Section 228.43 - Pre-Service Field-Based Experiences for Classroom Teacher Candidates(a) An educator preparation program (EPP) shall require each candidate to complete field-based experiences in a variety of authentic school settings with diverse student populations, including observation of teachers modeling effective practices to improve student learning and opportunities for candidates to practice skills and receive feedback.(b) For initial certification in the classroom teacher certification class, each EPP shall provide field-based experiences, as defined in § 228.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), for a minimum of 50 clock-hours. The field-based experiences must be completed prior to assignment in an internship, clinical teaching, or residency.(c) Field-based experiences must include, at a minimum, 25 clock-hours in which the candidate, under the direction of the EPP, is actively engaged in instructional or educational activities.(1) Field-based experiences must be conducted in settings that include all of the following: (A) authentic school settings in a public school accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or other school approved by the TEA for this purpose, including all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, wherever located, and all schools accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC);(B) instruction by content certified teachers;(C) actual students in classrooms/instructional settings with identity-proof provisions; and(D) content or grade-level specific classrooms/instructional settings.(2) Field-based experiences include candidates engaging with activities such as: (A) small group instruction;(C) presenting whole class instruction;(D) one-on-one student support;(E) practicing classroom management skills;(F) supporting lead teacher instruction; and(3) Each field-based experience must include a written reflection of the experience that: (A) is guided by the EPP;(B) is unique from the other reflections;(C) includes a detailed reflection of each field-based experience; and(D) identifies educational practices observed and/or experienced.(4) The time spent writing the written reflection does not count toward the required 25 clock-hours for field-based experiences.(d) Up to 25 clock-hours of field-based experience may be provided by use of electronic transmission or other video or technology-based method; service as a teacher of record, service as an educational aide, and service as a substitute teacher; and must be under the direction of the EPP. (1) The field-based experience setting must include:(A) authentic school settings in an accredited public or private school;(B) instruction by content certified teachers;(C) actual students in classrooms/instructional settings with identity-proof provisions; and(D) content or grade-level specific classrooms/instructional settings.(2) Each field-based experience must include a written reflection of the observation that: (A) is guided by the EPP;(B) is unique from the other reflections;(C) includes a detailed reflection of each field-based experience; and(D) identifies educational practices observed and/or experienced.(3) The time spent writing the written reflection does not count toward the required 25 clock-hours for field-based experiences.(4) Field-based experience hours identified in this subsection must occur after the candidate's admission into the EPP. The candidate's experience in instructional or educational activities, including reflections as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, must be documented by the EPP and must be obtained at a public or private school accredited or approved for this purpose by the TEA.(e) Up to 15 clock-hours of field-based experience may be satisfied by serving as a long-term substitute (as defined in § 228.2 of this title) either after the candidate's admission to an EPP or during the two years before the candidate's admission to an EPP. The candidate's experience in instructional or educational activities must be documented by the EPP and must be obtained at a public or private school accredited or approved for this purpose by the TEA.(f) An EPP may apply to use a public school, a private school, or a school system located within any state or territory of the United States as a site for field-based experience in accordance with §228.63(f) of this title (relating to Locations for Required Clinical Experiences).19 Tex. Admin. Code § 228.43
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 20, May 17, 2024, TexReg 3540, eff. 9/1/2024