Lipscomb University College of Education among the top in the nation for preparing future teachers in the science of reading
Graduate teacher prep program earns an ‘A in new report from National Council on Teacher Quality
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University’s College of Education has once again been recognized for having one of the top teacher preparation programs in the nation. Its graduate teacher preparation program has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an “A” grade in the organization’s new report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction, released today.
Lipscomb’s graduate education program is among just 112 nationwide and four in Tennessee to earn an “A” from NCTQ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction—often called the “science of reading.” National data indicates that more than one-third of fourth grade students—over 1.3 million children in the U.S. —cannot read at a basic level.
“The ability to read is vitally important for children as it opens up a world of knowledge, fosters language and brain development, stimulates imagination and creativity, supports academic success and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning,” said Dr. Leslie Cowell, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Education. “Preparing teachers in the methods that research has shown to work best is critical to improving educational outcomes. This recognition is particularly meaningful as it is based on data and is affirmation that Lipscomb’s program is equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to help students become strong readers.”
“Preparing teachers and educational leaders to equip them with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the lives of students has been a priority for many years at Lipscomb University,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “This recognition is further evidence that Lipscomb’s teacher prep program is one of the top in the nation and that it continues to prepare educators at the highest-level so they are equipped to deliver their best to the students in their classrooms."
The new NCTQ analysis of teacher preparation programs’ coverage of the science of reading was developed over the course of two years, involving teams of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, and educators. NCTQ evaluated 693 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 26 in Tennessee.
To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for graduate elementary teacher candidates at Lipscomb University. To earn an “A,” programs needed to meet NCTQ’s targets for coverage of the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension— and avoid instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction.
While some portion of children will learn to read naturally, over five decades of research have established the components of explicit, scientifically based reading instruction that help most students become successful readers. Research suggests that over 90% of children could learn to read if their teachers used instructional methods grounded in the science of reading.
Lipscomb’s Master of Education in Instructional Practice, Grades K-5 with English language learner licensure is designed to meet the needs of educators and prepares teachers for success by equipping them with diverse strategies for instructional practice, including varied approaches to planning lessons, understanding learner needs and creating optimal learning environments. It is offered in the evenings, making it convenient for working educators.
Lipscomb University’s College of Education is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in Tennessee and the nation. In April, Lipscomb received a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to train mental health professionals in high-need local education agencies (LEAs) in the Nashville area through its IMPACT (Innovative Mental Health Partnership Accessing Counselor Training) Initiative. Lipscomb once again earned high marks on the Tennessee Teacher Preparation Report Card released this spring. This marked the 11th year that state data on the effectiveness of new Tennessee teachers indicates it is one of the most effective teacher preparation programs in the state.
Lipscomb has also developed a number of Grow Your Own partnerships over the last few years including the new Leading and Innovating for Future Teachers (LIFT) program through which Lipscomb will provide full tuition and fees for a cohort of 10 Metro Nashville Public Schools students every year to enter the teacher preparation program beginning this fall. The college has received a number of grants to develop and support other Grow Your Own partnerships in high-need disciplines and districts. In Fall 2021, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) named Lipscomb a recipient of the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement. In 2019, the College of Education was also awarded a $2.49 million grant from the Kern Family Foundation to develop an innovative leadership development program for principals focused on character, academic excellence and business acumen in the rising generation of leaders. Since 2013, the National Council for Teacher Quality has consistently ranked Lipscomb’s College of Education programs among the top in the nation, ranking them as high as No. 1 nationally in 2014. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate education programs offered at Lipscomb, visit www.lipscomb.edu.
About NCTQ
The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. We believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. Fore more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.