Miami recognized nationally with 'A' for excellence in literacy instruction
EHS program prepares future educators to teach young students to read more than words on a page
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Published
Miami recognized nationally with 'A' for excellence in literacy instruction
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Published
Miami University’s College of Education, Health and Society (EHS) has received a national "A" grade in reading foundations from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its high quality and evidence-based undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program.
This recognition places Miami among a select group of nationwide programs that meet NCTQ’s rigorous standards for reading instruction across five key areas that cover the science of reading including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
“Faculty worked very hard all this past year to make significant improvements to align with the new state standards,” said Ganiva Reyes, associate professor and Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry (TCE) chair. “It was a very robust effort among the faculty. They all pulled together and collaborated on how to align with the current needs in really innovative ways.”
In order to receive the national "A" grade in reading foundations, faculty from both TCE and Miami’s Department of Educational Psychology (EDP) undertook comprehensive efforts to revise existing courses, update relevant syllabi, and even created new courses to ensure that the program included evidence-based coursework and exemplary instructional practices to prepare pre-service teachers in the science of reading instruction.
“We are really proud of our work with TCE. Our teacher-candidates will now have more knowledge and skills that they can use to provide high-quality reading instruction in their future classrooms,” said Darrel Davis, EDP professor and department chair. “This was a win for everyone involved.”
Effective reading instruction has always been a critical part of the educational development of all young school children.
But today, however, it’s arguably even more important than ever. Because, according to Reyes, literacy now goes beyond the traditional act of learning to read. In a digital world filled with social media, hyperlinks, and constantly evolving forms of communications, young students must now be equipped with a wide range of evidence-based literacy skills in order to thrive.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our literacy curriculum and the expertise of our faculty, who are committed to preparing future educators to meet the needs of all learners,” said Amity Noltemeyer, EHS dean.
This recognition places Miami among a select group of nationwide programs that meet NCTQ’s rigorous standards for reading instruction across five key areas that cover the science of reading including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
“Faculty worked very hard all this past year to make significant improvements to align with the new state standards,” said Ganiva Reyes, associate professor and Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry (TCE) chair. “It was a very robust effort among the faculty. They all pulled together and collaborated on how to align with the current needs in really innovative ways.”
In order to receive the national "A" grade in reading foundations, faculty from both TCE and Miami’s Department of Educational Psychology (EDP) undertook comprehensive efforts to revise existing courses, update relevant syllabi, and even created new courses to ensure that the program included evidence-based coursework and exemplary instructional practices to prepare pre-service teachers in the science of reading instruction.
“We are really proud of our work with TCE. Our teacher-candidates will now have more knowledge and skills that they can use to provide high-quality reading instruction in their future classrooms,” said Darrel Davis, EDP professor and department chair. “This was a win for everyone involved.”
Effective reading instruction has always been a critical part of the educational development of all young school children.
But today, however, it’s arguably even more important than ever. Because, according to Reyes, literacy now goes beyond the traditional act of learning to read. In a digital world filled with social media, hyperlinks, and constantly evolving forms of communications, young students must now be equipped with a wide range of evidence-based literacy skills in order to thrive.
“This recognition reflects the strength of our literacy curriculum and the expertise of our faculty, who are committed to preparing future educators to meet the needs of all learners,” said Amity Noltemeyer, EHS dean.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry or the Department of Educational Psychology? Visit their website for more information.
