Introduction to the School of Education
The Stillman College School of Education (SOE) is committed to preparing highly qualified educators who are reflective practitioners, collaborative leaders, and effective professionals capable of meeting the diverse needs of learners in an increasingly complex and global society. Guided by its mission and commitment to continuous improvement, the SOE maintains alignment with the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and successfully achieved reaffirmation of CAEP accreditation on October 24, 2024. Additionally, Stillman College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring rigorous academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and accountability across all educational programs.
The EPP offers ten state-certified programs, including:
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) has successfully completed the Alabama Continuous Improvement Program Review and maintains state approval to recommend candidates for secondary education certification in multiple content areas. Through a strong commitment to data-informed decision-making, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement, the EPP systematically evaluates program effectiveness and implements strategic enhancements to candidate preparation. These efforts ensure that program completers are well-prepared to meet the diverse academic, social, and developmental needs of P–12 learners and positively impact student achievement in today’s educational environments.
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) requires programs to provide performance measures to the public regarding four categories related to program impact and program outcomes. The items below provide summary data for each of the four measures.
CAEP Annual Reporting Measure 1: Completer Effectiveness
Overview: The Stillman College School of Education tracks the effectiveness of its completers to measure the impact of the educator preparation program. This measure focuses on the ability of completers to contribute to P-12 student learning and their professional practice in the classroom.
Data Summary: Due to limitations in direct student learning data from the Alabama State Department of Education, the EPP uses case studies to assess completer effectiveness. The case study approach incorporates multiple data points, such as:
EPP Supporting Data:
Completer Impact on Student Learning Scores
Teacher Effectiveness (Principals Evaluations)
Key Findings:
CAEP Annual Reporting Measure 2: Satisfaction of Employers
Overview: The EPP gathers feedback from employers to evaluate how well completers are prepared for the teaching profession. Employer satisfaction is assessed through the Alabama New Teacher Employer Survey, where principals and administrators evaluate first- and second-year teachers.
Data Summary:
EPP Supporting Data:
2024 ALACTE New Teacher Employer Results
2021-2023 ALACTE New Teacher Survey Table
2024-25 ALACTE New Teacher Employer Results
Key Findings:
Employers also express a need for continued support in helping teachers implement differentiated instruction and adapt to diverse student needs.
Employers report high satisfaction with Stillman College graduates, particularly in their ability to integrate technology and instructional strategies into classroom practice.
Employer survey results indicated strong satisfaction with Stillman College graduates, particularly in the areas of communication, collaboration, professionalism, ethical practice, and their ability to effectively contribute to school and organizational goals.
CAEP Annual Reporting Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Completion
Overview: This measure assesses how well candidates perform on licensing exams and professional assessments as they complete the program, ensuring that they meet the requirements for entry into the teaching profession.
Data Summary:
EPP Supporting Data:
edTBA 2018-2024 Data Summary
Key Findings:
PRAXIS Success: The 100% pass rate for PRAXIS demonstrates the program’s success in preparing completers to meet state licensure requirements.
edTPA Performance: While a majority of completers passed the edTPA, there is a need for further development in literacy instruction strategies, particularly in the areas of reading comprehension and writing instruction.
CAEP Annual Reporting Measure 4: Ability of Completers to be hired
Overview: This measure tracks the ability of completers to secure employment in education positions within the field of their preparation.
Data Summary:
Key Findings:
The availability of placements continues to be a positive factor, with many completers seeking employment in districts that value Stillman College graduates for their readiness to teach.
A strong correlation exists between program completion and employment success, as evidenced by the 100% job placement rate for the 2021-2022 completers.
Next Steps and Ongoing Improvements
The Stillman College EPP will continue to collect data and analyze its impact on student learning and teacher effectiveness. This will include:
Final Summary
In conclusion, the Stillman College Educator Preparation Program (EPP) continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in educator preparation through intentional alignment with CAEP standards, Alabama State Department of Education requirements, and institutional goals. By engaging in systematic data collection, analysis, and evidence-based continuous improvement practices, the EPP ensures the effectiveness of its programs and the readiness of its candidates. These efforts support the development of highly qualified, reflective, and culturally responsive educators who are prepared to positively impact P–12 student learning, contribute to school improvement, and advance the teaching profession. As the EPP moves forward, it remains dedicated to innovation, accountability, and the continuous pursuit of educational excellence.
