TMSL Bar Studies
TMSL has conducted a series of statistical studies focusing on
bar passage. These studies help us identify characteristics of our
successful bar takers, and factors that impact successful bar
performance. This data analysis is ongoing. A description of the
studies can be found under Reports/Studies, and the full reports can
be accessed through the ERIC database.
TMSL Skills Assessment Initiative
The Assessment Department collaborates with professors to
systematically evaluate our students’ foundational lawyering
skills. The purpose of this ongoing evaluation is twofold: 1) to
develop information that will help our faculty assist students in
improving these important skill-sets, and 2) to help students
monitor their own learning.
Using practice Multistate Performance Tests as one assessment
tool, we administer a pre-test to all 1L students at the beginning
of the 1L year and a post-test at the end of the year. These
examinations are graded by practicing lawyers using standardized
rubrics. Through this process, we evaluate whether students are
competently demonstrating skills such as the ability to write
clearly, conduct proper factual and legal analysis, and engage in
effective problem solving. MPT tests are also administered to
students in the second year using similar rubrics.
Students are also assessed in our Lawyering Process course
through “course embedded” assessment. Using a standardized grading
rubric, professors and external graders evaluate students’ writing
assignments to determine how effectively they are mastering key
foundational lawyering skills.
1L Academy and Bar Preparation Courses
The Department of Academic Support and the Assessment Department
collaborate to assess the impact of the TMSL 1L Academy and bar
preparation courses. The 1L Academy is an academic support program
that assists students needing additional educational support to
develop critical reading, writing and examination skills. The Bar
Essay course assists students in gaining proficiency with essay
testing though essay writing skill development.
