By Sanorah Eldred

One of the most important parts to success is collaboration. Working together to achieve a goal is one of the best ways to reach a goal and develop opportunities. Not only does this idea apply to individuals, but institutions as well. That is why Lindenwood’s School of Education, in partnership with DESE (the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), has applied to, and been accepted for, the Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments (CREA). This project is one with the goal of examining the ‘cut scores’ for entry to educator preparation programs in an effort to take down barriers. This inclusion into such a project has been made possible for the School of Education through the hard work of Dr. Tammy T. Moore.

Moore has played an integral role in helping develop such an opportunity for the School of Education. Currently, Moore plays many roles at Lindenwood University, specifically within the School of Education. She is currently an Assistant Director for School of Education Assessment, as well as a Chairperson for the SOE-DEI Committee. When asked what the process was for being included in the CREA Moore stated, “I made calls to my contact at DESE, St. Louis Public Schools, and the School of Education Dean to determine if we all agree in working together on this national project.  Everyone gladly agreed and I submitted all required documents for the application.” Her efforts have fostered the beginning of a very important working relationship between the Educators preparing Student-Educators, and the groups making the requirements for certification.

Such a collaboration is necessary in order to better serve the students of tomorrow. The project itself, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is being completed on behalf of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). The goals of which, as stated by Moore are, “… to determine if there are equitable practices with how cut scores are developed by states.  The collaboration will seek to examine the processes and considerations that states use to determine cut scores, and how they can be refined to attract, rather than exclude, potential teacher candidates. In short, we will work together to collect data and determine if cut scores for state assessments are hindering diversity in the teaching fields.”

This collaboration is an opportunity to develop more chances for candidates to be certified, while also providing another point of communication amongst parties. The work being done throughout this project will not only affect Lindenwood Education students, but Education students all across Missouri. Lindenwood’s School of Education will work to make the process of certification more equitable for students no matter their background.