Fall 2000

Education School Scores High in Effective Teacher Preparation

Samford's Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies has been named a semifinalist by the U.S. Department of Education in a national awards program for Effective Teacher Education.

The program recognizes "exemplary teacher preparation programs that provide evidence that their graduates are effective in helping all students improve their learning."

In keeping with national priorities on reading and mathematics, the competition focuses on programs that prepare elementary teachers as well as on programs that prepare middle and/or high school mathematics teachers for initial certification.

Judges commended Samford for its thorough certification requirements and the professional success of its graduates. Samford requires that all teacher education students earn certification in four areas: early childhood, early childhood special education, elementary education and elementary special education.

Collected data has shown that Samford graduates make a significant increase in K-12 student achievement at their schools of employment.

A national awards panel will make recommendations to the U.S. Department of Education later this fall for programs to be honored as finalists.