CAEP Accountability Measures

Three years of enrollment and demographic information

Name	Level	Degree
Art Education (K-12) - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Early Childhood Education	Initial	Baccalaureate
Elementary Education - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Elementary Education (K-6)	Initial	Baccalaureate
Foreign Language (K-12): French	Initial	Baccalaureate
Foreign Language (K-12): Spanish	Initial	Baccalaureate
Foreign Language (K-12): Spanish - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Healthful Living and Fitness Education (K-12)	Initial	Baccalaureate
Middle Grades Education: Language Arts	Initial	Baccalaureate
Middle Grades Education: Language Arts - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Middle Grades Education: Mathematics	Initial	Baccalaureate
Middle Grades Education: Mathematics - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Middle Grades Education: Science	Initial	Baccalaureate
Middle Grades Education: Science - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Middle Grades Education: Social Studies	Initial	Baccalaureate
Middle Grades Education: Social Studies - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Music Education (K-12)	Initial	Baccalaureate
Physical Education and Health (K-12) - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Secondary Education (9-12): Language Arts	Initial	Baccalaureate
Secondary Education (9-12): Language Arts - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Secondary Education (9-12): Mathematics	Initial	Baccalaureate
Secondary Education (9-12): Mathematics - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Secondary Education (9-12): Science	Initial	Baccalaureate
Secondary Education (9-12): Science - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Secondary Education (9-12): Social Studies	Initial	Baccalaureate
Secondary Education (9-12): Social Studies - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Special Education (K-12): Adapted Curriculum	Initial	Baccalaureate
Special Education (K-12): General Curriculum	Initial	Baccalaureate
Teaching English as a Second Language (K-12) - M.A.T.	Initial	Master's
Curriculum Studies for Equity in Education - M.Ed.	Advanced	Master's
Education Administration Leadership - Ed.D.	Advanced	Doctorate
Language and Literacy - M.Ed.	Advanced	Master's
Physical Education and Health - M.Ed.	Advanced	Master's
School Administration Advanced - M.S.A.	Advanced	Master's
Teaching English as a Second Language (K-12)- M.Ed.	Advanced	Master's

UNCW Watson College of Education Enrollment and Demographic Details

Data in the below table shows enrollment trends and demographic details for the past three fall semesters for our Initial and Advanced Programs.

Data documents a general decline in enrollment in Watson College EPP programs. This is a national trend, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) in spring 2023 describing this national decline as “the steepest on record” and “at an average of 35%”, respectively. The 2022 decline in the Watson College is approximately 16%, less than half the national average.

Watson College of Education - Enrollment Demographics

Three years of enrollment and demographic information

	Undergraduate			Graduate
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
# Enrolled	499	477	402	647	538	469
Gender
Female	466	453	384	493	400	366
Male	33	24	18	154	138	103
Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaskan Native	1	1	1	12	13	10
Asian	8	5	4	6	7	6
Black/African American	20	20	12	111	93	77
Hispanic or Latino	44	38	43	33	26	26
Nat Hawaiian/Pacific Islander	0	1	1	1	1	0
Nonresident Alien	1	1	0	2	2	3
Two or More Races	17	16	14	13	6	7
Unknown	5	4	6	30	28	23
White	403	392	321	440	362	317

Source: UNCW Institutional Research

Measure 1 (Initial) Completer Effectiveness: Impact on P-12 learning and development (CAEP Standard R4.1)

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) tracks teacher candidates' progress from enrollment in educator preparation programs through their initial three years as beginning teachers. This data is accessible to the public through NCDPI's EPP Performance Dashboard. Here, users can easily explore and compare various outcome metrics, such as student growth, for candidates and completers of educator preparation programs (EPPs) across the state. 

NCDPI reports the performance of beginning teachers in terms of their impact on student growth. This data is collected from the NC Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS). Teachers receive a rating of does not meet, meet, or exceed based on their contribution to the expected level of student-learning growth. The score is based on an analysis of student assessment data, including End of Grade (EOG) and End of Course (EOC) assessments, Career and Technical Education Post-Assessments, and the Measures of Student Learning – over time.  

To view the results of UNCW’s recent graduates, visit NCDPI’s EPP Performance Dashboard for Impact on Student Growth and navigate to the “By EPP” graph in the center of dashboard. Select UNCW to filter all data on the dashboard to display results for UNCW. In the top left, the “Overall” graph displays the percentage of graduates meeting or exceeding student growth in the year displayed. Just below the Overall graph is the By Year graph. This displays the year-over-year results of candidates meeting or exceeding student growth. To compare UNCW results with those of other institutions, unselect UNCW from the By EPP graph.  

Measure 1 (Initial) Completer Effectiveness: Completer effectiveness in applying professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions (CAEP Standard R4.1)

The NC Educator Evaluation System (NCEES) collects teacher effectiveness evaluation data for beginning teachers.  Educator Evaluation instruments are based on the Framework for 21st Century Learning and the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards (NCPTS). These instruments are designed to assess effective leadership, quality teaching, and student learning while enhancing professional practice and leading to improved instruction. 

School administrators evaluate teachers against the NCPTS criteria, ranging from “developing” to “distinguished.” New teachers in their first three years of teaching may initially receive lower ratings as they learn and develop new skills and knowledge.  

The NCDPI EPP Performance Dashboard presents teacher effectiveness evaluation data, comparing UNCW beginning teachers and their counterparts trained elsewhere in North Carolina. Notably, differences in average performance ratings between UNCW and other NC-prepared beginning teachers are generally negligible. Over the three years of data, at least 96% of UNCW beginning teachers have demonstrated proficiency or higher across all standards, surpassing the "Developing" benchmark. 

To access UNCW's specific evaluation results, visit the EPP Performance Dashboard for Teaching Performance and select UNCW in the "By EPP" graph. This will tailor the displayed data to UNCW's performance. For statewide comparisons with other institutions, simply deselect UNCW. 

 

Measure 2 (Initial): Satisfaction of employers and stakeholder involvement (CAEP Standard R4.2|R5.3|RA.4.1)

 Each year, employer satisfaction data is collected through the NC Employer Survey (NCES), an important tool for assessing the performance of first-year teachers. School principals and administrators complete this survey for each new teacher in their school, evaluating their effectiveness in teaching tasks relative to other first-year teachers. The survey comprises 21 items aligned with the NC Professional Teaching Standards (NCPTS). 

Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) receive comprehensive annual reports based on this survey. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) tracks cohorts of EPP completers through various employment milestones, starting from initial licensure to their fourth year of teaching in an NC public school. 

UNCW graduates are consistently rated comparably with graduates from other EPPs. Over three years, on average, 94% of UNCW graduates are rated as comparable to or more effective than other first-year teachers. To access the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) data, visit the EPP Dashboard for Employer Satisfaction with Preparation. Select UNCW in the "By EPP" graph to view UNCW-specific results. The "By Response" bar graph on the left side of the dashboard illustrates overall effectiveness ratings, while the "By Survey Year" section provides year-over-year comparisons. To compare UNCW's performance with that of other institutions across the state, simply deselect UNCW. 

Measure 2 (Advanced): Satisfaction of employers and stakeholder involvement (CAEP Standard R4.2|R5.3|RA.4.1)

The Department of Public Instruction deploys an annual survey of Principals to all North Carolina public schools. UNCW graduates were rated as comparable to those of peer institutions. When the dashboard data is disaggregated for graduate (advanced) completers, UNCW shows that 89% of responses indicate a rating of comparable or better effectiveness than those prepared at other NC EPPs. To access the data, visit the EPP Employer Satisfaction Dashboard. Select UNCW in the “By EPP” graph to view UNCW-specific results. Then, select Grad in the “By Degree” section to disaggregate for graduate completers.

 

Measure 3 (Initial): Candidate competency at completion (CAEP Standard R3.3)

Our initial level programs use multiple measures to determine candidate competency. The data tables and links below provide a summary of this data.

Licensure Exams

The NC State Board of Education requires teacher candidates to successfully complete one or more standardized exams measuring content and pedagogical knowledge to qualify for a North Carolina teaching license. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction collects and maintains data on teacher licensure on the EPP Performance Dashboard for Licensure Exams. This dashboard contains licensure exam pass rates for edTPA, Pearson, PPAT, and Praxis II exams. It allows the public to explore pass rates and compare results with those of other institutions across the state. The last 3 years of data (2021, 2022, & 2023) show that UNCW candidate's overall pass rates are comparable to or exceed the licensure exam pass rates of candidates at other North Carolina EPPs.

To access the licensure exam pass rates for UNCW, please refer to the EPP Performance Dashboard for Licensure Exams. Navigate to the "By EPP" graph at the center of the page and select UNCW from the list of EPPs. This action will filter all graphs on the dashboard to display data specific to UNCW. The pass rate percentage based on the best attempt is presented at the upper left corner of the dashboard. The "By Year" graph illustrates pass rates categorized by year and attempt. To further customize the data, utilize the buttons at the top of the dashboard to specify particular exams and/or adjust the slide bar to view data from specific years. To conduct a comparative analysis between UNCW and other North Carolina institutions, deselect "UNCW" from the "By EPP" graph.

edTPA

The edTPA is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment that UNCW teacher candidates complete during their internship semester. This assessment consists of three tasks focused on one cycle of instruction in which teacher candidates plan 3-5 lessons (Task 1:  Planning), video record themselves teaching those 3-5 lessons (Task 2: Instruction), and analyze work students complete as part of the lessons (Task 3: Assessment). The edTPA is scored by nationally trained professional educators (outside of UNCW) using rubrics specific to each content area. Effective September 1, 2019, all candidates seeking a North Carolina licensure recommendation must have a passing edTPA score as noted: 

• 15-rubric handbooks, a score of 38
• 13-rubric handbooks, a score of 32
• 18-rubric handbooks, a score of 45

Pass rates for UNCW candidates are similar to pass rates for candidates statewide. UNCW programs monitor pass rates in their content areas as part of UNCW’s annual program assessment process to identify any individual program needs for actions for improvement. Actions for improvement have included developing program-specific additional resources, embedding edTPA tasks in courses, and making other curriculum changes to support candidate success.

To access UNCW's edTPA licensure exam pass rates, navigate to the EPP Performance Dashboard for Licensure Exams. Select UNCW from the "By EPP" graph in the dashboard's center. Using the "Choose Exam Type" buttons at the top of the dashboard, select edTPA. This will filter all graphs to display UNCW's edTPA data. To compare with other EPPs across the state, simply deselect UNCW. 

 CPAST (midterm & final)

In Spring 2020, UNCW's Watson College of Education adopted the Candidate Pre-Service Assessment of Student Teaching (CPAST) to assess all teacher candidates. The CPAST is a valid and reliable formative and summative assessment designed by university supervisors, P-12 partner teachers, and interns during the internship to assess the demonstration of pedagogy and dispositions. The CPAST assessment has two subscales: Pedagogy (13 rows) and Dispositions (8 rows), detailed descriptors of observable, measurable behaviors for each of the 21 rows comprise the CPAST rubric to guide scoring decisions. Collectively, the rubric represents the content knowledge and pedagogical skills that candidates must demonstrate before being recommended for licensure at the end of their programs.

Candidates undergo evaluations at the midpoint and end of each semester, with the expectation that candidate performance will improve by the final evaluation. Scores are assigned for each of the 21 rubric rows using 3 points for “Exceeds Expectations,” 2 points for “Meets Expectations, 1 point for “Emerging,” and 0 points for “Does Not Meet Expectations.” The benchmark for scores is a “2”. 

Average scores for UNCW and all other NC candidates have consistently demonstrated growth from midterm to final evaluation. Average scores for UNCW and all other NC candidates have also consistently improved over time and exceeded the benchmark of “2”, “Meets Expectations”. The CPAST is administered each semester (fall and spring), but for the purposes of comparison, the table below shows only spring data when UNCW has the larger intern population.  

 

Average CPAST scores at Mid-term and Final

	UNCW Average Rubric Score	State Average Rubric Score
Spring 2021 Midterm Average	1.92	2.11
Spring 2021 Final Average	2.53	2.58
Spring 2022 Midterm Average	1.89	2.13
Spring 2022 Final Average	2.49	2.59
Spring 2023 Midterm Average	1.90	data not available as of April 2024
Spring 2023 Final Average	2.47	data not available as of April 2024

Source: WCE Office of Assessment, Accreditation, and Data Operations

Measure 3 (Advanced): Candidate competency at completion (CAEP Standard R3.3)

All Advanced Program completers are eligible to apply for an advanced professional educator's license through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The data displayed in the table below shows the number of Advanced Program completers who were recommended and who applied for an advanced license in NC.

Advanced program completers recommended for licensure.

	2020-2021	2021-2022	2022-2023
Number of Advanced Program Completers	74	79	70
Number of Advanced Program Completers Recommended for Licensure	74	79	70

Source: WCE Office of Assessment, Accreditation, and Data Operations

Data for completer competency at completion has historically been collected using assessments that do not meet CAEP’s sufficiency criteria for valid and reliable data. To ensure adequate and actionable data for each advanced program, UNCW is implementing plans to collect this data. Plans include a set of rubrics to assess advanced program professional skills and applications of specialized content. Reports will be added here as they become available. 

Measure 4 (Initial and Advanced): Ability of completers to be hired in education positions for which they have prepared.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) collects data on the employment of graduates from each NC EPP and provides these data to the public via the EPP Performance Dashboard for Initial Employment. This dashboard allows users to view the percentage of UNCW graduates who are employed in NC public schools within three years of teaching and compare it to other EPPs in North Carolina. To view employment data for UNCW graduates, select UNCW from the “By EPP” graph. The filters at the top of the dashboard can be used to view employment rates by cohort. The “By Completion Year” graph displays the selected cohort employment rate at years 1, 2, and 3 after program completion. To view graduate (advanced) completers, select grad in the “By Degree” graph. This data can be compared with other institutions across the state by unselecting UNCW.  

The NCDPI shares employment data with EPPs annually each spring. These data include employment placement details for all UNCW Watson College of Education graduates including those who completed Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral programs. The data below is an overview of where our graduates are employed and the position types our graduates hold in the NC Public School or Charter School system.

Positions Held by Initial and Advanced Program Completers

Initial and Advanced completers currently employed in NC Public Schools

Position Type	Number of Positions Held
Assistant Principal	164
Assistant Superintendent	9
Classroom Teacher	3931
Director and/or Supervisor	97
Instructional Support	491
Principal	147
Psychologists	20
Superintendent	6

Positions Held by Advanced Program Completers