Frequently Asked Questions About PI-34
Certification in Wisconsin According to PI 34, "to receive a license to teach in Wisconsin, an applicant shall complete an approved program and demonstrate proficient performance in the knowledge, skills and dispositions" related to 10 teacher standards. There are similar standards for administrators and a third set for pupil services professionals.
For each standard, a set of knowledge and performance indicators describe the knowledge, skills and dispositions that students must demonstrate. To see the UWM teacher, administrator, and pupil services standards
click here.
What do the terms "knowledge," "skill" and "disposition" mean? According to PI 34, "knowledge" means having the understanding of and ability to communicate the basic concepts of a field of study. "Content knowledge" means understanding the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of a subject area. "Pedagogical knowledge" means an understanding of learning, human development, professional ethics, motivational techniques, cultural and individual differences, instructional strategies, classroom management, and assessment strategies that have an impact on the learner.
Although not specifically defined in PI 34, "skill" means the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. "Disposition" means an habitual tendency or inclination to act in a certain way under certain conditions.
How will students demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions associated with the UWM standards? PI 34 requires that the student attainment of the standards be assessed developmentally over time in multiple courses or field experiences. Syllabi and field experience documents will indicate the standard(s) that are to be assessed. Performance indicators will describe the evidence that students must provide. Evidence includes exam grades, essays, video tapes of teaching, oral presentations, samples of children's or adolescents' work, personal reflections, lesson plans, evaluations of supervisors, etc.
What is a Portfolio? Each student will be required to keep a portfolio of evidence to document progress toward the eight standards. The portfolio is developmental and will be reviewed at several points during a student's program to insure that appropriate progress is being made. The portfolio will be used to determine final recommendations for certification.
What are Content Tests? The state of Wisconsin requires a content test for license applicants. Prospective math teachers take a math test, prospective English teachers take an English test, et cetera. Elementary education majors take a single test covering language arts, math, science and social studies. Students should consult an adviser or program director about the nature of the tests that are required.
What licensing levels will be available? PI 34 has resulted in changes in license categories and titles:
Early Childhood level means the approximate ages of birth through 8. This category is used for the Early Childhood, PreK through grade3 program at UWM.
Early Childhood through Middle Childhood level means the approximate ages of birth through 11.
Middle childhood through early adolescence level means the approximate ages of 6 through 12 or 13. This category is used for the Primary/Middle, grades 1 through 8 program at UWM.
Early adolescence through adolescence level means the approximate ages of 10 through 21. This category is used for the Middle/Secondary, grades 6 through 12, program at UWM.
