Effective reading instruction is crucial for the development of elementary school students, so it’s all the more essential and impressive that The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development has recently received recognition for its exceptional undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program, as per this news release from the school. In a national report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), the program was awarded an impressive “A: grade. This non-profit education research and policy organization based in Washington, D.C., evaluated programs across the country to determine their effectiveness in equipping future teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills for teaching reading.

Dr. Toby Daspit, a professor in the College of Education & Human Development and the leader of the Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, emphasized the importance of scientifically based instruction methods in combating high illiteracy rates nationwide. These comprehensive approaches provided by the NCTQ offer a solid foundation for future elementary teachers to address the reading needs of their students effectively.

According to the NCTQ, more than one-third of fourth-grade students in the United States struggle to read at a basic level. By recognizing and accrediting programs that effectively teach reading instruction, the NCTQ aims to improve the quality of education and combat the literacy crisis. The acknowledgment received by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development highlights the dedication of its faculty members and the innovative curriculum they have developed to meet current national and state needs.

The NCTQ analyzed various elements of the syllabi, lecture schedules, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities for practice in required literacy courses offered to undergraduate elementary teacher candidates. Their evaluation aimed to assess the programs’ effectiveness in teaching the five core components of scientifically-based reading instruction, as defined by the NCTQ:

1. Phonemic awareness: The recognition of sounds made by spoken words.
2. Phonics: Mapping those sounds onto letters and combinations of letters.
3. Fluency: The ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression.
4. Vocabulary: Expanding students’ word knowledge.
5. Comprehension: Enhancing students’ understanding of what they read.

The NCTQ is a nonpartisan organization founded in 2000 with the goal of ensuring every child has effective teachers and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. With two decades of research and policy analysis, the NCTQfocuses on aligning teacher preparation to research-driven practices and strengthening policies and practices related to teacher quality. Their work encompasses areas such as recruitment, assignment, evaluation, development, and compensation. The organization is staffed by former teachers and funded by various foundations and philanthropic individuals, excluding federal funding.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development is dedicated to preparing future educators who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and empathy necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of their students. The college offers a comprehensive range of programs and degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of education. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical experiences, internships, and research projects that enhance their understanding of educational theories and practices.

ULL’s College of Education & Human Development has achieved significant recognition for its undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program, particularly in the field of reading instruction. By aligning their curriculumwith research-driven practices and addressing the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction, the program equips future teachers with the necessary skills to promote strong literacy skills in elementary students. The NCTQ’s evaluation and acknowledgment reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in education and its dedication to producing highly skilled and effective teachers.

For more education-related information, click here.