SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 1

Seacoast Center Montessori Teacher Education Program

Guide for Adult Learners

Practicum Handbook

Mount Pleasant SC

Volume10 Revised May 20, 2017

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TableofContents

MissionStatement.........................................................................................................................4

ABriefDescription.........................................................................................................................4

Programs.......................................................................................................................................5

CourseDirector..............................................................................................................................5

Affiliation/Accreditation...............................................................................................................6

PurposesandObjectives................................................................................................................7AdultLearnerResponsibilities...............................................................................................................8ProgramResponsibilities........................................................................................................................9

Ethics...........................................................................................................................................10

Admission....................................................................................................................................12ApplicationProcess......................................................................................................................12Non-CertificationParticipants......................................................................................................12BackgroundChecks......................................................................................................................13TransferCredit.............................................................................................................................13Attendance..................................................................................................................................13Tardiness..............................................................................................................................................14SupervisedPracticeLabs......................................................................................................................14AttendanceDuringPracticumPhase....................................................................................................14AdultLearnerAssessment............................................................................................................14CourseAssessment......................................................................................................................15GradingPolicy..............................................................................................................................15

AMSPracticumStandardsandResponsibilities.............................................................................16

RequirementsforEnteringthePracticumPhase...........................................................................17

RecommendationforAMSElementaryIorI-IICertification..........................................................17

AfterCompletion:StepsintheProcess.........................................................................................18

ProfessionalDevelopmentRequirement......................................................................................18

SubmittingCourseAssignments...................................................................................................19

CriteriaforWithdrawalandDismissal..........................................................................................19

Placement....................................................................................................................................20

FinancialInformation...................................................................................................................21TuitionPaymentPlanInformation.......................................................................................................21FeeforOverdrafts................................................................................................................................21FinancialAid.........................................................................................................................................21AdultLearnerFees...............................................................................................................................22FullRefund...........................................................................................................................................22

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 3

PartialRefunds.....................................................................................................................................22TimelyRefunds....................................................................................................................................23GoodFaithEffort.................................................................................................................................23NoticeofWithdrawal...........................................................................................................................23DistributionofFundstoSponsoringSchools.......................................................................................23

SolvingProblems.........................................................................................................................24GrievanceProcedure...........................................................................................................................24GrievanceProcess................................................................................................................................25AppealProcedure................................................................................................................................26

Stipulation...................................................................................................................................26

AmendmentstoPublications.......................................................................................................26

APPENDIXA:AMSCOURSECOMPONENTDESCRIPTIONS.............................................................27

DistanceComponents..................................................................................................................30

AdministrativeCalendar2017-2018.............................................................................................31BusinessOfficeHours..................................................................................................................31EvaluationPeriods.......................................................................................................................31

AcademicCourseCalendars2017-2018........................................................................................31

SampleEnrollmentAgreement....................................................................................................33

AddendumtoEnrollmentAgreement..........................................................................................35

SampleApplication(clickforlink)...............................................................................................36

SeealsoPracticumHandbook:VolumeIIoftheSeacoastCenterGuideforAdultLearners

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MissionStatement

SeacoastCenterserveschildrenbyeducatingadults.Ourprogramsofferinstructionandreflectiononthenatureofchildhoodandeducation.Ourworkisbasedonobservationofhumandevelopmentanditsconstructiveroleinthelearningprocess.OurheritageistheeducationalperspectiveofDr.MariaMontessori.

ABriefDescription

SeacoastCenterforEducationoffersMontessoriteachereducationandprofessionaldevelopmentprogramsSeacoastwasfoundedin1992byGaryDavidsonandCharlesTerranova.Seacoast’smainsiteatthattimewasTheMontessoriCommunitySchoolinScituate,MA.TheCornerstoneSchoolinStrathamNHbecameourpermanentlocationin2001withexpansionintoadditionallocationsinCelebrationFLandMountPleasantSC.SeacoastnowoffersElementaryI-IIandEarlyChildhood(inpartnershipwithNortheastMontessoriInstitute)atSundropsMontessoriSchoolinMountPleasantSC.SeacoasthasofferedprofessionaldevelopmentinChina,Indonesia,Thailand,andelsewhere.SeacoastCenterconductsin-serviceprogramsandlocationsbyprivatecontractinternationally.

SeacoastCenterforEducation,Inc.,isafor-profitMassachusettscorporationandislicensedasaCareerSchoolforMontessoriTrainingbytheNewHampshireDepartmentofEducation.

MontessoriSchoolofCelebration,FL

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 5

Programs

TheSeacoastCenterMontessoriElementaryI(6-9)Programprovidesaminimumof325coursehoursdesignedtoprepareteacherstoworkwithchildrenfromages6-9inMontessorimulti-ageclassrooms.Coursesareconductedtypicallyintwoacademicsummersessionstotalingsevenweeksdurationwithoneortwoseminarsduringtheinterveningacademicyear.LearnersenteringinJuneorJulyofoneyeartypicallycompleteclasssessionsattheendofthefollowingJuly.

Certificationcandidatesmustpossessabachelor’sdegreeoritsequivalent.Qualifiedcandidateswhocompleteallcourserequirementsandapracticumequivalenttooneacademicyear(1080hours)inanapprovedclassroomarerecommendedtotheAmericanMontessoriSocietyfortheElementaryICredential.

TheSeacoastCenterMontessoriElementaryI-IIProgram(9-12portion)isaminimumof175coursehoursdesignedtoprepareteacherstoworkwithchildrenfromages9-12inMontessorimulti-ageclassrooms.Publiclyadvertisedcoursesgenerallyareconductedinoneacademicsessionoffourweekswithtwoseminarsduringtheacademicyear.Certificationcandidateswhocompleteallcourse9-12requirementsarerequiredtocompletetheElementaryIprogramrequirementspriortorecommendationtotheAmericanMontessoriSocietyfortheAMSElementaryI-II credential.

TheSeacoastCenterMontessoriElementaryII(9-12)onlyprovidesaminimumof325coursehoursdesignedtoprepareteacherstoworkwithchildrenfromages9-12inMontessorimulti-ageclassrooms.

Privatecontractcoursesmayoperatewithdifferentcourseschedulesalthoughcomponentcontentofferingsremainunchanged.

CourseDirector

GaryDavidsonistheownerandDirectorofSeacoastCenterforEducation,Inc.anditsacademicprograms.Garyhastaughtchildrenandadultssince1976inMontessorisettingsforages6-14.Hehaslectured,written,andspokenwidelyonMontessoriElementarytopics.GaryisalsofounderandchiefexecutiveofTheAzokaCompany,providerofcurriculumsupportproducts.Garyhas35+yearsofclassroomexperiencefromages6-14and35yearsofexperienceinMontessorielementaryteachereducationforAMScoursesandseminars,asalecturer,schoolandteachingconsultant,andAMSnationalseminarpresenter.HeisaboardmemberofMACTE,theMontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducationandisaformermemberoftheboardofIAME,theInternationalAssociationforMontessoriEducation.SeacoastCenterconductsin-serviceprogramsandlocationsbyprivatecontractinternationally.

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Affiliation/Accreditation

OurprogramsareaccreditedbyMACTE,theMontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducation.SeacoastCenterforEducationisachartermemberofMACTE.SeacoastCenterforEducationisAMS-affiliated.

TheElementaryCredentialfromtheAmericanMontessoriSocietycertifiestheindividualtoteachinAMS-affiliatedMontessorischoolsthroughouttheworldandisacceptedbymanynon-AMSaffiliatedMontessorischools.Itdoesnotinitselfpreparetheindividualtoenterthegeneralteachingfield.

AmericanMontessoriSociety

116East16thStreet,NY,NY10003Phone:212-358-1250

MACTE-MontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducation

420ParkStreetCharlottesville,VA22902(434)202-7793

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 7

PurposesandObjectives

ThepurposesandobjectivesofSeacoastCenterforEducationanditsprogramsare:1. TooffereducationtoadultsinthetheoryandmethodologyoftheMontessoriMethodforthestatedagerange.2. Toworkwithallindividualsinaprofessionalandsupportivemanner.3. Toprovidesupporttoadultlearnerswhenpossibleincompletionofallcourserequirements.4. Toconductateachereducationprogramofferingamodelforpersonalconductbetweenadultsandchildren.5. Topromoteeducationforpeacethroughinvolvementwithprofessionalorganizationsbeyondourowngeographicregioninsupportofchildhoodandeducation.

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StatementofAdultLearnerRightsandResponsibilities

SeacoastCenterforEducationmaintainstherightasaninstitutionofprivatepost-secondaryeducationtoenforceitspoliciesandtoactwithdueprocesstodisassociatefromtheprogramindividualswhoseactivitiesorpublicattitudesarenotconstructivetotheadvertisedgoalsandpurposesoftheprogram.ItisourbeliefthatsuccessfulworkwithchildreninaMontessoriclassroomreliesontheabilityoftheadultsinvolvedtoactinapositive,professionalmannerbothwithintheacademicprocessandthepracticumexperience.

AdultLearnerResponsibilities

1. AdmissionsA. ToreadallinformationpublishedbySeacoastCenterforEducationconcerningitsprogram(s)B. Tobeknowledgeableaboutotheravailableinstitutionsandaccreditingagencies,sothatenrollmentinSeacoastisaninformedchoice.C. Tocompletetheapplicationprocesspromptlybysubmittingrequiredmaterialsandmeetingpre-trainingrequirementsincludingallrequiredreading.

2. FinancialArrangementsA. ToreadanyandallinformationprovidedbySeacoastregardingfees,refundpolicies,andfinancialrequirements,andtorequestfurtherinformationorclarificationwhenneeded.B. ToreadandunderstandallfinancialagreementsmadetoandbySeacoast,andtokeepacopyofallagreementsandreceipts.C. TomeetfinancialobligationstoSeacoastCenterpromptly.

3. AcademicProgrammingA. ToreadanyandallinformationprovidedbySeacoastCenterandrequestinformationorclarificationwhennecessary.B. Tobeanactiveandpositiveparticipantinthecourseofstudywithinthecontextofstatedrequirementsandexistinginstitutionalresources.C. Tomonitorhis/herownpersonalandacademicprogressthroughouttheprocessofteachereducationduringboththeacademicandpracticumphases.D. Toattendallrequiredclassesandinstructionalactivities,toarrivepromptly,andtocompleteassignmentsontime.E. Torespecttheprincipleofacademicandprofessionalintegrity.F. Torespectthefreedomofthestafftoinquire,publish,andteach.G. Torespectthefacilitiesandpropertyoftheprogram,includingbuildings,books,andequipment,andtoobservestatedrequirementsfortheiruse.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 9

ProgramResponsibilitiesTopreserveandprotecttherightsofAdultLearners,SeacoastCenteriscommittedtothefollowingresponsibilities:1. AdmissionsA. Toprovidewrittenpoliciesonadmissionrequirements.B. Toprovideprospectivestudentswithadequateandcompleteinformationonallaspectsoftheprogram,includingpersonalcontactwithstaffandvisitstoSeacoastCenterfacilities.C. Tomaintainandreferadultlearnerstoresourcesforemploymentopportunitiesupon

request.2. AdvertisingTomaintainanadvertisingpolicythatistruthfulandaccurate.3. FinancialArrangementsA. Toprovidecompleteandaccurateinformationonthefullcostsoftheprogram.B. Tomaintainfairandaccuraterefundpoliciesandtoprovidewritteninformationonsuch

policies.C. Tochargefairandreasonablefeesforinfractionssuchasbreakingequipmentornon-returnoflibrarybooks.D. Tokeepcompleteandaccuratefinancialrecordsforeachstudent.4. AcademicProgrammingA. TomaintainalevelofqualityconsistentwiththeMissionStatementandPurposesandObjectivesofourinstitution.B. Tomaintainclearwrittenpoliciesonacceptanceofcreditfromotherinstitutionsandforprovidingtranscriptinformationtootherinstitutionswhenrequested.C. Toprovidefairandreasonableacademicevaluationofperformance;toproperlymaintainrecordsofevaluations;andtomaintainconfidentialitywithrespecttoadultlearnerrecords.D. Toinformadultlearnerswithinformationonacademicprogressandtorecommendcertificationuponcompletionofprogramrequirements.E. Toprovideadequateconditionstosupportacademicinstruction.F. Toofferqualityinstructionbymeansofpersonnelwithappropriatecredentialsand/orexperience,whoarecurrentintheirfields,meetclassesontime,arewellprepared,andareavailableuponreasonablenoticeoutsideofclass.G. Todescribeprogramrequirementsaccurately,andtoensurethatrequirementsarerelevanttoourgoals.

H. TooffercoursescompatiblewiththeirdescriptionsintheSeacoastCenterbrochureandGuideforAdultLearnersI. Torespecttheprinciplesofacademicandprofessionalintegrity.

J. Tomaintainwrittenpoliciesfordismissalandtocarryoutsuchpoliciesonlyforappropriatecauseswithdueprocess.

ThisstatementwasoriginallyadoptedJuly1994.ReviewedandreaffirmedonMarch8,2015.

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Ethics

TheCodeofEthicsoftheAmericanMontessoriSocietyguidesprofessionalrelationsbetweenSeacoastCenterforEducation,adultlearners,andfellowprofessionals.

CodeofEthicsoftheAmericanMontessoriSociety

PrincipleI–CommitmenttotheStudentInfulfillmentoftheobligationtothechildren,theeducator:1. Shallencourageindependentactioninthepursuitoflearning2. Shallprotecttheopportunitytoprovideforparticipationineducationalprogramswithoutregardtorace,sex,color,creedornationalorigin3. Shallprotectthehealthandsafetyofstudents4. Shallhonorprofessionalcommitments,maintainobligationsandcontractswhileneversolicitingnorinvolvingstudentsortheirparentsinschemesforcommercialgain5. Shallkeepinconfidenceinformationthathasbeensecuredinthecourseofprofessionalservice,unlessdisclosureservesprofessionalpurposesorisrequiredbylaw

PrincipleII–CommitmenttothePublicTheMontessorieducatorsharesintheresponsibilityforthedevelopmentofpolicyrelatingtotheextensionofeducationalopportunityforallandforinterpretingeducationalprogramsandpoliciestothepublic.

Infulfillingthesegoals,theeducator:1. ShallsupporttheAmericanMontessoriSocietyandnotmisrepresentitspoliciesinpublicdiscussion.Wheneverspeakingorwritingaboutpolicies,theeducatorshouldtaketheprecautiontodistinguishprivateviewsfromtheofficialpositionoftheSociety;2. Shallnotinterferewithnorexploittherightsandresponsibilitiesofcolleagueswithintheteachingprofession

PrincipleIII–CommitmenttotheProfessionTheMontessorieducatormakeseffortstoraiseprofessionalstandardsandconditionstoattractpersonsworthyoftrusttocareersinMontessorieducation.

Infulfillingthesegoals,theeducator:1. ShallextendjustandequitabletreatmenttoallmembersoftheMontessorieducationprofession2. Shallrepresenthisorherownprofessionalqualificationwithclarityandtrueintent3. Shallapplyfor,accept,offer,recommend,andassignprofessionalpositionsandresponsibilitiesonthebasisofprofessionalpreparationandlegalqualifications4. Shallusehonestandeffectivemethodsofadministeringduties,useoftime,andconductingbusiness

AsAmericanMontessoriSocietymembers,wepledgetoconductourselvesprofessionally

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 11

andpersonally,inwaysthatwillreflectourrespectforeachotherandforthechildrenweserve.Wewilldowhateveriswithinourtalentsandcapacitytoprotecttherightofeachchildtohavethefreedomandopportunitytodevelophis/herfullpotential.AMSrequiresthatallmemberschoolsandAMS-affiliatedteachereducationprogramsagreetocomplywiththeAMSCodeofEthics.AMSreliessolelyonself-complianceofthisCode.AdoptedbytheAMSBoardofDirectorsOctober1969.ExpandedJune1975.UpdatedOctober2008and2010.

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Admission

SeacoastCenteracceptsapplicationsthroughouttheyearforentranceintooursummerprograms.Inordertomaintainthequalityoflifeinoursmallsettingwedolimitclasssizesandencourageearlyenrollment.

CandidatesforAMSElementarycertificationmustholdatleastaUSBachelor'sdegreeoritsequivalent.CandidatesholdingdegreesissuedoutsidetheUnitedStatesareeligibleforAMSInternationalcredentialsuponsatisfactoryevaluationoftranscriptsordiplomasbyanagencythatisamemberofNACES-theNationalAssociationofCredentialEvaluationServices.Shouldthisrequireexternalevaluationitisatthestudent'sownexpense.

CandidatesforElementaryI(6-9)certificationmustpossessEarlyChildhood(21/2-6)certificationfromaninstitutionrecognizedbytheAmericanMontessoriSocietyorundertakea40houroverviewforthatlevelwhichincludesbasictheory,methodology,andcurricula.DocumentationisrequiredbeforerecommendationforElementaryIorI-IIcertificationismade.CandidateswhoenrollasElementaryI-IIstudentswhoarecurrentlyworkinginupperelementaryclassroomsmaybeabletoundertakeadvancedcontentareaattherequestofsponsoringschools.Thisoptionrequiresawrittenstatementfromtheheadoftheschoolregardingthecandidate’sabilitytobenefitfromsuchacourseofstudy.NocertificationrecommendationisissueduntiltheentireElementaryI-IIprogramiscompleted.

ApplicationProcess

Programapplicationsareavailableonlineatwww.seacoastcenter.com.Theapplicationlistsaccompanyingmaterialsweconsiderinadmissions.Noapplicationcanbeprocessedbeforereceiptoftheapplicationfee.Stepsin"HowtoApply"accompanytheApplicationFormatwww.seacoastcenter.comprovideimportantinformationregardingadmissionsrequirements.

N on-CertificationParticipantsInthecaseofindividualswhodonotsatisfycriteriaforadmissionforcertificationbutwhowishtoparticipatefullyintheprogram,theCourseDirectorwilldeterminethecandidate’sabilitytobenefitfromparticipationandmayofferadmissionwithoutcertificationintentathisdiscretion.Theapplicationprocessisthesameasforacertificationcandidateandenrollmentonthisbasisdoesnotnecessarilyreducetuitionorfees.Indeterminingtheabilitytobenefit,particularattentionwillbegiventothepersonalstatementandlettersofrecommendationsuppliedwiththeapplication.

Additionally,theCourseDirectormayrequestastatementofneedfromaMontessorischooldirectorattestingtotheindividual’ssuitabilityforemploymentatthechosenlevel.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 13

BackgroundChecksStateandlocaljurisdictionsvarywithrespecttorequirementsforcriminalbackgroundchecksforteachersandchild-careserviceproviders.SeacoastCenterdoesnotcollectormaintainsuchinformation.

Courseparticipantsenteringapracticumarerequiredtocomplywithpoliciesofthepracticumsiteinthismatter.

TransferCreditCourseworksimilartothatoftheelementarycertificationprogramwhichhasbeencompletedmaybeacceptedinpartialfulfillmentofcourserequirementsforamaximumofone-thirdoftheacademicclockhoursforthecourseaccordingtocriteriaestablishedbyAMS.AMSdoesnotaccepttransferofcreditfromunaccreditedMontessoriinstitutions.

ApplicantswhofeeltheycandemonstratecompliancewiththedefinitionsandstandardsestablishedbyAMSmaypetitioninwritingtotheCourseDirectorforadvancedstatus.TheCourseDirectormayrequestspecificinformationfromtheapplicant,includingsubmissionofmaterialsandalbumsandwrittenstatementsconcerningpreviousexperience.AComprehensiveExaminationFeemayapplyinthiseventatthediscretionoftheCourseDirector.Acceptanceofpreviousworktowardadvancedstatuswillnotnecessarilyreducetheapplicant'sfinancialobligationforfulltuitionandfeesfortheprogram.

AttendanceNote:Alladultlearnersareexpectedtoindicatepresenceuponarrivalanddepartureorverifypresenceonsitebyreliableelectronicmethods.AcademicPhase(academicsessionsandseminars):Given the compacted time schedule for this program, attendance at all sessions offered isrequiredunless excusedby theCourseDirector. TheCourseDirectorwill have the right toexcuseabsencesprovided:1. Theadultlearnerpresentsareasonableplaninwritingforcompensatoryworkrelateddirectlytosubjectmattermissed.2. Thetotalnumberofcontacthoursmisseddoesnotexceed10%oftheprogramstotalhoursor20%ofanysinglecurriculumarea.3. Theadultlearneracknowledgesresponsibilityforallworkmissedduringsuchperiods.

Withpriorarrangementandawrittenrequest,contenthoursmissedmaybemadeupduringscheduledlabtimesatanapprovedsiteunderthedirectionofaqualifiedfacultymember.ThisserviceisprovidedsolelyatthediscretionoftheCenter.

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Tardiness

Tardinessamountingtomorethan40%ofanysingleclasssessionwillbeconsideredasabsencefortheentiresessionwithsubsequentlossofcreditforallclassclockhoursassignedtothatsession.

SupervisedPracticeLabs

Supervisedpracticelabsessionscontributetothetotalnumberofhoursandarenotoptionalwhentheytakeplaceduringstatedcoursehours.Labperiodsconductedwithinspecificcontentareatimesduringthedayareusedforpracticeinthatcontentareaunlessotherwisedirectedbythefacultymemberprovidingtheclass.

Wheneveninglabhoursareofferedtheywillbesupervisedbyatleastonequalifiedfacultymember.Labtimesmaytendtobemorerelaxedandoffervaluabletimeforintegrationofmaterials,sharingwithfellowstudentsandfaculty,andmaterial-making.Weofferandaskforprofessionaldecorumandrespectforourschoolenvironmentatalltimesonsite.

AttendanceDuringPracticumPhase

AMSrequirementsforthepracticumphaseinclude1080hours,typicallyafulldaynine-monthpositioninanage-appropriateclassroom.ExceptionstothismodelmayberequestedinwritingtotheCourseDirector.CumulativeattendanceatthepracticumsitemustbeconsistentwithAMSpracticumrequirements.

Asteachingprofessionals,adultlearnersareexpectedtoconformtopersonnelpoliciesoftheirpracticumsiteswithrespecttoabsence,compensation,andcontinuingresponsibilityforperformanceofduties.Achronicorprotractedrecordofabsenceortardinessmaybegroundsfordisqualificationofthepracticumexperience.

AdultLearnerAssessment

TheSeacoastMontessoriElementaryIandElementaryI-IIprogramassessesandevaluatesadultlearnerprogressbyseveralmeansduringtheprogramcycle:

Areviewandcritiqueofselectedalbumnotationsandillustrations.Supervisedpracticelabsessions.AdultLearnersareexpectedtomaintainalogoftheirworkduringlabsessionsaswellaspresentmaterialstopeersandfaculty.Periodicpracticalexamsandpeerassessments. Anindividualorgroupprojectpresentedattheendoftheacademicsession. Writtenexamorsummationattheendoftheacademicphase.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 15

CourseAssessmentOurcourseeffectivenessisevaluatedthroughresponsesfromfaculty,adultlearners,fieldsupervisors,schooladministrators,andsupervisingteachers(forsupervisedinternships)byseveralmeans:Continuinginformalconversationbetweenfaculty,administration,andadultlearnersduringacademicsessionsonsite.Feedbackfromadultlearnersandadministrationtofieldsupervisorsduringthepracticumphase.Requiredmonthlycheck-insonlinefromadultlearnersbetweencoursesessions.Surveysofadministratorsandgraduates.GradingPolicySeacoastCenterdoesnotissueunitsofcreditorlettergrades.Courseworkisevaluatedonapass/notpassedbasis,withworknotpassedsubjecttore-submission.GradingfortheAcademicPhaseAcceptableRe-presentorre-submitIncompleteGradingforthePracticumPhaseSatisfactoryUnsatisfactoryIncomplete

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AMSPracticumStandardsandResponsibilitiesAnadultlearnermustbeginhis/herpracticumphasewithintwoyearsoftheendofhis/heracademicphase.[2/09]AMSMembership:ItisrecommendedthatthepracticumsiteisanAMSmemberschool.ProgramsreportpracticumsitesannuallytoAMSusingtheAMSAdultLearnerRegistrationandPracticumReportForm.TheAMSofficewillsendnon-AMSmemberpracticumsitesinformationonthebenefitsofbecominganAMSmemberschool.Non-DiscriminationPolicy:Thesitemusthaveawrittennon-discriminationpolicyforchildrenandstaff.Licensing:Thesitemustmeetalllocalandstateregulations.SchoolPolicies:Thesitemustcommunicatetotheadultlearnerandtheteachereducationprogram,inwriting,itsadministrativepoliciesandguidelinesrelatingtotheadultlearner.JobDescription/Contract:Thesitemustprovideajobdescriptionandacontractofagreementacceptabletothesite,theadultlearner,andtheteachereducationprogram.Thisjobdescriptionoragreementshouldincludethenatureandtypeofremunerationgiventheadultlearner,ifany.CooperationwiththeTeacherEducationProgram:Thesitemustagreetocooperatewiththeteachereducationprograminallmattersrelatingtothepracticum.JobResponsibilitiesAdultlearnersintheirpracticumphasecannotbeaskedtoprovideservicetotheschoolotherthanthatwhichwouldbefoundastheresponsibilitylistedinthejobdescriptionofanyteacher/administratorduringtheirpracticumhours(i.e.janitorialservices,beforeorafterdaycareservices,etc.).Adultlearnersmayprovideadditionalservicesoutsidetheirpracticumhoursifagreeduponbybothparties.AgeRangeofClass:ElementaryI&I-II:Theclassshouldcontainchildreninthefullagespanforwhichtheadultlearnerwillbecredentialed(6through9,9through12,or6through12),exceptinthecaseofabeginningclass,whichmaycontainanagespanoflessthanthreeyearsClassroomEnvironment:Theenvironmentmustbedesignedandequippedtomeetthedevelopmentalneedsofthechildrenserved.Theclassroommustincludechild-sizedfurnishingsandafullarrayofrecommendedMontessorimaterialsfortheagerangeoftheclass,arrangedonopenshelvesaccessibletoallchildren,sothattheadultlearnermayimplementthecurriculumfortheagegrouppresentedbytheteachereducationprogramduringtheacademicphase.AMSrecommendedmaterialslistsforschoolsareavailableontheAMSwebsite.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 17

RequirementsforEnteringthePracticumPhase

Inordertoenterintoapracticumphaseandreceivefieldconsultationvisits,adultlearnersmust:Completeaminimumof160residenthoursoftheacademicphaseoftheElementaryIorElementaryI-IIprogram.AnyexceptionstothismustberequestedinwritingandmaynotconflictwithMACTEorAMSrequirements.

ProvideaPracticumSiteAgreementfromanauthorizedAdministratorverifyingthesitemeetsandwillholdtoAMSrequirementsforanauthorizedpracticum.Aformforthisagreementisavailableonlineatwww.seacoastcenter.com.

Beingoodstandingwiththeprogramfinancially.

Demonstratethroughactiveparticipationinthecoursethatyouarereadyforthisimportantpartoftheprocessofyoureducation.

RecommendationforAMSElementaryIorI-IICertification

TheCourseDirectorwillrecommendcandidatestotheAmericanMontessoriSocietyfortheappropriatelevelofElementaryCertificationupon:

Completionandfavorableevaluationofcourseassignments.Attendanceataminimumof90%ofacademicsessionsandseminars,withabsencesexcusedasdefinedinAttendancePolicies.DemonstrationofcompetencyinallareasofworkwithMontessoriapparatusforwhichpracticalexaminationsaregiven.

Asuccessfulpracticumexperiencewithchildrenatanauthorizedsite,withfavorableevaluationbyfieldConsultantsandcompletionofallpracticumrequirements.IfapracticumhasbeenundertakenatElementaryI,itisnotarequirementforElementaryII.CandidatesenrolledforElementaryI-IImayenterintoapracticumuponofElementaryIIlevelacademiccomponents.

SatisfactionofallfinancialobligationstoSeacoastCenterforEducation,Inc.

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AfterCompletion:StepsintheProcess

Whencandidateshavecompletedcourserequirementsatranscriptformissentforsignatureandverification.ThistranscriptisreturnedtotheBusinessOfficeatBox292,WarrenME04864andisforwardedwithanoriginalacademictranscripttotheAmericanMontessoriSociety.Afterprocessing,theAMSElementaryCredentialisreturnedtoourbusinessofficeforthesignatureoftheCourseDirector,thenforwardedtothecandidateviaUSPSfirstclassmail.DependingonthevolumeoftranscriptsreceivedintheAMSofficeandthetimeofyear,thisprocesscanbeexpectedtotakeaminimumoftwomonthsaftersubmission.SeacoastCenterforEducationwillissueaverificationofcoursestatusuponrequestintheinterim.

InaccordancewithAMSpolicy,themonthandyearofcompletionlistedonthecredentialwillreflectthedateoffulfillmentofallcourserequirementsandnotthefinalacademicsession.

Informationrequestsoncoursestatusmaybesubmittedbyfaxat603-590-6360ortoadmin@seacoastcenter.com.

ProfessionalDevelopmentRequirement

AMSrequiresthatholdersofAMScredentialsissuedonorafterJuly1,2013complete50hoursofprofessionaldevelopmentevery5yearsforthecredentialtoremainactive.Thefirst5-yearperiodbeginswiththedatethecredentialwasissued.Ifprofessionaldevelopmenthoursarenotcompletedwithinthe5-yearperiod,thecredentialwillbeconsideredinactiveuntiltherequirementismet.

Thecredentialholdermustkeeparecordofhisorherprofessionaldevelopmentandbeabletoprovideprintorelectronicverificationoftheeventhost,location,date,topic,presenter(s),andnumberofhoursattended.Forthispurpose,thecredentialholderiswelcome,butnotrequired,tousetheAMSProfessionalDevelopmentForm.

Tomaintainanactivecredential,verificationofprofessionaldevelopmentistobesubmittedtoAMS30daysinadvanceofthe5-yearanniversaryoftheissuanceofthecredential,andevery5yearsthereafter.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 19

SubmittingCourseAssignmentsCourseworksubmittedafterthecompletionoftheacademictermwillbeevaluatedatnoadditionalchargeforaperiodoftwoyearsifreceivedonlineviasecurelinksatwww.seacoastcenter.com.Courseworkmustbecompletedwithinthreeyearsofcompletionofacademicsessions.Afterthattimeacontinuationfee[seecurrentFeeScheduleonourwebsite]isapplicableandcandidatesmaybesubjecttofurtherevaluation,additionalcourserequirements,oradministrativeremovalfromtheprogram.Certificationcandidatesareresponsibleformaintainingwrittencommunicationconcerningprogressduringperiodsofextension.SeacoastCenterreservestherighttolimitevaluationofmakeupworksubmittedtospecifictimeperiodspublishedontheprogram’swebsiteatwww.seacoastcenter.com.Duringperiodsnotidentifiedforevaluation,submissionswillbeacknowledgedbyemailandreviewedduringthenextavailableperiod.Courseassignmentsaresubmittedonlineandbecomepartofthecandidate’sacademicportfolio.AdescriptionoftheprocessforsubmissionislocatedunderthenameSubmittingAssignmentsatwww.seacoastcenter.com.CriteriaforWithdrawalandDismissal

Instructorswhohaveconcernsaboutanadultlearner’sacademiccapability,abilitytodealpositivelyandappropriatelywithchildren,manipulatematerials,and/orworkeffectivelywithadultswillimmediatelyinformtheCourseDirectorofthesituation.Ifappropriate,theCourseDirectorwillarrangeaconferencewiththeadultlearner.Ifcauseisdemonstrated,anadultlearnermaybeplacedonacademicprobation.TheCourseDirectorandfacultywillworkwiththestudenttoattempttoalleviatetheareaofconcern.Intheeventofcontinueddifficultyintheaboveareastheadultlearnermaybeaskedtoleave,atwhichtimeanotherappealmaybemade.UltimateresponsibilityfordismissalwillrestwiththeCourseDirector.Refundsbasedonwithdrawalordismissalwillfollowadvertisedguidelinesforrefunds.Intheeventofthewithdrawalordismissalofanadultlearner,allwrittenrecordsconcerningacademicperformanceremaininthecumulativefileforaperiodofthreeyearsattheCenter'smainoffice.Financialrecordswillbeincludedifpertinenttothecauseofwithdrawal.Adultlearnerswhoaredismissedorremovedfromthecourseinvoluntarilyreceiveeithernoorpartialcreditbasedonworkpreviouslycompletedanddeemedacceptablebyinstructorsorevaluationpersonnel.Adultlearnerswithdrawingfromthecoursevoluntarilymaybegivencreditforworkcompletedandmayrequestinwritingtocontinueworkuptotwoyearsafterwithdrawal.ReinstatementofstudentswhohavewithdrawnisatthediscretionoftheCourseDirector.

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PlacementSeacoast Center cannot guarantee employment, salary, or professional advancement, eitherduringthepracticumyearorupongraduationfromtheprogram.Adult learners are encouraged to visit several schools to observe the Montessori Method inpractice at more than one school prior to enrollment. A list of AMS-affiliated programs isavailableathttp://www.amshq.org.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 21

FinancialInformation

ThefinancialactivitiesofSeacoastCenterforEducationareconductedviatheofficesofBonnieDavis,P.O.Box292,WarrenME04864Tel:603-590-6360Fax:(207)273-1016.Email:bonniedavis.seacoast@gmail.com.

Uponwrittenrequest,informationrelatedtoaccountsisavailabletotheadultlearnerduringnormalbusinesshours.TheBusinessOfficehandlesaccountmattersonlyandcannotrespondtoinquiriesregardingotherprogrammatters.Pleaseaddressotherquestionstodirector.seacoast@gmail.com.

TuitionPaymentPlanInformation

Feesandfinancialpoliciesarerevisedannuallyeachyearfortheupcomingcoursecycle.Adultlearnersareexpectedtofullyreviewandsignanenrollmentagreementpriortomatriculation.Thisisalegalcontract.Accountsmustbeingoodstandinginordertoattendseminars.Latepaymentsmayresultinadministrativeprobationsuspensionoffieldsupervisionvisitsandotherservices.SeacoastCentercannotberesponsiblefordelaysinprocessingresultingfromlatepaymentordelayofsupervisoryvisits.

FeeforOverdrafts

Aservicefeeof$50.00willbeappliedtoaccountsforanychecksreturnedorcreditcardpaymentsdeclinedforinsufficientfunds.

FinancialAid

SeacoastCenterisabletooffernoloans,grants,scholarships,orotherformsoffinancialaid.Applicantsmayexploresponsorshiparrangementswiththeirpracticumsites.TheAmericanMontessoriSocietyprovideslimitedscholarshipassistancetopersonsinitsteachereducationprograms.

RequestsforinformationregardingsuchassistanceshouldbemadedirectlytotheAmericanMontessoriSocietyofficeat281ParkAve.South6thFloor,NewYorkNY10010.Earlyinquiryandapplicationisurged,asthelimitedfundsavailablecannotpossiblyaccommodatealldeservingcandidates.

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AdultLearnerFeesUponpaymentoftheprofessionalfees,registrationinformationwillbesubmittedtheAmericanMontessoriSocietyandtotheMontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducation.AdultlearnerswillreceiveapracticummembershipinAMSwithitsaccompanyingrightsandprivileges.PaymentforpracticumfeesshouldbepayabletoSeacoastCenterforEducation.TheAmericanMontessoriSocietyandMACTEdonotacceptfeesdirectlyfromadultlearners.Academicsessions,seminarsandsupervisedpracticesessionsareconsideredincalculationofrefunds.Paymentplansareofferedfortheconvenienceofindividualorclientschoolsonly.Tuitionforthefullprogramisdueuponenrollment,withrefundsbaseduponthefollowingguidelines:FullRefundOurrefundpoliciesareconstructedinaccordancewiththelawsoftheStateofNewHampshire.Wewillprovideastudentwithafullrefund,ofallmoniespaidwithin30daysif:-SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramprocuredthestudent'senrollmentastheresultofanyfalserepresentationsinthewrittenmaterialsusedbytheschoolorinoralrepresentationsmadebyoronbehalfoftheschool;or-Thestudentwithdrawsfromtheprogramorcourseonorbeforethefirstdayofinstruction,afullrefund,lessanadministrativefee,nottoexceed$150.TheCourseDirectoristheonlypersonauthorizedtomakewrittenororalrepresentationsabouttheprogramsweoffer.OtherRefundsSeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramprovidesastudentwithapartialrefundofmoniespaidwithin30daysif:Astudentwhowithdrawsorisdismissedbefore50%oftheinstructionperiodshallreceiveapro-ratarefund,lessanadministrativefee,nottoexceed$350;Astudentwhowithdrawsorisdismissedaftermorethan50%oftheinstructionperiodshallreceivenorefund.SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramwillrefundprepaidamountsforbooks,suppliesandotherchargesunlessthestudenthasconsumedorusedthoseitemsandtheycannolongerbeusedorsoldtonewstudents,orreturnedbytheschooltothesupplier.AMS/MACTEfeesarenon-refundableaftertheyhavebeensubmittedtothoseorganizations.Feesaresubmittedattheconclusionofthefirstacademicsummer(4-6weeks).

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 23

NorefundispossibleifwithdrawalordismissaloccursaftertheAdultLearnerhascompleted50%ofthetotalcoursehoursunlesswithdrawalisduetomitigatingcircumstances,inwhichcaserefundsshallbecalculatedbasedonaproratamethodof1:1daysremaining.Mitigatingcircumstancesgenerallyaredefinedascircumstancesbeyondtheadultlearner’scontrol.Achangeofpracticumsite,whethervoluntaryorinvoluntary,willnotbeconstruedasamitigatingcircumstance.SeacoastCenterforEducationgenerallywillcontinueservicestothestudentuninterruptedduringachangeofpracticumsite.

The50percentcompletionlimitationdoesnotapplyincaseswherethestudentcannotcompletetheprogramduetoactiontakenbySeacoastMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram.Examplesofschool’sactionshallincludeschoolclosingorbankruptcy,orcancellationoftheprogram.Intheseandsimilarsituations,refundsandfeesshallbebasedontheproratamethoddescribedpreviouslyforupto100percentofthetuitionpaid.

Fees prepaid for Overviews and Professional Development workshops will be refunded in the form received if requested in writing and withdrawal takes place within two days of the beginning of the session. After two days, fees will be refunded at the discretion of the Course Director in the form of an account credit only.

TimelyRefunds

Refundswillbepaidwithin30daysaftertheeffectivedateoftermination.

GoodFaithEffort

Wewillbeconsideredtohavemadeagoodfaithrefundefforttomakearefund,ifthestudent'sfilecontainsevidenceofthefollowingattempts:Certifiedmailtostudent'slastknownaddress;Certifiedmailtothestudent'spermanentaddress;andCertifiedmailtotheaddressofthestudent'sparentorlistednextofkin,ifdifferentfromthepermanentaddress.

NoticeofWithdrawal

Werequirethatnoticeofwithdrawalbeinawrittencommunication.Uponreceiptofwrittennotificationofwithdrawal,wewillhonoranyvalidnoticeofwithdrawalgiven,reimbursetheadultlearneranyrefundamountdue,andarrangeforaterminationoftheadultlearner’sobligationtopayanysuminexcessofthatpermittedundertherefundstandardsgivenabove.

DistributionofFundstoSponsoringSchools

Alloraportionofanyrefundsduearerefundeddirectlytothesponsoringschools.

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SolvingProblemsOurgoalandhopeistocreateaneducationalenvironmentinwhichproblemsareresolvedcollegially,andwithprofessionalcommunicationlevelsofhighquality.Allindividuals,whetherstudentsorcontractedpersonnelinvolvedwithSeacoastCenterforEducationanditsprogramshavetherighttodueprocess,respect,andappropriatechannelsforsolvingproblemsrelatedtous.GrievanceProcedureFormainsiteandnon-contractadditionallocations:Intheeventofcontinuingdifficulty,anArbitrationCommitteeisformedtoresolveconflictsrelatedtoSeacoastCenter'sperformanceofdutiesintheareasspecifiedbelowortheAdult'sperformanceofresponsibilitiesalsopresentedbelow.SeacoastCenter'sArbitrationCommitteewillconsistoftheCourseDirector,onecorefacultymemberappointedbythedirector,anAdultlearnerenrolledintheprogramandelectedbythestudentbody,andastaffmembertoserveasanalternateintheeventofaconflictofinterest.IntheeventthattheelectedrepresentativetotheGrievanceCommitteeisbringingagrievancetothecommittee,theroleofthatpersoninthevotingshallbeassumedbythatwhohasreceivedthesecond-highestnumberofvotesintheelectionforcommitteerepresentative.GrievancesagainsttheCenteranditsstaffwillbeheardbythecommitteeinthefollowingareas:Incompleteordeficienttrainingandfailuretoprovidesufficientremedywherethisconcernisperceivedorreported.Failuretoadheretoprogramresponsibilitiesasdesignatedinthisdocument.Failuretomakefinancialrestitutionwhenappropriatewithinadvertisedpolicy.Grievancesagainsttheadultlearnerwillbeheardbythecommitteeinthefollowingareas:Failuretoadheretoadultlearnerresponsibilitiesasdesignatedinthisdocument.Non-constructiveparticipationincludingconspicuousinattentionduringclasssessionsandsupervisedlabperiods."Conspicuousinattention"includesbutisnotlimitedtomaterial-makingorprotractedconversationwithothercoursemembersduringscheduledclassperiods.Breachofattendancepolicies,includingunauthorizeddeparturefromtheprogramsiteduringperiodsdesignatedforindependentwork.GrievancesoutsidetheseareasmayalsobeheardifsubmittedtotheCourseDirectorandconsideredbeyondamicableresolution.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 25

GrievanceProcessApersoninitiatingacomplaintmustfirstconsultwiththeindividualagainstwhomthecomplaintisbeingbroughtandattempttonegotiateasatisfactorysolution.TheCourseDirectormustgivefinalapprovaltoanysolutionsarrangedinthismannerifthesesolutionsinvolveachangeincourserequirements(i.e.assignmentsandattendancerequirements).Ifacomplaintisnotresolvedtoeveryone'ssatisfactionbythisinitialcontact,theproblemcanthenbebroughtbeforetheCenter'sArbitrationCommittee,whichwilldecideifitmeritsahearing.Intheeventofahearing,thecommitteewillhearfrombothsidesofthedisputeandwillfirstattempttoarbitrateasolutionbetweenthem.Failingthat,theArbitrationCommitteewilldecideuponacourseofactionthatwillbebindingontheparties.GrievancePolicyRegardingContractSitesForcoursesofferedbycontractwithpublicornon-publicinstitutions:GrievancesagainstSeacoastCenterforEducationfollowtheguidelinesabove,butmustbemadebyanauthorizedadministrativerepresentativeofthecontractingagency.Problemresolutionisanongoingandinformalgrowthprocess.Formalgrievanceswillbeentertainedonlyaftertheinternalgrievancepoliciesofthecontractor(i.e.districtorhost-institution)validatethenecessityoftheprocess.TheintentionofthispolicyisnottolimitrightsofAdultlearnersbutrathertoplacethemintheappropriatehierarchicalcontextgiventhecontractualrelationshipbetweenSeacoastCenterforEducationandthecontractingagency.

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AppealProcedureSeacoastvaluesresolutionofconflictthroughpeacefulmeans.IndividualswhofeeltheycontinuetohavelegitimategrievancesafteralltheaboveprocedureshavebeenexhaustedmaysubmitseriousgrievancestotheattentionoftheMontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducationandtheAmericanMontessoriSociety.Thepoliciespublishedinthissectionarerequiredbyouraffiliatingandaccreditingbodiesandhavenottodatebeennecessaryinresolvingstudent-programissues.IntheeventcomplaintsreachthegravelevelofrequiringactionbyAMSorMACTE,SeacoastCenterforEducation,Inc.reservestherighttolegalcounsel.AmericanMontessoriSociety116East16thStreetNY,NY10003Phone:212-358-1250MontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducation420ParkStreetCharlottesville,VA22902Phone434-202-7793StipulationNosolutioncanbearrivedatwhichisinconflictwithAMSorMACTErequirementsforteachereducationprograms.AmendmentstoPublicationsThisAdultLearnerHandbookisintendedasacompaniontoourpromotionalmaterialsandapplicationform.Eachdocumentcontainsimportantinformationandshouldbereviewedthoroughly.Thereisnointentiononourparttopresentconflictingorinconsistentinformation.Weasktobenotifiedoferrorsandwillacttocorrectandclarifythem.AmendmentstopoliciesandcorrectionoferrorsinthisandothermaterialsproducedbySeacoastCenterforEducationwillbeconsideredtohavetakeneffectwhendistributedtostudentsdirectly,electronically,orviapublicationatwww.seacoastcenter.com.Alloftheabove-nameddocumentsarerevisedannually.

MACTECompetenciesforMontessoriTeacherCandidates 26A

I. Knowledge1a.MontessoriPhilosophy,1b.HumangrowthandDevelopment1c.SubjectmatterforeachCourseLevelnottoexclude:

� Cosmiceducation

� Peaceeducation

� Practicallife� Thearts

Fineandgrossmotorskills1d.CommunityresourcesforlearningII. PedagogyUnderstands:2a.CorrectuseofMontessorimaterials,2b.Scopeandsequenceofcurriculum(spiralcurriculum),2c.Thepreparedenvironment,2f.Planningforinstruction,2g.Assessment&documentation,2h.Reflectivepractice,2i.Supportandinterventionforlearningdifferences,2j.Culturallyresponsivemethods,

III. TeachingwithGraceandCourtesy,Asrelatestoeachlevelthecandidateforcertificationdemonstratesandimplementswithchildren/adolescents:3c.TheMontessoriphilosophyandmethods(materials)3f.Innovationandflexibility

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 27

APPENDIXA:AMSCOURSECOMPONENTDESCRIPTIONS

SeacoastCenterforEducationMontessoriElementaryIandI-IIProgram

GeneralDescription

TheSeacoastCenterMontessoriElementaryProgramofferscomponentsfortheElementaryIages6-9andElementaryI-IIages9-12level.OurcourseisalignedwithqualityassurancesestablishedbyMACTE,theMontessoriAccreditationCouncilforTeacherEducationandAMS,theAmericanMontessoriSociety.

Key:(ELIHours)(ELIResidentHours/ELIDistanceHours)(ELIIhours/ELIIDistanceHours)

6.3.5.1 MathematicsCurriculum(Core)(52)(40)

Thiscoursepresentsteachingmaterialsformath,includingnumberconceptsrelatedtowholenumbers,fractions,anddecimals,andwholenumberoperationsforthe6-12year-oldchild.CourseparticipantswillexaminetherationaleforuseofmaterialsrelatedtoeachcurriculumtopicareausingtraditionalMontessoripresentations.Mathematicalconceptsgrowoutofpracticalexperience.Thisviewiscontinuedthroughthecurriculumarea.Thelecture/demonstrationsshowclassicpresentationsofteachingmaterialswithdiscussionforimplementation.

6.3.5.2 GeometryCurriculum(Core)(32)(32)

Basicpresentationsofconceptsofgeometry,includingthecharacteristicsoflines,planefigures,andtheirrelationshipsaremadeusingMontessoriapparatus.GeometryispresentedinanhistoricalcontexttoprovideAdultlearnerswiththedevelopmentofgeometryovertime.Thelecture/demonstrationsshowclassicpresentationsofteachingmaterialswithdiscussion.Adultlearnersworkwitheachothertosimulateclassroomsettings.

6.3.5.3 LanguageCurriculum(Core)(44)(28)

Concreteexperiencesleadingtoreading,writing,andtheexplorationofgrammararepresentedalongwithcontemporarysupplementarymaterialconsistentwithMontessoristandardsandpurposes.Attentionisgiventotheroleofindividualdevelopmentinlearningtoreadandtoassessmentoflanguageskills.Thecourseisconductedusinglectures,discussions,supervisedpracticewithmaterials,andindependentandgroupcreativeprojects.

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6.3.5.4 GeographyCurriculum(Core)(32)(8)Lecturesanddemonstrationsrelatethestudyofthephysicalfeaturesofourplanetandthegeologicalandgeophysicalforcesatworkonittothedevelopmentofhumancultures.Adultlearnerspreparemodels,maps,andchartsrelatedtovariousaspectsofearthhistory,composition,andweatherphenomena.

6.3.5.5 HistoryCurriculum(Core)(32)(12)Asequenceofmaterialpresentationandtopicsforresearchrelatedtothechild'ssenseoftimeandhumanhistoryispresented.Subjectmatterrangesfromtime-tellingandcalendaractivitiestothehistoryoflifeonearthandtheappearanceofhumans.

6.3.5.6 BiologicalSciencesCurriculum(Core)(36)(16)

Thestudyofbotanyandzoologyexploresgeneralcharacteristicsoflifeforms,theirfunctions,classification,andenvironments.Advancedworkwithcellsandcharacteristicsofdiverseclassificationsoflifeonearthextendsintothestudyofecologyandecosystems.

6.3.5.7 PhysicalScienceCurriculum(Core)(12)(8)

Anexperientialapproachtobasicconceptsofphysics,chemistry,andsimplemachinesispresentedwithrecommendationsforintegratingtheseareasintoculturalcurricula.Facilitywithtechnologyintheclassroombybothadultsandchildrenisdiscussed.

6.3.5.8 CurriculumDesignandStrategies(Core)(4)(2)

CurriculumstrategiesprovideAdultlearnerswithanevolving“toolkit”ofapproachestoMontessoripedagogy.ThechiefobjectiveofthiscourseistoassistAdultlearnersineffectiveinterpretationofMontessorivaluesinclassroompractice.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdult 296.3.5.9ClassroomLeadership(Core)(12/12)(4/6)

Issuescoveredincludepreparingthephysicalclassroomenvironmentforthe6-12yearoldchild,designofappropriatesupplementarymaterialsfortheclassroom,effectiverecord-keepingsystems,andmanagementstrategies.Groupdiscussionsandproblemsolvingdiscussionsareanimportantcomponent.

6.3.5.10 MontessoriPhilosophy/Theory(Foundational)(32/4)(22/2)

ThiscourseexploresthehistoryandprinciplesoftheMontessoriMethod,thedevelopmentalcharacteristicsoftheelementarychild,andtheMontessoriapproachattheelementarylevel.Activitiesstresstheimportanceofecologyandawarenessofthenaturalworld.TheconceptofCosmicEducationisintroducedbothasatheoreticalstructureandasaspecificmechanismforthepreparationoftheteacher'sthinkingandevaluationoftheclassroomexperience.Peaceeducationasameansofcommunicationofpersonalandglobalvalues.

6.3.5.11 PracticalLifeCurriculum(Foundational)(4)(4)

Practicalactivityisbothaphilosophicalperspectiveandawayofencouragingconcentrationandself-awarenessinchildren.Fortheyoungerchilditisamatterofacquiringbasiccontrolofmovementthroughpurposefulactivity.Forthechildfrom6-12practicallifeactivitymayextendtocraftandultimatelyserviceactivitiesasthemomentumofthestudentpropelsherorhimoutoftheboundariesoftheclassroom.

6.3.5.12 ChildDevelopment(Other)(4)(0/4)

Thiscourseaddressesthephysical,emotional,intellectual,andsocialworldofthechildfromages6-12.Dr.Montessori’sworkprovidesabasisforconstructivediscussionofrecentandpertinentinformationonhumandevelopmentasappliedtoclassroompractices.

306.3.5.13 MovementandPhysicalEducationCurriculum(Other)(4)(2)

Appropriateteachingtoolstosupportfitnessinelementarychildrenaregiven,includingpersonalfitness,assessmentofchildrenwithrespecttofitness,largeandsmallgroupgamesappropriatetothe6-12age,bodyimage,andrecommendedimplementationproceduresfortheelementaryclassroom.

6.3.5.14 VisualArtsandCrafts(Other)(4)(2)

Thiscourseintroducesteacherstomanymaterialsforpossibleuseintheclassroom,andencouragesteacherstointroducetheirchildrentotheworkofartiststhroughtheiruseofaparticularmediumortool.Seasonalcelebrationsareapproachedasculturalstudies,aswellasencouragingthechild'sobservationsofthechangesandcyclesinnature.

6.3.5.15 MusicCurriculum(Other)(4)(4)

Elementarymusicconsistsofgroupandindividualactivitiesrelatedtotheacquisitionofsingingskills,rudimentaryrhythmexercises,andintroductorytheory.

6.3.5.16 ElementaryPracticumTeaching(minimumof1080hours)

6.3.5.17 PracticumSeminars(36)(36)

PracticumseminarsprovideAdultlearnerswiththeopportunitytoshare,review,andrefineknowledgeofinformationreceivedduringacademicsessionswithclassroompractice.

6.3.5.18 YearlongProject(4)(4)

TheYearLongprojectisintendedtobeasummaryexperience.

EarlyChildhoodOverview(40)This course component fulfillsAMS requirements for anEarlyChildhoodOverview for thosewhodonothold certificationat that level. It isofferedasapublicworkshop forprofessionaldevelopmentoptionatselectedlocations.Readingmaterialisdistributedbytheworkshoppresenter.Instructor:variousContent:WhatisMontessori?MariaMontessoriLifeandHistoryKeyConceptsandTerminologyChildDevelopment Planes of DevelopmentThePreparedenvironmentPracticalLifeTheoryandpracticeSensorialTheoryandpracticeMathTheoryandPractice LanguageTheoryandpractice CulturalTheoryandpractice

DistanceComponentsWhenoffered,limiteddistancecomponentssupplementhoursinresidencetoprovideforreal-timecontactbetweencohortandfacultymembers.SupportsessionsmaybescheduledinresponsetoAdultLearnerrequests.Nocomponentisofferedentirelyonline.Requiredtechnologyforonlineparticipationissmartphone,laptop,ordesktopwithInternetaccess.

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 31AdministrativeCalendar2017-2018BusinessOfficeHoursHours: 8:00-5:00Open:Tuesday-ThursdaysClosed:December15-January15Hoursbyappointmentafteremailcontact:April1-April30

BonnieDavis,BusinessManager,accountquestions:bonniedavis.seacoast@gmail.comTelephone:207-596-1359Fax:207-273-1016EvaluationPeriodsAssignmentsmaybesubmittedonlineatanytime.Theywillbereviewedduringscheduledevaluationperiodslistedbelow.September15-November15

January15-February15

March15-May15

July15-July25(Prioritygiventoindividualscompletingcurrentacademicsessions)AcademicCourseCalendars2017-2018(Anychangeswillbereflectedonourwebsiteatwww.seacoastcenter.com)

2017-2018 Course Dates Mount Pleasant SC Site

Early Childhood OverviewJune 5-9 in Mt. Pleasant

Early Childhood ProgramJune 12 - July 1, 2017Seminars October 26-29 February 22-25Concluding week June 18-23, 2018

Elementary I Program (entering)June 12-July 7, 2017

(Classes on July 1 - No class July 2-4)

Seminars October 28-29 March 24 - 25

Concluding weeks June 11- 29, 2018

Elementary II Program (for those with EL I) June 19-June 30, 2017Seminars October 26-29 March 22 - 25Concluding weeks June, 2018Elementary II Program (for those without EL I)June 12-June 30, 2017 Seminars October 26-29 March 22 - 25Concluding week June, 2018

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 33

SampleEnrollmentAgreement

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramBusinessOffice:Box292WarrenME04864Tel:207-596-1359Fax:207-273-1016

(Sample)EnrollmentAgreement

EnrollmentStatement:I wishtoenrollasastudentfortheacademicyear2015-2016intheSeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramatthe(circle):EarlyChildhood/ElementaryI/ElementaryIIlevel/ElementaryI-IIlevel.

AnnualTuitionandPaymentPlans:IhavereceivedacopyofthedescriptionofCourseFeesschedulesettingforththeapplicabletuitionandfeesandtheAdultLearnerGuidestatingfinancialpolicies.Ihavereceived,reviewed,andaccuratelycompletedtheApplicationform.IunderstandthatIamenrollinginentireacademicprogramconsistingforthelevelIhaveselectedandthatIamresponsibleforthefullamountofthetuitionandpublishedfeesformycourselevel.ShouldIwithdraworberemovedfromtheprogram,refundswillbeguidedbythepolicyattachedtothisagreementandpublishedintheGuideforAdultLearners.

IagreethatonceIamrequiredtopaythetuitionandanyapplicablefeesasadvertised.IrecognizethatifIhaveelectedtopayininstallments,thisisformyconvenienceanddoesnotlimitmyobligationtopayallinstallmentsinatimelymanner.IunderstandthatSeacoastCenterforEducationhastherighttoinitiatelegalproceedingstoenforcethisagreement,and thatIunderstandmyobligationandagreetopaysuchcostsasitmayincurtocollectoutstandingdebts,includingreasonableattorneyfees.Ialsounderstandthatifpromisedpaymentsareunpaidformorethan60daysSeacoastCenterforEducationmaysuspendallservices,includingfieldsupervisionvisits,andthatrecommendationforcertificationtotheAmericanMontessoriSocietyiscontingentinpartonsatisfactionoffinancialobligations.

IhavereviewedfeesandcommittopaytheannualtuitioninaccordancewiththepoliciesdescribedintheStudentHandbookandundertermsofanywritteninstallmentagreementIenterinto.I/WeHavereadthisagreementandagreetoallthetermsandconditionscontainedherein.I/Weacknowledgethatthisisalegal,bindingcontract.

SignaturesofStudentandGuarantorofTuition(bothsignaturesofstudent

34andsponsorarerequired):

Student Date:

Guarantor,ifnotstudent

BillingAddress

Inhiring,promotion,andprovisionoftrainingwedonotengageinanyformofdiscriminationbasedonrace,religion,sex,nationalorigin,handicap,age,orsexualpreference.ForSeacoastCenterforEducation: I,BonnieDavis,actingasadulyauthorizedrepresentativeofSeacoastCenterforEducation,doacknowledgereceiptofthisAgreementandacceptanceofitsterms.

Signature Date

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 35

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramBusinessOffice:Box292WarrenME04864Tel:207-596-1359Fax:207-273-1016

SeacoastCenterforEducationMontessoriTeacherEducationProgramAddendumtoEnrollmentAgreementPleasereviewthefollowingimportantinformationandindicatereceiptbycheckingorinitialingtheitemsandsigningbelow:

A. NewHampshireRegulatoryInformation(1) TheSchoolhasprovidedacopyofthecurrentcatalog,andurgesyoutocarefullyreadthisdocumentasitprovidesimportantinformationonprograms,courses,faculty,fees,andstudentrights,amongothertopics.(2) EachstudenthastherighttoassertagainsttheSchooloranyassigneeanyclaimordefenseheorshemayhaveagainsttheSchoolarisingunderthisagreement,andtheSchoolhasprovidedclearguidanceonproceduresforresolvinganygrievances(citesectionofagreement).Pleasebeadvisedthisrightcannotbewaivedandeverystudentisentitledtopursue,aftercompletionoftheschool’sinternalprocesses,anygrievancewiththeOfficeofCareerSchoolLicensing(603-271-6443),providedtheclaimiswithinthescopeofOffice’sresponsibilitiesasdefinedinNewHampshireCodeofAdministrativeRules,ChapterHedc300.

B.ApplicationForm(availableatwww.seacoastcenter.com)C. AdultLearnerGuide(availableatwww.seacoastcenter.com)

Iacknowledgereceiptandacceptanceoftheinformationabove.

Signature Date

36

SampleApplication(clickforlink)

SeacoastCenterMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram� GuideforAdultLearners 37

38

FUNDAMENTALTENETSOFANAMS-AFFILIATEDTEACHEREDUCATIONPROGRAM

1. Teacher educators model the Montessori principles (movement, choice, peer teaching,etc.) andabideby theAMSCodeof EthicsandTeacherEducationProgramRightsandResponsibilitiesattheadultlevelsoadultsobserveMontessoriinaction.(Modeling)

2. Anatmospherewhererespectforoneself,others,andtheenvironmentisfosteredinallinteractions.(Respect)

3. Recognition of the essential inclusion of Peace Education and the development of acommunity of learners where there is trust, diversity, and peaceful ways of workingtogetherandaddressingconflict.(PeacefulCommunity)

4. The recognition of the vital importance of observation in teaching/learning process andthenecessity todevelopever increasing skills inobservation,practice inobservingotherclassrooms/environments,andone’sownclassroom.(Observation)

5. A recognition that teaching/learning takes place through an interaction with theenvironment and, as a result, particular attention must be given to both thechild/adolescent environment at the level of the course given and the environmentconducivetotheadult’slearning.(PreparedEnvironment)

6. Assessmentsareapartof theteaching/learningcycleandcome invarious formssuchasobservation, allowingmistakes, giving specific feedback, permitting self-discovery, givingprocessingtime,meetinglearnerswheretheyare,andguidingthemforwardtomeetthecompetenciesofaneffectiveMontessoriteacher.(Assessments)

7. Recognitionthattheteachereducationcourseisthecontinuationofalife-longjourneyoflearning,growing,observing,reflecting,andresearching.(Life-longlearner)

8. As children/adolescents learn together in an active, engaged environment, so do adults.Adults of different ages and talents gathered together in residence replicates theexperienceof theMontessori classroom inactionso thatadult learnersare immersed inthe Montessori culture. Enriching interchanges occur with each other and the physicalenvironment.(ConstructivistTheory)

9. Thedevelopmental continuum ishonoredacross time,place, and cultures through 1.equal appreciation across all levels infancy through adults; 2. the child/adolescent andteacherslearningfromeachother;3.Montessoripioneers,currentteachers,andaspiringteachers.(Continuum)

10. Understandingtheunderpinningsofcosmiceducationbyconstantlyrepresentingtheunitaryvisionoftheuniverse,throughtheconnectednessofallthings,indirectanddirectaims,wholetopartstowhole,integrated,spiralcurriculumandtheattitudethatthe

universeisanevolving,self-organizingforcethatoffersmanypossibilities.(CosmicEducation)

11. Theoutcomeof theteachereducationcourseshouldbethetransformationof theadultwith the spiritual preparation that solidifies the philosophy and the attitudes anddispositionsinherentinthemethodsuchaslove,flexibility,restraint,etc.(SpiritualityandTransformationoftheAdult)

12. The function of the practicum phase is to provide for the adult learner a supervisedteaching/ learning experience and a period of observation, internalization, and furtherstudy to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education under theguidanceofmentors. (Practicum)

AMSTeacherEducationActionCommission(TEAC),AdoptedOctober2014.AMSrequiresthatallAMS-affiliatedteachereducationprogramsagreetoadheretoandembracetheFundamentalTenetsofanAMS-AffiliatedTeacherEducationProgram.

Practicum Handbook 1/24

Seacoast Center for Education

Practicum Handbook

Volume II of the Seacoast Center Guide for Adult Learners revised 8/20/2016

Practicum Handbook 2/24

Seacoast Center for Education Montessori Elementary I-II Program

Mailing Address: Box 292 Warren ME 04864 Main Site: 955 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mt. Pleasant SC 29464 Tel/Fax:603-590-6360 www.seacoastcenter.com

Your Practicum Visits

ThefirstcontactsforyourpracticumvisitsfollowreceiptofthePracticumSiteAgreementsignedbyyourHeadofSchooloranadministrativedesignate.ThismaybesenttousbyyourHeadofSchoolthroughalinkatwww.seacoastcenter.com.

WewillworkwithyoutoidentifyandschedulerepresentativesofSeacoasttovisityouthreetimesduringyourpracticumyear.Practicumvisitsthattakeplacemorethan50milesfromthestartinglocationofthefieldconsultantaresubjecttoreimbursementofactualexpensesfortransportationandlodging.Thiscanbeavoidedifyouareabletorecommendalocalprofessionalwhoisnotinadirectsupervisoryrolefortheinterntoconductthevisits.

FieldSupervisorsmaybeSeacoastfaculty,alumni,orothercolleagueswhomeetMACTE/AMSrequirements:1. ) certificationattheappropriatelevel,2.) aminimumofthreeyearsintheclassroom,3.) evidenceofcontinuingprofessionaldevelopment,and4.) acurrentmembershipinAMS.FieldsupervisorsreceiveastipendfromSeacoastuponfilingonlinevisitreports.

WhentheFieldConsultantcontactsyou,pleaserespondinatimelymanner.Ourpolicyistomaketwoattemptsviaemailtocontactyoutoarrangevisits,afterwhichitbecomesyourresponsibilitytoinitiatecontactinordertocontinueactivepracticumstatus.

SchedulingtheVisits

Makesuretoclearanydatesyouarrangeforthevisitwithyouradministrator.Youareaskedtoarrangeanappointmentbetweenyourvisitorandyouradministratortodiscusshowyouaredoingasamemberofyourprofessionalcommunity.Theconsultationvisitinvolvesaminimumoftwohoursofobservationinmorningorafternoon.Afterward,youwillmeetprivatelywithyourFieldConsultant.Duringthismeeting,youwillreviewyourobservationjournal,recordkeeping,offerandreceivefeedback,anddiscussyourquestionsandconcernswithyourvisitor.TheFieldConsultantwillconcentrateonyourprogress.

Ifyouareinasupervisedpracticum,yourFieldConsultantalsoneedstospendashorttimewithyoursupervisingteacher,eitherbeforeorafterthevisit.Pleasemakesurethatbothyouandyouradministratorgetacopyofthesignedpracticumagreementforyourfiles,andthatyourvisitorisabletoreviewyourobservationjournal.

Practicum Handbook 3/24

TimingofVisits

The American Montessori Society requires 90% of course content to be delivered prior to the end of a practicum. Itispossibletohavetwovisitsduringtheinitialyearandaconcludingvisitafterthesecondacademicsessionorthreevisitsatintervalsbetweenacademicsessionsoruponcompletionofthesecondacademicsession.

PracticumVisitGuidelines

ThepurposeofthepracticumvisitistoofferassistanceandguidanceasyounavigateprofessionallifeintheMontessoriclassroom.Wedothisthroughthefollowingmeans:

observationofyourinteractionswiththechildrenbothinthenormalcourseofclassroomactivitiesandinlessonsexaminationanddiscussionofclassroommanagementtechniques,theoverallenvironment,yourmethodsofrecordkeeping,yourobservationjournal,etc.discussionswithyouradministratorand/orsupervisingteacherdiscussionswithyou

Youwillhavethreepracticumvisits.InthecourseofthosevisitswewouldliketoseeMontessorilessons.

Intheeventweareunabletoverifyyourgrowththroughthreescheduledvisits,additionalsupportmayberequiredinpersonorviatheinternet.

Practicum Handbook 4/24

Practicum Handbook 5/24

ModelPracticumVisit

Oneofyourlessonsshouldbeagrouplesson(4studentsormore).

Theothertwomaybeindividual,smallgroup,orlargegroup.

Theseshouldallfitintothenormalflowofyourmorning.

Thevisitorwillneedtomeetwithyouafterwardinpersonorviamedia.Inthecourseofthismeeting,pleasehaveyourobservationnotesavailableanddiscussanyquestionsorconcernsyouhavewiththisaspectofyourclassroomexperience.

Ifpossible,thevisitoralsowillneedtotouchbasewiththeheadofyourschooland/oryoursupervisororyoursupervisingteacher(ifyouhaveone).Youwillbeexpectedtomakethosearrangements,aswell.

Pleasedon'tforgettocheckinMONTHLYwithusviatheshortformatwww.seacoastcenter.com.

Practicum Handbook 6/24

SeacoastCenterforEducationMontessoriTeacherEducationProgram

ProgramSite:955HoustonNorthcuttBlvd.MountPleasantSC29464MainOfficemailingaddress:Box292WarrenME04864

603-590-6360faxwww.seacoastcenter.com

ObservationsinOtherClassrooms

Aspartofpracticumyearrequirements,youareexpectedtomakethreevisitstootherclassroomsandtoprepareashortwrittensummaryofeachobservation.Oneofthevisitsmaybeconductedinyourownschoolinaclassotherthanyourown.Onemayalsobeanobservationofadifferentagelevelthanthelevelyouarecurrentlyteaching.Twoofthethreeobservationsmustbeattheagelevelforwhichyouareenrolledasacertificationcandidate.

Acoversheetforeachwrittensummaryisincludedinthisdocument.Pleasehaveitsignedbytheheadteacheroftheclassroomyouvisitortheheadofschoolandincludeitwithyoursummary.

Alistof“ThingstoConsiderwhenObservingaMontessoriClass”isalsoincludedtoassistyouinyourobservationwriteup.

Foryourconvenience,thisguideincludessamplesofthreeobservationscontributedbyarecentprogramgraduate.Inthiscasetheauthorchosetousethesameformatinapproachingclassroomsofthesameageinthreedifferentschools.Thisisnotarequiredformatandwasdesignedbytheauthor,butisanexcellentexampleofusefulwrittenobservations.

Whenyouhavecompletedyourobservationstheymaybesubmittedvia the assignments link atwww.seacoastcenter.com

Pleasedon’thesitatetocontactGaryDavidson atdirector.seacoast@gmail.comwithanyquestionsyoumayhave.

Seacoast Center Montessori Teacher Education ProgramField Consultant Report

Name of Intern *

First Name Last Name

Intern E-mail *

ex: myname@example.com

Visit # *

Level *

Practicum Site *Practicum Site

Address

City State/Province/District

Postal / Zip Code

Please SelectCountry

Type of Practicum *

Self-directed

If supervised, name of supervising teacher

Date of Visit * Time of Visit *

Summary of Points of Evaluation- These are based on observations by the Field Supervisor, review ofdocuments provided by the intern, and interviews with the intern, supervising teacher, and schooladministrator. See Practicum Visit Guidelines for criteria for evaluation.

Proficient-meets andexceeds

expectationsfor position

Developing -meets

expectationsfor position

with progressdemonstrated

Basic-demonstrates

essentialskill

Not Observed- Unable toevaluate due to

circumstances noted incomments. (Disclaimer:

formal lessons notpresented during

observation time mayresult in delay of

practicum completion.)

Preparation ofEnvironment

Initiative/Motivation

Teamwork/Relationswith Colleagues

ParentCommunications

Lesson Planning andRecord-Keeping

Overall Evaluation

Montessori Lesson (s) Observed *

# of Children *

Comment *

Montessori Lesson(s) Observed

# of Children

Comment

Overall Comments *

Field Supervisor *

First Name Last Name

Field Supervisor E-Mail *

ex: myname@example.com

Observation Journal Reviewed *

YesNo

Field Supervisor: Please click "Print Form", keep a copy for your records, and email to the intern prior to submitting

to the Business Office.

Submit Form Clear Form Print Form

Other (provide a rationale for this as an observation site)

Age of oldest child

Practicum Handbook 8/24

Seacoast Center for Education Program Site: 955 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant SC 29464 Main Office mailing address: Box 292 Warren ME 04864

603-590-6360 voice/faxwww.seacoastcenter.com

Observation Cover Sheet

To be used as a cover sheet for your written description when doing your observations in other schools.

YOUR NAME:

DATE OF OBSERVATION:

How many classes have you observed previously this year?

SITE INFORMATION:

Total number of children in school:

Infant and Toddler 3-66-99-12Middle School

School Name:

City, State:

School Telephone:

Head of School:

Number of classes at each level:

CLASSROOM INFORMATION:

Age range observed

Total number of Children in Class:

Age span:

6-99-12Other (Describe in your write up.)number of girls: number of boys

three year two year

Age of youngest child

VERIFICATION: Please ask the Head Teacher or Head of School to sign verification of your visit.

Signature of Teacher or Head:

Practicum Handbook 9/24

Seacoast Center for Education Montessori Elementary I-II Program

Program Site: 955 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mount Pleasant SC 29464 Main Office mailing address: Box 292 Warren ME 04864

603-590-6360 voice/faxwww.seacoastcenter.com

Things to Consider When Observing a Montessori Class

1. How are the shelves and materials organized? Are they neat, in sequence, andclearly displayed?

2. Are the materials in good condition?

3. How do the children flow in their space?

4. Is there adequate group and quiet space for them?

5. How do the children interact with the materials?

6. How “child centered” is the environment?

7. How respectful are the children of the environment, materials, and eachother?

8. What form of record keeping and time management is in place for thechildren?

9. How independent or interdependent are the children i.e. do they go to eachother for help or to the adult?

10. How are distracted children re-directed?

11. How much do the adults interfere w/ or control the class, disruptions,distractions, etc.

12. How does the work period flow? Is there a natural “bell curve” in the activityand noise level?

13. How do the children know what’s expected of them? How do they choosetheir work? How engaged are they in their work?

14. What is the noise level like and is it working?

15. How aware are the adults of the class as a whole, even when givinglessons?

16. How do the adults handle lessons?

17. What things, if any have you seen that you would like to try to incorporatein your class and why?

Practicum Handbook 13/24

Seacoast Center for Education Main Site: 955 Houston Northcutt Blvd. Mailing Address: Box 292 Warren ME 04864 Tel/Fax:603-590-6360 www.seacoastcenter.com

The Observation Journal

Observation is one of the hallmarks of the Montessori profession. At all levels,

observation by the Montessori teacher is a critical tool for management. As with other

learning processes, you may find this a difficult and frustrating experience at first, but

by developing a consistent practice of documented observation you will better

understand who your children are, how they interact with each other, and

how they do or do not move forward in their work. The time you invest in developing

good observation skills will return substantial dividends in the course of your

professional development.

During your practicum year we ask you to document regular observation of your

classroom. Evidence of observation is a requirement for successful completion of a

practicum experience.

We have adopted Leading a Montessori Elementary Classroom, a monograph series by

Betsy Lockhart, as our text for guidance during the practicum year. These

monographs will be provided in hard copy during the first academic session and will

be used in monthly webinar sessions during the academic year. Additional copies are

available for purchase at http://www.lockhart-learning.com/.