The EPP conducts a yearly focus group study with a sample of completers from each initial program in their 2nd or 3rd year of teaching to broaden the understanding of completer impact. Results of the study are linked below.
According to a Qualtrics survey of completers who graduated 3 to 5 years prior and are currently working in their respective fields, program completers perceive their preparation as relevant to their job responsibilities and view it as effective (n=5). Questions consisted of selected response for demographic information, constructed responses for general feedback, and a 4-point Likert scale: (4 = Strongly Agree, 3 = Agree, 2 = Disagree, and 1 = Strongly Disagree). Responses ranged from an average of 3.00 to 3.33 in all areas concerning Curriculum and Planning, 2.67 to 3.67 in all areas concerning The Learning and Learning Environment, 3.33 in Teaching, and 3.33 in Professional Responsibilities.
Focus Group Results: Data on Student Learning
Completer Survey Results
In Spring 2025, an EPP developed survey was used to collect information on Employer evaluations of new teacher performance through Qualtrics.
Ten employers responded, some employing more than one graduate, to prompts concerning how well the Fairmont State University Teacher Education Program prepares completers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they would need to be effective in the classroom. Graduates were asked to rate each question as either "1 = strongly agree", "2 = agree", "3 = disagree", or "4 = strongly disagree". The survey has 8-10 statements starting with "The recent Fairmont State University Graduates in my building are well prepared to:" on the following themes: Curriculum and Planning, The Learner and Learning Environment, Teaching, and Professional Responsibilities for Self-Renewal, School, and Community. 100% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed completers from Fairmont State University were prepared on all tasks with average scores on all indicators ranging from 1.50-1.00.
Stakeholder involvement remains an important aspect of the work of the EPP. Through our Professional Development School Advisory Network, stakeholders assist in creating goals and decision making. Attached are meeting minutes from our EPP Advisory Council which occurs each semester. Providing one piece of evidence of this important work.
The EPP provides two advanced programs: (1) Educational Leadership, with options for certification and (2) M.Ed in Reading Specialist. Advisory Boards for each program consists of current students, recent graduates, employers, and those connected to the field in local educational settings. Surveys for employers are developed for each program and have been sent to employers, however, response rates remain low. Feedback from advisory boards on both programs is positive.
The EPP tracks the number of completers of Initial programs as defined by CAEP through our Certification Officer and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Operations. Initial certification numbers represent all candidates completing the undergraduate Education programs, MAT graduate programs, and the M.Ed. in Multi-categorical Special Education with Autism graduate program.
At the completion of the program, the EPP documents candidates achieve a high standard for content knowledge and can teach effectively to promote student learning and development. The EPP demonstrates candidates meet the standard for high academic achievement and have met all certification requirements outlined by the WV Board of Education.
The WV Teacher Performance Assessment is a documenation of a capstone expreince. Rubric details and scores by component are linked below. This assessment indicates candidates performed well across all standards, with average scores on standards ranging from 2.62 out of 4.00 on Task 7: Implications for Future Teaching to 3.37 out of 4.00 on Task 6: Clarity and Representation of Evidence.
West Virginia Teacher Performance Assessment Data
West Virginia Teacher Performance Assessment Rubric and Directions
Advanced programs include candidates completing the M.Ed. in Reading Specialist and the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. At the completion of the program, the EPP documents candidates in the Reading Specialist program achieve a high standard for content knowledge and can teach literacy skills effectively to promote student learning and development. The EPP documents candidates in the Education Leadership program obtain the professional knowledge and skills needed to promote the success and well-being of students and adults in K-12 schools. The EPP demonstrates candidates meet the standard for high academic achievement through program assessments and Praxis II Content Area exams. The rubric for one of the key program assessments, the internship experience, is aligned to NELP standards is linked below.
Reading Specialist candidates complete a practicum during the final semester of the program. Activities and assignments in the practicum are designed to help candidates meet the qualifications of a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach as defined by the International Literacy Association (ILA) standards. During the semester candidates assess, plan, and implement instruction for students who struggle with literacy. Candidates are evaluated twice per semester by their supervisors. Review of data indicates candidates performed on or above the proficient level of 3.00 out of 4.00. The rubric is linked below.
Educational Leadership completed an Internship beginning Summer 2024 to demonstrate a positive impact on the school setting. Scores in each area assessed averaged 2.0/3.0 or higher.
Praxis test data from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 indicates candidates in the Education Leadership program are meeting EPP expectations through passage.
Due to a small n, data is not provided in detail.
Educational Leadership Internship Experience Rubric
Reading Specialist Practicum Experience Rubric
The EPP Professional Development School (PDS) Office systematically tracks the number of completers hired after they complete their respective program. The PDS office regularly checks the PDS County Board of Education meeting agendas and personnel directories to identify the location of hired completers, and communicates with completers who provided the EPP with contact information. Current data reflect completers from Fall 2020 to Spring 2025.
All candidates accepted into the M.Ed. Reading Specialist Advanced program are certified teachers. All 2024-2025 graduates are employed as a teacher in a WV public school.
The EPP has employment information for 15/23 completers from the Educational Leadership Advanced programs. All 15 completes are employed in West Virginia schools.. As in previous years, discussions with candidates indicate many teachers add the Education Leadership certifications with plans to apply for administrative positions in the future.
