Southern University and A&M College
Standard Four Evidence Packet 2
R4.2 Satisfaction of Employers
This evidence packet demonstrates how Southern University’s School of Education meets CAEP Standard R4.2 (Satisfaction of Employers) by providing evidence that employers are satisfied with the preparation of the program completers, particularly in their abilities to work with diverse P-12 students and their families. The packet draws upon data from the Employer Satisfaction Survey and qualitative data collected from focus groups and interviews with school leaders.
• 2022: AY 2020 - 2021: Employer Satisfaction Results (Survey)
• 2021: AY 2019 - 2020: Employer Satisfaction Results (Interviews)
• 2020: AY 2018 - 2019: Employer Satisfaction Results (Interviews)
Evidence
1. Measuring Employer Satisfaction with Preparation
1.1 Overview of Employer Satisfaction Survey
Southern University’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP) gathers feedback from employers through an Employer Satisfaction Survey. This survey is administered annually and is designed to assess the satisfaction of employers with the preparation of Southern University’s graduates. The survey covers various aspects of teaching, including content knowledge, instructional practices, and professional responsibilities.
• Survey Questions and Response Options:
o Employers are asked to rate the proficiency of Southern University graduates on a scale ranging from "Poor" to "Excellent" in various aspects of teaching, such as knowledge of content, pedagogy, and classroom management.
1.2 Ensuring Inclusivity in Data Collection
• Representative Sample:
o The Employer Satisfaction Survey is distributed to a broad range of school leaders, including principals, assistant principals, and human resources personnel, from various types of districts (urban, suburban, rural) to ensure a representative sample.
• Inclusivity Across Programs:
o The survey is designed to include feedback on graduates from all licensure areas within the Teacher Preparation Program, ensuring that the data collected is inclusive and representative of the entire program.
2. Findings from Employer Satisfaction Data
2.1 Summary of Employer Survey Results
Southern University and A&M College
Standard Four Evidence Packet 2
R4.2
Satisfaction of Employers
The Employer Satisfaction Survey for the 2020-2021 academic year provides insights into how employers perceive the preparation of Southern University’s graduates:
• Proficiency in Key Areas:
o Employers rated graduates highly in several areas, including content knowledge, pedagogical skills, creating a respectful classroom environment, and culturally responsive teaching. Most ratings fell within the "Good" to "Excellent" range, indicating strong satisfaction with the graduates' preparation
• Areas for Improvement:
o While the overall satisfaction was high, some employers indicated that there is room for improvement in areas such as leadership capabilities, using formative assessments more efficiently, and providing timely feedback to families.
2.2 Qualitative Data from Focus Groups
In addition to the survey, qualitative data was collected through focus groups and one-on-one interviews with school leaders:
• Positive Feedback:
o School leaders consistently reported that Southern University graduates were proficient or better in areas such as content knowledge, knowledge of students, and creating a positive classroom environment
• Constructive Criticism:
o Some school leaders suggested that while graduates were generally well-prepared, they could benefit from additional training in leadership and assessment practices.
3. Ensuring the Effectiveness of Instruments and Methods
3.1 Alignment with CAEP Criteria
The survey and qualitative methods used by Southern University’s EPP are carefully designed to align with CAEP’s criteria:
• Specificity to R1 Criteria:
o The Employer Satisfaction Survey includes questions that directly relate to the CAEP R1 criteria, covering areas such as content knowledge, instructional practice, learner and learning, professional responsibilities, and the use of technology.
3.2
Validity and Reliability
of Data Collection Methods
• Survey Design and Validation:
o The survey questions are developed based on established educational standards and are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and valid. This process includes feedback from stakeholders to refine the questions.
• Reliability:
Southern University and A&M College
Standard Four Evidence Packet 2
R4.2 Satisfaction of Employers
o To ensure reliability, the survey is administered consistently across all programs and cohorts, and the data is analyzed using standardized methods.
• Qualitative Methods:
o The focus groups and interviews provide additional depth to the survey data, allowing the EPP to gain a more comprehensive understanding of employer satisfaction.
4. Compelling Evidence and Conclusions
4.1 Evidence of Employer Satisfaction
The most compelling evidence of employer satisfaction includes:
• High Ratings in Key Teaching Areas:
o Employers consistently rated Southern University graduates as "Good" to "Excellent" in critical teaching areas, demonstrating strong satisfaction with the program’s ability to prepare effective educators.
• Positive Feedback from Focus Groups:
o Qualitative data from focus groups corroborates the survey findings, with school leaders praising the graduates' preparation in areas such as content knowledge and classroom management
Lessons Learned
The evidence demonstrates that Southern effectively prepares its graduates for the challenges of teaching in diverse P-12 settings. The high levels of satisfaction reported by employers suggest that the program is meeting its goals and that the feedback collected is being used to drive continuous improvement.