Enhance the quality and effectiveness of the academic programs
Objective
Standards Of Proficiency
Graduate Reading Specialist candidates will meet or exceed the established standards of proficiency in the knowledge and skills required for Texas Reading Specialist Certification.
Indicator
Candidates' Reading Specialist TExES Scores
Candidates will successfully pass all domains of the Texas Reading Specialist certification examination, a standardized test developed by Educational Testing Service.
Criterion
TExES Reading Specialist Scores
100% of students taking the Reading Specialist exam will pass with a score that exceeds the state mean.
Finding
TExES Reading Specialist Scores
Data indicates that 100% of test-takers passed the TExES Exam for Reading Specialist Certification, although not all were above the state mean in fall 2009. The average was above the state mean in spring 2010. In fall 2009, Domains I and IV were below the state mean. In spring 2010, Domains III and IV were below the state mean.
Action
TExES Reading Specialist Scores
Faculty will continue to monitor test scores to ensure 100% of candidates pass the TExES Exam for Reading Specialists. Although all students passed, in August of 2009, mean program scores from SHSU were 267, while the state mean score was 269. Our goal is for scores to be above the state mean in the 2010-2011 school year. Faculty will analyze test scores and look for areas of strengths and weaknesses to ensure that all students score above the state mean. At first glance, Domains I, III, and IV appear to be the weakest areas that will be addressed.
Goal
International Reading Association Standards Proficiency
Knowledge and skills standards were developed by the International Reading Association, the premier professional organization in the field.
Objective
Candidates Will Demonstrate Proficiencies Of The International Reading Association Standards For Reading Specialists.
The proficiencies of the International Reading Association were developed by leaders in the profession and represent the knowledge and skills base needed by Reading Specialists in the field.
Indicator
Portfolio Rubric
Candidates create a portfolio that demonstrates their proficiency in each standard through work samples and reflection. See attached rubric.
Criterion
Candidates Will Score 80% On The Rubric Rated By Faculty Members.
The reading faculty divide the standards among them (two faculty members per standard) to score the portfolios.
Finding
Portfolio Assessment
All candidates scored at least 80% on their Masters Portfolios (100%).
Action
Portfolio Assessment
Faculty will work on improving the rubric to more effectively evaluate student portfolios. Faculty will review course assignments to make sure they address all the standards.