Utah Tech University’s Elementary Education Program has earned an “A” grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality for rigorously preparing future teachers to provide reading instruction.
Utah Tech is among just 23 percent of programs nationwide to earn an “A” in the council’s new report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction, for teaching the most effective methods of reading instruction, often called the “science of reading.”
“The science of reading is a passion of mine,” Angie Child, associate professor of Education at Utah Tech, said. “I love the support I have from the UT faculty and Teacher Education department as I strive to teach SoR to our students. This support allows me to teach the content, concepts and effective teaching strategies our students need to implement SoR in their own classrooms when they leave us.”
National data shows that more than one-third of fourth grade students — over 1.3 million children nationwide — cannot read at a basic level. Research suggests that over 90 percent of children could learn to read if their teachers used instructional methods grounded in the science of reading. By preparing teachers in the methods that research has shown to work best, Utah Tech is working to achieve this.
To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed Utah Tech’s syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses. To earn an “A,” UT needed to meet the council’s targets for coverage of the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction — phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension — and not teach more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction.
“The literacy preparation at Utah Tech University has always been based on research,” Brenda Sabey, dean of Utah Tech’s College of Education, said. “Dr. Child has always used her exceptional knowledge and experience to successfully prepare our students in the science of reading.”
Additionally, Utah Tech’s elementary and secondary licensure programs have been awarded full 7-year accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. National accreditation assures the quality of Utah Tech’s education programs through a process of self-study and peer review that ensure accountability and continuous improvement. In its review of Utah Tech, the commission noted that UT prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally.
“The program faculty’s close relationship with local partner schools ensures that candidates are both well supported and able to meet the educational needs of the community,” AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson said.
Utah Tech’s Department of Education, which includes elementary and secondary education programs, develops qualified teachers by providing engaging and rigorous classes in the essential areas of teaching, practicum experiences in a variety of settings and mentoring from experienced professors. Through the integration of leadership, scholarship, reflection and community partnerships, UT prepares students to be outstanding teachers within diverse and changing communities.
To learn more about Utah Tech University’s Elementary Education Program, visit education.utahtech.edu/elementary-education, review NCTQ’s full report for more information about Utah Tech University’s implementation of the science of reading or go to aaqep.org for more information about accreditation.