Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Campus Life

Confidence runs plentiful in the wake of the Educational Program Evaluation. Every six years teachers prepare for the Teachers Education Program evaluation, scheduled for Jan. 26th. David Hofmeister, director of teacher education, said, "I'm not too worried about the evaluation. Failing isn't even an option in my eyes." Hofmeister has 27 years of teaching experience, 18 of which are with higher education. Nine members of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) will spend three days on campus. The evaluation consists of checking documents, observing classes, and listening to student presentations and a small dinner. Hofmeister said, "We have a very diverse, accredited faculty who's full of energy, which will help us through the process." The teaching program will be judged on six standards, candidate knowledge, skills, professional dispositions, assessment system and unit evaluation, field experiences and clinical practice, diversity, faculty qualifications, performance and development, unit governance and resources. If the program does not pass all of the criteria, there will be an 18 month trial period, followed by a focus visit, to determine whether the program has adjusted to meet the standards. Hofmeister began his job here in July 2006. This is his first evaluation at Southwestern College, but he has experienced multiple other evaluations. Hofmeister said, "I don't mean to be blunt but I've never not passed with great scores. Worst case scenario, if for some odd reason we do not pass, we still have 18 months to correct the problem, plus our teaching license is still valid, so it will not affect teacher majors at all." Jim Helmer, head of the physical education department, has held his position for 30 years, and has never seen the school not pass. Helmer said, "Right now we are fulfilling all major requirements for the physical education program. Even so it is difficult to determine what we should expect because the council changes their requirements every year." Nicole Peirce, elementary education senior, said, "Evaluation is necessary in any department. The feedback will allow the professors to reflect on their teaching methods and the content of the courses so that they can make the changes that will improve the program that much more." Peirce is confident in the schools' ability to pass. Peirce was first interested in teaching by her third grade teacher for her amazing teaching capability. She hopes to become a third, fourth or fifth grade teacher. To contribute in the evaluation Pierce will be one of the students to answer questions in the focus group. The nine members will separate into pairs and go into focus groups where they can ask questions and observe the students. The program's ability to adapt is obvious. When there is a weak spot it is pin pointed and worked out. Peirce has experienced this before. She said, "It was a little rough at first with all the changes. I was totally impressed that when things did get rough, the professors not only listened but acted in the best interests of the students." Samantha Gillis is a freshman majoring in journalism. You may e-mail her at samantha.gillis@sckans.edu.

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