The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development received high marks for preparing prospective elementary school teachers to teach reading.
Its undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program earned an A from the National Council on Teacher Quality in a recent national report. The non-profit education research and policy organization is based in Washington, D.C.
The NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for undergraduate elementary teacher candidates, according to a NCTQ press release.
UL Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development provides an undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program that ensures “that future elementary teachers enter the classroom equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to help students become strong readers.”
The NCTQ evaluated programs across the nation for effectiveness in giving students the knowledge to teach what it defines as “the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction.”
They are:
- phonemic awareness, which is recognition of sounds made by spoken words;
- phonics, mapping those sounds onto letters and combinations of letters;
- fluency, the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression;
- vocabulary; and
- comprehension.
NCTQ’s scientifically based instruction methods offer a comprehensive approach designed to combat high illiteracy rates nationwide, said the University’s Dr. Toby Daspit. A professor in the College of Education & Human Development, he leads its Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction.
According to the NCTQ, more than one-third of fourth grade students – over 1.3 million children – are unable to read at a basic level.
“Recognition from the NCTQ reflects the dedication of our exemplary faculty members and our innovative curriculum, which is continually refined to address current national and state needs,” Daspit said.
Learn more about the National Council on Teacher Quality.
Photo caption: UL Lafayette’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program earned an A from the National Council on Teacher Quality for preparing prospective elementary school teachers to teach reading. Photo credit: University of Louisiana at Lafayette