Across all initial teacher licensure programs, candidates will encounter programmatic assessments at each gateway, during which they will be assessed in a number of ways.

Specifically, programmatic assessments provide candidates with an opportunity to synthesize their learning and to demonstrate their knowledge in direct relation to practice (their own and others').

The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires multiple "assessment gateways "across any initial teacher licensure program and requires that all students, no matter the program, engage with the assessments at their gateways. Our SOE assessment system is designed to be in line with these DESE requirements. More importantly, the programmatic assessments are designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to reflect on and synthesize their learning and to receive important feedback on this learning. When necessary, programmatic assessments also provide the opportunity for the SOE to provide needed supports for areas where a candidate may be struggling.

I. GATEWAY REVIEW PROCESS

Gateway Reviews assess readiness to progress into the next phase of the Integrated program. Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s students are required to complete three Gateway Reviews throughout the course of the program. Directions on how to prepare for and complete each assessment will be sent to your Salem State email address at least one month prior to the assessment. The following describes what to expect during each review.

Gateway Review I takes place upon completion of all introductory/foundational coursework. At this time, determination is made regarding students’ eligibility for progression in an initial licensure program. GPA and passing of the MTELs, Communication and Literacy: Reading and Communication and Literacy: Writing, will be considered during this review as well as interview, writing sample, and work habits reference from a faculty member. Junior year spring semester is the first of three official reviews. The other two official reviews take place during fall and spring semesters of senior year. Each of these three official reviews considers the following five areas of progress.

1. Programmatic Assessments and Flex week

2. GPA and Education Course Requirements

3. Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)

4. Assessment of Professional Dispositions (APDs)

5. Field hours and field performance