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. Last year, we had 100% attain the goal; however, a weakness in Professional Knowledge and Leadership emerged. We are eager to determine if our more focused approach improves this area.
Finding
Candidates' Reading Specialist TExES Scores
100% of students taking the Reading Specialist exam passed with a score that exceeds the state mean. There was no weakness shown in Professional Knowledge and Leadership.
Action
Candidates' Reading Specialist TExES Exam
Reading graduate faculty will continue to focus on Professional Knowledge and Leadership. We will monitor exam scores to look for strengths and weaknesses.
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
International Reading Association Standards For Reading Specialists.
Candidates Will Demonstrate Proficiencies Of The International Reading Association Standards For Reading Specialists.
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 85% On The Rubric Rated By Faculty Members.
The reading faculty divide the standards among them (two faculty members per standard) to score the portfolios. The weakness that emerged was in Professional Learning and Leadership. We anticipate that our intense focus in this area will improve scores.
Finding
Portfolio Assessment
All candidates mastered the IRA Standards at 85% or better as indicated on the Portfolio Rubric.
Action
Portfolio Assessment
The Portfolio Rubric will be changed to more accurately reflect the requirements of the new online portfolio. We will change the criteria to "All students will score at least a '1' (acceptable) on all standards."