Ready from Day One : A Model for Success Initiative

Transcription

1 Ready from Day One : A Model for Success Initiative Presenters: Eric López, Ph.D., Dean Velma Villegas, Ph.D., Interim Department Chair Patricia A. Gonzales, TPCC Director College of Education & Kinesiology Texas A&M University-San Antonio

2 Introduction As indicated in the Texas Education Agency (TEA) 2011 summary report for Region 20, which includes the San Antonio area, 71% of the students enrolled in school districts within this region are Hispanic, with 64.7% of the student population in this region also identified as Economically disadvantaged. Due to this demographic reality, to effectively secure the American dream, it is essential to have a good education. Having teachers ready to teach from day one is key to having Hispanic Student Success.

3 TAMU-SA s College of Education & Kinesiology Upper Division University: Junior, Senior and Graduate Students Current enrollment: 1,696 students (37%) total population Undergraduate: 925; Graduate percent of undergraduate certifications are counted in the College of Arts & 150 students

4 College s Models for Success Initiatives Ready from Day One -Teacher Preparation Cohort Model School Leadership Consortium

5 Ready from Day One Teacher Preparation Program

6 Educator Preparation and Certification First year teachers from Texas A&M University-San Antonio don t just survive, they thrive! We have hired teachers who are ready to transition from college student to classroom teacher seamlessly. ~Anthony Alcoser, Board Member Harlandale ISD Student Focused Data Driven Results Oriented! School of Education & Kinesiology

7 TAMUSA Teacher Candidates Candidates include: Significant Minority Population Single Parents Students with Dependent Children and Family Members Economically Disadvantaged Students Military Veterans Mature students who are choosing teaching as an encore career Students who live in urban & rural areas, south of San Antonio First Generation College Bound Students

8 The Field Residency Experience FR I 64 hours 2 supervisor observations Journal Interviews Two lessons Mentor Feedback Meetings FR 2 64 hours 2 supervisor observations Journal Professional Activity Two lessons Mentor Feedback Meetings FR 3 (Student Teaching) Digital Portfolio 3 supervisor observations Journal 640 hours Mentor feedback Meetings and Professional Development

9 Our Teachers are Ready from Day One Ready from Day One is the signature model of teacher preparation available only at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Three pathways are available for those who have the passion and dedication to become among the most prepared and effective teachers in South Texas. Two Undergraduate Models Ready from Day One-Cohort Ready from Day One-Flex One Graduate Level Model Graduate Teacher Certification Program (GTCP)

10 Flex Model For many students, a more flexible option for field residency requirements provides the better preparation pathway. Under this model: Field residency assignments may be different each semester and would expose students to a variety teaching styles; All courses are University based; The University supervisor assigned may be different each semester; A greater number of districts are available for field based placements; Scheduling may have greater flexibility (TAMU-SA, 2013, 6)

11 Design Process, Innovations & Lessons Learned

12 Ready from Day One Cohort Model Designed by best practice teachers and school leaders in collaboration with University faculty and community college system faculty Eleven (11) urban and rural school districts from the San Antonio area involved in the design process Focuses on the most critical and fundamental elements of effective teaching practices

13 Curriculum Alignment

14 Ready from Day One Cohort Model Students are interviewed and selected by teams comprised of a school district representative and University faculty. Best Practice Mentor Teachers are selected by the school district in conjunction with University faculty. University professor/faculty teaches the Field Residency course and supervises the 15 member student cohort assigned to the school district. Program piloted first 2 years. Currently starting fourth cohort. We are in 11districts with 160 students participating.

15 Cohort Model Innovations Significant innovations of the Ready from Day One- Cohort model include: Being assigned to the same district, same campus and same mentor teacher for all three semesters of field residency including student teaching; Learning from a mentor teacher who has been identified as a best practice or master teacher by the school district; Moving through field residency courses and labs with a cohort of fellow students; Being assigned the same University supervisor for all three semesters and Attending designated field residency courses in the school district instead of at the TAMU-SA campus. (TAMU-SA, 2013, 5)

16 Lessons Learned Readiness Level of students for field residency experience through interview and selection process Involvement of advisors to insure prerequisites have been completed Establishing Logistics of sites selected Orientation of Mentor Teachers and students Debriefing of Model s successes and challenges with Mentor Teachers and District Administration

17 Lessons Learned. Establishing specialized cohorts such as a Bilingual Education cohort. Ongoing communication with district partners

18 Questions/ Comments about The University Teacher Preparation Models Ready From Day One Cohort Model Lessons Learned

19 References Texas A&M University-San Antonio (2013). Welcome to field residency and student teaching. Retrieved 10/17/13 from gy/educatorcertification/undergraduatecertification/fieldresid encyandstudentteaching.html Texas Education Agency (2011) Snapshot Region Search-Region 20: San Antonio. Retrieved 10/17/13 from rykay&_program=perfrept.perfmast.sas&prgopt=2011 /snapshot/region.sas&year4=2011&search=region20& year2=11&topic=snapshot&gifname=g_snapshot2011 esc&title=snapshot+region+search&level=region