Educational Assessment and Accreditation

The School of Education (SOE) at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) embraces the roles assessment and accreditation play in the continuous improvement and innovation of our educator preparation program (EPP). In line with the strategic plans of the SOE and NCCU, as well as state and national standards of practice, measurable outcomes are assessed utilizing an intentional system of assessment to collect, organize and analyze data. Results and findings drive planning and decision-making, which further enhances and establishes the SOE as a premiere EPP. We strive to prepare professional educators for diverse cultural contexts in the 21st century.

Accreditation and Standards

Programs in the School of Education are nationally accredited and adhere to professional training and preparation standards that drive curriculum and innovation. The academic unit encompasses a vibrant educator preparation program (EPP) accredited by organizations including the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation Accreditation Council (AERAC) and approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

edTPA Information

The edTPA is a subject-specific, portfolio-based assessment that is used by educator preparation programs nationwide to measure candidates’ performance in three key areas: planning, instruction and assessment. The competencies addressed by the edTPA represent what teachers must know and be able to do to work effectively with students in a specified grade level and subject area (e.g., math and language arts). Candidates are required to complete the edTPA during the final semester of their program and earn at least the minimum passing score, as determined by the NC Department of Public Instruction, to graduate and be recommended for licensure.

Strategic Plan and Reports

The School of Education is guided by an intentionally derived strategic plan that centers on data-informed practices. Reporting occurs systematically and regularly to ensure that innovation occurs at all levels of the academic unit.

Taskstream Information

The School of Education (SOE) uses Taskstream as an assessment system to evaluate teacher candidates. Taskstream allows the viewing of students’ work alongside the rubric, moving fluidly from assessing one artifact to the next, staying organized, and tracking students’ progress in various SOE-affiliated programs.

Students use Taskstream to (1) apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program (undergraduates or SOE-enrolled master’s students), (2) apply for student teaching, (3) upload documentation for programs of study, (4) complete the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) and (5) complete programs of study. Students needing a Taskstream account should reach out to their advisor (SOE majors) or program coordinator (non-SOE majors).

TEP Required Test(s) for Entry and Exit

All students pursuing a degree in Education (BK, elementary, middle grades, high school [also called secondary] or subject/content areas) must apply for entry to the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Please note that this is different and separate from being admitted to the University. All students must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam unless they have an ACT/SAT equivalent score.

Prior to starting student teaching and to exit the program, all students must pass either the Praxis II subject/content area exam for middle grades and high school majors or the Praxis CKT7813 or Pearson Mathematics subtest and Pearson Foundation of Reading Test for elementary majors.

Faculty Resources

Faculty resources are vast in the School of Education. Resources are centralized to offer faculty current procedures, processes and tools to advance the academic unit and support student success.

 

Student Resources

Students have access to a wealth of information and resources in the School of Education. Resources are centralized to offer students current procedures, processes, handbooks and other tools to support the success of all students.