Each of the certification programs in Exceptional Student Education requires that the student complete a graduate practicum experience. This practicum is monitored by a university supervisor and can occur in the student s own classroom. Students who are not currently teaching are provided a practicum by the department. Students who are certified enroll for a three hour practicum. Non-certified students enroll for a six hour practicum which is used as a student teaching experience.
Variation exists in the format of exit examinations depending upon the department.
The Florida Teacher Certification Examination is used as an exit examination for Elementary and Secondary Education. All graduate students at the specialist and doctoral levels complete exit examinations developed by the department from which they intend to receive the degree. These tests may be written, oral, or performance based. Copies of all exit examinations are maintained in the department. Student performance is compiled and used for future planning and curriculum review as well as for providing input for review by external agencies and other accrediting groups.