Findlay, Ohio, April 9, 2001 —Information received from the Educational Testing Service regarding The University of Findlay’s teacher education program Praxis II test results shows that UF program completers have a 97 percent passage rate for 1999-2000. This compares with a 91 percent passage rate for the state of Ohio.

The 97 percent passage rate will be used to compare The University of Findlay with the other 49 colleges and universities in the state of Ohio that offer programs leading to teacher licensure. The report of the passage rates and the disclosure of these rates to the public are federally mandated under Title II of the Higher Education Act.

In addition to the 97 percent overall passage rate, UF teacher education program completers also performed successfully on individual portions of the Praxis II exam. The results are as follows: general knowledge, 98 percent; professional knowledge, 100 percent; and education in the elementary school, 100 percent.

The teacher education program at The University of Findlay is housed in the College of Education. The purpose of the College of Education is to develop lifelong learners who are reflective practitioners in a climate of change. The undergraduate program in teacher education offers three undergraduate degrees in 22 areas of licensure and three endorsements. The master of arts in education program, which is built around the theme "educational leadership," offers seven emphasis areas and three endorsements. The graduate program also offers an alternate-entry option for graduate students without an undergraduate background in teacher education.

The University of Findlay’s College of Education has a full-time enrollment of 538 undergraduate students and 440 graduate students. In order to be admitted to the teacher education program, candidates must have completed 30 semester credit hours with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. They must also pass a basic skills test in reading, writing and mathematics (Praxis I). In order to begin student teaching, students must have a minimum 2.75 grade point average and at least 150 clock hours of approved pre-student teaching clinical experience. It is also strongly recommended that students pass the Praxis II exam prior to student teaching.

To facilitate the mission of the College of Education, faculty in the teacher education program have developed a conceptual framework which reflects their philosophical and pragmatic commitment to experientially-based active learning and meaningful field-based involvement with children and teachers in p-12 schools. Faculty also support and model integration of technology across the curriculum. Fundamentals, professional knowledge, research and content areas are basic to effective teaching. Pre-service teachers must translate professional understanding, personal beliefs and experience into real-world teaching situations. They must also apply appropriate assessments, practice collaboration, exercise innovation and accommodate for student diversity.

The University’s teacher education program is known for some special features. The University of Findlay was the first institution of higher education in Ohio to offer a bilingual education program. In addition, The University of Findlay was the first institution of higher education in Ohio to offer an on-line technology endorsement through its master of arts in education program. Students in The University of Findlay’s teacher education program are required to participate in field experience programs during all four years of their education.

UF also has other special accomplishments associated with its teacher education program. The University of Findlay houses the Mazza Collection of original artwork from children’s picture books. The collection is the first and largest such teaching gallery and contains more then 2,000 pieces of original artwork. In addition, The University of Findlay’s intergenerational studies program has served as a model throughout the United States. This pilot program broke new ground by offering the first associate’s degree in the nation that trains teachers for work with both young children and senior adults. The intergenerational studies program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach, which integrates academic course work in early childhood education and gerontology with practical field experience. The resulting graduates are prepared to work with children and senior adults in intergenerational settings, as well as teach in preschools, child care centers and potentially serve as activities coordinators at long-term care facilities. Finally, 12 of the 17 full-time faculty members in the College of Education are doctoral-degree holding individuals.

The University of Findlay is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Preparatory programs offered by the College of Education for prospective teachers and other school personnel are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

The University of Findlay was founded in 1882 as Findlay College by the Churches of God, General Conference, and the city of Findlay. The name was changed in 1989 to The University of Findlay to reflect the dramatic growth of the institution and the addition of graduate programming. The University has experienced amazing growth in enrollment over the last 10 years. In 1991-92, enrollment was 2,942. By comparison, enrollment for 2000-01 is 4,511. More than 10 percent of the undergraduate, full-time student body are minority students, with international students accounting for nearly eight percent of the total student body. The average ACT score for fall 2000 freshmen was 23.

The University of Findlay is a flexible, forward-looking institution that is constantly seeking ways of better serving students and the community. In today’s fast-paced world, Findlay is continually adapting programs and teaching methods to meet the needs of current students in preparing them for tomorrow’s careers. Education at The University of Findlay is offered in formats that accommodate students of all ages and their time-pressured lifestyles. In addition to traditional weekday classes, Findlay offers courses at night, on weekends and over the Internet.

The mission of The University of Findlay is to equip our students for meaningful lives and productive careers. Our vision is to be recognized by our students, peer institutions and other publics as a unique institution, vitally concerned with the growth, development and success of each student and highly responsive to emerging opportunities for innovation in our educational programs, the learning environment we create and the organizational processes of our institution necessary to accomplish these ends.