

UTC students observe an inclusive classroom
as part of their introduction to assessment class being taught at
the institute.
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A
Class of Its Own
Special thanks to the Siskin Children’s
Institute for allowing us to reprint this article, seen in Reach
magazine, Vol. 2, No. 1, an educational resource connecting the
community.
Through the halls of Siskin Children’s Institute, you often
hear the sounds of laughter and chatter and the rustle of activity
from a class of college students
For the first time, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is
partnering with Siskin Children’s Institute to offer a course
on site at the Institute.
"We are very excited that Siskin Children’s Institute
is opening its doors to our students to help them learn," says
Linda Smith, assistant professor and acting director of the Teacher
Education Program at UTC. "Through this partnership, our students
gain hands-on experience and ample opportunity to observe both children
and professionals in action helping them become better teachers
in the future."
A junior/senior level education course, the class provides an introduction
to academic and behavior evaluation. It covers basic principles
and techniques used to evaluate children with special needs.
"Because the class is taught at the Institute, the students
learn theories through lecture and other activities, and then they
see how the theories are put into practice," Dr. Smith explains.
"They get to hear from professionals who administer the tests
on a daily basis as well as observe how they are used. It’s
a phenomenal opportunity."
Members of the Siskin staff assist Dr. Smith in teaching the class.
After the formal lecture, discussion, and other activities, the
UTC students venture into the observation rooms that adjoin Siskin’s
classrooms. Through one-way mirrors and sound systems, they can
watch, listen and learn from the children’s activities.
The UTC students have fallen in love with the children at the Institute.
"They love to watch the children play and interact," says
Dr. Smith. "It’s also wonderful and exciting to hear
them say they can’t wait to be in the classrooms themselves
as teachers. We are so grateful to Siskin Children’s Institute
for giving our students this amazing experience."
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