ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — The undergraduate teacher preparation program at Winthrop University has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading.
The university earned an “A” grade in NCTQ’s new report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction.
The program is among just 23 percent nationwide and the only one in South Carolina to earn an “A” from NCTQ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction—often called the “science of reading.”
National data shows that more than one-third of fourth-grade students—more than 1.3 million children—cannot read at a basic level. By preparing teachers in a number of methods that research has shown to be successful, Winthrop is preparing teachers to be a positive agent for improvement in this important aspect of schooling. The teacher preparation faculty at Winthrop have consistently provided preparation in a variety of reading strategies that ensure that the university’s graduates have the ability to meet the needs of S.C. districts and their students.
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 undergraduate elementary teacher candidates at Winthrop.
To earn an “A,” programs needed to meet NCTQ’s targets for coverage of the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and not teach more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction.
While some portion of children will learn to read naturally, over five decades of data shows that components of explicit, scientifically based reading instruction aids in literacy development. Research suggests that over 90 percent of children could learn to read if provided the appropriate tools to succeed.
Winthrop is proud to be recognized among the programs ensuring that future elementary teachers enter the classroom equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to help students become strong readers, said President Edward A. Serna ’02.
“Reading is one of the basic skills that children need to master for a good educational foundation,” Serna said. “Winthrop is known around the state and regionally for its strong education college. This third-party endorsement reaffirms that our dedicated faculty continue to offer among the best teaching practices in the nation.”
The elementary education program at Winthrop maintains an intense, clinically based curriculum. “We believe in hands-on, engaging instruction that models best practices in teaching and prepares candidates to plan, implement, and analyze meaningful learning experiences for their students. Our classes develop strong connections between teacher candidates and faculty,” said Beth Costner, dean of the Richard W. Riley College of Education.
Majors spend an average of 1,200 hours in public school classrooms, Costner said, including a year-long internship in their senior year. They develop research-based strategies to help all children learn and are prepared to integrate available technology and resources to reach all learners.
The new NCTQ analysis of teacher preparation programs’ coverage of the science of reading was developed over the course of two years, involving teams of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, and educators. NCTQ evaluated 693 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 13 in South Carolina. Overall, just 112 programs earned an A and 48 earned an A+.
See the NCTQ report for more information about Winthrop’s coverage of the science of reading and to see how Winthrop compares to other programs in South Carolina or across the country.
Last year, NCTQ rated Winthrop among the best in the nation when ensuring future elementary teachers have the essential contact and skills needed to teach mathematics.
About Winthrop University
As a public, comprehensive institution located in the heart of the Carolinas, Winthrop provides an education that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness and civic engagement with an emphasis on lifelong professional and personal development. The goal is for students to learn to be critical thinkers, informed citizens, and collaborative problem-solvers. Winthrop grants 47 undergraduate degrees and 22 graduate programs and certificates across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Richard W. Riley College of Education, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
About NCTQ
The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. The organization believes a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. For more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.
For more information about Winthrop’s recognition, please e-mail Costner at costnerb@winthrop.edu.
