Learning Placements

What is An Out-of-State Learning Placement?

Out-of-State Learning Placements (OOSLPS) are defined by SARA as an "experiential learning placements such as, but not limited to, clinical rotations, internships or student teaching offered by SARA-participating Institutions in locations outside their Home State".

Reporting Out-of-State Learning Placements

NC-SARA requires institutions participating in SARA to report certain learning placements in every state, territory, and district other than their own. Reporting the learning placements, referred to as out-of-state learning placements (OOSLP), is required for institutions participating in SARA.

Though learning placements occur in a variety of disciplines, they are particularly common in certain fields, such as health-related disciplines and education. They are often a required part of obtaining a degree and/or license to practice a particular profession. Institutions do not report their in-state learning placements to NC-SARA. Only out-of-state learning placements are reported.

These activities are an important part of many academic programs and the number and extent of such placements are of great interest and concern to educators, practitioners, licensing bodies, and state regulators. Learning placements are a critical component of many instructional programs.

2020 Data Reporting Handbook

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Kent State University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How does NC-SARA use reported out-of-state learning placement data?

NC-SARA may report OOSLP data aggregated by program area (two-digit CIP code) by reporting institutions on its website. The reported data may also be reported by state/territory/district and program area. The reported data answer two questions:

  • What states and CIP Codes are SARA institutions sending OOSLPs to?
  • What states are SARA institutions (by CIP Code) getting OOSLPs from?

All prior years’ data is available in the Reporting section of the NC-SARA website. At this time, OOSLPs are reported by CIP code and state only. NC-SARA may report OOSLPs by institution at some time in the future.

Are both undergraduate students and graduate students reported?

Yes, both undergraduate and graduate students are reported, combined into a single number. All OOSLPs that meet the criteria should be reported for on-campus and distance education students.

Are out-of-state learning placements that are field trips, service learning, short courses, or volunteer hours reported?

No, you would not report those learning placements to NC-SARA. If the learning placements do not meet the OOSLP criteria listed on page 20 of the 2020 NC-SARA Data Reporting Handbook, you would not report those placements.

Should institutions report virtual internships?

No, if the internship is fully online and the student is not physically present in another state, the institution does not report a virtual learning placement.

Are placements in non-SARA states/territories reported?

All learning placements disaggregated by states/district/territories are reported. NC-SARA will aggregate and report those placements under the designation Placements in non-SARA States/Territories.

Are international students reported?

Yes, an international student’s OOSLP would be counted only if the student was physically participating in a learning placement in a U.S. state, territory or district other than the home state of the institution. An OOSLP in other countries are not reported.

Are out-of-state learning placements that take place from branch campuses also reported?

Universities have the choice to report these out-of-state learning placements. Kent State does report learning placements from all campuses.

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