Advanced Program Themes, Sample Assessments,

Rationale, and Form of Assessment

Theme

Advanced Program Themes

Name Assessment

NCATE SPA

Rationale

#1

Content

1. Develop deeper understanding of content (depth and breadth);

1. Highly Qualified

2. Content Based Assessment

Candidates should have a   strong background in the subject matter in order to be effective educators and promote student learning.

#2

Leadership

2. Assume a greater leadership role in the educational community and become agents of educational change

7. Leadership

Candidates should during an advanced preparation program show their ability to improve the environment in which they work.  Candidates should be agents of school and social change

#3

Diverse Learning

3. Actively participate in a variety of diverse learning communities with commitment to all students

5. Effect on student learning

Candidates must help society realize the democratic goal of equal educational opportunity for all of the learners in America's classrooms. Teachers' attitudes and beliefs can be changed positively by direct instructional and practical experiences that pertain to diversity.

#4

Research

4. Develop scholarly research skills and contribute to new knowledge through scholarly research and interpretation

6. Research Skills

Candidates should be committed to research, to improve their own knowledge and to help shape change and reform.  Research‑based clinical teacher education should be context sensitive, cumulative and reflective.

#5

Professional Development

5. Engage in professional development.

7. Leadership and Professional Development

Candidates should play a more active role in their professional development. Candidates should model modes of thinking that include inquiry, analysis and evaluation of their own beliefs and practices.   Candidates should be reflective practitioners who continually evaluate the effects of their choices and actions and who continually seek opportunities to grow professionally.

#6

Professional Practice

6. Adapt and expand instructional/leadership repertoire & model reflective practice.

3., 4., Clinical Experience

Candidates expand their repertoire through research-based practice.  Teacher training programs must expose candidates to ways of teaching with technology.