2020-2021
Data-based decisions correlated to direct measures
Based on PPAT (Professional Performance Assessment for Teachers) scores from student teachers, focus in both methods classes and the student teaching seminar course focused more on the following:
- Knowledge of students and their learning environment
- Assessment and data collection to measure student learning
- Designing instruction for student learning
- Implementing and analyzing instruction
The PPAT is an extensive work for our students. We have focused on it in our BUSN 5500 course. While there is no set passing score as of yet for the PPAT, next year the passing score will be set at 36.
- Spring 2021 5 of our 6 students passed with a score higher then 36.
- The one student who did not pass decided to end the program early and not finish.
- Fall 2021 all of our students passed the PPAT with a score higher than 36.
Based on the collection of outcome-based data, the Business Education program will work towards program wide objectives to have cohesive data across all courses in the program.
Data-based decisions correlated to indirect measures
The State of Utah Business Education department is requiring teachers to show competency in courses by passing national certifications. The USU Business Education is looking at ways the students can take the national certification tests before graduating.
We have started implement Microsoft Office Specialist Exams (nationally certified and recognized industry exams) as a required assignment in several of our courses. We hope to increase the amount of these exams we offer in our different courses in the upcoming year. We are also looking into other exams, for example Adobe exams, that we can also have our students take and get certified in.
Working with the State of Utah Business Education department it has been brought up that we need to work on developing a Digital Marketing course to include in our program in the future. Talks are happening with the various stakeholders to work on developing this course for our program.
With the increasing number of classes going online due to health concerns this past year, it was determined to incorporate some instruction on online teaching into our methods courses. Students are now required to create a Canvas class and practice adding material to it.
Up until this year, student teaching observations have been preformed by the Secondary Ed. Department. As a program we feel it is important that we have larger role in this process. Going forward, student teaching observations will be performed by one of the Business Education faculty members.
Information about the 21 graduates since 2016 when the program started.
19 are currently teaching in high school or middle schools
2 are not teaching, 1 has opened her own hair salon, the other is pursuing careers outside of teaching
Of the 19 teaching
- 14 are teaching a high school
- 5 are teaching a middle/junior high school
Of the 19 teaching
- 18 are teaching in Utah
- 1 is teaching in Idaho
The graduating class of 2021 included
- 8 students graduated in 2021
- 1 student is not currently teaching
- 4 of the students signed contracts before student teaching
- 3 signed contracts within 3 months of graduating
2019-2020
Data-based decisions correlated to direct measures
The State Office of Education Business specialist revised the career pathways including requirement for teachers to teach in those pathways. Discussion with the state office and the Business Education Program resulted in focusing on courses students needed to take to be certified by the State.
Data-based decisions correlated to indirect measures
An additional teacher was hired to help with the growth in the Business Education program. The new faculty person will add diversity and strength. Each methods course will be taught by a different instructor providing improved perspectives and focus.
2018-2019
Data-based decisions correlated to indirect measures
Based on interviews with graduating students, students will have two teaching experiences in each methods course. One teaching experience will be a technology course (word processing, spreadsheets, digital media) and one lesson in marketing/communications area.