Overview of Standard 3

In conjunction with Grand Valley State University's mission as a regional university, the College of Education collaborates with schools and school districts in funded grants, partnerships, in-service education, consultancy, community lectures, and community events. This section focuses on field experiences and clinical practice within the formal curriculum, which together comprise the most extensive type of collaboration between schools and the College of Education.

The College has a well-established history of collaborating with its school partners to prepare candidates for entry to the profession. Graduates and area educators praise the College's emphasis on field and clinical experience as one of its most valuable features.

1. All Initial candidates participate in at least two full semesters of supervised field experience.
   
   
2. All Advanced candidates seeking new endorsements participate in a fully supervised graduate practicum preceded by field experiences in earlier courses.
   
   
3. Because of the quality and extent of these experiences, many of our school partners claim preference in accepting our candidates for clinical placements and employment.
   
   
4. Candidates themselves credit the quality and extent of field experiences for the additional knowledge and confidence with which they enter their induction year or new positions.