Two CSC faculty participate in prestigious study

In January of this year, Dr. Jesse Sealey, assistant professor in education, participated in an Educational Testing Service study hosted at the Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center on the outskirts of Princeton, N.J

In September, Dr. Yvonne Moody, professor in applied sciences, had the same opportunity.

All of their expenses for the two-day study were covered by ETS.

The Praxis II is a discipline-specific test taken after the professional education semester commonly known as “block”. The results provide school districts with an idea of the candidates' strengths when they are hiring.

The Praxis I is required for all education majors to enter "block" and be accepted in the teacher education program at CSC. It can be taken after or during the Observation and Participation course. It covers reading and math - including an essay portion.

“We worked hard but they made sure we were rested and nourished. They spared no expense for the comfort and ease of the participants. The center was located in a secluded area near rolling, manicured walking trails ad they encouraged us to use the trails,” Moody said.

The CSC educators’ task was to assess the questions on their respective tests – Sealey with PRAXIS I and Moody with PRAXIS II – and then, with their colleagues, attempt to achieve a balance.

“Our goal was to make the test not so difficult that qualified candidates will fail, but hard enough that others, who are unprepared, don't slip through and pass,” Sealey said.

There were 50 people in his group, including representatives from testing agencies and college professors. Sealey provided feedback and offered to serve as an item contributor later, which means he would repeat a similar process becoming more involved in the actual wording and design of the individual questions.

"It was an honor, very eye-opening. So much goes into it – this test decides the future of our students," Sealey said.

The two CSC faculty members were recommended by the Nebraska State Department of Education through their respective deans – Dr. Margaret Crouse for Sealey and Dr. Joel Hyer for Moody.

Crouse said, “Chadron State College professors are well respected within the college and state as quality experts within their fields.  Being selected by ETS to assist with the exam development and verification is an honor and verifies their value to education in Nebraska.”

While at the ETS study, Moody and Sealey provided individual feedback and worked in groups to consider the questions from different perspectives and especially from the viewpoint of the teacher candidate eventually taking the test. The goal is to have pertinent and relevant questions on the exam.

"It was a fascinating process to be the guinea pig and know that you are the guinea pig. It also gave me time to talk with colleagues," Moody said.

“It was a very impressive process and facility. We were sworn to secrecy and no cell phones were allowed. It was an honor and a burden of responsibility," Moody said. She added that results of tests were available for review almost immediately after they were completed.

Sealey said, "We’re used to talking students about it and that they need to do well - it’s important. Testing isn't going away - if anything, it will become more stringent."

Kristen Burnett, a CSC graduate from the family and consumer science program living in Wyoming, also participated in the study.