Utah State University's Elementary Education Programs Receive A+ Ranking

Utah State University's elementary education programs have received an A+ ranking for exceptional teacher preparation using the core tenets of the science of reading. The National Council on Teacher Quality evaluated nearly 700 teacher preparation programs across the country and recognized USU's elementary education programs for their emphasis on evidence-based literacy practices. The science of reading approach, which includes five core components of effective reading instruction, has been shown to significantly improve students' reading success. Future teachers who are educated in this approach learn how to tailor instruction to individual students' needs, leading to improved outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Utah State University's elementary education programs received an A+ ranking from the National Council on Teacher Quality for their emphasis on the science of reading, a research-based approach to literacy instruction.
• The science of reading approach includes five core components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• USU's curriculum does not include methods that contradict the research on the science of reading, and the university has been a leader in implementing this approach for decades.
• Jake Downs, assistant professor of science of reading education, has nearly a decade of experience as a teacher and literacy coordinator in the Cache County School District, where he saw firsthand the impact of the science of reading.
• USU's undergraduate education programs, including the Literacy Clinic, emphasize the science of reading and prepare future teachers to implement evidence-based instruction that improves student reading outcomes.
• The university is committed to continuing to be a national leader in the science of reading, with a dedicated assistant professor of science of reading education and a Literacy Clinic that prepares future teachers for classroom instruction.

Statistics:

• 39 undergraduate programs in the nation received an A+ ranking for exceeding the targets set by literacy experts for adequate instruction in the science of reading.
• 700 teacher preparation programs were evaluated by the National Council on Teacher Quality for their emphasis on the science of reading.
• Over the past decade, research supporting the science of reading has prompted discussion and action among education leaders and legislators across the nation.
• Utah passed a comprehensive bill in 2022 incorporating the science of reading into the state's education curriculum, which included funding for universities to hire dedicated science of reading professionals.

Sources:

• National Council on Teacher Quality report
• Utah State University news release
• Interview with Jake Downs, assistant professor of science of reading education
• Interview with Cindy Jones, professor of literacy and director of the USU Literacy Clinic