The program standards are the foundation for course work, performance assessments, field experiences and all components of the assessment system. Upon completion of their program, candidates must demonstrate proficiency related to the areas of reflectivity, learner centeredness, collaboration, accountability, and values and ethics. The Professional Progress Path or gate system was created as a systematic and continuous way of monitoring a candidate's progression through a degree program. This approach reflects a significant change in the Marian Educational Studies Division's previous philosophy of assessment which was primarily teacher driven. In the Professional Performance Path Assessment System multiple measures assessing candidate proficiency on standards established for each program in the Educational Studies Division take place at specified points or gates throughout the candidate's program.
Many assessments are authentic in nature and are linked to practicum experiences.
Program requirements, authentic professional work and course work evidences chosen by candidates serve as the basis for the progression decisions in the candidate's program. After the faculty determined assessment gates, a framework for the collection of evidences for the standards based assessment was created. Candidates are encouraged to use this framework for guidance in the selection of evidence at the various checkpoints or gates. Candidate handbooks and orientation sessions were created to support the new assessment system and to further clarify candidate understanding of the program standards. The present mission statement of Marian College describes the essence of the institution and values of those who work within it.