Purpose

Practica I & II Purpose

The purpose of Practicum I and II is to provide teacher candidates with opportunities to utilize their coursework in concrete, hands-on experiences with students who are visually impaired or blind, in the following ways: 

• Observe and work with students who present with diverse backgrounds and abilities, e.g., varying degrees of visual impairments, multiple disabilities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, etc;

• Practice evidence-based teaching strategies specific to students with visual impairments;

• Assist with planning and implementing expanded core lessons aligned with IEP and state standards;

• Observe the cooperating teacher using formal and informal educational assessments for students with visual impairments;

• Attend IEPs and other professional meetings; 

• Participate in adapting learning materials, including but not limited to braille, electronic, large print and tactile formats;

• Co-teach students using a variety of specialized materials and activities created for students with visual impairments; and

• Gain exposure to the day-to-day activities of the teacher of students with visual impairments.

• Reflect on practicum experiences; 

• Generate professional learning goal and reflect on growth; and

• Engage in seminar activities. 

For a full list of recommended activities and experiences to be completed over the course of all field-based experiences (SPED 509 I, SPED 509 II, and SPED 525-initial licensure only), please review the Field Based Experiences Checklist.  

Student Teaching Purpose 

Student teaching is an extension of the Practicum coursework and is a culminating full-day teaching field experience within the Visually Impaired Learner initial licensure program. Student Teaching serves to integrate course content within a practical teaching/learning environment. Specific student teaching assignments provide opportunities for teacher candidates to apply, practice and generalize concepts and skills taught in the university courses. The student teaching course assists teacher candidates to develop, clarify, and apply knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions about quality educational practices. These experiences offer opportunities to observe and participate in the responsibilities and roles of the special educator (the Teacher of the Visually Impaired)  in instructional and non-instructional situations, while developing skills in lesson delivery and classroom management.