This clinical course is the culminating experience in the plan of study towards NH teacher certification. The culminating teaching experience meets the state standards for certification. The course gives students an opportunity to be mentored in their field of certification by experienced teachers and to practice the variety of methods and strategies that they have studied in their education program. Students have the opportunity to share their experiences, beliefs and best practices with other students during the culminating experience. Students enrolled in this course may be at different stages of acquiring the 360-400 minimum hours of clinical experience. PREREQUISITE: Full admission to the post-baccalaureate teacher certification program and completion of all program requirements. This is the final course in the student's plan of study. The student must complete all New Hampshire Department of Education test requirements and receive approval from Field Placement Faculty prior to registering for this course.

In this course, students use procedures involved in the evaluation process for determination of eligibility for special education. Students develop the skills necessary to administer and interpret assessment tools commonly used by early intervention staff and early childhood special education teachers. Under the supervision of the district mentor, students review early support and services records and/or school records, gather information, observe an evaluation team meeting, consult with district evaluators, and review a variety of assessment tools and evaluation reports for young children through age 8. Students participate in preparing an assessment plan, administering chosen assessment tools, and writing assessment reports. Emphasis is placed on working with team members in the evaluation process.

This clinical course focuses on the components and processes involved in the legal aspects and development of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Under the supervision of a district mentor, Students review school records; observe IFSP/IEP team meetings; consult with district evaluators, student and parents; analyze previously written IFSPs/IEPs and progress reports; and develop the skills necessary to prepare IFSPs/IEPs inclusive of transition plans and/or services. The culminating activities of the course include the development of an IFSP and an IEP, and a research paper which addresses the legal/ethical considerations and implications in the development of IFSPs and IEPs.

The instructional leader promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff, cultivating a shared vision, to make powerful teaching and learning the central focus of schooling. Candidates will identify the skills and knowledge needed to develop and support a dynamic teaching and learning environment, to include instructional leadership, innovation, 21st Century demands, technology integration, data-driven decision-making and support of NH State Reform priorities. The primary focus will be a data-informed assessment and evaluation of curriculum and instruction.