University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Education receives ‘exemplary’ ranking fourth year in a row

UM-Dearborn’s Teacher Preparation Institution (TPI) performance score of 65 out of 70 placed it fourth among the state’s 15 public universities. The university’s 93% completion rate was the second-highest among the Exemplary programs.

“I am extremely pleased at this positive endorsement of our professional preparation program,” said Edward A. Silver, dean of the School of Education (SOE) and William A. Brownell Collegiate Professor of Education. “I congratulate the SOE faculty and staff and those across the university who work with our students for this important recognition which is a tribute to their hard work. This dedication helps our students realize their aspirations to become teachers who will influence the next generation of students and shape the future of our region."

The School of Education (SOE) promotes the preparation and continuing development of exemplary teachers and administrators through its emphasis on scholarship, diverse clinical experiences, and effective instructional and leadership practices. The school has been shaped by its history of partnering with schools and community organizations to improve teaching and learning throughout the region. At UM-Dearborn the faculty, alumni and current students are educators who make a difference.

The Michigan Department of Education developed criteria for ranking each of the state’s teacher-preparation institutions. This was done to meet the requirements attached to the federal Title II Higher Education Act (HEA), requiring states to monitor the performance of their teacher-education programs. Rankings are based on the following criteria: the percentage of students who enter and complete the program, survey results of exiting student teachers, survey of classroom teachers who supervise student teachers, responsiveness to state need in preparing candidates in high-need subjects (mathematics, sciences, world languages and special education), as well as preparing teachers from ethnic minorities-diversity need, teacher candidates’ scores on the Michigan Test of Teacher Competency (MTTC), and periodic program review by the Michigan Department of Education.

The more than 30 programs ranked in the state’s report include programs at private and public colleges and universities. Programs were divided into four categories from At-Risk to Exemplary with scores ranging from 20 to 70.