The unit's key assessments – benchmark assessments in initial certification programs and anchor assessments in advanced programs - are aligned with the unit's conceptual framework, specifically competencies related to the AFTSE Program Objectives (see Exhibit I.5.c, Overview) and the Kentucky Teacher Standards or Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards. Benchmarks and anchors, in addition to licensure exams and other formative and summative assessments, are used to measure competency in the areas of knowledge, skills, and dispositions as well as proficiency in relation to the unit's program objectives. Descriptions of benchmarks and anchors, and their rubrics are contained in program handbooks and in LiveText (the unit's data collection system). LiveText is required of all candidates, faculty, and supervisors for entry and analysis of data. Faculty are responsible for the management of candidate data in their courses (Exhibit 2.3.a.3) and have access to candidate data within LiveText as well as candidate databases maintained by the unit. Candidates receive continuous feedback on their performance from their education faculty advisor during required advising sessions (at least once per semester), through field evaluations by cooperating teachers, dispositions assessments and benchmark/anchor scoring (on LiveText), and in their coursework with education faculty. The unit strives for transparency in its assessment processes, particularly with candidates who are developing into reflective professionals, and encourages candidates to monitor their own performance as well as seek clarification from faculty and/or advisors when questions about course grades, assessment results, or progress through transition points arise. The unit has a formalized grievance policy for candidate complaints, the initial steps of which are briefly described in course syllabi, but more specifically discussed in each program handbook (Exhibit 2.3.f). Candidates have access to university grievance policies through the Bellarmine 2011-12 Course Catalog, available on the university's website. The grievance policy is also detailed in the Full-time and Adjunct Faculty Handbooks.
Exhibits
I.5.c Conceptual Framework
2.3.a.3 Faculty Procedures for Evaluating Candidate Performance
2.3.f Policies, Procedures, Practices for Managing Candidate Complaints