The First Years: A Case Study of Educator Preparation Program Completer Effectiveness

• In Event: Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: Evidence-Based Educator Preparation: Utilizing Candidate Research, Performance Assessments, and Completer Effectiveness to Inform Program Improvement

Abstract

Impacting p-12 student learning has long been a focus for teacher educators. However, education preparation programs have not been held explicitly accountable for documenting the effectiveness of their completers impact. Researchers engaged in a mixed-methods case study where 13 graduates of an Elementary Education program in the past two years (2012-2014) were invited to participate in a study where they participated in observation/evaluations; an analysis of “Studying Practice and Professional Learning” through a unit enactment; the sharing of employer evaluations; participation in alumni surveys and employer participation in employer surveys; focus group interviews for completers and individual interviews for employers. Results are discussed as they relate to informing program improvement.

Authors

• Sherry Dismuke, Boise State University

• Jennifer L. Snow, Boise State University

• Meghan Eliason, Boise State University