The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Southern Arkansas University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well it prepares future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.

• Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Elementary Education K-6: A+ (View grade page)

The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published June 9, spotlights SAU for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, the program prepares aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. The program also avoids 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, four in 10 fourth graders in Arkansas cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most direct levers available to change that, but only if it is aligned to the research-based instructional methods proven to help most students become successful readers.

SAU is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the National Council on Teacher Quality,” said SAU director of Elementary Education Dr. Jenny Louden. “This achievement reflects years of intentional work to align our program with research-based literacy practices and ensure our candidates are prepared to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners. Most importantly, it represents our commitment to helping future teachers make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.”

SAU’s Elementary Education program prepares teacher candidates through extensive clinical experiences, strong partnerships with regional school districts, and coursework grounded in the science of reading. Candidates engage in field-based opportunities throughout the program, and graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality literacy instruction that supports the success of all learners.

“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 SAU is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”

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 Southern Arkansas University.

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 avoids teaching more than three instructional methods unsupported by research on effective reading instruction. To earn an A+, programs needed to exceed those targets and avoid teaching any instructional practices unsupported by research.

The NCTQ’s report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, provides more information about SAU’s coverage of the science of reading and shows how SAU compares to other programs in Arkansas or across the country.

About NCTQ:

The National Council on Teacher Quality 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. NCTQ believes a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. For more information, visit NCTQ’s website.

About SAU:

Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.