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Field Experiences (Practicum) and Clinical Practice (Student Teaching)
M.A.T. candidates participate in a variety of carefully planned and sequenced field experiences. Candidates
experience structured observations in a variety of settings, including tutoring, small group, and whole class
instruction. Field experience will culminate with the candidate assuming full responsibility for the teaching process
in a classroom during clinical practice. Field experiences are integrated within candidate coursework, allowing
candidates to spend time in the university classroom and in the field experience classroom. During clinical practice,
candidates are placed full time in a local public school classroom.
In addition to coursework, field experience, and competency requirements before clinical practice, candidates
must have a “cleared” status on an FBI fingerprint and background check pursuant to Section 59-25-115 of the
South Carolina Code of Laws. (Background checks are valid for 18 months.) Candidates must also take the required
Praxis II exams prior to entering clinical practice.
Candidates are not permitted to be employed during clinical practice without specific, restricted, approved
permission. Candidates not enrolled in M.A.T. coursework one or more semesters prior to clinical practice may
require additional steps to ensure proficiencies meet the level of readiness required.
Clinical practice can be waived with a portfolio of evidence validating both experience and classroom competency.
Experience must include at least three years of full-time teaching in the area of licensure. The portfolio must
include letters of recommendation, annual evaluations documenting successful teaching, and documents verifying
proficiency in SC State Standards competencies. Individuals requesting this exemption should discuss their
experience with the M.A.T. program director. Candidates granted this exemption will enroll in EDU 6480
Professional Portfolio Development.
Time Limitation
The time limit for completion of all requirements is six years, measured from the date a candidate is admitted into
the M.A.T. Program (Milestone 1).
Completion Requirements
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Completion of Milestones 1-6
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Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 and receiving no grade below a “C”
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Achieving at least the minimum acceptable competency level rating on each of the seven candidate
proficiencies
Licensure Recommendation Requirements
Candidates who wish to be recommended for South Carolina state initial certification must:
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Achieve a grade of “B-” or above in Clinical Practice.
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Achieve passing scores (as set by the South Carolina Department of Education) on required Praxis II exams.
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Complete Milestone 7.
The application for initial licensure in South Carolina includes a fingerprint review to determine any criminal
history – state or federal. Eligible applicants who have prior arrests and/or convictions must undergo a review by
the State Board of Education and be approved before a license can be issued to them.
The requirements for a teaching license in South Carolina are subject to change by the State Board of Education
and the South Carolina General Assembly during the period for such licensure. The College of Education may revise
the M.A.T. program at any time and cannot assume responsibility for changes or additional courses, including
revisions, due to changes in state standards.
Candidates who wish to be recommended for Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) certification
must meet the following requirements:
•
Complete EDU 6231 History and Philosophy of Education at CIU with a grade of “C” or above
•
Achieve a grade of “B-” or above in Clinical Practice
•
Complete Milestone 7
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