Our current policy requires all initial teacher licensure candidates to attend a Writing Assessment Lab (WAL). The WAL is a comprehensive writing assessment administered as a pre-condition for admission to professional education. The purpose of the WAL is to assess written communication skills, which are important skills for a practicing teacher (writing notes for parents, letters to other teachers or the superintendent, etc.).
To complete the Writing Assessment Lab you will need the following:
1. Your Tech ID
2. Your Pin #
3. Criterion; this may be purchased through the MSU bookstore (507-389-1649)
The WAL will take approximately three hours to complete and consists of the following:
1. Online Survey
2. The Diagnostic Skills Test (DST)
3. The timed Written Essay.
The online survey will take about 5 minutes to complete and asks background information and prior experiences.
The Diagnostic Skills Test is a timed 45 minute exam that is comprised of 50 questions. Teacher candidates will not retake the DST if they fail parts or all of it. Based on your results of the diagnostic skills test you may be referred to the Center for Academic Success (CAS) and required to attend one or more grammar workshops. These workshops are provided online and face to face.
The written essay is a timed 45 minute Essay. Teacher candidates are provided with two to three writing prompts; you should choose one and only one to write on. You will need a copy of criterion to complete the written essay.
Scoring your Written Essay
Candidates are provided with analytical and holistic feedback immediately after submitting thier essay. The holistic scores range from 1 to 6 (six being the highest). Graduate assistants will further assess the writing competencies, follow-up and submit student progress, and in some cases make referrals to the Center of Academic Success in the library. Teacher candidates will be notified by email if referred and this will be indicated on your online application.
If referred, you will be required to rewrite your essay. Please contact the Center for Academic Success to schedule an appointment. All teacher candidates are provided with three attempts to successfully pass the written essay. Failure to pass the written essay on the third attempt will result in non-continuance in the professional education program.
Note: Failure to attend and complete required grammar workshop(s) or rewrite your essay if needed, will result in your application not be processed or accepted.
