All Teacher Education students are required to complete field experiences associated with designated courses. The University has contractual agreements with area school systems which allow us to place Teacher Education students for field experiences and internships. These systems are within a 40-mile radius of Dahlonega and are the only systems in which we can place students for field experiences. All field placements are arranged by the Field Placement Coordinator in accordance with procedures set forth in the contractual agreements. Students must not attempt to arrange their own placements or supervision. However, students are given the opportunity to express preferences or to describe specific needs. Time considerations for travel to a placement site are based on travel from NGCSU.

Field Experience Policies:

1. Students will not be placed for pre-internship block or internship in a school that they attended with the last ten years.
    
2. Students will not be placed in a school in which they have relatives enrolled or employed.
    
3. Students may be withdrawn from a school placement upon the request of the school administration or university supervisor based upon the following:
   1. Lack of competence,
   2. Failure to comply with the rules, regulations, policies, standards, or practices of the University or the school system,
   3. Conduct that is detrimental to the education, health, or welfare of the school system students, or
   4. Any other reason for which either the University or school system reasonably believes the student should not continue in the placement.
       

4. Students are expected to abide by the faculty dress code of the school in which they are placed.
    
5. At least one field experience must be in a school with a diverse student population. The field component of the course “Classroom Management” will be in a school which meets diversity qualifications.
    
6. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in the field component of a course in order to pass the course.

Monitoring Teacher Education Candidate Progress in Field Experiences:

Most students grow and prosper during field experiences. In some cases however, difficulties     are encountered as part of field experiences. Immediate, open, and honest communication about any problem is essential. Typically, teacher candidates will encounter and solve the problem by following the guidance of the supervising teacher. If more assistance is needed, the university supervisor or course instructor will become involved and develop a plan of action. If problems become more severe, the Field Placement Coordinator and Department Head may become involved, and a written professional growth plan containing behaviors, time lines, and conditions will be developed.

Discontinuation Policy:

When the actions of the teacher candidate present a negative impact on the learning environment or on the safety of the students as determined by the school site administration or the Field Placement Coordinator, the termination of the placement may be immediate.  In such cases:

1. The university supervisor or course instructor, Department Head, and Field Placement Coordinator review the data and confer immediately with the teacher candidate to be sure that he or she is aware of the seriousness of the situation and to review input from the candidate.
    
2. One of the following actions is recommended by the university:  (a) a second classroom placement, (b) administrative withdrawal from all courses associated with the field experience, or (c) a grade of D or F is earned in each course associated with the field experience. A second placement within a semester is an option only if sufficient time remains in the semester for the student to fulfill all field requirements.  If the candidate is in the second placement, the option of earning a failing grade is usually chosen.
    
3. The teacher candidate is informed of the decision in writing and in conference.
    
4. The Department Head and Field Placement Coordinator discuss with the teacher candidate options for a second placement, available supporting campus resources, and/or other career alternatives. The teacher candidate is informed of the appropriate appeal procedure.