Unit Assessment - FAQ
1. What is a unit assessment system?
A unit assessment system is a comprehensive and integrated set of evaluation measures that provides information for use in monitoring candidate performance and improving programs within the School of Education. It includes assessments of individual candidates, programs, and services provided to students including advising, counseling, and career placement.
2. What are students required to do related to the unit assessment system?
Students are required to purchase a set of web-based tools called LiveText. They will complete a variety of assignments throughout their programs using tools within LiveText. Some of these assignments will be stored in LiveText and reviewed by faculty at specific checkpoints during students’ programs.
3. What are the specific checkpoints?
The checkpoints for undergraduate students take place at the following times: Checkpoint One – at the end of the foundations courses and at the same time as applying to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Checkpoint Two – prior to student teaching Checkpoint Three – at the end of student teaching, before recommendation for licensure The three checkpoints for graduate students vary according to programs, but in general they take place at the following times: Checkpoint One – at admission to the graduate program Checkpoint Two – at a designated midpoint during the graduate program Checkpoint Three – prior to graduation from the program
4. What will happen at the checkpoints?
Candidates will be asked to submit various artifacts via LiveText. At least two members of the faculty will review and assess each student’s work using a rubric. Based on the score on the rubric, the student may continue through the program, be advised that a corrective plan is necessary before continuing through the program, or in rare cases be dismissed from the program.
5. In what other ways will information from the checkpoints be used?
Once each individual student is assessed, data will be aggregated by program areas. These data will be used to inform programmatic and curricular changes. For example, if assessments of secondary majors indicate they are weak in instructional planning, more emphasis would be placed on planning in the secondary methods classes, or if special education students score poorly on content knowledge, additional courses could be required of these students.
6. Will items other assignments be reviewed at the checkpoints?
Yes, other items that will be reviewed include dispositions assessments, field experience evaluations, GPA, PRAXIS reports, and others.
7. How are services such as counseling assessed?
Most of these assessments will be completed by asking students and alumni to complete surveys. Beyond this, surveys will be sent to area principals and classroom teachers to gain information on the quality of our graduates.
8. Why has IU South Bend developed this unit assessment system?
IU South Bend is required to develop and implement a unit assessment system by NCATE its accrediting agency. In addition, it is sound educational practice at all levels to use data to inform decisions.
