Teacher Preparation Policy Study Group to Review State’s Teacher Education Programs

To ensure that Michigan’s students continue to have quality educators, Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan created the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Teacher Preparation Policy Study Group (TPPSG) initiative to review the state’s teacher education programs. This diverse group, comprised of college and university professionals, business leaders, and K-12 partners, is expected to present its findings this spring.

The TPPSG is charged with reviewing MDE policies and practices associated with teacher preparation institutions. The ultimate goal is Michigan-produced teachers who are the best prepared educators in the nation. Teacher testing policies and the grading of teacher preparation institutions also will be reviewed.

In addition to examining the state’s “periodic review” process, by which college and university teacher preparation programs are approved, the Study Group’s responsibilities include reviewing the following:

• Research studies on teacher preparation.
• National efforts to study and improve teacher preparation.
• Model teacher preparation and review policies and practices in other states.
• National accreditation and review processes.
• Current MDE policies and processes relative to teacher preparation and quality.
• Requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum and the recent Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and High School Content Expectations for K- 12 students.
• Views and experiences of K-12 teachers, administrators, and higher educa tion officials from across the state.

Michigan State University Professor Joan Ferrini-Mundy serves as project director for the Study Group. Jeremy M. Hughes, Deputy State Superintendent, and Flora Jenkins, Director of the Office of Professional Preparation Services, provide leadership and coordination through MDE.

For more information, contact: Flora Jenkins, Director, Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education, (517) 373-6505, JenkinsF@michigan.gov. For more information on the TPPSG, visit www.michigan.gov/mde.

For more information on National Research Council Study of Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States, visit The National Academies at www.nationalacademies.org. For more information on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, visit www.nbpts.org. For more information on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, visit www.ncate.org. For more information on the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, visit www.teac.org.