PRAXIS Webinar

1. PRAXIS Webinar Library Science PRAXIS Testing Impact on Pennsylvania Celeste DiCarlo Nalwasky, Ph.D. January 31, 2008 Chester County School Librarians Chester County Intermediate Unit

2. PRAXIS Webinar Celeste DiCarlo Nalwasky, Ph.D. Chair, Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Professional Standards Committee

3. Overview What is the PRAXIS? • It is a national standardized test to measure knowledge in certification areas for teachers. • The test began around 1985. • Professionals were asked for questions that they thought every school library media should know.

4. Enter No Child Left Behind • Every state was required to hire highly qualified teachers for subject areas. • Irony – School library media specialists presently do not fall under the highly qualified requirements. • Rationale: If students were to be taught by highly qualified teachers, then these teachers must have the credentials.

5. Enter No Child Left Behind • To satisfy the requirements of NCLB quickly, PA allowed anyone who could pass the PRAXIS in a subject area, to be certified in that area. • The sciences were the springboard to our present situation. • Within the science area there are many certifications, which could not be crossed over by those having the background, such as chemistry and biology.

6. Enter No Child Left Behind • We began seeing PRAXIS only school librarians shortly after this was implemented. • Of course, those trained in traditional programs became upset. • There were students from traditional programs unable to pass the test.

7. Enter No Child Left Behind • Then teachers began taking tests so that they could have many certifications added to certificates. • Library science certification was perceived by some to be easy. • My first encounter with a “PRAXIS Wonder” involved a young man who took many subject area tests and applied for school library positions.

8. The Word Gets Out • Traditionally certified school librarians in PA, as well as those studying in traditional programs protested loudly. • Some of you may recall the dialogue on the ACCESS PA listserv sometime in 2005? • PSLA Position Statement on Professional Responsibilities in Pennsylvania School Libraries http://www.psla.org/association/staffingposstat.php4

9. Reading Specialists • They began a campaign to disallow PRAXIS only certification. • Almost any elementary teacher who taught reading was able to pass the test and become certified as a reading specialist. • A postcard campaign was conducted. • The timing was right in Harrisburg. • They succeeded!

10. PSLA Follows Their Lead • A plan was formulated. • The PSLA Professional Standards Committee was given the charge. • A survey was constructed and sent through the ACCESS PA Schools Listserv. • The results are still being tabulated, but we know much more than we did.

11. Several Meetings Held in Harrisburg • With the preliminary information that we tabulated, PSLA representatives held several meetings in Harrisburg • The timing could not have been worse. • John Emerick and Barbara Cole retired. • Division of School Libraries was taken from the State Library began to be shuffled within the Department of Education.

12. On Hold • The work to try to rescind is on hold. • The work to gather the data is continuing. • The interpretation of that data is heartening.

13. The Survey Data • We have heard from school districts in about 50% of the PA School Districts. • Almost ALL school librarians passing the PRAXIS are presently enrolled in traditional school library media programs.

14. The Survey Data • Less than 10 school librarians with PRAXIS certification stated that they did not intend to enroll in library science courses . • Many PRAXIS only certified school librarians only took the test before finishing their degrees or certification programs because their school districts wanted them to gain their certification as soon as possible.

15. Meeting Staffing Needs • Are there enough school librarians being trained to satisfy needs? • Most library science graduates are easily finding positions within PA. • Most progressive school districts will not interview PRAXIS only trained school librarians. • School districts want dynamic school librarians who are dynamic teachers.

16. School Districts Rationale • “Grow Your Own” philosophy • Effective Teachers Make Effective Teacher Librarians • Contractual issues play a part – “I have the right to bid for this job.” • “We already have in place a school librarian who can teach this person to check out materials.”

17. Generalizations Thus Far • Those who matriculated in a formal program, commented on their lack of understanding of PRAXIS only school librarians performing in all facets of the expected competencies. • PRAXIS only certification issues are prevalent in the wealthiest to poorest, urban/suburban to rural, and applicant rich and applicant poor school districts. • Only one school district indicated a lack of applicants for a position that has gone unfilled.

18. Generalizations Thus Far 4. Those school librarians practicing with PRAXIS only certification seem to think that they are able to perform adequately and give adequate service. 5. Not one of the school librarians making additional comments related the PSLA Companion to PDE 428 as the standard for school librarian performance. Do they know that it exists?

19. We Need You! • How can you help this issue and others? • Become a member of PSLA • Join a committee and become active • All of the work of PSLA is done by volunteers • I often say, “I learned more by giving my time to PSLA than I did in any formal program including my Ph.D.” • You will create a network for deep learning better than any that you can find anywhere. The ACCESS PA listserv attests to this. • Your profession needs you!

20. Communicate With Me! • Phone: 724.942.1115 (Home) • Cell: 412.915.5236 • Fax: 866.385.0472 • Email: cnalwasky@comcast.net • Snail: 229 Roscommon Place McMurray PA 15317