Grading, Extended Placements, and Dismissals

A student teaching grade of Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) is assigned at the end of each student teaching course by the student teaching supervisor. The grade is based on the quality and completeness of the candidate’s performance relative to expectations and assignments outlined in the student teaching syllabus, including a passing Capstone Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA), and communicated by the cooperating or mentor teacher. 

Candidates who earn an “S” grade in the first student teaching course will continue to the second course. 

Candidates who earn a “U” grade must meet with the Student Teaching Coordinator and supervisor to determine if moving to the second student teaching course is appropriate. If two “U” grades are earned consecutively, the candidate will not be permitted to register for a third student teaching course. 

An Incomplete (I) grade is given only in rare instances and when approved by the Student Teaching Coordinator. If an “I” grade is received, the teacher candidate must meet with the Student Teaching Coordinator to determine how and when course requirements will be met.

The student teaching experience may be extended when extenuating circumstances occur (e.g., death of immediate family member, serious personal illness), upon recommendation of the supervisor, the cooperating or mentor teacher, and the approval of the Curriculum and Instruction Department Student Teaching Coordinator. 

The candidate is expected to student teach on a full-day basis for the assigned period of the extension. If the extension does not conclude prior to the time that the supervisor is required to report grades, the candidate will be assigned an Incomplete (I) until the course is satisfactorily completed.

Candidates can be dismissed from their student teaching placement by school personnel or by the College at any time for unsatisfactory performance or dispositions and assigned a grade of Unsatisfactory (U). 

After collecting evidence and in consultation with the college supervisor and cooperating or mentor teacher, the Student Teaching Coordinator will meet with the candidate and supervisor to determine next steps. 

If the candidate wishes to repeat the failed teaching course, they must complete the Statement of Readiness to Repeat Student Teaching form which must then be approved by the Student Teaching Coordinator before a new placement is requested and made. A repeat placement may not be assigned until the subsequent Fall or Spring student teaching semester. 

If the candidate chooses not to repeat the failed student teaching course, they should consult their academic advisor to learn what options are available to them.

For further information on dismissal for Code of Conduct or legal violations, see the section on Violations found in the Policies drop-down menu.