Stem

Abstract

The development, field testing, and revision of a competency-based program guide and interactive evaluation system being used to train preservice teachers in special education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Studies in Behavioral Disabilities, is reviewed. The Student Teacher Evaluation Manual (STEM) was developed to coordinate requirements and expectations between field and university course work. Unique to STEM is an interactive three-way evaluation system which gives all participants, including student teachers, significant roles in the evaluation of student teacher performance. Participant satisfaction with components of STEM was surveyed. The majority of respondents indicated that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the program. STEM has been effective for a particular training program and could be used or adapted by otherprograms.