Georgia Southern teacher preparation programs earn highest scores on state effectiveness measures
Georgia Southern University earned a Level 4 rating, the highest available score, on the 2021 Teacher Preparation Program Effectiveness Measures (PPEMs) published by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
The PPEMs evaluate educator preparation programs using measures collected during candidates’ time in the program, such as certification assessments required by the state and measures collected following completion once candidates are in the classroom. This includes classroom observations by supervisors as well as surveys of employers and newly employed teachers. The primary purpose of the PPEMs is to give educator preparation programs detailed information they can use to improve.
GaPSC was formed in the early 1990s to ensure standards of professional preparation, certification and ethical conduct.
“At GaPSC, the needs of our students in Georgia come first,” said Matt Arthur, GaPSC executive secretary. “In order that they can receive the quality education they deserve, it is imperative that their teachers be effectively prepared. The 2021 measures are consistent with prior years, and reflect the targeted improvements made by many education preparation providers, in spite of the challenges faced by programs, teachers and students alike over the last year and a half.”
To assess program outcomes for content knowledge, Georgia Southern had 117 individuals complete the first-year teacher survey, asking new teachers about how well they were prepared for classroom instruction. For the PPEMs, Georgia Southern received nine out of 10 available points in this category, demonstrating graduates’ confidence completing their first year of teaching thanks to the preparation received during their time in the education programs at the University.
“Since their inception, PPEMs have deeply informed the process of continuous improvement for Georgia educator preparation programs,” said Penney McRoy, educator preparation division director at GaPSC. “We are seeing programs generate plans to improve specific preparation measures, and then seeing the payoff in greater effectiveness in following years. We’re excited for Georgia students to benefit from these improvements.”
CaDeisha Cooper, Ed.D., Candler County School District (CCSD) assistant superintendent, agrees.
“Georgia Southern University’s teacher preparation program has produced many new hires for the Candler County School District,” said Cooper. “It is evident that these induction-level teachers are well-prepared for classroom instruction. We value our partnership with the University and the collaborative clinical and supervisory experiences within the preparation program. This partnership has provided a pipeline of first-year teachers for CCSD that is critical for teacher retention.”
Additionally, the PPEMs are meant to provide the public with valuable information on educator preparation programs, particularly individuals considering entering a program. PPEMs also complement the state’s approval process, as it aligns with two of the standards program providers must meet in order to continue preparing future Georgia-certified educators. The PPEMs ratings of all Georgia educator preparation program providers are now available to the public on the GaPSC PPEMs Dashboard at www.gapsc.com.
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