COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy columbiasc.edu) — The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has released new scores for the 2020 Teacher Prep Review and has given Columbia College an ‘A’ rating for the Early Reading Program in the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program. This score specifically relates to the preparation programs provide to elementary teacher candidates in how to teach children to read.
NCTQ researches, evaluates, and provides information and guidance to help ensure that every child has an effective teacher and that every teacher has the opportunity to be effective.
Columbia College was recognized as part of a small group of colleges to receive this recognition, as only about a quarter of the programs nationwide qualify for an ‘A’ rating. To qualify, the program must provide a combination of the following:
- Explicit instruction on each of the five components of reading instruction;
- Support for instruction with high-quality textbooks that accurately detail established principles of scientifically based reading practices; and,
- Evidence that teacher candidates demonstrate mastery through in-class assignments, tests, and fieldwork.
“Having NCTQ recognize the literacy component of the Elementary Education program among the best in the country is validation for the hard work of many faculty who design and teach literacy courses. This ranking also shows that Columbia College graduates will begin their teaching careers with a clear understanding of the importance of literacy in the elementary grades and will leave the program with many strategies to equip their students for success in this area,” says Dr. Jim Lane, Division of Education Program Chair.