How EPiC™ Helps Programs Demonstrate Quality to Stakeholders

For Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), demonstrating quality is more than meeting compliance checkboxes—it’s about showing candidates, faculty, accrediting bodies, and community partners that the program prepares teachers who are classroom-ready from day one. The EPiC™ Key Assessment was built with that goal in mind.

Evidence-First™ Scoring for Accuracy

Traditional rubric-based scoring often leaves room for interpretation. EPiC disrupts that model with Evidence-First™ scoring, where evaluators “mark” concrete evidence of teaching practices. This ensures that feedback is reliable, transparent, and anchored in what was actually included in the candidate's portfolio submission or observed directly in the classroom. Stakeholders can trust that the data reflects authentic performance, not subjective impressions.

Multiple Measures for a Complete Picture

Certifying teacher candidates is a complex process, and no single measure can fully capture it. EPiC incorporates multiple measures—capstone assessment, classroom observations, self-assessment, lesson planning rubric, and technology integration inventory—so programs can demonstrate candidate competence across the full teaching spectrum. For stakeholders, this approach signals both rigor and balance in the evaluation of candidates.

Alignment with Accreditation Standards

The EPiC Key Assessment aligns with the expectations of leading accrediting organizations, including CAEP, NASDTEC, AAQEP, AACTE, and NCATE. By integrating standards-based evidence into the assessment process, EPPs can show accrediting bodies that candidates are evaluated against nationally recognized benchmarks for teacher readiness. This not only streamlines accreditation reviews but also builds confidence with external partners.

Real-Time Data for Program Improvement

EPiC isn’t just about candidate performance—it’s about program accountability and growth. With multiple dashboards, EPPs can do more than track EPiC assessment results. Programs gain access to a classroom evaluation tool, professional development tracking, and practice modules for EPiC™, all designed to strengthen candidate preparation and support faculty oversight. These tools allow programs to monitor trends, disaggregate data, and share timely insights with stakeholders—demonstrating both effectiveness and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Candidate Readiness as Proof of Quality

At the heart of every stakeholder conversation is one central question: Are teacher candidates ready for the classroom? EPiC provides the evidence to answer with confidence. By tying candidate outcomes directly to instructional effectiveness and student learning, programs can showcase not only compliance but also impact.

✅ Takeaway: EPiC equips programs with the evidence, alignment, and reporting tools needed to prove their quality to stakeholders—from accreditation boards to local districts—while also driving lasting improvement for candidates and programs alike.