LSU Shreveport Teacher Education Programs Ranked Top in Louisiana
October 13, 2010
Completers of Teacher Education Programs at LSU Shreveport are among the best prepared in the state according to an assessment released by the Louisiana Board of Regents.
The Louisiana Value-Added Teacher Preparation Assessment results showed that beginning teachers from LSU Shreveport are prepared and ready for the job. The Alternative Certification program, TeachLSUS, ranked as one of the top programs in the state among all alternative certification programs. Teachers from the Alternative Certification program had students who experienced greater growth in achievement than students taught by experienced teachers in math and social studies. Students taught by new teachers who were TeachLSUS completers performed at levels that had comparable growth in achievement with students taught by experienced teachers in language arts, reading, and science. Graduates from the traditional LSU Shreveport undergraduate program had students perform at levels that are comparable in growth to students taught by new teachers in language arts, math, reading, and social studies.
New teachers are defined as first and second year teachers with regular teaching certificates. In order for programs to be included in the study, 25 or more new teachers in grades 4 - 9 were needed in each of the content areas. Student scores used for the study are from those students who were at the same school from September 15 - March 15.
The report discussed the results of the multi-year study funded by the Board of Regents using data provided by the Louisiana Department of Education. The study began in 2005-2006 using data collected statewide. The current 2009-2010 report encompasses data from the 2008-2009 school year. The study assessed actual student achievement and compared this data to what would be expected based on prior achievement, demographics, and attendance. An effect estimate is calculated which identifies the degree to which students taught by new teachers show achievement similar to students taught by experienced teachers.
LSUS is very proud of the academic performance the graduates have exhibited. "We're pleased with our results and appreciate this recognition of our programs," said Dr. David Gustavson, Dean of the College of Business, Education, and Human Development. "When new teachers are able to have positive impacts upon the performances of their students, we know we're doing our jobs well. The credit for this success belongs to our graduates, to the Department of Education faculty, and to Tocha Nolen-Jones who directs TeachLSUS, our alternate certification program."
For more information about the undergraduate education programs, contact Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson at 318-797-5036. For information about the TeachLSUS program, contact Tocha Nolen-Jones at 318-797-5100.
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Media Contact: . Ruth Ray Jackson at 318-797-5036
