Defining College of Education Clinical Practice

 

Clinical Practice is fieldwork experiences associated with coursework for credential programs and courses. In general, students begin their journey to earning a teaching credential by first applying to the university for a credential program. Once admitted to the university, students enroll in their chosen credential program pre and co-requisite courses. Undergraduate students are also eligible to take pre and co-requisite courses. These courses are considered the Clinical I (Early Fieldwork) portion of the program. In Clinical I, students are mainly observing in classrooms and may be working with small groups of students or one on one.

After completing pre-requisite courses, students submit a credential program application and interview with program faculty for admission to a credential program.  Upon acceptance into the program, students enroll in program core/pedagogy courses. This is the Clinical II phase of the program. Clinical II courses have specific fieldwork requirements that the students complete at their school sites. Students are typically working in small groups or one on one with students.

Once students complete the Clinical II part of the program, the next step is to submit a student teaching application.  Student teaching is the Clinical III phase of the program. Students spend an entire semester in a classroom working alongside a cooperating teacher. Students are providing whole-class instruction and are supported by a University Supervisor. Supervisors visit students in their classrooms to observe, support, and give feedback.  Upon successful completion of student teaching and other credential requirements, a recommendation is sent by É«ÖÐÉ« to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the student to apply for their Preliminary Teaching Credential.

More information about each level of clinical practice can be found below.

Early Clinical Practice (Clinical 1) offers undergraduate students considering careers in K–12 education a valuable opportunity to explore the realities of urban classrooms and engage with diverse student populations. Through direct involvement in classroom settings, students provide academic support and foster personal growth among K–12 learners, while gaining insight into their own career aspirations.

This foundational experience allows students to:

  • Observe classroom dynamics and student interactions
  • Work individually or in small groups with K–12 students
  • Reflect on their interest in pursuing a teaching credential

Early Clinical Practice is guided by course faculty and structured according to syllabi and expected learning outcomes. It serves as an introduction to the educational environment and helps students determine whether teaching is the right career path before applying to a credential program.

Responsibilities During Early Clinical Practice

Students participating in Clinical 1 are expected to:

  • Maintain a consistent schedule and notify the classroom teacher in advance of any absences
  • Follow the dress code of the placement site
  • Learn and use the names of K–12 students
  • Respect classroom management practices and routines
  • Complete structured assignments as outlined in the course syllabus
  • Fulfill a minimum of 40–45 field hours per course, per semester/session
  • Submit all related assignments to course faculty
  • Contact the Student Success and Advising Center with any questions or concerns

Activities You May Engage In

During your Early Clinical Practice experience, you may:

  • Support small groups or individual K–12 students
  • Assist with cooperative learning activities in reading, writing, and math
  • Listen to students read aloud or read to them
  • Lead discussions and ask questions to promote engagement
  • Review lessons and clarify instruction
  • Monitor student behavior and encourage focus
  • Help students with writing tasks such as editing and revising
  • Provide tutoring and academic support
  • Communicate student needs and concerns to the classroom teacher
  • Assist with organization, study skills, and skill development

Clinical I (Early Clinical Practice) Courses by Program

Liberal StudiesSSCPMSCPESCP
EDEL 100EDSS 300A-SEDEL 380EDSP 350
EDSP 350 EDEL 413EDSP 454
EDSP 454 EDEL 431EDSP 410

 

Single Subject Credential Program Subject Matter Observation courses include the following courses:  

  • ART 300, ART 401, ART 415
  • ENGL 310, ENGL 482
  • KIN 370, KIN 380, KIN 387, KIN 388, KIN 427, KIN 477, KIN 489A
  • MTED 411, MUS 382B, MUS 482A, MUS 485

To participate in Clinical I fieldwork, students must obtain a Certificate of Clearance from the CTC and have a valid TB test prior to beginning clinical practice/fieldwork. 

Students choose a clinical practice/fieldwork site from our list of approved districts and then self-place in one of those districts, with the exception of  LBUSD.  Students must complete a placement form for a placement in LBUSD.

Clinical II courses typically require candidates to work with small groups of students or possibly teach a lesson to a full class. 

Clinical II Courses are:

  • EDEL 452 

  • EDEL 462 

  • EDEL 472 

  • SCED 475 

  • EDEL 453S 

  • EDSE 435 

  • EDSE 436 

  • EDSE 457/ 458/ 459 

  • EDSS 450 A-S  

  • EDEL 442 

  • UDCP 400 

  • UDCP 401 

  • UDCP 410

  • UDCP 402

  • UDCP 411

  • EDSP 534 

  • EDSP 564 

  • EDSP 577 

  • EDSP 578 

 

Clinical III is student teaching where the candidate is in the classroom for a full semester working along a mentor teacher.