Field Experience Special Case:  An Action Plan

This report may be filed in a variety of circumstances but must be filed if the score of a field experience /internship student is unsatisfactory at mid-semester.

A field experience assignment may create challenges which require identification and professional management by the Kean University supervisor.  During the placement, a student may experience difficulty with problems or professional concerns.  These may include but are not limited to such areas as classroom instruction, spoken or written English, management skills, content knowledge or interpersonal relationships.

The following procedure is outlined as a management plan leading to the resolution of a problem or concern with a field experience student. 

Notification

1.          A serious problem (or problems) is identified by the cooperating teacher and/or the Kean University supervisor.

2.          The Kean University supervisor and the cooperating teacher confer to further define the problem(s).

3.          The Kean University supervisor, the cooperating teacher and the field experience student confer formally to identify clearly and explain fully the problem(s) as well as generate suggestions for its solution.  This conference is to be dated, noted and recorded on a narrative report or appended to the narrative report.  In most cases, this should take place within the first 4 to 5 weeks of the student’s placement.

4.          The director of the Teaching Performance Center is to be informed of the problem at this time.  The director will then notify the program coordinator.

5.          If the problem(s) persists, a second formal conference with the student, the cooperating teacher and the Kean University supervisor is held.  The Special Case Report is completed by the University supervisor and signed by the student, the cooperating teacher and the supervisor.  The original and one copy of the Special Case Report are sent immediately to the Teaching Performance Center.  The remaining copies are distributed to the persons indicated.  In most cases, this should take place by the end of the 6^th week.

6.          If progress is not observable by the cooperating teacher and/or the Kean University supervisor, the director of the Teaching Performance Center is formally and directly notified by the university supervisor.  The director of the Teaching Performance Center will arrange a conference with the Kean University supervisor, the cooperating teacher and the university program coordinator to discuss available options.  The field experience student will then be invited into the conference.  (This must take place no later than the 8^th week of the professional intern’s placement.)

Remediation

 1.          Identify area(s) in need of improvement

2.          Suggest strategies to strengthen/overcome identified problem area(s).

3.          Identify resource person and/or persons responsible for implementing improvement strategies.

4.          Establish specific time line(s) for demonstrated improvement in identified area(s).

5.          Complete, sign, and file with the Teaching Performance Center Field Experience a Special Case form, distributing copies to the field experience student, cooperating teacher and university supervisor.