A descriptive study of TESL master's degree programs: Directors' perceptions of TESOL's professional preparation standards

The purpose of this study was to provide systematic and comprehensive information about the TESL master's professional preparation program directors' perceptions of the TESOL standards. This study also provided discussions about the directors' perceptions of their programs with regard to various aspects, such as, program purpose and goals, structure, curriculum, implementation, and assessment. Quantitative in design and methodology, this study sought answers to the six questions. (1) To what extent were TESL master's program directors familiar with the standards? (2) How clear, appropriate/relevant were the standards as perceived by these directors? (3) To what extent did the program directors utilize the standards? (4) How did these directors perceive various aspects of their programs? (5) How did they perceive their programs in general? (6) What were strengths and weaknesses of the standards?; The questionnaire used for the study included items to be rated on semantic differential scales (ranging in value from 1 = not at all or very low to 7 = very high). Findings of the study showed that respondents reported they were familiar with the standards (mean = 5.60). The standards were perceived to be clear and appropriate (highest mean = 5.73; lowest mean = 5.18). Actual use of the standards was at the higher end of the scale but lower than the perceived clarity and appropriateness (highest mean = 4.97; lowest mean = 4.74). Respondents rated various aspects of their programs high (lowest mean = 5.56) except staff and students' involvement in program activities (lowest mean = 3.11). Respondents' perceptions of their programs in general were positive (lowest mean = 5.39). Perceived strengths of the standards were "useful, general, comprehensive, and flexible." Perceived weaknesses were "too general, vague, and not practical."; This descriptive study provides important, useful, and systematic information about the TESL master's program director's perceptions of TESOL standards and their programs in various aspects. This document, as the first study about the TESOL standards, obtained feedback and enhanced further improvement of the standards and achieved its purpose of expanding the literature about TESOL standards.