FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2023

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GLENVILLE, WV – The undergraduate teacher preparation program at Glenville State University has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an “A” grade in NCTQ’s new report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction.

The program is among just 23% nationwide and three in West Virginia to earn an “A” from NCTQ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction—often called the “science of reading.”

National data shows that more than one-third of fourth grade students – over 1.3 million children – cannot read at a basic level. By preparing teachers in the methods that research has shown to work best, we can change these devastating results.

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 undergraduate elementary teacher candidates at Glenville State University. To earn an “A,” programs needed to meet NCTQ’s targets for coverage of the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension – and not teach more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction.

While some portion of children will learn to read naturally, over five decades of research have established the components of explicit, scientifically based reading instruction that help most students become successful readers. Research suggests that over 90% of children could learn to read if their teachers used instructional methods grounded in the science of reading.

“Glenville State University is very pleased with NCTQ’s recognition and evaluation of its reading instruction for elementary education majors. To be among the top 23% of programs nationwide and to be recognized for the work of our faculty and the content of our reading courses reflects the high level of preparedness that we strive for our students to have when they graduate and step into their own classrooms,” said Glenville State University President, Dr. Mark A. Manchin. 

“Glenville State University’s Teacher Education Department is honored that the Elementary Education K-6; Early Education PreK-K Teacher Education Program has earned an “A” letter grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality for preparing future teachers in the Science of Reading,” said Dean of Education, Connie Stout-O’Dell. “Pre-service teachers majoring in Elementary Education K-6 complete a series of reading courses focusing on the core components of scientifically based reading instruction.  They also participate in hands-on experiences in reading instruction in local elementary schools. Our university is appreciative of the partnerships we have with our local elementary schools. These partnerships allow for practical applications of reading instruction for our pre-service teachers.”

The new NCTQ analysis of teacher preparation programs’ coverage of the science of reading was developed over the course of two years, involving teams of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, and educators. NCTQ evaluated 693 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 10 in West Virginia. Overall, just 112 programs earned an A and 48 earned an A+.

“Glenville State University’s Teacher Education Program emphasizes teaching its students how to systematically implement research-based literacy instruction, primarily the Science of Reading. The Science of Reading is based on over 30 years of research that will assist teachers in effectively teaching children how to successfully learn to read. This aligns with West Virginia Department of Education’s recent initiative, “Ready, Read, Write West Virginia.” I’m ecstatic that GSU has achieved an “A” from NCTQ. It’s an honor to instruct preservice teachers with the confidence they are receiving exceptional training in literacy according to NCTQ,” said Associate Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education Field Placement, Dr. Shelly Ratliff.

See the full NCTQ report for more information about Glenville State University’s coverage of the science of reading and to see other rankings.

About NCTQ
The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ 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. They believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. For more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.