Samford University in Birmingham was one of four schools recognized after a rigorous examination in a prestigious and highly competitive new program.
The U.S. Department of Education presented its first National Award for Effective Teacher Preparation to Samford’s Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies.
Secretary of Education Richard Riley presented the award to Samrod education dean Ruth C. Ash Dec. 7 in Washington, D.C.
Other recipients
Other schools receiving awards were Fordham University in New York, East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., and Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wis.
In keeping with the Department of Education’s emphasis on reading and math, the first year’s competition focused on spotlighting programs that prepare elementary teachers or secondary math teachers.
Samford was recognized for its Elementary Education program, which has undergone extensive revision since 1993, according to Ash.
All Samford early childhood and elementary level teacher candidates must earn four certificates, including Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary and Elementary Special Education.
Ash called the award “a welcome endorsement” that confirms what a key Samford education program statistics already suggest. In 1993, 80 percent of the school’s graduates were employed within three months of graduation. By contrast, 100 percent of the Class of 2000 met that goal. In addition, education school enrollment is 52 percent higher than when program revisions began in 1993, and scores on national exams continue on the upswing.
(SU)
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