The Department of Literacy Education constantly seeks ways to improve its programs. Our intrinsic motivation is the search for high quality programs. Of course, there are also extrinsic motivators such as the program reviews by agencies such as the Illinois State Board of Education and professional organizations such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the International Reading Association. We feel the need to gather information that focuses on making systemic change.
Information needs to be obtained via a planned schedule and varied sources.
We need answers to specific questions, and we need input regarding specific issues. Many activities are undertaken to assess and improve programs offered by the Department of Literacy Education. We talk to students, we talk to teachers, we visit schools, and we study the literature. Other information in the form of survey data comes directly from people who hire our graduates and teachers who work with students undertaking clinical experiences. Excellent information for use in program improvement is derived from the above means.