College of Ed Program Gets Recognition
The Literacy Enrichment Center (LEC), a shared project by Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) College of Education and Henry Cuellar Elementary School, has been recognized by Quest for Quality: Teacher Preparation in Texas Initiative.
The program, sponsored by the Center for Research, Evaluation & Advancement of Teacher Education (CREATE), will feature the LEC in the CREATE 2013 Research Conference and the Quest for Quality website as a program excelling in exceptional university-based teacher preparation while providing literacy enrichment to the elementary students.
Dr. Catheryn Weitman, dean for the College of Education, explained that the Quest for Quality program identifies teacher candidates, practices and partnerships that demonstrate exemplary service.
“Teacher preparation programs across the State compete for best practices in these categories. We are very proud that the Cuellar LEC was recognized for its merit and hope to add more such recognitions in the other categories in the future,” said Dr. Weitman.
Dr. Philip S. Roberson, TAMIU clinical associate professor for the College of Education, explained that this literacy enrichment program provides TAMIU students, Cuellar teachers and students with all the necessary skills to continue a successful education and practice.
“The literacy enrichment program at Cuellar elementary school, a United Independent School District campus, is a win-win-win endeavor. TAMIU participants ‘win’ by developing practical knowledge and skills related to reading assessment, instruction, and intervention. Cuellar students ‘win’ as they improve their reading and writing skills and self-confidence resulting from sustained one-on-one tutoring. Cuellar teachers ‘win’ because their most-in-need readers get one-on-one support, allowing them to focus their instruction on other class members while participating students are tutored in the LEC,” explained Dr. Roberson.
The program began with 15 students struggling in reading and has tutored more than 200 students in the past three years. Program tutors are TAMIU undergraduate students in the College of Education enrolled in a literacy development course.
“The experiences gained by our pre-service teachers are very rewarding and beneficial in helping them address the needs of young elementary age children as they learn to read better,” explained Dr. Weitman.
Cuellar Elementary Principal Melissa Shinn said the results have been impressive.
“Our students have gained confidence, increased their reading levels, built a positive relationship with their tutors and are being successful in school. We are very grateful to Dr. Roberson and the students at TAMIU for helping us grow great leaders for tomorrow.”
For additional information about the TAMIU-UISD Literacy Partnership and the Cuellar Literacy Enrichment Center, please contact Dr. Roberson at 956.326.3155 or email philip.roberson@tamiu.edu
Cuellar Elementary information is available by calling 956.473.2700 or visiting the school’s web page at http://cuellar.unitedisd.org
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu