OATdb Archive

2012 - 2013

Reading MED (Reading Specialist)

Goal
Quality And Effectiveness
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 and will achieve a score of at least 80% on each of the four domains.

Finding
Reading MED (Reading Specialist Exam)
100% of students that took the Reading Specialist exam passed with a score that exceeds the state mean and achieved a score of 80% on each of the four domains.

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
Candidate Scores: 4 (exceptional) On Each Of Six Standards
The reading faculty divide the standards among them (two faculty members per standard) to score the portfolios. Candidates must achieve a score of 4 (exceptional) on each standard. 


Finding
Reading MED (Reading Specialist Portfolio)
Candidates in the Reading Masters program achieved a passing score on the portfolio, though they did not all achieve a score of 4 (exceptional).

Action
Reading MED (Reading Specialist Exam)
The Reading faculty will continue to support candidates and ensure that all standards are covered in our reading courses.

Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement
The reading faculty has accomplished all of its objectives for the year. Because all objectives have been met, we feel our program has been strengthened.  All candidates passed the Reading Specialist TExES Exam; and all students scored at least 85% on their Masters Portfolios. Our goal for the Reading Specialist TExES Exam was for 100% of candidates to pass the TExES Exam for the Reading Specialist, particularly addressing all Domains so that scores are above the state mean. This goal was met. In addition, faculty  implemented a virtual orientation for new students to cover portfolio requirements, and faculty  incorporated activities and assignments related to Domain IV throughout the sequence of courses.

Plan for continuous improvement The reading faculty has accomplished all of its objectives for the year. Because all objectives have been met, we feel our program has been strengthened. We will strive towards meeting all of our objectives. The objectives that were met are as follows: All candidates passed the Reading Specialist TExES Exam; and all students scored at least 85% on their Masters Portfolios. For next year, we are going to raise the standard for the Masters Portfolio, so that our goal will be for all students to score at least 90% on their Masters Portfolios. Our goal for the Reading Specialist TExES Exam will be for 100% of candidates to pass the TExES Exam for the Reading Specialist, particularly addressing all Domains so that scores are above the state mean. In addition, faculty will continue  implementing a virtual orientation for new students to cover portfolio requirements, and faculty will incorporate activities and assignments related to Domain IV throughout the sequence of courses

Sam Houston State University | A Member of The Texas State University System