Assessment

Recognizing that on-going assessment of candidate learning is an essential element in the preparation of teachers, the Unit has developed an assessment plan that consists of four distinct benchmarks or gates: (1) entry to the program; (2) midway through required courses in the program; (3) completion of required courses in the program; and, (4) completion of clinical practice (refer to completion portfolio and completion portfolio rubric). It should be noted that the Unit decided to add a midway through course completion benchmark (gate 2) because its faculty believes a midpoint assessment is essential in order to accurately assess candidate learning and competencies as s/he progresses through a teacher education program. It should also be noted that while this assessment plan is intended primarily for initial programs, is it also utilized by advanced programs with modifications on a program by program basis. (Please refer to Standard 2 of the Institutional Report and the Unit Transition Plan for the specific requirements for portfolio submission at each gate and the accompanying scoring rubrics).