Preliminary Administrative Services Program Standards

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program Standard 8: Guidance, Assistance and Feedback

PASC Program Standard 8 is met as follows:

The program has an effective system for guiding, assisting, and evaluating the candidate's performance in each field experience, with feedback provided by at least one field/clinical supervisor and one program supervisor. Our Administrative Services Credential Program is designed to ensure that each candidate receives the guidance, assistance, and evaluation they need to succeed in their field experiences. We are committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares our candidates for successful careers in educational administration.

Candidate assessment rubrics and supervisor program evaluation rubrics/ candidate evaluation rubrics are listed and described below. 

• ASC Coursework-specific Rubrics: All course projects rubrics must align with ASC Content Expectations. 

• Candidate Self-Assessment Form: Candidates self-assess using critical self-reflective criteria, which develops burgeoning leadership skills as a future school administrator.

• Candidate Evaluation of the Coach/School Site Mentor: Measures the mentorship relationship to effectively meet the candidates’ learning needs as they develop their skill sets to meet California Administrator Content Expectations and to become future school administrators.

Effective System for Guiding, Assisting, and Evaluating Candidates

We have developed a comprehensive system that includes the following:

1. Collaboration between field/clinical supervisors and program supervisors: Our program supervisors work closely with field/clinical supervisors to monitor candidate progress and ensure that feedback is consistent and relevant.

2. Regular feedback and suggestions for improvement: Candidates receive complete, accurate, and timely feedback from both their field/clinical supervisors and program supervisors. This feedback includes constructive suggestions for improvement, tailored to each candidate's specific needs.

3. Ongoing support and resources: Our program provides candidates with access to a wide range of resources and support services, ensuring they have the tools and assistance necessary to excel in their field experiences.

Implementation of CalAPA and Documentation of Administration Processes

Our program has designated faculty & staff members responsible for implementing the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) and documenting the administration processes for all CalAPA activities/cycles. These staff members are regularly trained and updated to ensure they are well-informed and equipped to support our candidates effectively. We are proud to uphold the standards set forth by the CCTC and are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for our candidates. 

Faculty and Staff Knowledge of CalAPA

The program identifies faculty & staff responsible for implementing the CalAPA and documenting its administration processes, and ensures all faculty and staff providing instructional or supervisory services are knowledgeable about the CalAPA cycles, rubrics, and scoring.

Our Administrative Services Credential Program is committed to ensuring that all faculty and staff providing instructional and supervisory services to our candidates are knowledgeable about the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA). We believe that a strong understanding of the CalAPA cycles, rubrics, and scoring is crucial for effectively preparing our candidates for the assessment and utilizing CalAPA data for program improvement purposes.

Faculty and Staff Training on CalAPA

To ensure that our faculty and staff are well-equipped to support our candidates, we have implemented the following measures:

1. Regular training sessions: We conduct regular training sessions for all faculty and staff involved in the program. These sessions cover the CalAPA cycles, rubrics, and scoring, as well as best practices for implementing the CalAPA within the program.

2. Access to resources: Our program provides faculty and staff with access to a variety of resources related to the CalAPA, including documentation, sample assessments, and scoring guides. This ensures that they have a thorough understanding of the assessment and can effectively guide candidates through the process.

3. Ongoing support and communication: We encourage open communication between faculty, staff, and program administrators to address any questions or concerns regarding the CalAPA. This collaborative approach allows for continuous learning and improvement within the program.

Designated CalAPA Staff

As mentioned, our program has designated staff members responsible for implementing the CalAPA and documenting its administration processes. These staff members are not only experts in the CalAPA but also play a vital role in training other faculty and staff on the assessment's intricacies. This ensures that everyone involved in the program is well-versed in the CalAPA and can effectively prepare and support our candidates.

Standard 8A: Administration of the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA)

The program provides opportunities for candidates to prepare for the CalAPA, with formative experiences aligned with the assessment and clear information about its tasks and passing score standard (Administrative Services Credential Handbook). 

Video Implementation and Compliance

Our Administrative Services Credential Program acknowledges the importance of video implementation as part of the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) process. We ensure that all candidates can record interactions with faculty, staff, and PK-12 students as required by the assessment. To maintain compliance with all video policies, our program takes the following steps:

1. Media release forms: We work closely with each school or district where candidates complete fieldwork to ensure that media release forms are on file for all individuals who appear in videotaped interactions. This protects the privacy and rights of all involved parties.

2. Candidate affirmation: Our program requires candidates to confirm that they have adhered to all applicable video policies for any CalAPA task requiring a video. We maintain records of this affirmation for a full accreditation cycle to ensure compliance and accountability.

CalAPA Preparation and Formative Experiences

We are committed to providing our candidates with ample opportunities to prepare for the CalAPA effectively. Our program includes:

1. Formative experiences: Candidates participate in formative experiences aligned with the CalAPA assessment, allowing them to gain practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in the assessment.

2. Clear information about tasks and passing score standard: Our program provides candidates with comprehensive information about the CalAPA tasks, scoring rubrics, and passing score standard. This helps candidates understand the assessment's expectations and requirements, allowing them to focus their preparation efforts effectively.

3. Support and resources: We offer resources and support services to assist candidates in preparing for the CalAPA, including workshops, one-on-one guidance, and access to sample assessments.

Materials and Data

Our Administrative Services Credential Program places great importance on ensuring that candidates understand the appropriate use of materials submitted as part of their CalAPA responses, the appropriate use of their individual performance data, and privacy considerations relating to the use of candidate data. We achieve this through:

1. Candidate orientation and training: We provide thorough guidance to candidates on the proper use of materials and data, emphasizing the importance of privacy and confidentiality.

2. Data management and retention: Our program maintains program level and candidate level CalAPA data, including individual and aggregate results of candidate performance over time. We retain this data for one accreditation cycle and document its use for Commission reporting, accreditation, and program improvement purposes.

Retake Appeal Process

Our program recognizes that some candidates may need to retake the CalAPA. We have established a clearly defined written appeal policy regarding CalAPA retakes, which is communicated to candidates prior to enrollment in the program. This ensures transparency and fairness in the assessment process.

Local Scoring Option

If our program opts for the local scoring option, we adhere to the CalAPA centralized scoring structure, enabling our own calibrated faculty to score candidate submissions. This ensures consistency and accuracy in assessment results.

Feedback, Remedial Assistance, and Assessor Training

Building on the previous key component, our program is committed to providing comprehensive support to candidates throughout the CalAPA process:

1. Formative feedback: We provide feedback on formative assessments and experiences in preparation for the CalAPA, addressing the candidate's competency on the domains of the California Administrator Performance Expectations.

2. Remedial assistance: Our program offers remedial assistance to candidates who are not successful on the assessment, ensuring they receive the support needed to improve their performance.

3. Credential recommendation: We recommend only those candidates who have met the passing score and all credential requirements for a preliminary administrative services credential.

4. Assessor training: Our program ensures that assessors for the CalAPA, whether centralized or local, are trained, calibrated, and selected by the assessment developer, maintaining scoring reliability throughout the process.

Our Administrative Services Credential Program is dedicated to providing a high-quality educational experience for our candidates, preparing them for successful careers in educational administration. 

Standard 8B: Candidate Preparation and Support

Our Administrative Services Credential Program is committed to providing comprehensive preparation and support to our candidates, ensuring they are well-prepared for the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA). We focus on the following key components:

Candidate Support Activities

Our program offers a range of support for candidates within the CalAPA process, as well as clear guidelines on unacceptable forms of support to maintain the integrity of the assessment. What follows is how we support candidates toward successful CalAPA completion:

• Providing candidates with access to assessment guides and explanatory materials about the CalAPA and performance expectations.

• Explaining CalAPA cycles and scoring rubrics.

• Engaging candidates in formative experiences aligned with the CalAPA.

• Providing additional support for candidates who are not successful on the assessment, focusing on understanding cycle(s), rubric(s), and resubmission processes.

• Guiding discussions about CalAPA cycles and scoring rubrics.

• Providing support documents and advice on making good choices within assessment responses.

• Using CalAPA scoring rubrics on assignments outside of the ones submitted for scoring.

• Asking probing questions about draft CalAPA responses without providing direct edits or specific suggestions.

• Assisting candidates in understanding the program's electronic platform in connection with the assessment platform.

• Arranging technical assistance for any video portion of the assessment.

Timely Feedback on Formative Assessments

Our program provides candidates with timely feedback on formative assessments and experiences in preparation for the CalAPA. The feedback addresses the candidate's demonstration of competency on the domains of the California Administrator Performance Expectations (CAPE).

Remedial Assistance and Credential Recommendation

For candidates who are not successful on the assessment, our program offers:

• Opportunities for remedial assistance to help them prepare to retake the assessment.

• Recommendations for only those candidates who have met the passing score on the CalAPA and have met all credential requirements for a preliminary administrative services credential.

Our Administrative Services Credential Program strives to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in educational administration. 

Standard 8C: Assessor Qualifications, Training, and Scoring Reliability

Our Administrative Services Credential Program is committed to ensuring the quality and reliability of the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) scoring process. We adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Commission's assessment developer for selecting, training, and calibrating assessors for both centralized and local scoring options.

Assessor Selection

We have selected the centralized scoring option. Therefore, we identify potential assessors who meet the qualifications established by the Commission's assessment developer. These assessors are then trained, calibrated, and selected by the assessment developer to participate in scoring the CalAPA.

Training, Calibration, and Scoring Reliability

The assessment developer is responsible for the training, calibration, and scoring reliability of all assessors in both local and centralized scoring options. To maintain the highest level of assessment integrity, the following procedures are in place:

1. Initial training: All potential assessors must undergo the assessment developer's initial training before participating in scoring the CalAPA.

2. Calibration: Assessors must pass the assessment developer's calibration process to ensure their scoring aligns with established standards.

3. Scoring reliability: Assessors must remain calibrated throughout the scoring process, adhering to the assessment developer's guidelines and maintaining consistency in scoring.

Our Administrative Services Credential Program is dedicated to providing a high-quality educational experience for our candidates, preparing them for successful careers in educational administration. By upholding stringent assessor qualifications, training, and scoring reliability, we ensure the validity and fairness of the CalAPA assessment process. 

Continue to Program Standard 9: Assessment of Candidate Performance

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