Block Handbook

Block Expectations

• Block Configurations

  Field-based blocks are configured differently based on classroom space, school site, and number of students enrolled. Students either spend a 1/2 day in school and 1/2 day in seminar class or 1 full day in school and 1 full day in seminar class. Seminar classes may meet on the Texas State campus or at your field-based block school. 

• Time Management

  For every 3-hour course students should expect to spend 5-7 hours of preparation outside of the scheduled seminar per week. Plan time appropriately and consider the demands of three courses. 

• Attendance

  Attendance is vital in field block. Contact hours (time spent in classrooms) is a hallmark of field block. Because we are verifying 70-80 hours of classroom experience, all time missed in the assigned field placement must be made up. While perfect attendance is expected we know emergencies and illnesses happen. We expect you to communicate with your field site instructors as well as your mentor teacher if you will be absent.

  • Absences for field time MUST be made up
  • Seminar absences are not required to be made up, but you are responsible for getting the information. It is extremely hard to catch up if you miss
  • Absences and patterns of tardiness will impact your professionalism grade.

• Observations

  • You will design and teach a minimum of two lessons
  • Your Mentor Teacher will observe lessons and provide feedback
  • You may also be asked to video your lesson and/or have a peer observe
  • We will use the Danielson Framework for Teaching to provide feedback after your lesson observation

• Communication

  Communication throughout the field block experience is critical to successful completion of these nine hours. You must communicate with field block instructors and classroom teachers. Your faculty instructor and cooperating teacher may incorporate phone calls and text as a means of communication. All university communication takes place via Bobcat Mail and TRACS.

• Professionalism

  Professional behavior is expected at all times and professional dress is required. Students will be expected to demonstrate professionalism throughout their program, maintaining cooperative and collaborative relationship, complying with University, campus and school district policies, and conducting themselves ethically and with integrity. 

  Professional behavior includes:

  • your punctuality
  • your attitude
  • your confidentiality about students
  • your relationships with university and campus colleagues
  • your willingness to grow and develop professionally
  • your receptivity and responsiveness to feedback
  • your sound judgement and decisions making
  • your equitable service to all students

• Dress Code

  Professional Appearance

  Students attending CI courses on PK-12 campuses are expected to present a professional appearance that reflects the transition from college student to educator. They are expected to follow the written teacher/staff dress code of the host school and district.  

  If this dress code is not aligned with a student’s cultural and/or gender expressions, the student should communicate with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

• Social Media

  Internet presence and social networking are part of personal and professional lives. What you share online can showcase knowledge and professionalism, or it can highlight information and activities that future employers may deem negative and/or inappropriate. Use prudence when sharing your life online, and pay attention to privacy settings. 

  Also important to remember – All who work or volunteer in school settings are held to the standards for social media use set by the school district. This includes rules about confidentiality regarding students, families, and school staff. Be sure to research and follow your district’s guidelines.

  1. Review privacy settings
  2. Review profile picture
  3. Review e-mail address for professionalism
  4. Establish new e-mail if necessary 

• Class Time/Location

  Class Time
  Field-Based Blocks may meet at slightly different times than the schedule indicates. When courses are held on a school campus (not at Texas State), we adhere to that school’s bell schedule. For example, if your block is scheduled for 8:00 am, you might be required to be at your block at 7:45 am. This information will be communicated by your instructor via email or TRACS and should also be found on your syllabus.

  Class Location
  Some blocks meet on campus the first few days, while others begin immediately at your assigned school. This information will be communicated by your instructor prior to the start of the semester. If you are unsure about where to show up, please reach out to your instructor for clarification.

• TB Test

  Select school districts may require documentation of a current TB test before entering the classroom. Please check with the district your assigned school is in or contact your instructor for more information.