Francis Marion University - School of Education

FMU Center of Excellence

Goals and Activities: Goal 1 - Activity 3

Activity 3: Pre-Service Teacher Education Task Force Retreat

The initial meeting of the task force took place at a three-day institute held early fall of Year 1 (October, 2004). The purpose of the institute was to identify the key components of a high quality pre-service teacher education program for teachers who teach children of poverty. Based on an initial review of current research and effective teacher education programs, the following components were among those discussed during the institute:

an increase in cross-disciplinary collaboration within FMU with an appropriate emphasis on integrating education with appropriate academic disciplines;
an extension of field experiences beginning during a student's first year and continuing through to formal student teaching;
a modification of the delivery of core teacher education courses to incorporate problem-based learning and emphasize the connection between understanding and application; and
the inclusion of units or modules in existing courses or the development of new courses that focus on (1) understanding children of poverty, (2) involving parents in their children's education, (3) providing differentiated instruction, and (4) designing and implementing integrated curriculum.

Both the content and methods of delivery of existing courses were examined. Replacing some existing courses with new courses was also considered. Prior to the end of the institute, the task force developed a set of recommendations and a set of criteria that was used to evaluate course and program revisions.

The task force continues to communicate by means of e-mail and telephone calls and it serves as the primary body to review course and program revisions and provide feedback.

Pre-Service Teacher Education Task Force Overview

Pre-Service Teacher Education Task Force Minutes

Pre-Service Teacher Education Task Force Photos

Pre-Service Teacher Education Modules

Pre-Service Teacher Education Modules Fall Implementation Schedule