Assessment Report Standard Format
July 1, 2011_ - June 30, 2012_
PROGRAM(S) ASSESSED_
Social Science Education_______________________________________________
ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR
Noeleen McIlvenna_________________________________________________
YEAR ______4____ of a ______4____YEAR CYCLE
1. ASSESSMENT MEASURES EMPLOYED
The Director of the Social Science Education program (Noeleen McIlvenna) reviewed
PRAXIS II pass rates and acceptance rates to the graduate licensure program at WSU, using
data supplied by Chris Murphy (CEHS).
2. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
The objectives directly within the control of the SSE program are two: to pass Praxis II
(academic content knowledge) test and to enter graduate school to complete professional
licensure requirements.
18 WSU students took the PRAXIS II exam and had their scores submitted to CEHS; 17
passed. (A passing score is 157.) Scores ranged from 152-183, similar to last year’s range
of 157-186.
Scores on the different subject areas remain fairly consistent although economics continues
to be the weakest field. The gender breakdown in scores that gave me concern in previous
years did not continue, although we have many more male than female graduates.
In the period under assessment, 32 students graduated from the program (Summer 2011: 2;
Fall 2011: 10; Winter 2012: 2; and Spring 2012: 14). Nine graduates are currently enrolled
in the CEHS licensure program. Several others plan to apply for that program after a break
(many had an intense schedule as they wished to graduate before semester transition), while
several of our graduates have moved out of state.
3. RESPONSE TO ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
We are not planning any changes based on the assessment report, as the results indicate
that only our weakest student failed. We continually monitor changes in the middle and
high school curriculum and approve course substitutions whose contents match what our
graduates will be asked to teach once they reach the local schools.
4. ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES FOR COMING YEAR
We will continue to assess whether our graduates are readied across the sub-disciplines
they will be required to teach in OH schools. We will continue to assess that the ways the
OH Dept. of Education does i.e. through Praxis II scores.
5. UNIVERSITY LEARNING OUTCOME ASSESSMENT
SSE seniors will submit a paper written in a 4000-level history course to the Director, to
assess both University Learning Outcome #1 and Outcome #3. There are no mandatory
upper-level courses all SSE majors take; they choose from a range in each discipline.
University Learning Outcomes: Wright State graduates will be able to:
1. communicate effectively
2. demonstrate mathematical literacy
3. evaluate arguments and evidence critically
4. apply the methods of inquiry of the natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts and
humanities
5. demonstrate global and multicultural competence
6. demonstrate understanding of contemporary social and ethical issues
7. participate in democratic society as informed and civically engaged citizens