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
100% of candidates who took the TExES Reading Specialist Exam passed with a score that exceeds the state mean. Strengths were in Domains I (Instruction and Assessment: Components of Literacy) and II (Instruciton and Assessment: Resources and Procedures). A weakness was seen in Domain IV (Professional Knowledge and Leadership).
Action
TExES Reading Specialist Scores
Faculty will assess test scores to ensure 100% of candidates pass the TExES Exam for Reading Specialists. Although all students passed, our goal is for scores to be above the state means in the 2011-2012 school year in all domains. Faculty will analyze test scores and look for areas of strengths and weaknesses. Faculty will incorporate activities and assignments related to Domain IV throughout the sequence of courses.
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 Rubric
100% of candidates passed the portfolio rubric with a score of 80% or above. Candidates were weakest in Standard 6.3, Professional Learning and Leadership. Strengths were in Standard 3, Assessment and Evaluation.
Action
Portfolio Rubric
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. Faculty will give a virtual orientation at the beginning of the program to ensure students are aware of the portfolio requirements..