Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

First Advisor

Kevin Winslow

Second Advisor

Robyne Elder

Third Advisor

Roger “Mitch” Nasser

Abstract

This study explores and identifies the variables that affect teacher candidates’ performance in various stages of their study in the Teacher Preparation Programs at a Private Midwestern University. The researcher introduced the topic by providing a background of the study and its significance in maintaining the effectiveness of the Teacher Preparation Programs and its ability to prepare teacher candidates for state assessments and their field experience. One research question, five hypotheses, and 38 sub-hypotheses were formulated to tackle this study. The researcher provided literature on topics surrounding the history of teacher preparation programs and the curriculum offered by the Teacher Preparation Programs at the Private Midwestern University. The researcher compiled quantitative data obtained by the School of Education, at the Private Midwestern University, to perform various statistical tests using SPSS software. The data included teacher candidates’ GPAs at different stages of their programs, their scores on various state assessments, their field experience evaluations, and their exit survey data. The researcher conducted several quantitative descriptive analyses, scatter plots, and one-tailed correlation analyses to determine if there was a relationship between various measures of students’ performance in the Teacher Preparation Programs. The statistical findings showed sufficient evidence that relationships exist between various measures of student performance in the Teacher Preparation Programs. The exit survey also showed that teacher candidates are overall satisfied with their program and believe it prepared them well for state assessments and real classroom practice. Accordingly, the researcher provided some recommendations for the Teacher Preparation Programs and future research.

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