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.

Comprehensive Examination FAQ's

When are the comprehensive examinations offered?

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.

2013-2014 Comprehensive Exam Dates

July 12, 2013 to July 21, 2013

November 8, 2013 to November 17, 2013

March 7, 2014 to March 17, 2014

How many times may one take the examination?

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
• Fourth Attempt: Minimum wait of one year and then the next offering
• Subsequent Attempt(s): Minimum wait of one year for each unsuccessful attempt and then the next offering

Must one register for the examination?

Yes, one must pre-register for the examination by contacting the Educational Leadership office.

How does one prepare to take the examination?

Study all degree program materials and textbooks. Become familiar with referenced and supportive knowledge base resources.

What are writing presentation requirements?

• Use of only complete sentences and paragraphs, no outlines
• No contractions or trendy language
• No discriminatory language
• APA style of referencing and acronym usage
• Proper tense and personage usage

How might a sample paragraph of the examination response look?

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.

How are the examinations evaluated?

Each part (MSE) or question (Ed.S.) is evaluated and rated on a scale of 0-5 points and a derived composite score is determined for the examination. The examination is then passed to another EDAD graduate faculty member who also conducts a blind evaluation of the examination. Following the second review, the original examination is returned to the Educational Leadership Department Chair who then tabulates the composite evaluation scores for each examination based upon individual evaluation sheets provided by each EDAD Graduate Faculty evaluator.

What are suggestions while actually taking the examination?

Carefully read and follow the directions.

How often do candidates pass the examination on the first attempt?

Generally 2/3 to 3/4 of candidates pass the examination on the first attempt. There have, however, been offerings of the examination at which the opposite has occurred. 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.