Introduction
Claflin University is a progressive, independent,
liberal arts, co-educational, historically Black institution that is affiliated
with the United Methodist Church. As the oldest Historically Black College or University
(HBCU) in the state of South Carolina, the vision of Claflin University is to “be
recognized as one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the United States
also offering select graduate programs. To that end, the University commits to a
concept of excellence in teaching, research, creative expression and service in
which students, faculty, staff and administrators drive the quality of educational
opportunities toward being the best of the best.” Claflin’s historic 43-acre campus
is located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on the site formerly occupied by the Orangeburg
Female Academy. A city of 15,000, Orangeburg is located 40 miles south of Columbia,
South Carolina.
In 2005 Claflin University’s student enrollment was approximately 1,600 undergraduate,
graduate and continuing education students. The University is currently accredited
by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Association of Collegiate
Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the National Council for the Accreditation
of Teacher Education (NCATE). U.S. News & World Report,
2004, ranks Claflin
number eight in the “Top Ten” and number one “Best Value” categories among Southern
Comprehensive Colleges for students working towards a bachelor’s degree, in its
Guidebook to American’s Best Colleges.
As a part of the current strategic direction, Claflin’s four Divisions have been
transformed into Schools. Currently Claflin University’s four Schools offer programs
of study in over 30 major areas with an additional 22 minor areas that include eight
programs that lead to initial certification at the undergraduate level. Teacher
education programs at Claflin University include: Art Education, English Education,
Biology Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Mathematics
Education, Middle Level Education, and Music Education.
The University supports ongoing assessment of all programs and has yearly evaluation
reviews. The reviews focus on the goals, structure, performance, and needs of each
program and the program’s fit with the mission, development, strategic plans and
goals of the University. The programs are reviewed on the basis of stated criteria,
emphasizing faculty qualifications and productivity and program impact upon students
and the community. The unit assessment system at Claflin University reflects a comprehensive
system and ensures that programs meet University goals while responding to unit,
state, and professional standards. Transition points for all programs in the teacher
education unit have been identified. Assessments that measure candidate knowledge,
skills and dispositions have been identified. Rubrics have been developed and are
used for internal performance assessments. Assessment measures are continuously
examined for quality and credibility. Data from assessments are used to inform the
unit about individual candidate's ability to progress through the program and aggregated
candidate data are used to inform program changes and adjustments. The results of
unit evaluation measures are used to strengthen the programs.
Claflin University’s Teacher Education Unit Assessment and Evaluation System is
fully operational and is used to collected data on candidate outcomes and unit operations. |