1.3 Conceptual Framework

The Conceptual Framework for the University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s School of Education Teacher Education Program articulates a shared vision for the preparation of educators to work effectively in P-12 schools and provides direction for curriculum, teaching, assessment, scholarship, service and accountability.  The Conceptual Framework describes the preparation program’s perspectives in preparing candidates for service and its expectations for the distinctive outcomes of its graduates.

Articulated within the Conceptual Framework is a vision for the shared work of the School of Education.  It provides the foundation for coherence among the different aspects of the preparation program for both teacher candidates and faculty by defining the priorities of the preparation program with regard to curriculum, instruction, clinical practice, scholarship and assessment.  It further defines the knowledge, skills and dispositions that support the distinctive outcomes and perspectives of the program.