Idaho teacher preparation programs earn top national marks for reading instruction
Par Kermani
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho’s teacher preparation programs are receiving national recognition for how they train future elementary school teachers to teach reading.
A newly released report from the National Council on Teacher Quality found all seven of Idaho’s elementary teacher preparation programs earned an “A” rating in the organization’s Reading Foundations Review, with four programs receiving the highest designation of A+.
The review evaluates how well colleges and universities prepare future teachers to teach reading using the science of reading, an evidence-based approach that focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
The report examined nearly 700 teacher preparation programs nationwide. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, just over half provided adequate instruction aligned with the science of reading.
“The positive assessment of these programs is wonderful to see — and not at all surprising,” Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said. “Idaho recognized early on that the science of reading could transform student outcomes. We made a commitment to implementing those practices, and we’re seeing the results.”
The teacher preparation programs receiving top marks include:
• Boise State University — A+• Brigham Young University-Idaho — A• Idaho State University — A• Lewis-Clark State College — A• Northwest Nazarene University Undergraduate Program — A+• Northwest Nazarene University Graduate Program — A+• University of Idaho — A+
State officials say the recognition comes as Idaho continues to see improvements in early literacy. The Idaho Department of Education points to gains on the Idaho Reading Indicator and continued professional development opportunities focused on science of reading instruction.
State Board of Education President Kurt Leibich said the results reflect collaboration between Idaho’s colleges, universities and K-12 schools.
“When teacher preparation programs are grounded in evidence-based instruction, students benefit from the very first day they walk into the classroom,” Leibich said.
Gov. Brad Little also praised the findings, calling them evidence that Idaho’s investments in literacy and teacher development are producing results for students.