Most students in the program achieve or exceed the required minimum score on the Communication Skills Test of the Praxis. Since the required writing sample was implemented spring semester 1997 for students entering the teacher education program in the fall of 1997, it is difficult at this time to know how this will help in terms of assessing communication skills. To date there are no results for this activity. Problem-Solving Skills Feedback from schools that employ our students indicates that our students are well prepared and are consequently attractive to hire. School districts have given positive feedback, indicating that we are working in the right direction.
Students see the paraprofessional experience as very positive.
Between the students' para experience where they are actually designing units of instruction and fitting pieces together, it can be discovered if their unit design is actually working. If it is not working, it can be changed, and is sometimes done on the spot. We began an application process a few years ago because of limited resources and a desire to increase the quality of the program. Students know their freshman year that they must apply to the program during the second semester of their sophomore year, and they also know they are not guaranteed a place. This gives freshmen the opportunity finish their core, take their foundational courses, and get the classroom experience which helps them determine if this is the field they want to enter.