WVU's Physical Education Teacher Education program has gained national attention for student preparation.
West Virginia University’s Physical Education Teacher Education program has gained national recognition for preparing its students to be effective educators.
The Society of Health and Physical Educators has nationally recognized the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences program for having met or exceeded the Initial Physical Education Teacher Education Standards in preparing its undergraduate students.
Among other categories, the report reviews students’ success in passing the physical education specialty test. WVU’s PETE students boast a pass rate of 100 percent on the Praxis II physical education exam.
“The high pass rate on the Praxis II specialty test speaks volumes about the scope and sequence of the undergraduate PETE curriculum, along with the quality of the faculty who deliver it,” said Valerie Wayda, chair, Coaching and Teaching Studies Department, CPASS.
“We are very proud of our PETE program and the impact the program is having on the nation and the profession,” said Dana D. Brooks, dean of CPASS.
According to SHAPE, educator accreditation acts as a seal of approval that assures quality in educator preparation. Accreditation makes sure that educator programs prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.
The accreditation process provides quality assurance through external peer review. “When an institution or specialized program is accredited, it has demonstrated that it meets standards set by organizations representing the academic community, professionals and other stakeholders,” Wayda added.
To maintain accreditation the institution or program must undergo a similar review on a regular basis. Typically, SHAPE conducts reviews every 7-to-10 years. These evidence-based shifts, rooted in continuous improvement, are helping to ensure that preparation programs are more likely to produce successful educators.
-WVU-
kc/08/18/17
CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon, Strategic Communications
WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
304.293.0827; Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu
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