2.1 How does the unit use its assessment system to improve candidate performance, program quality and unit operations?
The assessment system is managed by the unit assessment coordinator. Data reports created through the assessment system are used to inform the unit of candidate performance. Candidate data on proficiency outcomes are collected and analyzed annually by the assessment coordinator. These data are used by the Unit to address identified concerns and to respond with praise to noted areas of strengths.
The assessment coordinator is charged with providing summary reports of candidate performance, program quality and unit operations to the Director and the assessment committee for annual review. The reports are reviewed by the assessment committee and items are discussed at the unit and program level as relevant/applicable. The assessment committee takes these reports and recommendations to the faculty to discuss the progress of the year, individual and cohort concerns, candidate demographic data, field experience data to include information obtained from cooperating teachers and supervising field managers. Using the reports, areas of strengths are noted and areas that need improvement are identified and corrective actions discussed. The system is relatively new and evidence of programmatic changes provided through this process is limited. The system, however, is in place and will be used in the future to identify trends of success and evidence of corrective actions of weak areas.
The Unit assessment committee comprises faculty from representative programs within the unit. They are charged specifically with development, implementation and evaluation of the system. These individuals are charged with reviewing the summary data, considering areas that need revision and corrective actions and presenting these findings to the faculty for necessary adjustments. This committee coordinates the efforts of the unit operations and sets timetables and schedules for the collection and reporting of data on candidate performance, program quality and unit operations.
We believe that our assessment system offers a strong reporting system that offers accurate and timely results to the unit for maximum success/efficiency. By providing a system that frequently monitors, providing formative and summative feedback, provides the Unit with a successful system to ensure that our candidates have content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, professional knowledge, pedagogical skills and professional dispositions to help all students learn.
Items and assessments for Unit operations include:
- Candidate evaluations of internship experience.
- Candidate evaluations of program satisfaction through
- Candidate evaluations of knowledge and competency in working with student assessment data
- Policies and procedures of student complaints.
- Candidate evaluation of supervisors.
- Student teaching evaluations from cooperating teachers.
- Professional dispositions completed by candidates at various points in the program
- Praxis II data to inform programs of candidate knowledge and proficiency
- Candidate grade point averages
