The Clinical Handbook has been developed for graduate candidates, mentor teachers, university supervisors, school administrators, and faculty participating in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education clinical experiences. This handbook supplements, but does not replace, the Minot State University Graduate Catalog and the Teacher Licensure Programs Policy Manual.
MAT - Initial Licensure Program
As a practice-based program, the intentional documentation of candidates' knowledge, skills and progression through the program is essential. Minot State University's TLP uses an electronic platform known as Student Learning & Licensure (SLL) to house all forms, rubrics and related paperwork. Candidates and their identified Mentor will have access to SLL in order to upload documents and submit rubrics.
SLL Login
When logging in for the first time:
- MSU students and faculty - use your minotstateu.edu email - do not use .ndus
*This process is the same for mentor teachers using other mail servers. (eg. k12.nd.us, Public school emails, or gmail)
- Click Forgot Password
- Re-Enter your minotstateu.edu email in the "Lets find your account" box that appears.
- Login to your campus email and check for a password reset link.
Additional instructions regarding SLL for both candidates and mentors are contained in Appendix B of the MAT Special Education Clinical Handbook and will also be sent via email when each clinical takes place.
The MAT is organized around five program "gateways" that mark significant milestones in candidate progression. These gateways provide a coherent framework for monitoring candidate development from admission through the first years of professional practice. Each gateway represents a formal transition point at which candidates demonstrate readiness to advance through the program based on multiple measures of performance, professional growth, and clinical competence.
MAT Gateways at a Glance
These gateways also serve as the program's assessment framework. At each transition point, candidates complete key assessments that provide evidence of progress toward meeting program outcomes.
As a practice-based program, clinical experiences are the cornerstone of the MAT. Candidates in this program are employed in P–12 special education settings throughout their preparation. As practicing paraprofessionals, emergency licensed teachers, or other special education personnel, candidates engage in authentic clinical practice every day as part of their employment.
As candidates advance through the program, expectations gradually increase from demonstrating foundational professional competencies to assuming the responsibilities of an independently practicing special educator during the Final Practicum.
Section II of the MAT in Special Education Clinical Handbook describes the requirements of each gateway and items that are uploaded into SLL.
A Praxis II content exam is required for all candidates regardless of whether it is required in their state. Scheduling of this test occurs during Gateway 3: Mid-Level Transition MAT Generalists take Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355) and MAT DHH take either 5355 or Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (5272). Candidates can learn more information about the test from your advisor and at the ND Praxis Requirements webpage.
MS - Advanced Licensure Program
TBA...
