Tristan Navera • Staff Writer • tn336706@ohiou.edu
After two years of probation, Ohio University's College of Education earned high marks from accreditors this week.
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) conducted a five-day review of the college, assessing that it met all six accreditation standards, with only one area for improvement.
The NCATE visitors were extremely impressed with the level of work that the College of Education had done
Ann Fidler, interim associate provost for strategic initiatives, said. They passed with flying colors.
The school was put on probation in 2007 after that year's review found only five of the six standards were met. Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit said in a news release that the college prepared extensively for the visit. It is highly unusual for a school to have only one area for improvement, the release said.
Obviously we're delighted Renée Middleton, dean of the College of Education, said. This was a big task for faculty.
The examiners found the college needs to improve its field experiences to make sure all teacher candidates have work with students from at least two ethnic or racial groups and with English language learners.
Middleton said in a news release that she was not surprised with that assessment, adding it's a difficult target to meet in Southeast Ohio.
Given the challenges of diversity within the region ... it is a challenge that the unit will continue to focus on Middleton said.
The college was placed on probation two years ago, after NCATE found its assessment measures did not necessarily predict the success of its students after they graduated. Middleton and college officials did mock interviews over the summer and felt confident going into this week's visit.
OU President Roderick McDavis, who met with the examiners twice during their visit, said through a spokeswoman that he commends the College of Education on its efforts.
Ohio University graduates the second largest number of licensed teachers in the state of Ohio
a key contribution to the future of our state
McDavis said. As we continue our service to the state
region
nation and the world
we will continue to lift our academic programs to even greater heights.
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