DOE Praises the College of Education

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) acknowledged the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for demonstrating “vital leadership” in improving teacher preparation.

The recognition came as part of the DOE’s recent announcement of proposed regulations to ensure teacher training programs are preparing educators. Building on innovations at state and program levels across the country, the federal department presented reforms, including a plan to replicate successful training programs.

In a press release last week, the DOE highlighted eight successful teacher training initiatives, including one at UL Lafayette. College programs at the University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, and Fayetteville State University were also noted.

According to the DOE, UL Lafayette’s College of Education capitalized on data provided by Louisiana about results that teachers were getting in the classroom.

Louisiana is one of five states that collects and reports information about teacher preparation programs and its graduates. UL Lafayette used the results to improve its curriculum by enhancing clinical experiences and innovative coursework.

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, “We know how important strong teaching is to students’ education and life outcomes – especially for our most vulnerable kids. Leaders in this field are already moving in the direction of our proposal.”

The DOE’s proposed regulations are undergoing a 60-day public comment period. The final rule would be published in mid-2015. A fact sheet on the proposal can be found at www.ed.gov/teacherprep.