There is also a GTA with in-depth background who provides outside assessment. All students who enter the teacher education program must have at least a 2.5 GPA in the communications area of the university core requirements. In addition communication skills are assessed through the Communications Skills Test of the Praxis and students must obtain at least the minimum score established by the Montana Board of Public Education. Faculty also assess students' skills in communication during the student teaching experience. Problem-Solving Skills Technology Education is based on the modular approach.
Problem solving is developed in design briefs given for each modular activity.
The parameters are set, then students use whatever method seems appropriate to solve the problem, which encourages multiple solutions. Many projects are group activities, where the work of one group is assessed by another group. Students are assessed throughout the program in terms of their abilities in this area. Student teaching provides one opportunity to assess a student's problem-solving skills. All of this involves critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving.