Focus on Teacher Education in Reading.

Overview & Synopsis

Teachers and administrators often note that preservice programs do not prepare future teachers adequately to teach reading. Several Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states have addressed this problem. In 1997, the Georgia Professional Standards Review Commission began examining reading certification requirements and found that most teacher education programs did not require enough reading. The Commission is exploring ways to ensure that preservice teachers receive adequate content in reading. The University System of Georgia is making program improvements in reading and mathematics. Maryland's Department of Education convened a task force in 1998 to work on changes in reading content requirements for Maryland teachers. The new regulations apply to all students enrolling in Maryland teacher education programs. The North Carolina Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction revised the Standard Course of Study for English Language Arts to provide detailed guidance on how to teach phonemic awareness and phonics. All teacher education programs must regularly demonstrate that they cover all required competencies. In Texas, a special committee of the State Board for Teacher Certification is developing revised certification requirements in reading. The Texas Education Agency has funded a Center for Reading and Language Arts at the University of Austin. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is reviewing teacher education programs offered by public universities. Other SREB states are also working on improvements in reading instruction. (SM)