Title V Grant Targets Improved CBEST Test Scores
CSU Dominguez Hills and El Camino Community College have become partners in a teacher preparation Title V program funded by the Department of Education's Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
The five-year, $2.1 million grant is directed at achieving better retention rates for CSUDH students seeking a career in teaching as well as improving scores on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). It is part of an effort by the federal government to support multicultural colleges and universities.
A
high percentage of both CSUDH and El Camino Community College students are
Hispanic, and the grant aims to repair what the application called "the leaking
pipeline of Hispanics as teachers." CSUDH's John McGowan, professor
of teacher education, and Mimi Frank, director, Liberal Studies, are
the co-coordinators of the grant.
"The Title V grant provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen undergraduate teacher preparation at CSUDH," says McGowan, "by giving future teachers solid academic preparation and early experience with children in a local community setting."
"This is the first year for the Title V grant program," says Tricia Cherin, local activity director for Title V. "We are one of only a few grants in the country to partner with a community college. The goal is to produce more and better-prepared teachers for school districts around Los Angeles."
Toward that purpose, the grant has three components.
The first provides for articulation between El Camino Community College and CSU Dominguez Hills through a fast-track agreement, coordinating courses and providing priority registration and counseling support. Professor Frank has been working with El Camino administrators on a "Memorandum of Understanding."
"It's
a giant step toward our goal of building that continuum of a strong education
we always talk about," says Steven Fasteau, dean of El Camino Community College
Planning, Research and Development. "This addresses the foundation we provide
teachers, from their recruitment and transfer to their education and training."
Serving as the Title V HIS grant activity director at El Camino is Art Irizarry,
dean, Student Services.
In the second component, curriculum will be enhanced by inserting basic skills, reading, writing, mathematics, critical thinking and information technology throughout CSUDH Liberal Studies courses. For example, in fall 2000 one section of Geography 360, Physics 300, Math 207 and PED 425 will have one or two basic skills layered onto the course content.
Also, many of the Title V initiatives are being incorporated into the new Blended Liberal Studies/Teacher Education Program, which prepares undergraduates for teaching careers. "This program, which began last fall," reports co-coordinator McGowan, "blends together the Liberal Studies degree with the elementary credential. This is a new alternative teacher preparation program initiated by the Chancellor's Office."
The third component provides a "service learning" experience and supplemental instruction to Title V students, managed by Nancy T. Walker, coordinator, Liberal Studies Support Services. Service learning provides a double advantage, offering tutoring to young students as well as growth for CSUDH students. Walker will also teach the new Liberal Studies 301 course for Title V students. As part of the course, students will work with children in kindergarten through 8th grade after-school programs, including "L.A.'s Best Program."
"The five critical skill areas are what teachers must bring to the classroom," says co-coordinator Mimi Frank. "This program will help them learn, refine and retain those skills."
- P.H.
