Evaluating Teacher Preparation Programs With Teacher Evaluation Ratings: Implications for Program Accountability and Improvement

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 429-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin C. Bastian ◽  
Kristina M. Patterson ◽  
Yi Pan
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
School Context ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Evaluation Systems ◽  
The North ◽  
Program Accountability

States are incorporating evaluation ratings into new, multioutcome teacher preparation program (TPP) evaluation systems, yet little is known about the relationships between TPPs and the evaluation ratings of program graduates. To address this gap, we use teachers’ ratings on the North Carolina Educator Evaluation System to determine whether TPPs are associated with the evaluation ratings of their initially prepared teachers. We find that (a) teachers from certain TPPs have significantly different evaluation ratings than graduates of other programs; (b) it is important to adjust for elements of school context when analyzing the evaluation ratings of program graduates; (c) evaluation ratings are a function of preparation quality, not just selection into programs; and (d) evaluation ratings provide evidence on the performance of TPPs that is distinct from value-added. Our results indicate that evaluation ratings can be a valuable component of TPP evaluation systems and provide guidance for incorporating ratings into such systems.

Caught in a Vise: The Challenges Facing Teacher Preparation in an Era of Accountability

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Ginsberg ◽  
Neal Kingston
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Program Outcomes ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
And Performance

Background Despite polling data that suggests that teachers are well respected by the general public, criticism of teacher preparation by various organizations and interest groups is common, often highlighting the perceived need for increasing their rigor and performance. A number of studies and reports have critiqued teacher preparation, and high-profile leaders like Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have called for substantive changes. At the same time, the field of teacher preparation has been embracing change with the idea of accountability based on student performance. Indeed, recently released evidence suggests that in the area of clinical preparation, education programs require many hours of field placement experiences, countering one of the key criticisms of the preparation programs. Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the field of teacher preparation in the current era of accountability and testing. After a brief overview of the current context facing teacher preparation, the issue of outcome measures for varying professions is explored by comparing accreditation outcome measures utilized in selected professions. Then, the strengths and weaknesses of currently emerging assessment models are explored. Finally, a discussion of potential ways to assess teacher preparation program performance with an array of sources and measures is presented. Research Design The study is a combination of a secondary analysis and analytic essay. The use of outcomes associated with 10 professions was examined by reviewing accreditation standards and documentation from published reports available on websites for the specific measures used to assess student success and program outcomes. As a means of validating findings, feedback was obtained from accreditation coordinators and/or other leaders in each profession. The analysis of currently emerging assessment models for teacher preparation was based upon a review of literature on value added and other similar assessments. Conclusions/Recommendations The review of professions found that all are struggling with better means for assessing program outcomes, with a great deal of similarity in the processes currently in place used across fields. Teacher education was found to include more of the different ways for assessing outcomes than any other profession. Significant concerns with currently promoted value-added models for assessing outcomes of teacher preparation were identified, with the use of multiple measures of evidence suggested as the best means for moving forward. We argue that teacher preparation programs are caught in a vise—with an appreciation and desire among those in the field for greater accountability while being squeezed by a sense that the approaches being suggested are prone to error and misuse.

A Rational and Manageable Value-Added Model for Teacher Preparation Programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 728-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Brady ◽  
Katie Miller ◽  
Jazarae McCormick ◽  
Lawrence A. Heiser
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Student Teaching ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Value Added Model ◽  
K 12

Educators struggle with “value-added” teacher evaluation models based on high-stakes student assessments. Despite validity and reliability threats, these models evaluate university-based teacher preparation programs (TPPs), and play a role in state and professional accreditation. This study reports a more rational value-added evaluation model linking student performance to teacher candidates’ lessons during Practicum and Student Teaching. Results indicate that K-12 students showed learning gains on these lessons, with mixed findings on comparisons of part-time to full-time internships, academic and functional lessons, and candidates’ grade point averages (GPAs). Results indicated that teacher candidates’ lessons are a viable value-added model (VAM) alternative for TPPs.

scholarly journals ENHANCING THE ROLE OF FIELD EXPERIENCE SUPERVISORS: TOWARD MULTICULTURAL EQUITY IN A TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

2021 ◽  
pp. 24-36
Author(s):  
Lisa VASQUEZ
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Field Experience ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Multicultural Society ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Program Leaders

The current state of education embodies increasing public demands and policy mandates for teacher accountability in all classrooms, pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. Leaders expect increased academic performance to meet grade-level curriculum standards within a multicultural society. Teacher preparation programs are tasked to create and manage field experiences that guide practice within diverse learning communities. Teacher candidates interact with the cultural, social, and historical context of schools, of professional colleagues, and of the pupils they teach. In addition, teacher candidates should be prepared to develop practices that are intentional, personalized, differentiated, and purposeful for the pupils within their classrooms. This paper offers a case study of one university’s re-design of field experience supervision in its teacher preparation programs. The curriculum designers sought to ensure support for teacher candidates based on each student’s individual needs, while fostering systemic change responsive to ideas of race, gender, and other areas of intersectionality in a multicultural society. The field supervisor was the key to connect the practical, field-based experiences with the vision and mission of the university. Thus, program leaders identified the need to invest in the professional development of field supervisors in a way that brought the vision and mission to life—from words to action. The resulting framework included a multi-faceted approach of coaching / mentoring, professional development, and reflective discourse with colleagues.

Traditional Teacher Evaluation Models

2014 ◽  
pp. 342-361
Author(s):  
Katina M. Leland ◽  
Amy L. Sedivy-Benton
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Focal Points ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Evaluation Models ◽  
Method Of Evaluation

Student achievement has become one of the main focal points regarding education across the United States. With this intense focus on students, teachers are thrust unwillingly into the spotlight. Teacher practices and student outcomes have become the new norm for evaluation in PK-12 education. That method of evaluation is crossing over into teacher preparation programs as attempts are being made to connect the quality of a teacher preparation program to the performance of those graduates in the classroom. This chapter focuses on the current trends that exist for both pre-service teachers as well as teachers of record. A brief history is examined as well as issues that currently exist within these structures. The chapter concludes with the implications of these practices and suggestions for future trends and recommendations for evaluating teachers at both the pre-service experience level and when they are employed in the classroom.

TPACK Pathways that Facilitate CCSS Implementation for Secondary Mathematics Teacher Candidates

2013 ◽  
pp. 353-369
Author(s):  
Nathan Borchelt ◽  
Axelle Faughn ◽  
Kathy Jaqua ◽  
Kate Best
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Common Core ◽  
Common Core State Standards ◽  
State Standards ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Core State ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
The Common ◽  
Secondary Mathematics Teacher

Implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics has provided teacher educators a great opportunity to reexamine whether teacher preparation programs adequately provide the experiences to develop the base of knowledge and 21st century skills necessary to be effective teachers. The Mathematics TPACK Framework provides a roadmap for a series of pathways to integrate three knowledge components that are essential in teacher development: content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge. In this chapter, the authors examine how a teacher preparation program has evolved to integrate meaningful uses of digital technologies in content and pedagogy that are relevant to the teaching and learning of mathematics through the lens of implementing the Common Core State Standards.

Leveraging P-12/University Partnerships to Better Prepare Pre-Service Teachers

2020 ◽  
pp. 163-182
Author(s):  
James Falco ◽  
Meredith Riddle ◽  
Gregory Duffy ◽  
Tracy Mulvaney ◽  
Lauren Niecz
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Teacher Education Programs ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
University Partnerships ◽  
Primary Responsibility ◽  
To Receive

The primary responsibility for training pre-service teachers previously fell solely on the shoulders of university teacher-preparation programs, with a short field experience component in partner P-12 districts. As research continues to support the value of increased clinical practice in P-12 schools when training pre-service teachers, the responsibility is becoming shared equally between university teacher education programs and P-12 school districts. This chapter describes three innovative programs implemented by P-12 schools through strong partnerships with Monmouth University's teacher education and Provisional Teacher Preparation program. These strong partnerships afford students the opportunity to receive direct instruction in P-12 settings with the support of curriculum, mentors and professional development. The partnership with Lafayette Mills School (the last of three initiatives discussed) was also awarded, along with the university's other PDSs, the National Association of Professional Development Schools Distinguished Partnership award in 2017.

scholarly journals Teacher Candidates Perceptions of a Course Assignment Designed to Support a Teacher Performance Assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Sherry Brown
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Classroom Teacher ◽  
Teacher Performance ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Teacher Performance Assessment ◽  
Knowledge And Skills

To guide and support teacher candidates in developing the knowledge and skills they need in the classroom, teacher preparation programs must prepare students in acquiring the experience and expertise needed to demonstrate mastery of general knowledge in the specific subject or content area. In addition, teacher preparation programs must support candidates in maintaining knowledge of professional preparation and education competence that will guide student development. Therefore, faculty in teacher preparation programs are critical in supporting pre-service teachers in acquiring and developing the knowledge and skills in order to be effective and efficient in the classroom and to meet licensure requirements. To support the alignment of early childhood coursework in a teacher preparation program with a Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), the purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a redesigned course assignment that was intended to support the edTPA. The findings indicated that there are opportunities for candidates to develop their practice through course assignments that are aligned with the language and expectations of the edTPA.

Preparing Native American Special Education Teachers: Lessons Learned from the Rural Special Education Project

1997 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Delany-Barmann ◽  
Greg Prater ◽  
Sam Minner
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Native American ◽  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Navajo Nation ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Education Project

Twelve Navajo preservice teachers in the Rural Special Education Project on the Navajo Nation in Kayenta, Arizona, shared their perceptions regarding the factors which enabled them and constrained them as they completed a special education teacher preparation program. Several themes emerged during the process of interviewing the students including the importance of cultural teachings and family support; the influence of language factors, financial constraints, and cultural responsibilities; and the lack of availability of educational opportunities on the Navajo Nation. Each of these factors is discussed in this article and recommendations are made for others interested in establishing successful teacher preparation programs for Native American students.

scholarly journals Preservice Teachers’ Mentorship Experiences during Teaching Practice in a South African Teacher Preparation Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Thuthukile Jita ◽  
Paul Nwati Munje
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
South African ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Experimental Learning ◽  
Teachers Experiences

Mentor teachers are instrumental in teacher preparation programs during the teaching practice of preservice teachers that involves mentor-mentee relationships. This qualitative paper reports on the mentoring experiences of preservice teachers during eight weeks of teaching practice in 2020 using Gibbs’ experimental learning as a conceptual framework. Forty-five preservice teachers participated in a reflective exercise, sharing their stories through reflective essays guided by open-ended questions. A thematic approach was used in data analysis. Findings indicated that mentors’ experiences and personal characteristics, and abilities to create opportunities for growth influenced the preservice teachers’ experiences during teaching practice. The mentees’ perceptions toward mentor-mentee relationships also influenced their experience. Based on the findings, it is important to upskill mentors to equip them with professional and mentorship ethics to enable preservice teachers to acquire the requisite skills that will better prepare them as future professional teachers. The findings of this study can be useful in the process of developing professional development of mentors prior to teaching practice.

The PDSA Overhaul

2017 ◽  
pp. 87-105
Author(s):  
Joy N. Stapleton ◽  
Kristen C. Cuthrell ◽  
Christina M. Tschida ◽  
Elizabeth A. Fogarty
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Preparation ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Student Teaching ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Teacher Preparation Program ◽  
Teacher Preparation Programs ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Pdsa Cycle ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

This chapter describes how faculty in a large, rural teacher preparation program adopted a model for change built upon the tenets of improvement science and the PDSA cycle. Using PDSA in teacher preparation allows programs to pilot the innovations and test refinements quickly. Data are collected and analyzed as the innovations are implemented so changes can be made on an ongoing basis and the innovations can become increasingly effective. A case study surrounding critical reform areas for teacher preparation will be described to show how elementary education faculty moved through multiple PDSA cycles while reforming teacher candidate support in the year-long student teaching experience. The considerations, challenges, and opportunities for using the PDSA cycle in teacher preparation programs will also be presented. This case study can serve as a model for other teacher preparation programs looking to use disciplined inquiry to drive program improvement.

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