CSU Pueblo School of Education Program Among Top in the U.S. for Training Future Teachers in the Science of Reading

The undergraduate teacher preparation program at Colorado State University Pueblo has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an “A” grade in NCTQ’s new report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction.

The program is among just 23 percent nationwide to earn an “A” from NCTA for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction—often called the “science of reading.” 

“This report and subsequent national rank is a reflection of the dedication and high standards set by our faculty and staff in the School of Education,” CSU Pueblo President, Dr. Timothy Mottet said. “Our mission is to develop students who are able to navigate life in a rapidly changing world. The results of this report demonstrate that our students are well-equipped to make a positive impact and develop the next generation of learners in their future classrooms.”

To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for undergraduate elementary teacher candidates at Colorado State University Pueblo. To earn an “A,” programs needed to meet NCTQ’s targets for coverage of the five core components of scientifically based reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and not teach more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction. 

Data released by the National Assessment of Educational Programs illustrated that student literacy rates have fallen since the pandemic, with nearly one-third of fourth grade students unable to read at a basic level. The research suggested that over 90 percent of children could learn to read if teachers used instructional methods grounded in the science of reading. Colorado State University Pueblo is proud to be recognized among the top programs ensuring that future elementary teachers will enter the classroom equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to help young learners become strong readers.

“We strive to provide relevant training to our students so they can enter their classrooms prepared and implement modern teaching techniques,” Dr. Jeff Piquette said. “Our faculty ensures that our students learn information that is founded in modern research and tested in real-world application scenarios as they complete their student teaching requirements. This report is a validation that we have a competitive educational program at CSU Pueblo and our students graduate with the necessary skill sets to translate to their students.”

The new NCTQ analysis of teacher preparation programs’ coverage of the science of reading was developed over the course of two years, involving teams of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, and educators. NCTQ evaluated nearly 700 traditional undergraduate and graduate programs across the country, including 15 in Colorado. Overall, only 112 programs earned an A and 48 earned an A+. 

See the NCTQ report for more information about CSU Pueblo’s coverage of the science of reading and to see how CSU Pueblo compares to other programs in Colorado or across the country.

About NCTQ

The National Council on Teacher Quality: NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. We believe a strong, diverse teacher workforce is critical for providing all students with equitable educational opportunities. Fore more information about NCTQ, visit www.nctq.org.