Winston Salem State University News January 28, 2020 WSSU’s elementary ed program earns an ‘A’ from the National Council on Teacher Quality Winston-Salem State University’s elementary education program has been recognized as one of the best in the nation—earning an “A” grade from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The score specifically evaluates the scientifically based methods for teaching reading taught to elementary teacher candidates. A team of literacy experts examine every course in early reading and assesses readings, assignments, practice opportunities, and tests. The experts look for clear evidence of dedicated course time, as well as measures where aspiring teachers must demonstrate their knowledge of the five key components of the science of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. “We are pleased to receive recognition for the quality of our teacher preparation programs,” said Beth Day-Hairston, chair of the Department of Education<https://wssu.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/college-of-arts-sciences-business-education/education/department-of-education/index.html>. “Our students can leave our program confident that they are prepared to help bring down our nation’s illiteracy rates, which particularly affect students of color.” WSSU’s program was part of a small group across the nation—only about 25 percent of programs nationwide—to qualify for an ‘A’ rating. According to NCTQ, “The latest findings are a positive sign for newly energized movement across the nation to bring down notoriously high rates of illiteracy in the United States. Each year, well over a million public school students arriving in the fourth grade are added to the nation’s ranks of nonreaders. Two-thirds are black and Hispanic children struggling in the face of an inequitable education system. Reading ability is a key predictor of future educational gains and life success, making successful reading instruction essential to achieving educational equity.” Since 1925, Winston-Salem State University’s Department of Education has been delivering programs that foster the holistic development of all students. For more information visit Elementary Education program<https://wssu.edu/admissions/programs/elementary-education.html>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs – Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/