Building upon a 2007 survey of local school principals employing Education, Health, and Human Services (EHHS) graduates from Kent State University (KSU), the Bureau of Research Training and Services initiated a follow-up study of principals in 2008. This study expanded upon earlier research findings by identifying graduates' strengths and weaknesses in subject matter knowledge, instructional skills, and professional attitudes, while characteristics distinguishing KSU graduates from other teacher preparation program graduates were noted. Secondly, the 2008 study examined school hiring processes from principals' perspectives, determining the importance of various candidate hiring criteria. Finally, graduates' ability to accommodate students with limited English proficiency, diverse cultural backgrounds, and disabilities was explored.
Overall, KSU graduates were commended for their mastery of subject matter knowledge, instructional skills, and professional attitudes. Principals praised graduates as strong subject matter teachers and positive school leaders. Graduates were recognized for using a variety of instructional methods, developing relevant and creative lesson plans, and adequately understanding the role of differentiated instruction in increasing student achievement. In sum, KSU graduates were distinguished from other teacher preparation program graduates by their strong subject matter mastery, leadership skills, and sense of professionalism.
Excerpt from interview with an elementary principal about KSU graduates' professional attitudes... KSU grads are recognized by their dedication to the job, to do above and beyond the normal staff hours... They're definitely the teachersthat go above and beyond to change their classrooms and theirinstruction. It's a professional attitude we'll foster with all of our staff members. I just think they are very professional people who love their jobs and they try very hard to be the best they can be at it.
Excerpt from interview with a middle school principal about KSU graduates' instructional skills... In comparing [KSU graduates with other program graduates] it seems to take a little longer sometimes for folks from other places to be able to work well in the classroom and we find that we have to transition them one period at a time so they don't have all the teaching schedule right up front. Kent students have an ability to take larger class loads than some of the others. We're always happy to get someone from Kent.
Read the complete survey with principals
