Service Expectations for CSLT Grant Students

Graduate students applying for CSLT must meet all UHCL general education requirements and specific requirements of the School of Education. Participants will be selected based on the following criteria.

1. Grade point average from previous university coursework of at least 3.0 in last 60 hours.
2. Completion of Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with a score above 34 for applicants with GPA between 2.5 and 3.0.
3. High recommendation in three letters of reference; at least two should be from school administrators who can attest to the applicant's interest in working with Hispanic students and the candidate's potential for leadership.
4. Strong commitment to be school librarians as assessed through an essay in which participants describe their beliefs on working in schools with large Hispanic populations.

First priority will be given to Hispanic participants from the five partner districts and second priority to those who have teaching experience in Hispanic schools . However, participation in this project is open to all applicants from any public school district in Texas . A CSLT selection committee, comprised of the four principal investigators and the project coordinator, will review the applications using a scoring rubric devised by the investigators and the CSLT Advisory Council.

As a result of the recruitment and selection efforts in the districts, it is expected that two cohorts of 15 students each will be selected to participate in the program. Both cohorts will be in classes with regular SLIS candidates. Each participant will be eligible for tuition and fees for up to 24 semester credit hours each calendar year (including summer sessions). Participants will be responsible for other graduate and certification fees, for example, the Miller Analogies Test registration, textbooks, and state assessments and certification fees. In addition, employment opportunities will be announced in classes and on the CSLT website. If needed, additional assistance in locating employment will be available from the SLIS faculty, the CSLT project coordinator, and UHCL Career & Counseling Services.

Grant participants will sign assurances that they intend to continue working in school libraries with large Hispanic populations for at least two years after completion of their education. In addition, they will agree to complete annual surveys on their career progress. Implementation of the project involves an increased collaboration with the participating school districts to effectively recruit, select, advise, train, and mentor CSLT participants. The CSLT goals (as stated in the narrative) will increase the likelihood that project participants will continue in the profession as well as help assure that all school librarians are prepared to meet the needs of Hispanic students.