Indiana State University’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.
The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, spotlights theBayh College of Education’s Elementary Education program for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, and avoids many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.
A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life, yet according to NAEP data, one in three fourth graders in Indiana cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most direct levers available to impact reading outcomes —but only if it is aligned to the research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.
Indiana State University is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading.
"This recognition affirms the outstanding work of our faculty in the Bayh College of Educationand the dedication of our K-6 district partners," said Bayh College of Education Interim DeanCarrie Ball. "Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child's educational journey, and we have a responsibility to ensure that future teachers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and evidence-based practices necessary to help every student succeed. We are proud that Indiana State University's elementary education program joins a growing number of programs across the state in preparing graduates to make an immediate and meaningful impact in classrooms across Indiana and beyond."
NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at Indiana State University.
“Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Indiana State University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”
To earn an “A,” programs needed to demonstrate that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction and avoid teaching more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction. To earn an A+, programs need to exceed those targets and not teach any instructional practices that are unsupported by research.
“At Indiana State University, our mission is to prepare graduates who are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of their professions while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “We are expanding innovative curriculum and career-connected learning opportunities that address critical needs across Indiana. This national recognition reflects the strength of our Bayh College of Education and its commitment to preparing future teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve literacy outcomes and help the next generation of students succeed.”
See NCTQ’s report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation for more information about Indiana State University’s coverage of the science of reading and to see how Indiana State University compares to other programs in Indiana or across the country.