A major component of professional education coursework involves clinical experiences in various settings. These experiences are graduated in expectation, time commitment, and skills practice throughout all four blocks. Multiple methods of assessment are used and evidence collected to provide a view of the clinical students' skills and dispositions. These methods include direct observations of clinical activities by public school and university faculty, the use of videotaped lessons, and activities for self-assessment, use of logs, participation in on-line activities, and participation in activities reflective of the professional responsibilities of teachers. The successful completion of each clinical experience is necessary for progression into future clinical activities (e.g., student teaching). All clinical placements are initiated by the Office of Clinical and Field Experience. Students involved in any clinical experience need to undergo a background study (once per academic year) to assess misdemeanor and felony conviction records maintained at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. This information is provided to districts for their determination of suitability. The Office of Clinical and Field Experience coordinates the background check process.
