no graduates (Zeichner, 2000). Surveys have also compared longevity in the teaching field for Alverno alumnae with graduates of other programs.

Wisconsin currently requires that students admitted into its teacher education programs pass a basic skills test. Alverno also has developed its own assessments for reading, listening, writing, speaking, and quantitative literacy through four levels, and these are required for graduation. Entering the classroom requires endorsement from the institution from which one graduates. Alverno uses successful completion of field experiences and course requisites and its many formal and informal assessments of students as the basis for warranting readiness to teach.

In 2004 the state of Wisconsin will require candidates for teaching positions to present portfolios demonstrating their performance in relation to several professional teaching standards. Candidates who pass the portfolio review will be granted provisional licenses to teach for three to five years while pursuing professional development goals related to the standards. The portfolios are meant to comprise performance assessments compiled near the time of graduation. In addition, the state’s standards make provision for a yet-to-be-specified content examination.