School of Education implements new standards-based teacher preparation system

By Stan Wigle, Dean, School of Education, IUN

One of the most far reaching of those changes has been its switch from a course-based teacher preparation system to a standards-based teacher preparation system. Under the course-based system, the Indiana Professional Standards Board prescribed a set series of courses that each teacher education program in the state had to ensure that its graduates complete in order to qualify for various licenses. In order to recommend its graduates for a state license, all that institution had to do was show that each of its graduates had successfully completed the prescribed courses.

Under the new standards-based system, the coursework that students complete is not nearly as important. Instead of focusing on any particular coursework, the School of Education has had to align all of its programs with state and national standards. On the basis of that alignment, rather than just certify the completion of courses, the School of Education now has to show that its graduates meet those standards before they are recommended for licensure. The switch from focusing on courses to focusing on standards was important to the School of Education’s continuing commitment to the high quality of its graduates.

As part of its switch to standards-based teacher preparation, the School of Education also has worked hard to implement a portfolio assessment process for all of its students. Instead of relying on just paper and pencil tests, a portfolio process is one in which students have to create a variety of documents that actually demonstrate that they have met various state and national standards. Students’ portfolio documents are carefully assessed at several points in their programs. If a student’s portfolio is judged to be acceptable, that student is allowed to move forward in his or her program. If that student’s portfolio is judged as not acceptable, he or she must revise the portfolio materials until they are judged to be acceptable before being allowed move on. Through its portfolio assessment system the School of Education can make sure that its graduates have the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful as they begin their careers.

Lastly, in addition to how its students are prepared and assessed, the School of Education also has created a new program of study. Called the Teaching All Learners program, it combines elementary education with special education and results in a dual license being granted in both areas. Through this program, the graduates of the School of Education who want to be general classroom teachers at the elementary level will develop the skills necessary to meet the needs of students with disabilities in their classrooms. In addition, the graduates of this program who want to be special educators will develop the skills necessary to cooperate with and support elementary teachers who must work with students with disabilities. In this way the School of Education can help meet the increasing demands of public schools for more teachers who have the knowledge and skills it takes to successfully work with children with special learning needs.