Master Texas Educator Standards For School Librarians
Candidate knowledge and skills to meet Texas Educator Standards
Objective
Candidate Knowledge, Skills, And Dispositions
Candidates will demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and dispositions by successfully completing the TExES School Librarian (150) test that is designed to assess examinees according to the prescribed domains that include the following: Domain I - Teaching, Learning, and the School Library Environment; Domain II - Program Management, Leadership, and Connections to the Community; and Domain III - Librarianship, Information Science, and Technology.
Indicator
TExES
All candidates seeking school librarian certification must take the TExES (Texas Examination of Educator Standards) for school librarians. This exam directly corresponds to the state content competencies that are designed to measure the candidates' level of mastery as it relates to the field. Results of candidate scores on the TExES test for school librarians determine the pass rate for each testing period.
Criterion
TExES Scores
Candidates will pass the TExES Exam for School Librarian, and 80% of candidates will succeed upon their first effort. A scaled score of 240 is required for passing. The overall pass rate, with those who have to retake the exam, will exceed 90% of candidates.
In 2011-2012, we barely made the 80% first effort success; thus, the 80% criterion will remain for 2012-2013. We developed a webinar intervention to accompany a practice pretest and are eager to determine whether it iimpacts knowledge and scores. We also hope to see higher knowledge and skills scores in the areas of literacy and reading as well as program management and administration, slightly weaker areas last year, although still acceptable scores.
Finding
TExES Results
Pass rates for all TExES 150 School Librarian exams taken by SHSU graduates and graduate students from July 1, 2012 - July 1, 2013 were as follows: First attempt 73% passing; Best attempt 88% passing.
Action
TExES Online Study Session
In the future, the Department wants to increase the first attempt pass rate to 80%.The Department is piloting an interactive online platform to engage graduates and graduate candidates in a study session with materials related to the TExES examination. This is in addition to the required pretest.
Goal
Portfolio Demonstrating Mastery Of Standards
Library science candidates prepare a final assessment portfolio for the MLS to demonstrate mastery and competence standards adopted by the field.
Objective
Candidate Preparedness
Candidates will demonstrate mastery of their knowledge, skills, and dispositions gained in the Library Science program on the final assessment of portfolio. The portfolio is governed by the ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians (2010). The five standards include: Standard 1 - Teaching for Learning; Standard 2 - Literacy and Reading; Standard 3 - Information and Knowledge; Standard 4 - Advocacy and Leadership; and Standard 5 - Program Management and Administration.
Indicator
Final Assessment Portfolio
Every graduate program requires a final product for its course of study. The Department of Library Science has determined that the electronic portfolio is currently the best method of providing evidence that the candidate is prepared for the world of school librarianship. The electronic portfolio is designed for candidates to demonstrate through artifacts and reflection their completion and mastery of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards.
The candidate must meet acceptable or target evaluations of their final assessment portfolio. Professors review the portfolios using rubrics developed by faculty for this purpose.
Criterion
Pass Rates For Portfolio
All students will obtain an assessment of either acceptable or target as indicated by department rubrics on the final portfolio. The desired ratio is 30% Acceptable and 70% Target, which is the higher score. This ratio has been adjusted to better reflect and provide a more realistic goal as a result of the 2011-2012 results.
Finding
Portfolio Pass Rates Results
Pass rates for Portfolio for 2012-2013 were as follows: 0% Unacceptable; 14% Acceptable; and 86% Target.
Action
Portfolio Discussion In Regards To ALA/AASL Standards
More course discussions surrounding the ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians (2010)* and how assignments are related to those standards and their elements. In doing so, the graduate candidates will be encouraged to make authentic decisions as they create artifacts for assignments that may be included in their Portfolio.
*The ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians were developed by American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).