The Performance Observation Assessment (POA) is a key evaluative instrument in the Professional Education Unit.
The Performance Outcomes Assessment Instrument is for collecting both formative and summative assessment data for candidates in teacher preparation programs at AASU. Four outcomes derived from the literature on best practice for teaching and learning, are assessed. Each outcome is defined by performance indicators. A candidate is to be rated on each indicator using the Likert scale 1 - 5. An overall mean score determines the final grade of Satisfactory Performance (S) or Unsatisfactory Performance (U) for each outcome. The Likert scale does not equate to the A,B,C,D,F, grading scale.

Rubrics define what is expected of the candidate for each indicator for each of the four domains. All ratings are to be determined by the quality of the evidence provided by the university supervisor, the LEA supervisor and/or the candidate. Evidence falls into three main categories, authentic evidence or documentation, explanations and reflections, and validation entries. Authentic evidence or documentation are things one actually did, e.g. lesson plans, teacher-made materials, photos of bulletin boards, examples of technology used or examples of differentiated instruction. Explanations and reflections are the narrative that provides context for and clarification of the authentic evidence in the artifact. Validation entries such as observations, are the third-party view of the event or product. Artifacts should accompany the assessment instrument when appropriate.

If the instrument is being used for the first time during student teaching or a paid internship, it is conceivable that a candidate could demonstrate a Basic (3) level of performance on one domain indicator and Proficient (5) performance on a different domain indicator and still earn the Satisfactory rating required to pass.

Want to see the POA in greater detail? View all 27 indicators or components of professional practice which align with our conceptual framework. You may also take a look at the POA scoring rubric . Both are in PDF format .