Music Education Faculty
Dr. James Byo
Dr. Jane Cassidy
Dr. Cornelia Yarbrough
School of Music
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Student Teaching Program at LSU
Memo of Understanding
Responsibilities
of the Participating School
Responsibilities
of the Supervising Teacher
Responsibilities
of the Student Teacher
Responsibilities
of the College Coordinator
Student Teaching Assignments
Selection of Supervising
Teachers
Application and Registration
for Student Teaching
Placement of Student
Teachers
Visiting the School
Student Teaching Semester
The Student Teaching
Day
Student Teacher
Absences
Conferences and Meetings
Parking for On-Campus
Meetings
Student Teaching Activities
Observation
Participation
Teaching
Documentation of Hours
Planning
Evaluations and Certification
Evaluation
of the Student Teacher
Meaning of Pass/Fail
Procedures
for Transfer or Termination
Certification
Evaluations of Supervising
Teacher and College Coordinator
Appendix A
Log of Student Teaching Hours
Appendix B
Forms
That the applicant shall have spent a minimum of 270 clock hours in student teaching with at least 180 of such hours spent in actual teaching. That applicant shall have completed a substantial portion of his 180 hours of actual teaching on an all-day basis.The School of Music anticipates that certain specific expectations and requirements may not always be standard from school to school, teacher to teacher, and coordinator to coordinator. Whereas this handbook provides general guidelines to insure a quality program with a well monitored and regulated progression through student teaching at LSU, it does not account for the individual differences in students, in teachers' styles and orientations, and in coordinators' sense of what is necessary for a successful student teaching experience. Rather than deny or minimize this potential diversity of experience, we acknowledge and applaud the professional judgment and flexibility the LSU student teaching experience makes necessary.
Memo of Understanding
most music student teachers are assigned to student teaching
sites away from the campus community. The University makes every
effort to prepare students for multicultural educational settings by ensuring
that each student teacher receives some experience in working with students
from diverse cultures. In addition to variety in the student body,
an attempt is made to select schools which provide an excellent learning
environment and teachers who possess and exhibit personal and professional
qualities worthy of being a role model for student teachers.
Louisiana State University has entered into agreements with each parish which accepts our student teachers. Most frequently these parishes include East Baton Rouge Parish, Ascension Parish, and Livingston Parish. The "Memo of Understanding" serves as the official contract between Louisiana State University and the school systems. Copies of the "Memo of Understanding" are filed with the parish school board and with each participating school.
This contract delineates responsibilities of all participants in the student teaching semester and includes descriptions of roles and expectations. These descriptions follow.
Responsibilities of the Participating
School
The participating school retains legal responsibility
for the safety and welfare of the students. It also has the responsibility
of insuring that the student teacher, in addition to the supervising teacher,
understands and follows school board policies. The placement of a
student teacher in the classroom does not alleviate the supervising teacher
or the participating school of the ultimate responsibility for the operation
of the classroom. The participating school shall not use the student
teacher as a substitute teacher during the student teaching semester.
Responsibilities of the Supervising
Teacher
a. to
insure the safety and welfare of pupils
b. to
insure that the pupils receive adequate instruction
c. to
provide adequate direction and varied educational experiences for the student
teacher
d. to
provide, after a preliminary period of observation and participation, increasing
amounts of teaching responsibilities for the student teacher as she/he
develops ability and self-confidence.
e. to
determine the extent to which the student teacher is able to perform assigned
duties relative to the health, safety, and education of the pupils
f.
to contact the College Coordinator whenever a problem arises
g. to
discuss with the College Coordinator the midsemester and final evaluations
of the student teacher's performance
h. to
inform the student teacher of all parish policies regarding classroom management
The supervising teacher assumes a consequential role in the student teaching program given his/her role as a model teacher. In addition to the above responsibilities, the supervising teacher will (1) prepare the students and the classroom for the student teacher's arrival; (2) orient the student teacher to the total school program; (3) exhibit a professional attitude toward teaching; (4) demonstrate effective teaching techniques; (5) provide work space for the student teacher; (6) prepare a schedule no later than the third week in the semester designating the dates and/or classes for which the student teacher will assume total responsibility for teaching; (7) remain in the classroom or nearby at all times during which the student teacher is teaching; (8) confer regularly with the student teacher concerning the student teacher's performance; (9) assist the student teacher as appropriate and necessary with planning for lessons/rehearsals, developing classroom management techniques, experiencing school duties and extra-curricular activities, scheduling outside observations, and establishing positive relationships with faculty and other school personnel; (10) require and evaluate daily plans; and (11) evaluate and document the student teacher's performance regularly throughout the semester.
Responsibilities of the Student
Teacher
a. to
provide his/her own transportation to and from the assigned school
b. to
follow the faculty dress code of the assigned school
c. to
arrange his/her schedule so that there will be no conflict with meetings
and conferences
d. to
work cooperatively with the supervising teacher in planning and conducting
an educational program that will benefit the pupils
e. to
request assistance from the supervising teacher and/or college coordinator
when teaching activities assigned may present an element of risk ot the
pupils
or result in uncertainty as to how to proceed
f.
to prepare adequately for the duties assigned by the supervising teacher
g. to
participate in those professional activities expected of the supervising
teacher, provided such activities do not conflict with scheduled requirements
of the
University
h. to
have the same workday as the supervising teacher
i.
to spend a minimum of 270 clock hours in student teaching with at least
180 of such hours spent in actual teaching, devoting a substantial portion
to full-day
teaching responsibilities
j.
to complete 20 hours of music teaching observation outside the cooperating
school
k. to
handle the discipline of pupils with the guidance and consent of the Supervising
Teacher -- under no circumstances will the student teacher administer
corporal punishment
In graduating from the role of student to the role of teacher, it is expected that you will: (1) adhere to all policies and regulations as stated in this handbook and associated with the cooperating school; (2) function as an integral part of the cooperating school; (3) inquire about the school plant and various programs; (4) provide the College Coordinator with an up-to-date schedule of classes; (5) participate in out-of-class duties such as evening rehearsals, programs extra curricular events, bus and lunch duties, and parent teacher conferences; (6) prepare thorough unit and daily lesson/rehearsal plans and making these available to the Supervising Teacher; (7) attend all seminars and meetings scheduled by the University; (8) notify in timely fashion the supervising teacher and College Coordinator when illness or unavoidable absence occurs; (9) assist in maintaining school and classroom records; and (10) complete a portfolio documenting the breadth and quality of your student teaching performance.
Responsibilities of the College
Coordinator
a. to
act as a liaison between the participating school and the University
b. to
observe the student teacher live or via videotape a minimum of 3 times
across the semester
c. to
confer with the Student Teacher following each observation
d. to
confer with the Supervising Teacher during each visit to the school, as
well as when requested by either the Student Teacher or the Supervising
Teacher
e. to
discuss with the Supervising Teacher the midsemester and final evaluations
of the Student Teacher's performance
f.
to meet with the Principal of the school when deemed necessary or when
requested
g. to
participate in small group meetings involving student teachers in music
Selection of Supervising Teachers
Supervisors of student teachers must meet certification
requirements as set forth in Bulletin number 746 of the State Department
of Education:
a. a
valid Louisiana teaching certificate based on a college degree in the field
of the supervisory agreement;
b. at
least three years of successful teaching experience at the level or in
the field of the supervisory assignment;
c. a
Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. successful
completion of a course in the supervision of student teaching.
The Louisiana Board of Trustees for State Colleges and Universities has established a schedule concerning the maximum amount that may be paid to fully qualified and certified supervising teachers. Remuneration for supervising teachers who meet all qualifications is $200 per semester; for those who fail to meet the stated qualifications, $150 per semester. Honorariums are sent from LSU to the superintendent's office for each parish and are subsequently distributed within a regular paycheck to supervising teachers. In the event that a student teacher fails to complete the student teaching experience, remuneration will be pro rated.
Application and Registration for
Student Teaching
Prospective student teachers must apply for student teaching
by the end of the second week of classes prior to the student teaching
semester. Late applications will be considered after all other placements
have been made. An application form and instructions are included
in Appendix B of this packet. Students seeking an elementary assignment
must register for EDCI 3630 section 2; those seeking a secondary instrumental
assignment, EDCI 3630 section 3; and those seeking a secondary vocal assignment,
EDCI 3630 section 4.
Placement of Student Teachers
From a list of qualified supervising teachers within
the public schools and the LSU Laboratory School, college coordinators
will complete site assignments by the conclusion of midterm week of the
semester prior to student teaching. Students are assigned to the
school/grade level of their preference depending on availability.
In all cases college coordinators endeavor to make the best matches between
supervising teacher and student teachers. Students will not be placed
in schools were they have immediate family or relatives, where their own
children are attending, or in the high school from which they graduated.
Visiting the School
During the semester prior to student teaching, the prospective
student teacher is required to visit the supervising teacher at the school.
The purpose of this visit is to allow the student to meet the supervising
teacher and become oriented toward the school. The student should
seek such information as the school schedule, the classes presently
taught, textbooks and other materials used, and the supervising teacher's
expectations. Also, the student should request a copy of the school
handbook to become familiar with the philosophy and objectives of the school.
To prepare for this visit, the student should:
1. set
aside approximately a half-day block of time for the visit;
2. call
the school to schedule the visit at time convenient for the supervising
teacher;
3. complete
the Autobiography Form included in Appendix B of this packet.
During the visit, the student should:
1. give
one copy of the completed Autobiography Form to the supervising teacher;
2. ask
the supervising teacher to sign the Acknowledgment of Visit Form included
in Appendix B of this packet;
3. observe
at least two classes taught by the supervising teacher;
4. converse
with the supervising teacher as much as time and opportunity will allow.
Following the visit, the student should:
1. submit
a copy of the Autobiography Form and return the Acknowledgment of Visit
Form to the College Coordinator.
The Student Teaching Day
The work day for the student teacher should be the same
as that of the supervising teacher. Tardiness will not be tolerated.
The student teacher should attend all faculty meetings, professional meetings,
and extra-curricular activities considered a part of the supervisor's regular
work load.
The student teacher will not be allowed to enroll in more than one non-student teaching course during the student teaching semester. This course must be scheduled for after-school hours.
Due to the length and demands of the student teaching day, no student may schedule more than 15 hours of non-school related work during the student teaching semester without prior written permission from the college coordinator. Employment must not interfere with the student teaching day.
Student Teacher Absences
Student teachers are expected to attend school every
day. Notification of the supervising teacher and the college coordinator
in cases of illness or emergency is required. Absences for reasons
other than illness should be for emergencies of a very extreme nature.
In all instances except for medical emergencies, prior approval from the
supervising teacher and the college coordinator is required when it is
necessary for the student to be absent. Student teachers are given
permission to be away from their assigned schools for the following events:
1. small
group meetings
2. seminars
organized by the College of Education (attendance required)
3. teacher
recruitment day
4. the
day of a final exam
5. job
interview
Make up days are built into the semester schedule and will be used at the discretion of the supervising teacher in consultation with the college coordinator.
Conferences and Meetings
Student teachers will participate in several different
types of conferences and meetings held to provide information, to satisfy
state mandated in-service requirements, and to offer each student teacher
the opportunity to reflect on student teaching experiences and share this
with peers.
Individual Conferences:
A set time per week for individual conferences between
the student teacher and the supervising teacher should be scheduled.
Individual meetings between the student teacher and the college coordinator
will be held following observations by the college coordinator and at other
times when requested.
Small Group Meetings:
The student teacher will meet with other music education
student teachers and college coordinators in small group meetings on selected
Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30. In order to avoid conflicts
with these after school meetings, students should not plan classes or work
before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The focus of these meetings will
be issues of concern to student teachers and/or the college coordinators.
The small group meetings not only provide a forum for such discussion topics
as blending theory and practice, classroom management, and school-site
expectations, but also encourage student teachers to analyze and discuss
what they are experiencing in teaching. Attendance at these meetings
is mandatory. Punctuality is expected.
Large Group Meetings:
Large group meetings scheduled throughout the semester
provide general information as well as in service workshops on such topics
as legal responsibilities in the classroom. Attendance at these meetings
is mandatory. Punctuality is expected.
Parking for On-Campus Meetings
All students must register their vehicles with the LSU
Office of Parking, Traffic, and Transportation. Students enrolled
in student teaching only may obtain a semester permit for $5.00.
Students enrolled in additional coursework must obtain the regular permit
for $18.00. On days of seminars at the Lab School these permits will
be honored in lot X60 (North Fraternity Lot).
Observation
Observation is defined as watching a teaching-learning
situation. Observation settings include not only the assigned student
teaching class(es) but also other classes and related areas/activities.
The term "outside observation" will be used to denote a separate 20-hour
observation requirement to be met in schools other than the assigned school.
Outside Observations:
In order to insure that the student teaching experience
include contact with students of different age levels and experience and
with music programs of different schools, the student teacher must observe
a minimum of 20 hours of music teaching in schools other than the assigned
school. These observations, scheduled throughout the semester and
directed by the guidelines based on the student teacher's particular needs,
should be followed by a discussion session between the student teacher
and the supervising teacher to allow the student teacher to profit fully
from the observation experience. The specific observation schedule
will be determined by the supervising teacher in consultation with the
student teacher and, if necessary, with the college coordinator.
All 20 hours must be in observation of the primary music teacher (no substitute
teachers) who must be certified in music. Never should a student
teacher go unannounced for an observation.
The 20 hours should be divided as follows:
3 hours
Elementary Music (PreK - 5 general music)
3 hours
Middle School
Vocal - choral and/or general music
Instrumental - band, orchestra, and/or general music
3 hours
High School
Vocal - choral and/or general music
Instrumental - band, orchestra, and/or general music
11 hours Any level
To be decided by the supervising teacher and the student teacher
Documentation of outside observation:
Documentation of each outside observation must be formatted
in a clear, neat, and organized manner and must include the following:
(1)
Teacher, school, grade level(s), course(s), date, and number of observation
hours
(2)
Notes taken with regard to music activities observed, classroom management
techniques, rehearsal techniques, literature, performance level, facilities,
equipment, etc.
(3) Ideas
gleaned from discussion with the observed teacher and subsequently with
the supervising teacher
This material will be presented to the college coordinator when final materials are submitted at the end of the semester.
Participation
Participation is defined as performing any phase of a
teacher's duty except direct teaching. Participation should be related
to the improvement of the educational environment (e.g., routine housekeeping,
planning instruction with the supervising teacher, sharing duty with the
supervising teacher, participating as one of the students in the class,
attending meetings). Participation also may include team teaching
when the student teacher functions in a secondary role to the supervising
teacher.
Teaching
Teaching is defined as assuming the responsibility of
instruction. Although the student teacher's ultimate goal is to assume
full responsibility for classroom instruction (i.e., planning, instructing,
disciplining, testing), teaching should not be restricted to a full class
setting. A variety of approaches (e.g., allowing the student teacher
to use the supervising teacher's plans to teach an individual or small
group, allowing the student teacher to tutor students from the assigned
student teaching class) will not only allow the student teacher to assume
full responsibility gradually but will also enrich the student teaching
experience.
Orientation Period:
Before assuming full responsibility for classroom instruction,
the student teacher should become thoroughly oriented to the pupils, the
classroom, and the supervising teacher's methods and procedures.
At the beginning of the semester, the student teacher needs to observe
and participate, gradually assuming varied teaching duties (e.g., checking
attendance, directing independent work, performing routine housekeeping
duties, aiding with small group work, "bit" teaching, etc.). The
move to a full period of teaching should be gradual, depending on the skills
and aptitudes of the particular student teacher.
Full Day Teaching:
In some, but not all cases, student teaching will involve
full-day teaching. To insure uniformity during the full-day teaching,
student teachers should count 6 hours per day as teaching hours; the remainder
of the day should be counted as participation hours. After school
rehearsals and teaching would be counted as additional hours.
Teaching in Minor Area:
Music education majors with a minor should have experiences
observing or participating and teaching in the minor area. While
these experiences can be during part of the semester, a daily arrangement
lends itself to more continuity. The supervising teacher should attempt
to make arrangements with a colleague willing to work with the student
teacher; the college coordinator will assist if needed.
Documentation of Hours
The Louisiana State Department of Education requires
for certification an accounting of the hours accrued in observation, participation,
and teaching; therefore, the student teacher must keep an accurate record
of total time spent in each category. The Report on Student Teaching
Hours must be submitted with the final evaluation to the college coordinator.
The Student Teaching Log provides an efficient method of calculating
weekly time spent in each category. Forms are included in Appendix
A and B of this handbook.
Planning
Student teaching requires advanced planning on the part
of both the student teacher and the supervising teacher. This planning
should not only relate to semester/weekly/daily plans, but also to the
scheduling of specific classes to be taught by the student teacher.
Lesson/rehearsal plans must be saved in chronological order in a notebook
for inspection by the college coordinator.
Planning should at first be a cooperative venture between the student teacher and the supervising teacher to insure understanding and ability. At the beginning of the semester, the supervising teacher should share with the student teacher sample plans, sample tests, and instructional materials. As the student teacher gains in proficiency in planning, she/he should be given greater responsibility for this area of teaching. To benefit fully from the experience of the supervising teacher, the student teacher must give the supervising teacher a detailed written lesson/rehearsal plan prior to every teaching episode. The supervising teacher should then review the plan and discuss it with the student teacher, allowing sufficient time for the student teacher to make any necessary adjustments prior to the teaching of the lesson.
The following approach to planning has worked well for many student teachers:
Make an overall general plan of how the class or rehearsal time will be allotted. Follow this with very detailed plans concerning the teaching or rehearsing of one or two specific aspects or objectives. The goal is to devise approaches that maximize the likelihood that positive change in knowledge and/or skill will be apparent to both you and the students.
Evaluation of the Student
Teacher
The student teacher will receive feedback throughout
the semester from both the supervising teacher and the college coordinator.
Verbal and written informal evaluations noting the student teacher's strengths
and weaknesses provide daily feedback from the supervising teacher and
periodic feedback from the college coordinator.
Formal evaluations occur twice during the student teaching semester: at mid semester and at the end of the semester. The evaluation form consists of three parts: (a) an evaluation of academic preparation in the specific level/subject area, (b) an evaluation of professional/personal characteristics, and (c) an evaluation in narrative form.
The final evaluation replaces the midsemester evaluation as a formal record of the student teacher's performance. The midsemester evaluation is not retained. The final evaluation and documentation of hours are placed in the student teacher's permanent files in the School of Music archives. Evaluation forms are included in the Appendix B.
The supervising teacher prepares the evaluation form in consultation with the college coordinator and then prepares the final copy, typing the narrative section. The supervising teacher discusses the completed evaluation with the student teacher. The college coordinator will be present if deemed necessary by the supervising teacher, the student teacher, or the college coordinator. Before the student teacher submits the three evaluation forms to the college coordinator, all required signatures must be affixed, signifying concurrence on the part of the supervising teacher and the college coordinator. The student teacher's signature signifies awareness of content but not necessarily his/her concurrence.
Meaning of Pass/Fail
The midsemester evaluation offers three grade choices:
(1) "PASS without major reservations/conditions"
reflects satisfactory progress.
(2) "PASS with the following reservations or conditions"
reflects a conventional pass, stipulating reservations and/or conditions
that must be addressed before the student teacher will be passes at the
end of the semester.
(3) "FAIL" indicates the student teacher has failed
in major and consistent ways to perform at a satisfactory level as judged
by the supervising teacher and the college coordinator. See "Termination"
below.
The final evaluation offers grade choices:
(1) "PASS" indicates that the student teacher has
undertaken and completed the student teaching experience in an acceptable
manner. The student teacher will receive 12 hours of credit which
will be added to the total required for graduation but with no quality
points allotted; therefore, the grade point average does not change.
(2) "FAIL" indicates the student teacher has failed
in major and consistent ways to perform at a satisfactory level as judged
by the supervising teacher and the college coordinator. In such cases,
the college coordinator, chair of the music education department, and the
Assistant Dean of the School of Music may permit the student teacher to
repeat student teaching under conditions they set forth.
Procedures for Transfer or
Termination of a Student Teacher
Transfer:
In rare instances, transferring a student teacher to
another student teaching site will be considered. The ultimate responsibility
for transfer, reassignment, and written notification thereof rests with
the college coordinator. Transfer may occur under the following conditions:
(1) The college coordinator, in consultation with
the supervising teacher and the student teacher, determines that a transfer
is advisable and feasible.
(2) The supervising teacher cannot meet the responsibilities
of the student teaching program due to circumstances involving extended
leave (e.g., illness, death in the family, jury duty).
(3) A strike (or work stoppage) occurs in the school
system.
Termination:
In response to a recurring pattern of weakness in the
behavior and/or performance of the student teacher, a three-way conference
will be conducted between the student teacher, the supervising teacher,
and the college coordinator. This conference will be conducted with
the knowledge of the cooperating principal. At this time a list of
specific weaknesses and actions to be taken will be developed. A
copy, to include signatures of all parties, will be filed in the student
teacher's file. Regular conferences with the student teacher will
be held to discuss the items documented. Documentation of the student
teacher's performance/behavior will be maintained throughout this process.
Following concentrated observation by supervisory personnel for a designated
period of time another three-way conference will be scheduled to evaluate
progress. If adequate improvement is not observed, (a) the list of
specific weakness and actions to be taken will be reviewed and revised
followed by another period of intense observation or (b) the student teacher
will be terminated.
The college coordinator may terminate a student teacher
from the student teaching program under the following conditions:
(1) The student teacher violates policies of the
participating school or school system.
(2) The student teacher violates School of Music/Music
Education Department policies concerning the student teaching program.
(3) The actions or inactions of the student teacher
are detrimental to the welfare of the pupils.
Procedures for termination are as follows:
(1) The initiator of the action, either the participating
school, supervising teacher, or college coordinator, will present written
charges to the student teacher.
(2) The college coordinator will arrange a hearing
involving the student teacher, supervising teacher, college coordinator,
Chair of Music Education, and Assistant Dean of the School of Music, providing
all parties concerned an opportunity to be heard.
(3) The Assistant Dean of the School of Music will
provide a summary of the hearing to the Dean of the School of Music along
with a recommendation.
(4) The Dean will make the final decision concerning
termination of the student teacher.
Certification
Certification in the State of Louisiana through Louisiana
State University requires the following conditions:
(1) Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education
degree from an accredited college or university.
(2) Completion of all required music content and
professional education courses with a grade of "C" or better.
(3) Successful completion of student teaching or
internship.
(4) Minimum of a 2.5 grade point average
at the baccalaureate level.
(5) Minimum scores in four portions of the National
Teachers Exam (Communication Skills = 645, General Knowledge = 644, Professional
Knowledge = 645, Music Education = 530.
At one of student teaching seminars, student teachers will complete and submit applications for certification. When all requirements have been met and a $55 check or money order made out to "Louisiana State Department of Education" has been submitted, the college coordinator will file applications with the Louisiana State Department of Education, the state's certifying agency. The Louisiana State Department of Education will mail teaching certificates to LSU. Certificates will be forwarded to individual alumni. This process normally takes approximately two months after graduation.
Evaluations of the Supervising Teacher
and College Coordinator
Student teachers will evaluate supervising teachers and
college coordinators at the end of the semester. Supervising teachers
will also evaluate college coordinators. These evaluations will provide
supervising teachers and college coordinators with information concerning
their own supervisory practices and effectiveness. To insure consistency
and fairness, the college coordinator will share evaluation results with
the supervising teacher only after receiving several evaluations.
Evaluations of the college coordinator will be submitted in a sealed envelope
to the Assistant Dean of the School of Music and all results will be confidential.