Standard 1: Candidate Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions

1b. Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Skills for Teacher Candidates

1b.1 What data from key assessments indicate that candidates in initial teacher preparation programs demonstrate the pedagogical content knowledge and skills delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards?

1b.2 What data from key assessments indicate that advanced teacher candidates know and apply theories related to pedagogy and learning, are able to use a range of instructional strategies and technologies, and can explain the choices they make in their practice?

1b.3 What do follow-up studies of graduates and employers indicate about graduates' preparation in pedagogical content knowledge and skills?

1b.1.   What data from key assessments indicate that candidates in initial teacher preparation programs demonstrate the pedagogical content knowledge and skills delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards?

N/A for Focus Visit

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1b.2.   What data from key assessments indicate that advanced teacher candidates know and apply theories related to pedagogy and learning, are able to use a range of instructional strategies and technologies, and can explain the choices they make in their practice?

Since candidates for advanced teacher preparation programs already possess a teaching credential in most cases, they have had extensive study of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and opportunities to practice their skills both in student teaching and their subsequent induction years. Pedagogical content knowledge is implied, rather than explicitly stated, in program Student Learning Outcomes. Nevertheless, PCK is an important element in advanced programs. The table titled Relationship Between Student Learning Outcomes, Signature Assignments, and Pedagogical Content Knowledge & Skills by Program displays the signature assignments for each program learning outcome mapped to pedagogical content knowledge for advanced teacher preparation programs.

The table titled Program-level Summary Table by NCATE Standard 1 Elements (AY08-09): Advanced Teacher Preparation Programs shows aggregated candidate performance data aligned with NCATE Standard 1 Elements for all unit programs. Each of the advanced teacher preparation programs has one or more Student Learning Outcomes that address "pedagogical content knowledge." Each SLO is assessed by one or more signature assignments. For the AY 08-09 period, the average score for "pedagogical content knowledge" across advanced preparation programs was 3.55 on a 4-point scale. None of the advanced programs had a mean score below 3.05, thus the Assessment Committee saw no cause for concern in any program and no action was recommended. Click here for tables displaying candidate performance data on "pedagogical content knowledge" by program.

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1b.3.   What do follow-up studies of graduates and employers indicate about graduates' preparation in pedagogical content knowledge and skills? If survey data have not already been reported, what was the response rate?

Initial Programs: N/A for Focus Visit

Advanced Programs: See section 1a.4.

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