The process concludes with a meeting conducted by the APRC between program faculty and the appropriate dean during which the evaluation data is discussed and concrete proposals to support and improve the academic program are drafted. Be sure to discuss what your department has done to implement student learning outcome measures and how these measures have been used to change instruction. Wide variation exists in how departments assess their program outcomes. Approaches include comprehensive examinations, evaluation of student portfolios, student course evaluation data, and senior exit surveys. Approximately half of the departments in the sample provided little or no discussion in response to the annual report assessment item.
Comprehensive testing is required for students seeking teacher certification.
To earn certification, all students complete batteries of advanced tests in their certification fields. These tests are called Praxis II and are required by the State of Connecticut. These tests measure academic competence, integrative skill development, and some pedagogical knowledge. Field experiences and a full semester of student teaching are also requirements for teacher certification. Each September a Survey of Graduates is mailed out by the Connecticut State University to all members of the previous year's graduating class.