Dominican University School of Education River Forest, Illinois
Institution Comment Comments submitted by: Colleen Reardon, Dean School of Education Dominican University
Dominican University is committed to high quality teacher preparation programs and supports the need to assess teacher preparation programs to improve the quality of teaching, increase student achievement and close the achievement gap. To achieve this quality, the School of Education regularly engages in analysis of data on candidate performance to ensure that its graduates gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary so that all children can learn. Candidate performance is assessed throughout the teacher education program. Specific key assessments have been identified that when taken together demonstrate that candidates meet institutional, state and professional standards. The special education program is aligned with the professional standards identified by the Council for Exceptional Children. The early childhood programs are aligned with the professional standards identified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Dominican has received national recognition for the quality of its program. Both programs provide a rigorous course of study grounded in theory and linked to practice. Candidates have multiple opportunities to engage in the study of evidence-based practices. Field and internship experiences are integrated throughout the programs. During the clinical practice or student teaching semester, each teaching candidate completes a comprehensive teacher work sample that enables candidates to examine the impact of their teaching on student learning. Both graduates and principals who hire Dominican graduates report a high level of satisfaction with the preparation of teaching candidates and their ability to make a positive impact on student achievement. Principals report that Dominican graduates are well prepared in content knowledge and pedagogy. While Dominican recognizes the importance of considering inputs (syllabi) as one measure of quality it places high value on the outcomes of its programs. Data on candidate performance is regularly analyzed to ensure that they possess the content knowledge, professional and pedagogical content knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers. Working together with other professional educational organizations, Dominican seeks to advance education reform. Dominican is committed to continue to enhance its programs to prepare teachers who make a difference in the learning of P-12 students.
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