Field Study- Science Education

The Field Study (CIFLD 402 or 404) is an authentic, classroom-based experience in which students work under the guidance of a university supervisor and a classroom teacher. The field study course must be taken in conjunction with the seminar, CIFLD 492 (or SECNDED 460). As the SECNDED 429 Methods of Teaching Science course has related coursework and is only offered in Fall semesters, it is highly recommended that you plan your schedule to complete the Field Study courses in the same fall semester prior to the semester that you plan for Student Teaching.

Secondary teacher candidates must have experiences in the field at both the middle school and high school levels. To help you decide on which level to enroll in for the Field Study semester, you should also view the Secondary Science Student Teaching video.

Field Study (CIFLD 402 or 404) is typically 8 or more weeks, meeting Mondays through Thursdays from either 7:30am to 11:30am, or 11:30am to 3:30pm. Reserve one of those block time frames in your schedule; that is, schedule your other courses outside of one of those blocks of time. The companion course, CIFLD 492, typically meets Friday mornings throughout the semester.

School districts and other agencies provide field sites for our students as a professional courtesy. Many things affect their decision to take students including staffing needs, district priorities, curriculum, timing, and availability. You are required to have a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and health clearance; and some schools ask students to interview or take an assessment prior to accepting a placement request. The Office of Field Experiences will send directions and due dates. Results may influence placement in a particular school or district.

While the College of Education and Professional Studies does not make placement determinations based on CBC results, items that show up on a CBC may prevent the Office of Field Experience from making a placement, even if those items would not preclude one from obtaining a teaching license in Wisconsin. In these instances, the Office of Field Experience will make three attempts at a placement. If three school districts deny placements based on items in the student’s CBC, the student will not be able to complete Field Study or Student Teaching. In that case, students pursuing a science major BSE shall then graduate “non-licensure,” provided that all other requirements for the major are met.

Once your placement is confirmed, the Office of Field Experience will notify you of the reporting dates and times, location, and name and contact information of your cooperating teacher. It is your responsibility to have reliable transportation to and from the field placement site."