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Some Tennessee Teacher Training Programs Show Success Amidst Failure

Image courtesy of nctq.org.

Ten Tennessee teacher training programs have earned high marks from a national education research and advocacy group.

The National Center for Teacher Qualityevaluated 30 college and university programs in Tennessee, ranking 14 of them on a four-star scale. The NCTQ reports it based rankings on admissions selectivity - student teaching programs - and curricula including reading, math, history and science.

East Tennessee’s Maryville College was one of ten Tennessee programs that earned high marks for teacher preparation. Maryville College received three out of four stars for its undergraduate secondary teacher preparation program. It was the only college in East Tennessee with a three-star or higher grade for a preparation program. Maryville College also received a one point five ranking for undergraduate elementary teacher preparation. 

East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee Knoxville both received NCTQ warnings for earning zero stars in a program. ETSU earned a zero rating for undergraduate elementary training, while UTK earned a zero rating for its graduate elementary training. 

Some critics argue the scores are flawed, saying the ratings were based solely on curriculum, not actual classroom success. 

Carson Newman University, Johnson University, King University, Lincoln Memorial University, Milligan College, South College, Tusculum College and Tennessee Wesleyan College were among Tennessee colleges or universities that the NCTQevaluated but did not rank