Assessments and Transitions

All students in licensing programs leading to the initial educator license follow the same four transition steps in the teacher education admission process.

Based on the ten Wisconsin Teacher Standards, each of the initial educator preparation licensing sequences shares a set of four common transition points with related assessments outlined below. Student performance is assessed in relation to the standards through multiple measures over time and with developmental expectations over the four transition steps. Rubrics guide the assessment process at each step. Results of the assessments are shared with each student and serve as the basis for decisions regarding continuation in the respective licensing sequences. Aggregated assessment results of student performance during program enrollment and after entry into the profession as an initial educator are the basis for program assessment and development.

There are four transition points of admission to teacher education. There are separate application forms for each transition point and each has several assessments based on evidence gathered in a portfolio maintained by the student. An approved application for each respective transition point is required for continuation in the program.

The four transition steps are:

1. Preliminary Entry to teacher education is encouraged as soon as a student is eligible in order to receive proper advising and timely notice of program requirements and developments.
2. Aspiring Professional Transition is required in order to take courses beyond ED 310 and for full admission to teacher education. This transition requires PRAXIS I testing, a portfolio record of various initial endorsements based on the Wisconsin Teacher Standards and copies of reflective papers and other artifacts which a student prepares during passage through the program.
3. Emergent Professional Transition is required in order to take methods courses and for admission to student teaching. Advance planning is particularly important for this transition step which includes PRAXIS II testing and content assessments, as well as other advanced assessments. This transition requires a portfolio record of various advanced endorsements based on the Wisconsin Teacher Standards and copies of reflective papers and other artifacts which a student prepares during passage through the program.
4. Licensure Endorsement Transition is required for program completion and recommendation for licensure by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Assessment activities related to this transition occur during the final student teaching or internship semester. This transition requires a portfolio record of all endorsements based on the Wisconsin Teacher Standards and legislative requirements, professional practice endorsements, copies of reflective papers, initial educator development statement, and other artifacts which the student prepares during passage through the program.