Standard 1. Element Seven: Student Learning for Teacher Candidates

The theme of the unit’s conceptual framework includes “Creating Positive Learning Environments for All Students.” Using several methods, the unit evaluates its candidates to determine how effective they are in supporting and encouraging student success. The candidate proficiencies related to effectiveness assess the effect on student learning in the classroom. External surveys conducted by the unit obtain feedback on how well candidates create learning environments that support student in learning.

The Student Teaching Assessment collects data on candidate effectiveness. Overall 69% of the candidates have a positive effect on students during the student teaching experience (Table 33).

The Student Teacher Exit Assessment also has items that look at the effect on student learning for the Assessment piece of the presentation and diversity sections look at a case study of how the candidate was able to create a positive learning environment in the classroom. Data collected indicate 74% of the evaluators felt candidates did an exceptional job of making a positive impact on students (Table 35).

Feedback from cooperating teachers also supports the unit’s claim that candidates are effective in the classroom (Table 36). 80% of the respondents’ were very satisfied with candidates’ abilities to impact student learning.