New School, Programs Established at ASU's Polytechnic Campus

January 26, 2006

MESA, AZ - At its December 2005 meeting, the Arizona Board of Regents approved the implementation of the new School of Educational Innovation and Teacher Preparation, effective Jan. 1, 2006, at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus in Mesa. The new school includes two new departments and several K-12 education and professional programs.<separator></separator>"These changes represent a giant step forward for the education program and the campus," said Glenn Irvin, dean of East College.<separator></separator> <separator></separator>Professor Bette Bergeron has been named Associate Dean and Director of the school and Professor Paul Darst is chair of the Department of Physical Education. A national search for a chair for the Department of Teacher Education and Administration is in process.<separator></separator> <separator></separator>In addition to the existing Bachelor of Arts in Education (<acronym title="Bachelor of Arts in Education">B.A.E.</acronym>) degrees, the Master of Education (<acronym title="Master of Education"><acronym title="Master of Education">M.Ed.</acronym></acronym>) in Curriculum and Instruction, and the Master of Physical Education, the school is home to new <acronym title="Bachelor of Arts in Education">B.A.E.</acronym> degrees in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Selected Studies. Also, <acronym title="Master of Education">M.Ed.</acronym> degrees in Special Education and Educational Administration and Supervision have been added to the school's offerings.<separator></separator>The education programs have grown from 18 students in 1998 when the Elementary Education program started to more than 330 Elementary Education students today, making it one of the largest programs offered on the Polytechnic campus. With all education programs combined, the school now has more than 560 undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled.<separator></separator>Bergeron notes that school status provides the education programs with additional stature and visibility within the community and across the state. "As a school, we will be able to communicate more effectively with our constituents, as we will have a defined identity and focus. This will help in recruiting future students, and in establishing a recognizable name within ASU."<separator></separator> <separator></separator>The School offers a slightly different focus than students might find in the College of Education on the Tempe campus. All programs have a distinctly applied focus and close partnerships with schools and districts in the surrounding communities.<separator></separator>"We also have an 18 hour specialization requirement where students are expected to focus on one discipline, like math, science or English as a second language (ESL), as well as a technology credential, which prepares future teachers to become leaders in innovative and instructional uses of a variety of technologies," said Bergeron.<separator></separator> <separator></separator>Students enrolled in the programs generally gain field experience and placement in the Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Mesa and Queen Creek school districts as well as other districts across the state. Partnerships also are being developed for both undergraduate and graduate programs in Pinal County school districts.<separator></separator>In addition, future plans include a master's program focused on preparing highly qualified science teachers, as well as endorsements in early childhood, coaching, gifted education and reading.<separator></separator>"Also planned are site-based graduate and undergraduate partnerships in Mesa, which compliment similar programs with the Chandler District," said Bergeron. "We are excited to be able to respond directly to the needs of our school partners, and find innovative ways to address specific teaching and administrative shortages in our state."<separator></separator>For more information, contact the school at (480) 727-1103.