Four early field experiences (60 days)

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  100 observation hours, any SE setting

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  Elementary/mild disabilities and resource (20 days)

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  Middle-secondary/mild disabilities, resource or co-teaching (20 days)

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  Self-contained/moderate-severe disabilities (20 days)

University personnel identify placements

Data collection, lesson planning and video recording of lesson in each setting

Feedback on lessons provided by university supervisor

Four early field experiences completed with assignments from aligned methods courses (8 days each, 32 days total)*

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  Elementary/mild disabilities, resource and math

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  Elementary/mild disabilities, resource and reading–writing

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  Middle-secondary/mild disabilities, resource or co-teaching

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  Self-contained/moderate-severe disabilities

District personnel identify placements

Data collection, lesson planning, video or real-time lesson observation each setting

University supervisor reviews, observes lessons and provides feedback

Participants use prior learning/work experience portfolio for university credit

One semester (16 weeks) student teaching

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  One placement, 16 weeks OR

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  Two placements, 8 weeks each

Students can continue student teaching in their third professional placement if approved by school and university

University personnel identify student teaching placement in region requested by student

10 weeks of student teaching – one placement only

District personnel identify placement

Some students “job swap” with supervising teacher in the classroom where they served as paraprofessionals

Average of five courses per semester (14–18 credits)

In-person, on-campus classes during the day for undergraduates (university recommendation)

Faculty determine modality for instruction: in-person, hybrid, synchronous, asynchronous or a combination

Faculty determines due dates for assignments

Faculty office hours most often during the day Monday through Thursday

Two courses (6–8 credits) each 5-, 6- or 8-week session

Program set one in-person or synchronous meeting per week plus one asynchronous module per week

All cohort courses met in the evening on same days of the week (Tuesday–Thursdays or Monday–Wednesday)

Assignment due dates on Sunday afternoon or evenings to allow time for working adults

Evening/weekend office hours and study sessions to address questions during nonwork hours for paraprofessionals

One full-time department-level advisor for all undergraduate programs (caseload approximately 250 students)

One meeting with advisor per semester to discuss and register for courses for following semester

All other communication via email or university platforms

Referral to university centers and organizations for study skills, writing, etc

One half-time dedicated LEAP advisor (caseload approximately 60 students)

On-line meetings with individual students or pairs of students every other week

Support for prior learning assessment portfolios

Direct one-on-one support technology use, study skills, communication with instructor, and concierge referrals to university resources