Emma Myers
According to the Higher Education Report Card released late last fall, students attained extraordinary accomplishments through Troy’s educator preparation programs.
Most significantly, the university reported a 100% pass rate on undergraduate and graduate students’ first attempts on the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
The edTPA is an evaluative exam for readying potential teachers for the classroom, and the perfect pass rate reflects how competent and ready Troy students are to become future educators.
“It’s very significant for future teachers as it is the last step required by the state of Alabama to qualify for a teaching license,” said Dr. Joseph Johnson, chair of the Department of Teacher Education. “[The edTPA] assesses planning, instruction and assessment in a much more authentic way than any PRAXIS or other test.”
Troy also prepares prospective math teachers for their future jobs.
Seventy-eight percent of elementary education majors passed the mathematics subtest on the Multiple Subjects PRAXIS on their first attempt, showcasing Troy’s dedication to STEM subjects, as well as students’ capabilities for teaching math to the next generations.
Additionally, Troy is making waves in literacy education.
Troy students saw an almost 10% increase on first-attempt passing of the Foundations of Reading Test, including majors in early childhood, elementary and special education.
“It is important for preservice teachers to understand the most current brain-based approaches to teaching reading and writing,” said Assistant Professor of Elementary Education Dr. Dana Evans.“Therefore, our students' college courses contain a focus on the science of reading, or SOR.
“This approach to reading instruction helps our students prepare to engage in a structured literacy approach supportive of growing readers and writers.”
Graduate students also achieved remarkable success across the board on the Multiple Subjects PRAXIS exam.
Eighty-six percent of master’s students passed their first attempt on mathematics and science, with 92% passing social studies on their first attempts as well. These incredibly high results not only highlight students’ readiness to teach, but also their knowledge of their subject areas.
“I believe we prepare our students by combining rigorous academic training with invaluable hands-on classroom experiences that equip them with both the knowledge and practical skills they need,” said Dr. Fred Figliano, Dean of the College of Education. “Our faculty are fully committed to each student's growth, offering personalized mentorship and real-world applications to ensure they are ready to excel as educators in today’s dynamic classrooms.”
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