Research for Better Schools

Recent Technical Assistance Projects

Title: Preparing Excellent Reading Teachers for the Primary Grades

Sponsor/Funder: Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (SSHE); Heinz Endowments; and U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Target Audience: SSHE and Heinz staff and collaborating partners

Collaborating Agencies: SSHE, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Heinz Endowments, Clarion University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Juniata College

Dates: 2003 - 2005

Description: RBS staff served on the panel to select two Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institutions, through a rigorous competitive process, to restructure their early childhood pre-service programs in a way that would prepare their teachers to successfully facilitate the reading development of their students. The restructured pre-service programs are expected to enhance reading-related courses and clinical experiences, incorporate reading standards, assess teacher capabilities, use advanced reading diagnosis and remediation techniques, integrate child-development theory and practice, include performance-based assessment, and be innovative.  RBS staff then served on the project's Technical Advisory Panel commissioned by SSHE to provide guidance to the universities and the sponsors. 

Outcomes: Two universities were selected to restructure their early childhood pre-service programs. Both have revised their curricula in accordance with the project intent, and the universities have approved the revised programs. Some courses have been taught on a provisional basis. Student cohorts are being recruited for the new programs, and an evaluation of effectiveness is underway.

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