Grading

Letter grades are awarded for performance in student teaching. A student teacher’s grade is assigned through considerable evaluation of the classroom teaching performance and overall professional dispositions exhibited. The instructor of record is charged with final grade assignments after collaboration/consultation with the university supervisor and cooperating teacher(s) and analysis of the final student teaching evaluation outcomes. 

The recommended grade from cooperating teachers and university supervisors are simply recommendations. The instructor of record for the student teaching course should determine a final grade based on the summative MEES scores, cooperating teacher and university supervisor recommendations, and overall performance in student teaching. It is generally expected that the MEES score and course grade will be in alignment for each student teacher. In exceptional circumstances, these two evaluation elements may differ.

Note: Student teaching final grades are determined by program. Some programs require a B or higher as a passing grade for student teaching. Some programs require a C or higher as a passing grade for student teaching. 

A student teacher who earns an "A"

Outstanding achievement relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was of the highest level. Excellence while meeting course objectives was sustained throughout the course. Not only was the student teacher’s performance clearly and significantly above satisfactory, it was also of an independent and creative nature.

• Performs at a high level consistently
• Accomplishes more than is required
• Demonstrates superior reflective decision making skills
• Demonstrates superior professional qualities and dispositions for teaching
• Demonstrates potential for exceptional growth

A student teacher who earns a "B"

Achievement significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was very good, although not of the highest level. Performance was clearly and significantly above satisfactory fulfillment of course requirements (For undergraduate students: B = meritorious; For graduate students: B = adequate).

A student teacher who earns a “B”:

• Performs at an above average level
• Frequently accomplishes more than is required
• Demonstrates appropriate reflective decision making skills
• Demonstrates satisfactory professional qualities and dispositions for teaching
• Demonstrates potential for continued growth

A student teacher who earns a "C"

Performance was marginal in quality.  A "C" grade may or may not meet program requirements. (For some undergraduate students: C = adequate: For some undergraduate and all graduate students: C = inadequate).

A student teacher who earns a “C”:

• Some performance areas may need improvement
• Demonstrates minimal reflective decision making skills
• Demonstrates minimal professional qualities and dispositions for teaching

Failed – no credit

A failure to meet course requirements. The work of course objectives were either: 1) completed but not at a level of achievement that is worthy of credit, or 2) have not been completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student teacher that the student teacher would be awarded an “I” (incomplete).

A student teacher who earns a “D/F”:

• Performance is unsatisfactory
• Does not meet minimum student teaching requirements
• Unsatisfactory reflective decision making skills
• Unsatisfactory professional qualities and dispositions for teaching

Plus or minus grades are given at the discretion of the student teacher's program.

*PLEASE NOTE: Some programs require a "B" or higher to meet program requirements. Some programs require a "C" or higher to meet program requirements.

Note: Student teaching final grades are determined by program. Some programs require a B or higher as a passing grade for student teaching. Some programs require a "C" or higher to meet program requirements.