DBU Awarded "A" for Preparing Future Teachers in Reading Instruction

The undergraduate teacher preparation program at Dallas Baptist 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.

The program is among just 23% nationwide 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.” 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. NCTQ evaluated 693 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 50 in Texas. Overall, just 112 programs earned an "A." 

“The DBU Dorothy M. Bush College of Education’s (COE) initial certification team strives to ensure all elementary education students are fully prepared for the P-12 students and the classroom environment in which they will serve,” said Dr. DeAnna Jenkins, Dean of the Dorothy M. Bush College of Education.

“The Early Childhood through Grade 6 (EC-6) initial teacher candidates graduate with 21 hours based on the science of reading, and the initial certification team is very proud that NCTQ has recognized the efforts of the DBU COE’s faculty, staff, and students to pursue excellence in the area of reading.” 

With national data showing that more than one-third of fourth grade students—over 1.3 million children—cannot read at a basic level, DBU strives to be among the programs ensuring that future elementary teachers enter the classroom equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to help students become strong readers.

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About 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. We believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. Fore more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.