Apr 27, 2024  
Basic Course Information Catalog 2017-2018 
    
Basic Course Information Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

EPI0095 - Educator Preparation Institute Field Experience







5 Institutional credits, 75 Contact hours

Institutional Credit

Prerequisite(s): Florida Teacher Certification General Knowledge Exam and Subject Area Exam

AA Elective: No

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

 

Course Description:
During this course, teacher candidates complete 60 hours of field experience and internship in an accredited public, charter, or private school with a clinically trained mentoring teacher. The field experience provides an opportunity to gain insight into the instructional process and gives pre-service teacher candidates a perspective on the varied backgrounds of students. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of the Uniform Core Curricula (UCC) and complete a series of teaching demonstrations. Candidates are supervised and evaluated by the EPI Clinical Educator Trainer (CET).



 Polk State College, a quality-driven institution, transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce employment programs delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Educator Preparation Institute Program enables students to demonstrate the competencies of the Uniform Core Curricula (UCC) during this field experience and internship course.
Course Objectives:
The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) teacher candidate must demonstrate the required information, skills, and behaviors relevant for professional practice and work in the field of education. The following objectives must be met to demonstrate mastery of the Uniform Core Curricula (UCC) required in this field experience:

  1. Demonstration of the appropriate use of Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
  2. Use of State-adopted content standards (Florida Standards).
  3. Application of scientifically researched reading instruction techniques.
  4. Application of content literacy and mathematical practices.
  5. Use of strategies appropriate for instruction of English Language Learners (ELLs).
  6. Use of strategies appropriate for instruction of students with disabilities.
  7. Integration of school safety requirements.
  8. Completion of the teaching demonstration.

 

Course Content:
This course requires the individual to complete 60 hours of field experience in an accredited public, charter, or private school with a clinically trained mentoring teacher. Using a series of prescribed tasks and assignments, each teacher candidate gains insight into the instructional process and the varied backgrounds of students. The teacher candidate demonstrates competencies of the Uniform Core Curricula (UCC) and completes a teaching demonstration evaluated by an Educator Preparation Institute clinically trained evaluator.

EPI textbook

Students receive textbooks and resource materials at the new student orientation. Cost of textbooks is included in course lab fees.

 

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

 

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) JDA Student Success Center, and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

 

Withdrawing From an EPI Course

EPI Teacher Candidates may officially withdraw from EPI course(s) on or before the first day of class.  This may be done online in PASSPORT or through Student Services. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw, failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

 

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating a course that vary from this policy. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

 

*Note: An Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) teacher candidate must earn a grade of A or B to successfully pass an EPI course.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

 

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

 

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity & Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299
Office: WAD 227, 863.292.3602 Ext. 5378, vbaker@polk.edu.

 

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with a Disability Services Advisor or the Coordinator of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

 

Evaluative Criteria:
Candidate performance is evaluated based on the required competencies of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). The final course grade is determined from a combination of the following activities listed within the course’s online learning management system: Tasks, Online Reading/Research and Discussions, and Attendance. Candidates must earn a grade of A or B in each course for successful completion.

Letter Grade/Point Range
A         =          90-100
B         =          80- 89
C         =          70- 79
D         =          60- 69
F          =          0- 59

 

Additional Policies:
Methods of Instruction:
These vary according to instructional style and teacher candidate learning needs. 


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