Clinical and Field-Based Experiences

Clinical Experiences

Clinical experiences in Frisco ISD include placements that involve sustained interaction in a school setting over an extended period, such as clinical/student teaching, internships, practicums, and residencies—typically lasting from one semester to a full academic year. The district also offers long-term field-based experiences, often referred to as reflective classroom observations, which are designed to complement clinical teaching requirements.

Examples include:

• Clinical Teaching (also referred to as student teaching)

• Field-based experiences that are paired with clinical teaching 

• Usually assigned to the same CooperatingTeacher (or a pair of cooperating teachers) for a full semester prior to clinical teaching

• Also referred to as long-term, reflective [classroom] observations in Frisco ISD

Field-Based Experiences

Alternative Certification or Post-Baccalaurate Programs

Field-based experiences in Frisco ISD refer to the observation hours required for teacher certification through an alternative certification program (ACP) or post-baccalaureate or experiences for candidates not affiliated with a college or university educator preparation program.

Examples include:

• Reflective [classroom] observation hours not to exceed 50 hours

• Field-based experiences that are not paired with clinical teaching

• No set amount of hours with a cooperating teacher

• Also referred to as short-term reflective [classroom] observations in Frisco ISD