Content Area Program Review Training

Step 4: Content of Program Submissions
(Initial and Advanced Programs)

Each educator preparation institution wishing to offer a program leading to certification or rank change must have the program approved by the EPSB. The educator preparation unit prepares and submits to the EPSB a concise description of the program that provides the following information:

Document 1: Conceptual Framework
This document explicates the Unit's statement of its conceptual framework. It may include tables, charts, and the research base that supports the unit's philosophy of preparation. The narrative must include the following:

• mission and vision of the unit and institution;
• unit's philosophy, candidate proficiencies (including diversity and technology), and dispositions;
• all knowledge bases
• performance standards
• summarized description of assessment system

Document 2: Continuous Assessment Plan
This document includes a description of how the unit’s continuous assessment:

• integrates with the Conceptual Framework;
• is based on standards;
• is an assessment system with monitoring checkpoints;
• identifies dispositions and modes of assessment;
• includes multiple assessments;
• includes a plan for collecting P-12 student impact data;
• contains feedback loops for candidates and program(s); and
• contains evidence of a technology-supported assessment system
• includes a plan for how the unit ensures its assessments are accurate, fair, and consistent
  

Document 3: Program Experiences
This portion of the program review document(s) should demonstrate the relationship among the certification program with the unit's Conceptual Framework and Continuous Assessment Plan. It should also describe the courses and experiences (including a description of mode(s) of delivery and off-campus sites being used, if applicable), and demonstrate the integration of the appropriate Kentucky performance standards (New/Experienced Teacher, Counselor, etc.). Choice of formats (matrix, diagram, narrative, etc.) may be used. An explanation describing how the Code of Ethics is integrated, shared, and discussed with the candidates is needed.

A. Content Standards: A matrix showing the incorporation of the appropriate learned society standards/guidelines is required. If NCATE has approved a learned society, the institution must address that learned society's standards/guidelines. Also, include brief course descriptions for all courses outside the Professional Education core.

B. KERA Initiatives: Show detailed alignment of the following Kentucky Curriculum and Assessment requirements within the coursework. Include a description how the KERA initiatives are integrated into the coursework. This description should explain where the necessary content knowledge is delivered in the curriculum (general and professional studies). A generic matrix will no longer be acceptable.

• Learner Goals based on Academic Expectations
• Program of Studies
• Core Content/Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS)
  

C. EPSB Themes: Show integration of the following items within the coursework. Choice of formats (matrix, diagram, narrative, etc.) may be used.

• Diversity (with specific attention to exceptional children including the gifted and talented, cultural and ethnic diversity)
• Assessment (developing skills to assess student learning)
• Literacy / Reading
• Closing the Achievement Gap (identify what courses emphasize strategies for closing the gap)
  

D. Program Faculty: List name; highest degree, field, & university; assignment; faculty rank; scholarship, leadership in professional associations, and service; and relationship (full-time, part-time, etc.) to the institution, unit, and program. Vitae are not required.

E. Curriculum Contract/Guidesheet: Must include:

• Name of Institution
• Name of program
• Name of resulting certification with appropriate grade level
• Candidate’s name
• Admission Criteria
• Required coursework and electives (prefix, number, hours)
• Exit Criteria (GPA, Praxis II, PLT, other)
• Portfolio requirements, Teacher Work Sample requirements or other required exit assessments
• Space for candidate and advisor to sign and date
• Praxis disclaimer
  

F. Syllabi: Complete syllabi for the Professional Education core and Methods courses must be included. Also a sampling of Content Course syllabi should be included. All submitted syllabi must demonstrate integration of the performance standards, the KERA initiatives, and the EPSB themes.