Scoring Guide - Literature Review Paper

Reading Specialist candidates are required to write a literature review paper in APA style. This literature review paper begins with the candidate’s survey bibliography of 50 or more abstracts related to language development, learning to read, and connections between teacher dispositions and student achievement. Then, candidates self-select a specific area of reading instruction and write a paper in which they critically analyze and synthesize the literature. A minimum of 10 selected references from the candidates’ survey bibliography must be cited to support the critical analysis of literature. They must also relate theories in foundational areas and seminal reading studies to their topic. Criteria and IRA Standards are given in the Scoring Guide.

Unacceptable
Minimal Achievement / Acceptable
Good Achievement / Target
Exceptional Achievement
Topic lacks focus
Selection of research studies:
• Fewer than half of the references were studies, not articles
• Fewer than 10 references selected from a larger array of work
• Few or no studies were of high quality
• Studies represented narrow range of perspectives on topic
Critical analysis:
• Results of studies are not organized in a logical, focused manner
• Results of studies are minimally discussed through a critical lens
Related to theories(1.1):
• Theory(ies) in foundational areas are not related to the topic
Related to seminal research studies(1.2):
• No seminal research study is cited and discussed as it relates to the topic (if applicable)
Conclusion:
• Does not synthesize the major findings of the studies
• Few or no recommendations for further research are appropriate / Topic is focused
Selection of research studies:
• 10 references selected from a larger array of work
• Most references were studies, not articles
• Some studies were of high quality
• Studies represented adequate range of perspectives on topic
Critical analysis:
• Results of studies are somewhat organized in a logical, focused manner
• Results of studies are somewhat discussed through a critical lens
Related to theories(1.1):
• Theory(ies) in foundational areas are related to the topic
Related to seminal research studies(1.2):
• At least one seminal research study is cited and discussed as it relates to the topic (if applicable)
Conclusion:
• Somewhat synthesizes the major findings of the studies
• Some recommendations for further research are appropriate / Topic is focused and clearly stated
Selection of research studies(1.1):
• 10 or more references selected from a larger array of work
• All references were studies, not articles
• Most studies were of high quality
• Studies represented inclusive range of perspectives on topic
Critical analysis (1.3):
• Results of studies are organized in a logical, focused manner
• Results of studies are effectively discussed through a critical lens
Related to theories(1.1):
• Theory(ies) in foundational areas are clearly related to the topic
Related to seminal research studies(1.2):
• At least one seminal research study is cited and clearly discussed as it relates to the topic (if applicable)
Conclusion( 1.1, 1.2, 1.3):
• Effectively synthesizes the major findings of the studies
• Most recommendations for further research are appropriate
Writing Conventions: limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation / Writing Conventions: sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation / Writing Conventions:
• Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence formation
• Inconsistent use of APA Style / • Adequate use of APA style / • Consistent use of APA style