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The “Course Application” is to be used when the entire class is participating in the experience together and the application is submitted by the professor along with the criminal background forms for each student in the class.  These requests are submitted as a class and not individually.

Each student in the class will complete a criminal background authorization form and meet all the conditions required by the district.  The professor completes the Course Application for Practice-Based Experience and submits all paperwork.  

Course Practice-Based Experience Application requires that Sections I-III and V (including professor’s signature) be completed.  The application requires that criminal background forms be attached as well as all instructions or conditions of the background clearance be fulfilled to complete the application.  A list in the first section of the application will aid in assuring completion.  Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

Criminal Background Authorization forms must be submitted for each student and professor that will be on-site and is considered part of the application.  The districts authorization forms are available at Stoddard Hall, Room 202C and should be obtain in advance of class.  In requesting Denton placements, please note if it is for Denton ISD or the Denton ISD After-School Program.  The After-School Program has a separate criminal background authorization clearance.

New “Criminal Background Authorization” forms are required each semester. To avoid processing delays for the district, students will complete a new authorization form with each course.  Students should carefully answer all questions on the background forms.  Do not leave any blanks.  Please verify before submitting that Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Driver’s License, Address, etc., is included.  Missing data delays the process.  

Several school districts require TB test clearances.   Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District requires TB test clearance prior to all their placements.  Dallas ISD placements in the area of Early Childhood (PK), Special Ed, Deaf Ed or Nursing also require a TB test. (The test must be current within 120 days prior to beginning observation.)  Denton ISD students who have immigrated to the United States are asked to provide proof of TB clearance issued from a state of Texas physician.  Students may go to the health clinic of their choice or the TWU Student Health Services provides this test.  The cost is usually $10-15.  Submit the results to this office.    

There are several other conditions that are required by districts besides TB clearance which vary per district.  For example, students without social security numbers may be asked to obtain a letter of good standing from the Student Life office, or a student may have to purchase a badge at the district, or submit a resume along with his/her background form. These conditions will be discussed with the professor when the district choice is decided and authorization forms are obtained in advance of class.    

Please start the paperwork process during the first few days of class, or as soon as possible, to ensure a timely placement and to meet the acceptance deadlines of the districts.

Submit original Course Practice-Based Experience Application, class list, and Criminal Background Authorization forms and any additional required paperwork to:  Sharon Masten, College of Professional Education, Professional Development, Stoddard Hall, Room 202C.   After criminal background approval and confirmation of the practicum placement by the school district, the professor will be contacted by email from our office.  Allow 4-6 weeks from our receipt of the completed paperwork for confirmation. 

If you have questions concerning placements please email:   smasten@mail.twu.edu