Strategies to EnsureConsistency

Table 4.6.3a – Communication of Assessment Requirements

Delivery Method
Classification / Documents / Face-to-Face / Small Group / Resource
Freshman / Intro to Teaching course / Website
Teacher Education Handbook
Sophomore / Admission to Teacher Education Application / Admission Interview / Intro to Teaching course
PTE Course work / Website
Teacher Education Handbook
Junior / P-12 Clinical Faculty
PTE Faculty
Program Advisor / PTE Course work
Methods courses / Website
Teacher Education Handbook
Senior / Admission to Clinical Internship Application / P-12 Clinical Faculty
Univ. Supervisor / PTE Course work
Methods courses Student Teaching / Website
Teacher Education Handbook

Candidates learn the assessment system of the program through a variety of sources. Initially, candidates learn about the Unit Assessment System through the Introduction to Teaching course or small group information meetings. During Foundations of Education all assessments and requirements are part of the curriculum. The SCU Teacher Education Handbook is also discussed and explanations of application forms are included.Candidates meet their advisors, and learn the transition process; how to apply for admission to teacher education and clinical internship; and all portfolio requirements.Additionally, they are also made aware of unit and program requirements in the application process for admission as a part of the interview process.

Candidates continue to meet with their advisors to learn the required unit and content specific assessments.This process helps candidates understand the major unit assessments and achieve the conceptual framework goals as they move through the program. Clinical practice assessments are distributed to all candidates as part of their course introductions and are also available online. Information about the conceptual framework, dispositions expected of candidates, transition points, key assessments, rubrics, and other requirements are included in program handbooks and on the Unit website. The rubrics provide candidates with clear expectations of the work that they submit, and help reduce the potential bias of the rater. In addition, rubrics ensure fair evaluation for content specific assessments, portfolio check points, as well as, clinical practice evaluations. Therefore, candidates know in advance on what they will be assessed, what the expectations are of them, and what level of proficiency is associated with each scoring decision.

The State Department of Oklahoma requires all candidates to successfully pass the OGET, OSAT, and OPTE as part of the requirements to show that they are highly qualified. These exams are nationally recognized assessments that have undergone validity and reliability studies.Other major unit assessments utilized by the unit are scoring guides with detailed rubrics that address issues of fairness, accuracy, consistency and bias.