Comprehensive Examinations
The Educational Administration Program written comprehensive examinations are a degree requirement for all graduate and post graduate programs in educational administration. It constitutes a comprehensive scholarly amalgamation of one's personal and professional knowledge base in educational administration as evidenced by effective written communication skills. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required for any individual desiring a graduate degree or initial certification in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
FAQs
Comprehensive Examinations
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Yes, one must pre-register for the examination by contacting the Educational Leadership office.
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There are six (6) questions and a case study to the comprehensive examination
Each question should be responded to based upon one's field of specialization (e.g. Principal, Superintendent, School Business Administrator, Director of Instruction, Director of Special Education).
The examination consist of two parts - Part A Questions and Part B Case Study or Mathematical Problem.
The length of the examination is a maximum of 3 hours.
Questions:
1. Each question has two (2) response components:
a. "KNOWLEDGE" as a Reflective Scholar Constructivist
b. "SKILL" as a Knowledge Based Decision Maker2. Responses are assessed according to:
a. evaluation of information;
b. synthesis of information and problem solving; and,
c. analysis of information and decision making.3. Each of the six (6) questions are anchored in one of the six (6) Wisconsin Administrative Standards (WAS) Standards.
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Generally 3/4 of candidates pass the examination on the first attempt. The key to passing the examination on the first attempt is to study for the examination and practice writing. Those who take the examination lightly and do not prepare almost always end up retaking it.
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The theoretical aspects of a teacher's annual performance determination are based upon both a theoretical and summative evaluation process (Sergiovanni, 1999). Yet, realistically, teaching and curriculum are inseparable issues as suggested by Eisner in 1991. Thus, an amalgamation technique of clinical supervision of teachers (Acheson & Gall, 1992) appears to be the most efficacious model for the newly employed principal charged with improving teacher performance in the lowest achieving building in the district by the superintendent.
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- Use of only complete sentences and paragraphs, no outline
- No contractions or trendy language
- No discriminatory language
- APA style of referencing and acronym usage
- Proper tense and personage usage
- Give supporting evidence of knowledge
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Study all degree program materials and textbooks. Become familiar with referenced and supportive knowledge base resources.
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There is no limit. There are, however, time lines that one must wait to retake the examination until successful completion:
- First Attempt: Before taking the comps, one must have completed a minimum of 2/3 of the coursework in one's "certification only" program.
- Second Attempt: Next offering
- Third Attempt: Minimum wait of one semester and then the next offering
- Subsequent Attempt(s): Minimum wait of one year for each unsuccessful attempt and then the next offering
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The Educational Administration Program written comprehensive examinations are a degree requirement for all graduate and post graduate programs in educational administration. It constitutes a comprehensive scholarly amalgamation of one's personal and professional knowledge base in educational administration as evidenced by effective written communication skills. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required for any individual desiring a graduate degree or initial certification in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
The examinations are offered once during the fall and spring semesters as well as summer session during each academic year on-line through Desire 2 Learn.