Making the Grade: Measuring Completers' Impact on K–12 Learning

• In Event: Evaluating Outcomes of Educator Preparation Programs: Data Sources and Measures

Abstract

Teacher preparation programs measure success in multiple ways. This mixed-methods study measures completers’ impact on K-12 classroom learning to satisfy national accreditation and to gather data for our continuous improvement model. Our teacher preparation program uses an ongoing process to improve program products, services, and processes through constant review, measurement, and action. To determine completers’ effectiveness and impact on K-12 learning, we developed a five-prong approach to measure practices which are accurate and effective. We developed, validated, and implemented four proprietary instruments to determine the effectiveness of its completers in applying expected professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions to positively impact student learning. We also use data from a fifth instrument, the Virginia Teacher Summative Performance Assessment, by voluntary submission.

Authors

• Diana M Yesbeck, Randolph-Macon College

• Savanna Love, Randolph-Macon College