ASSESSMENT RATIONALE
Assessment is an ongoing cooperative process directed toward helping the Intern achieve optimal competence as a beginning teacher. Through this process, the Intern will determine his/her own potential, overcome weaknesses, and capitalize on strengths. The major participants involved in evaluation are the Intern, the Mentor Teacher, the College Supervisor, and the Internship Coordinator. However, others including the principal, department chair, lead teacher, or the PDS Liaison may assist in observing and advising the Intern. The following suggestions should assure that evaluation facilitates the maximum professional growth of the Intern:
Assessment should be approached with mutual respect for the personality and the individual roles of all those engaged in the evaluation process.
Assessment should be directed toward helping the Intern discover personal strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.
Assessment processes should utilize a variety of materials, procedures, and techniques.
The content of the assessment should be specific enough to be useful to the Intern; supporting statements should be based on data and should describe observed behaviors.