Raising Our Collective Voices:
The “Enhancing Education for the Nation’s Children” Initiative
University based educator preparation programs are being criticized and challenged to be more efficient, effective, relevant, affordable, and accountable. The Renaissance Group is embracing this leadership challenge, linking the work and reputation of Schools and Colleges of Education to enhancing the life chances and achievement of children. It is critical to take this opportunity to identify our collective wisdom, best practices, and replicable models.
As TRG institutions, we have a unique opportunity to formally recognize and elevate the best practices in educator preparation, informing the field and policy makers. TRG institutions are highly valued campuses; have mature school university partnerships; have recognized the importance of a balanced mission of teaching research and service; and many are engaged in informing and challenging state and national policy to improve education for all children.
This initiative will generate a meaningful discussion among TRG members and others that considers the role and state of university-based educator preparation, as well as the context of the many challenges presented today. The first step is to gather data and your assessment of the status, capacity, and challenges for your campus program to be all is should be or must be. We are asking for your help by providing a brief analysis of your own institution’s preparation program by addressing the following questions based on the SOAR (using a Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results approach) strategic planning framework.
We are pleased that you have expressed interest in joining this initiative and hope that you enjoyed the recent TRG/TECSCU Fall Conference in San Antonio.
Make sure that you indicate your institution’s affiliation at the end of the survey!
PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
What achievements are you most proud of; what are the strengths of your institution?
What do you wish you were able to accomplish, and what are the opportunities available that can address the challenges SCDE are facing?
What does TRG need to do to reach our goals, make a difference to the education and success for the nation’s children?
How do we tangibly measure and report our successes?
______
Please Indicate Your Affiliation:
TRG Institution ______
TECSCU______
Other______
Please send your response to the SOAR questionsto our Executive Director, Karen Wetherill at
We would like to receive these by the end of October to include in our analysis!