please contact the KSOEHD Advisors in ED 100 or email kremenschool@mail.fresnostate.edu

FAQ: Are there resources for preparing for the CSET?

Yes!

• Fresno Unified School District provides FREE preparation workshops for the CSETs. Follow the link to access the district calendar.
• Tulare County Office of Education provides low-cost online CSET preparation workshops. Follow the link for more information.
• There are many test-prep resources available. Information can be found online.

FAQ: When is the Liberal Studies Waiver going to be approved? What is taking so long?

The Liberal Studies CSET waiver application process is managed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). We are in the process of applying to the CTC for the Liberal Studies CSET waiver. To date, we have gone through 3 rounds of reviews, with more revisions requested. We have no control over how long the review cycles take or how many rounds of revisions we will be asked to submit. As soon as we have any good news to share, we will send out an announcement.

FAQ: Is there a waitlist I can get on for clinical experience placements?

Clinical Placements for FALL:

Students who submit Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) in June, July, or August will be put on a PLACEMENT WAITING LIST. School districts may or may not allow candidates to be placed after May - this is UP TO THE DISTRICTS. If districts do make placements available, late Clinical Placement applicants will not be placed until after the beginning of the semester because districts WILL NOT make placements during August. Late Clinical Placement applicants will not be permitted to make special requests for clinical placements. This will result in late Clinical Placement applicants starting their placements later in the semester BUT ALL CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS MUST STILL BE MET ON TIME.

Clinical Placements for SPRING:

Students who submit Clinical Placement Applications (CPAs) in December or January will be put on a PLACEMENT WAITING LIST. School districts may or may not allow candidates to be placed after December - this is UP TO THE DISTRICTS. If districts do make placements available, late Clinical Placement applicants will not be placed until after the beginning of the semester because districts WILL NOT make placements during January. Late Clinical Placement applicants will not be permitted to make special requests for clinical placements. This will result in late Clinical Placement applicants starting their placements later in the semester BUT ALL CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS MUST STILL BE MET ON TIME.