James Madison University

ELED 311 Practicum
Semester I

These students generally have little or no experience in schools. They may need a little more guidance in knowing what to do in the class. They are enthusiastic (finally in their education classes!), but a little ignorant of what they should be doing. As the cooperating teacher, you should be saying, "You're new; let me help you find your way."

What grades are used for this practicum?

Pre-kindergarten
Kindergarten
First grade

What is the goal of the practicum?

Understand the rigor and demands of teaching as well as the nature of children's development

What is the focus?

The cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young children
The environment of the classroom
The curriculum of the early primary grades

When does the practicum meet?

One full day a week, either Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the children and stay a minimum of 15 minutes after children are dismissed
See the attached policy guidelines for additional information

Note: teachers may request a student for multiple days thereby working with a number of different JMU students. However, only one student is assigned to a teacher for a particular day. We request that practicum students NOT be placed in classrooms where a teacher will be working with a student teacher.

Who are the students?

JMU juniors (for the most part)
They major in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies [IDLS] and minor in elementary education.

What additional JMU courses are they taking?

o ELED 308 Child Development
o ELED/ECED 372 Introduction to ECED
o ELED 310 Diversity with service learning practicum
o READ 366 Early Literacy Development and Acquisition

What assignments do students typically need to carry out in the classroom?

Child case study for ELED 308 Child Development
Small group lessons on play, art, and/or cooking for ELED/ECED 372 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Students can individualize small assignments with the approval of the cooperating teacher and professor for ELED 310 Diversity
Reading assessments and a read aloud for READ 366 Early Literacy Development and Acquisition

What are the expectations for those involved?

Classroom Teacher

JMU Practicum Student

JMU Supervisor

Provide multiple opportunities for the student to observe the teacher planning, instructing, and reflecting on his/her lessons

Talk to the student about issues of planning, instruction, assessment, and completing responsibilities of teaching

Send information home to the parents about the JMU practicum student and his/her permission slip to find a case study student

Allow the student time to observe and interact with his/her case study student to gather data

Give the student a chance to teach 1-on-1 sessions, small groups, and whole class as you see she/he is ready to take new challenges

Observe one lesson and provide written feedback

Complete a mid-term and final evaluation for the practicum student

Follow all of the policies and procedures established in the Handbook for practicum

Communicate within the first two weeks exactly what assignments must be carried out in the practicum classroom.

Work with the cooperating teacher to develop a schedule for completing the ELED assignments.

Consult with the teacher about teaching responsibilities you can assume while in his/her class; going above the few assignments required for your ELED classes.

Contact the 311 seminar instructor if questions or concerns arise.

Show enthusiasm, initiative, and a desire to be in the class at all times

Return completed evaluations to your seminar leader.

Visit the classrooms twice during the semester. JMU practicum students do not need to be observed teaching; instead, the supervisor takes note of the dispositions displayed by the practicum student. The supervisor consults with the cooperating teacher regarding the attitudes and competence the JMU practicum student exhibits.

Communicate immediately with the ELED coordinator if any problems and/or concerns arise.

It is intended that the JMU practicum students spend as much time in the classroom with the cooperating teacher, learning about children and teaching. We realize that emergencies arise where clerical duties must be performed at that moment. The JMU practicum student can assist the cooperating teacher in completing these tasks outside the classroom. We would hope that these instances would be the exception, not the rule.
Our practicum students receive ample information about appropriate dress in public schools. Cooperating teacher have the authority to send a practicum student home if she or he does not meet the professional standards for dress. If a student is sent home because of dress, please contact Dorothy Sluss, ELED Coordinator, (slussdj@jmu.edu or 540.568.5537).

Student in practicum

GENERAL PRACTICUM DOCUMENTS
Elementary Education Program