College of Education receives grant

clinem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:28:45 -0400

Fort Valley State University education majors will learn an innovative way to boost mathematics and critical thinking skills, and they’ll have state-of-the-art technology to help in the process. A grant from the U.S. Department of Education called “Enhancing a Teacher Preparation Program” was awarded to the university’s College of Education. Dr. Judy Carter, dean of the College of Education, and the department submitted a proposal to obtain the money. The congressionally-funded grant of $167,030 will be used to upgrade the college’s Curriculum Materials Center, classrooms, science and mathematics laboratories, and implement the Singapore Math Method.
The Singapore Math Method is a traditional technique used in many Asian countries to teach students math and critical thinking skills. Students use word problems to solve math equations instead of repetitive drilling and memorization typically taught in American classrooms. According to Carter, the department implemented the method after witnessing its results. “Some of our students participated in a couple of Singapore Math Method workshops last semester,” said Carter. “When they took their Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) test, which replaced PRAXIS, many did very well in math partly because of the methods they learned from these workshops. The excellent instruction from their math teachers was the other reason they did well. We thought that if it helped our students in this way, we would expand the concept. All of our students who have math concentrations will be involved in the training.”
FVSU education majors who are pre-service teachers, as well as in-service, certified teachers will learn how to implement the method in classrooms through instruction and an intensive, week-long workshop. In-service teachers from Twiggs, Peach, Crawford, Macon, Monroe, Taylor and Crisp counties are also invited to participate in the training to increase student achievement in math for grades 4 through 8.

FVSU to offer graduate-level teaching program

clinem — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:00:20 -0400

A popular master’s degree track for teachers is now making a comeback on Fort Valley State University’s campus. This fall, the university’s College of Education will offer a master’s degree in Middle Grades Education. The new program has been endorsed by the Georgia Board of Regents.

The new degree track will be the third offered by FVSU’s College of Education. Currently, the university offers bachelor’s degrees in agriculture education and middle grades education. Students who successfully complete the master’s program will receive a T-5 level certification in teaching, which means they will earn higher base salary.

“We just got word last week that the advanced middle grades program could begin,” said Dr. Eleanor Sikes, FVSU’s interim chair of middle grades education. “Currently, we have a waiting list of more than 20 students. Our department is contacting students to see if they’re still interested.” According to Sikes, the new degree track will consist of 36 hours: 21 hours in pedagogy, 15 hours in content, including a capstone project— conducting research and writing a paper in article format for possible publication.

Three years ago, all undergraduate and graduate-level programs in FVSU’s College of Education were deactivated by the BOR and the PSC. The university could no longer accept any new students after spring 2005. Currently-enrolled students had until fall 2006 to finish.

In 2005, the BOR appointed an external review team to evaluate FVSU’s education programs. The university hired Dr. Judy Carter, from Benedict College, as a consultant to lay the groundwork to establish accredited programs in teaching. She was named dean of FVSU’s College of Education in January 2006.

Four other programs are currently under review by the PSC. Upon approval, classes will begin this fall. For more information or to register, contact Sikes at (478) 825-6970.

College of Education News @ FVSU

College of Education receives grant

FVSU to offer graduate-level teaching program