|
|
 |
Title II Report on the Quality of Teacher Preparation University of Akron Contextual Information Program Context
Akron’s new Landscape for Learning includes the Arts and Sciences Building, Student Affairs Building, Honors’ Student Residence Hall, Student Union, Recreation Center, Field House and two new parking decks. The College of Education is actively working toward improving student success for incoming freshman who have expressed an interest in education as a career. This is accomplished by providing the opportunity to experience a Living-Learning Community as well as positive advising experiences throughout their academic career. The College is currently in the process of developing a College Advising Center which will enhance advising upon admission to the College of Education.
The College annually awards approximately $100,000 in scholarships. In addition, the College has recently received additional scholarship funds that assist with student teaching abroad. Multiple urban and suburban professional development school sites included in Akron’s Student Teaching Education Program (STEP) are highly successful. Both students and the STEP partners offer very positive feedback and are extremely proud of the collaborative nature of this initiative. This model has facilitated the ability of The University of Akron to provide an excellent student teaching experience for our preservice candidates as well as building very strong relationships with our community partners.
Our pre-service teachers are assessed on a number of measures and at a number of points throughout their program in addition to their performance in individual program coursework. Our teacher candidates demonstrate a high rate of success on all measures assessed. Anecdotal feedback from school districts reveals a high level of satisfaction with those candidates who have been interviewed and later hired. In summary, The University of Akron is exceedingly proud of all facets of our teacher education program. Most importantly, we are proud of our graduates who are providing exemplary educational services in local, national and international settings.
Program Highlights
The University of Akron is home to one of Ohio’s largest public state institution teacher preparation programs and has held continuing accreditation with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since its inception in 1954. Current accreditation extends through 2009. Besides excellence in teaching, Akron’s faculty captured nearly $3.5 million in awards for research/sponsored programs for 2005- 2006.
The College of Education provides a wide range of initial preparation and advanced licensure programs. Our student population includes both traditional and non-traditional students. Multiple pathways to licensure, including undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate, offer varied opportunities to enter the field of education. Partnerships offer the opportunity for student placements in public school districts, community agencies, private schools and other settings that provide health and wellness services. Education students transferring to Akron from other Ohio institutions benefit from Transfer Assurance Guide (TAG) courses previously completed. TAG courses assure that students transferring between two- and four-year state colleges and universities are able to seamlessly pursue their educational goals through a series of approved TAG courses that both transfer and apply to their degrees. Our advising staff demonstrate outstanding collaboration with other University of Akron Colleges and outside institutions of higher education and high schools.
The College continues to expand opportunities to attract and service a widely diverse population of students into education programs. We are also committed to attracting high school students to a career in education. Akron hosted the Ohio Future Educators Association (OFEA) Conference for 2007 and will also host the 2008 OFEA conference.
Akron actively supports professional development for northeast Ohio educators and is now in the ninth year of supporting National Board Certified Teacher candidates. Akron has served as the ODE-funded National Board site for the Region Nine area consisting of Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties.
About the Institutional Report
Individuals interested in the information provided in Akron's Institutional Report on the Quality of Teacher Preparation may find it helpful to also review information about the reporting process found on the Title II website at http://www.title2.org
|
|
