College of Education earns exemplary status

Grand Valley’s College of Education received high marks in teacher preparation from the Michigan Department of Education for the 2005-06 school year, the latest reporting year available.

Grand Valley scored 66 points of a possible 70 to earn exemplary status. The state used a point system in six main categories including accreditation, program review, program diversity, preparing teachers in high-need subject areas, program completion and test pass rate for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.

“This speaks to our continued pattern of success in the College of Education,” said Dean Elaine Collins. “We focus on a strong liberal education and a high passing rate on the certification test. Our students benefit from our professors who are applied, solid practitioners.”

Collins said Grand Valley students are required to spend more time in the field than the state requires, giving them valuable experience and training.