Fall 2007 - Volume 2, Issue 1

Articles for the Fall 2007 edition of The Citadel School of Education's e-newsletter are now available.
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Introduction Letter from Dr. Johnson

Dear Alumni and Friends of The Citadel's School of Education:

On Friday Evening, November 9th faculty and friends of the School of Education celebrated a very successful accreditation review at the Wild Dunes Beach House on the Isle of Palms. In addition to toasting the recent state and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) visit, we honored Dr. Marilyn Feldmann for here dedication and skill in preparing us for this very important accreditation review. During the visit (September 30-October 2, 2007) the state and NCATE teams reviewed our assessment system, interviewed faculty, students, and community partners, and concluded that all standards are now met and recommended full NCATE accreditation. The final decision will be made by NCATE's Unit Accreditation Board in April 2008.

Achieving full state and NCATE accreditation is a significant achievement, but the School of Education is not content with this accomplishments. As noted in previous newsletters, we are committed to transforming a good School of Education into a great one. As illustrated in this third edition of this newsletter, the transformation continues and is gaining momentum. Now that full accreditation is secure, our energy and focus turns to:

• Expanding the School of Education footprint on the South Carolina Corp of Cadets;
• Establishing at The Citadel-in collaboration with Schools of Engineering and Science and Mathematics-a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Center;
• Establishing a national model for the preparation of school leaders for twenty-first century schools;
• Working collaboratively with area school districts to enhance literacy instruction in region's elementary, middle, and high schools;
• Extending the impact of our counseling programs by upgrading and expanding our curriculum; and
• Developing a new middle grade Masters of Art in Teaching-with the College of Charleston-and "fast tracking" extant MATs to better the needs of working adults.

These and related initiatives are discussed more fully in the third edition of the School of Education newsletter now available at http://school-of-education.thecitadel.info/2007-fall. Also include in the newsletter are examples of student and faculty accomplishments. To receive future editions of the newsletter electronically, please share email with The Citadel's alumni office at http://www.citadel.edu/alumni/update. I look forward to meeting with you soon and--with your help-to transforming a good School of education into a great one. Please contact me at (843) 953-5097 or by email tony.johnson@citiadel.edu with your suggestions and concerns.

Sincerely,
Tony W. Johnson
Professor and Dean

Dean's Letter

Dear Friends of the School of Education:



Colonel Tony W. Johnson Dean of Education

On Friday evening, November 9th faculty and friends of the School of Education celebrated a very successful accreditation review at the Wild Dunes Beach House on the Isle of Palms. In addition to enjoying a delicious barbeque buffet and toasting the recent state and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) visit, we thanked and honored Dr. Marilyn Feldmann for her dedication and skill in preparing us for this very important accreditation review. During the visit (September 30-October 2, 2007) members of the NCATE Board of Examiners and representatives from the State of South Carolina examined documents related to our comprehensive assessment system and data compiled demonstrating compliance with state and national standards. After interviewing faculty, students, and community partners, members from both the state and national teams concluded that all state and national standards are now met and have issued their report to the NCATE office recommending full accreditation. The final accreditation decision will be made in April 2008 by the NCATE Unit Accreditation Board.

Such a successful accreditation visit is reason enough to celebrate, but there are other accomplishments that merit recognition as well. Among these is the inaugural cohort of twenty plus Citadel educational specialist graduates participating in the University of South Carolina's Ph.D. in Educational Administration now being offered at the Lowcountry Graduate Center. Other accomplishments meriting recognition include the very successful GEAR UP initiative at Schroder Middle School and Baptist Hill High School. Now in its third year, this initiative is beginning to bear fruit as Schroder Middle School is the only school in the district to achieve established goals in all four academic areas tested. The School of Education is on the move and these and additional accomplishments are discussed in more detail in the reports from each of the four divisions included in this newsletter.

Achieving full state and NCATE accreditation is a significant achievement, but the School of Education is not content with this accomplishment. As stated in previous newsletters, we are committed to transforming a good School of Education into a great one. Now that our foundation (full accreditation) is secure, our energy and focus turns now to:

• Expanding the School of Education footprint on the South Carolina Corps of Cadets by reviving cadet teacher education programs in the sciences and in establishing new programs in modern languages and middle level education; 
   
• Establishing-in collaboration with the Schools of Engineering and Science and Mathematics-a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Educational Center making The Citadel the place in the Lowcountry for education in the STEM disciplines for all students (pre-kindergarten through college); 
   
• Working with the Southern Regional Education Board, the South Carolina Department of Education, and area school districts in establishing a national model for the preparation of school principals and other leaders for twenty-first century schools; 
   
• Building upon our Wachovia Foundation grant and our revised masters program in literacy to significantly enhance literacy instruction in the region's elementary, middle, and high schools; 
   
• Extending the impact of our counseling programs by upgrading our curriculum to meet new professional licensure standards and possibly adding a new student affairs tract; and 
   
• Developing-in collaboration with the College of Charleston-a new Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in middle level education and "fast tracking" extant MATs to better meet the needs of working adults considering a career change.

Our goal is to establish The Citadel as the place in the Lowcountry and beyond for the development of "principled educational leaders" into knowledgeable, reflective, and ethical professionals. For a more substantive explanation of what we mean by a principled educational leader please see the "philosophy" statement on the School of Education website.

To assist us in pursuit of this rather ambitious agenda, the School of Education is currently searching for five new faculty hires for the 2007/2008 academic year (for more information, please go to our website at https://hrweb.citadel.edu/on_app/faculty_jobs.cfm).

As suggested above, the transformation of a good School of Education into a great one is gaining momentum. It is an exciting time for the School of Education and-with your help-the transformation of The Citadel's School of Education into a Center of Excellence is within our grasp. Please keep this vision in mind as you peruse this newsletter and accept our invitation to be a part of this exciting transformation that is taking place.

Sincerely,
Tony W. Johnson
Professor and Dean

 

Cadet News

EDUCATION LEADERS CLUB
A CANDIDATE CHAPTER OF ASCD
(Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)

The Citadel's Education Leaders Club-a student chapter of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)-meets monthly for the purpose of promoting students' professional development. Members of the club attend conferences, mentor first-year students, tutor in schools, support the high school teacher cadet programs, and perform various other service activities for the School of Education. Dr. Lehr serves as advisor for the club and arranged for the following cadets to accompany her to this year's (October 19, 2007) State ASCD Conference in Columbia:

(Click the photo above to enlarge.)

• Daryl Baldemor
• Frank Little
• Kenneth Ross
• Elliot Sakoda
• Oren Schlierer
• Stephen Sisk
• Steven Urgelles
• Brian Welsh
• Jay Anderson
• Steven Kukulka

The conference featured Dr. Alfred Tatum from Northern Illinois University and focused on "Teaching Reading to Black Adolescent Males: Closing the Achievement Gap."

Members of the Education Club enjoyed a cookout at The Citadel Boathouse on September 11th. In addition to electing officers for the 2007/2008 academic year, a former cadet (Jermaine Joyner) presented to the club and the School of Education a plaque from Morningside Middle School thanking us for supporting their athletic program. Plans for Teacher Cadet Day were finalized and cadets were selected to participate as tour guides and as panel members for this September 27th event.

Counselor Education

by: Dr. George T. Williams, Coordinator

Division of Counselor Education on the Move!

The Division of Counselor Education continues to be vibrant. In addition to participating in the preparation for the recent NCATE visit, several other activities have occurred since the spring 2007 School of Education (SOE) Newsletter. The updated Division of School Counseling Handbook (August 2007) is now available for anyone to access online. In addition to the handbook, there is a wealth of information including PowerPoint slide shows, video clips, photographs of internship students and special events, Town Hall meeting agendas, etc. on the Counselor Education website at: http://www.citadel.edu/education/academic_programs/counseling.html.

Former Counselor Education Assistant Professor Joseph D. Wehrman accepted a faculty position at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Dr. Wehrman's wife, Tammy, gave birth to their first child (daughter Hannah Ann) on October 31, 2007. Dr Wehrman is maintaining his Citadel ties and will be co-presenting with Dr. Williams at the national American Counseling Association Annual Conference in Hawaii, March 30, 2008.

Dr. Barbara Griffin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Clemson University has joined us as a Visiting Professor of Counselor Education this year as Dr. Wehrman's replacement. A national search is underway for the position vacated by Dr. Wehrman. Dr. Aaron Oberman, an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, has assumed the role of Coordinator of Counselor Education Field Experiences. Much time is invested by Dr. Oberman in placing our practicum and internship students at meaningful P-12 school sites.

The Alpha Tau Chi chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International hosted an induction ceremony on Tuesday evening, October 9th in The Citadel Regimental Commander's Riverview Room. New chapter officers were installed including President Dinoca Ihrig, President-Elect Matt Smith, Secretary Amanda Mueller, and Treasurer Tracey Heath. Seventeen new student members were inducted into the Society that evening. Erica Ciucci, a Global Career Development Facilitator and a 2002 graduate of our program, delivered the keynote address on "A Commitment to Leadership and Professional Development."

The Annual South Carolina School Counselor Association (SCSCA) Fall 2007 Conference was held at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, SC, October 28-30, 2007. The Citadel hosted a dinner on Sunday evening for the SCSCA Executive Board. Dr. Aaron Oberman presented "Accountability Strategies for School Counselors" and Dr. George Williams co-presented with Counselor Education candidates Carol Brediger, Jessie Farley, and Shani Davis on the topic "Practicing Ethically and Legally in Group Work as Professional School Counselors." Drs. Oberman and Williams also served as panelists on the topic "Implementation of ADEPT in South Carolina CACREP Accredited School Counseling Programs."

The Counselor Education Community Advisory Board convened on Wednesday afternoon November 7th at Ft. Johnson Middle School. Discussion during this meeting focused on the feasibility of revamping and perhaps expanding our current CACREP accredited School Counseling programs to address concerns expressed by current students, program graduates, site supervisors, and faculty. The next Counselor Education Community Advisory Board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Ft. Johnson Middle School.

 

Dr. Feldmann Inducted into Hall of Fame

by: Marilyn Feldmann, NCATE Coordinator

As part of the festivities celebrating the 150th year anniversary of Illinois State University (ISU), the ISU College of Education inducted Dr. Marilyn Feldmann-The Citadel's Visiting Associate Professor and NCATE Coordinator-into their Hall of Fame. Dr. Feldmann earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics education and a doctoral degree in educational administration from ISU. While an undergraduate, Dr. Feldmann was a member of ISU's varsity women's basketball and golf teams. In addition to the recent ISU award, Dr. Feldmann is one of only four graduates and the first woman to be inducted into the Mater Dei High School (Breese, Illinois) Hall of Honor and the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Feldmann is nationally recognized for her knowledge and experience in NCATE accreditation. She has served as a member on numerous NCATE accreditation teams and provided consulting services to approximately 100 colleges/universities in more than 30 states. She is currently serving a three-year term on the NCATE Unit Accreditation Board, the board responsible for the final accreditation decisions. Marilyn is a former fifth and sixth grade mathematics teacher, boys' football, basketball, and softball coach, and assistant principal in the Chicago suburbs. She has held administrative positions in higher education for the past 30 years.

Educational Leadership (DoEL)

by: Dr. Kathy Brown, Coordinator

In addition to actively participating in the NCATE and State reviews of the School of Education's assessment system, the Division of Educational Leadership is engaged in two significant partnerships focused on developing principals and other educational leaders for the Lowcountry.

The first of these is a partnership with the Charleston County School District (CCSD) for preparing the future leaders for the district. Grounded in the recognition that the demand for future administrators continues to grow, a cohort of aspiring principals is enrolled in The Citadel's masters program in educational leadership.

Through a process that required CCSD teachers and other school personnel to meet both the district's selection process and the admission criteria for The Citadel's School of Education, a cohort of twenty teachers, coaches, and curriculum specialists began their journey toward a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and principalship certification this semester (Fall 2007). Participants are expected to enroll in multiple courses each semester and to complete the program and qualify for certification in the summer of 2009.

Also beginning this semester (Fall 2007) is the University of South Carolina's Ph.D. in educational administration offered at the Lowcountry Graduate Center. There are currently 24 students enrolled in this cohort and many of these candidates earned their educational specialist degree in school administration from The Citadel. This cohort program is structured so that candidates complete two courses per semester with each class lasting eight weeks.

Members of the cohort describe the experience as "very tough and demanding." Reports one candidate, "The instructor expects us to know past and present educational theorists as well as their contributions to the field."

Members of the cohort indicate that these initial courses are assisting them in focusing their research agenda. The program focuses on developing the candidates' ability to critically read and analyze current research and on assessing the relevance of such research to current issues and legislative mandates.

While the work is challenging, the opportunity to complete a doctoral program at home in approximately two years makes the challenge both exciting and worthwhile.

In addition to our involvement in these collaborative enterprises, faculty and students in the Division of Educational Leadership are also engaged in attending and presenting at professional meetings. For example, Dr. Kathy L. Brown, associate professor in the School of Education's Division of Educational Leadership and Mr. Michael Griggs, Assistant Principal at Meminger Elementary School, presented their research on School Culture and Change at the 46th Kappa Delta Pi Biennial Convocation in Louisville, KY (October 31-November 4, 2007). As a former teacher in a high poverty school, Mr. Griggs is interested in student achievement in high poverty schools. Through his coursework in educational leadership at The Citadel, Mr. Griggs transformed his interest in this topic into a viable research agenda.

In addition to their presentation, Mr. Griggs and Dr. Brown participated in numerous sessions at the Convocation. Among these were Dr. Andy Hargreaves' Sustainable Leadership address, presentations by such distinguished scholars as Kieran Egan and Barbara Day, and a motivational speech by Andrea Peterson, the 2007 National Teacher of the Year.

Faculty News

Judy Lehr
Associate Professor, Ph.D.

Dr. Judy Lehr attended the Invitational Education World Leadership Institute in Georgetown, KY, October 9-13, 2007. She presented two sessions on Leadership. Dr. Lehr serves on the Advisory Board for the International Alliance for Invitational Education. Financial support for this professional development opportunity was provided by The Citadel Foundation.

Good News Story (Fall 2007)

by: Marilyn Feldmann, NCATE Coordinator

September 30th through October 2nd, The Citadel's School of Education hosted a three-person team representing the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and a two-person team representing the State of South Carolina. Representatives from the South Carolina Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education also participated in this visit. Members of these review teams examined our documents and met with faculty, current and former students, and community partners to determine if our programs are in compliance with national and state standards.

Preparations by the faculty for this review began more than two years ago. Faculty members in the School of Education and from across the campus worked together to develop an assessment system, collect candidate performance data, analyze the data, and use the data to make program improvements. The visit proved to be very successful with the NCATE team concluding that previous areas for improvement have been corrected and no new areas for improvement identified.

Also, the teams concluded that previous not met assessment standards are now met. The teams have submitted their recommendations to the NCATE office in Washington, D. C. Based on this very positive review and recommendations, we anticipate a full accreditation ruling by the NCATE Unit Accreditation Board at its meeting in April 2008.

Congratulations and a hearty thank you is extended to everyone who helped prepare for this accreditation visit! Special thanks are also extended to candidates, recent education graduates, P-12 teachers and administrators, and faculty members in Education and from across the campus participating in the interviews with the NCATE/State teams! These interviews confirmed that we have reason to be proud of The Citadel's excellent education programs.

Literacy Education

by: Dr. Jennifer L. Altieri, Coordinator

The Division of Literacy Education announces that a legend-an individual who has touched the lives of many cadets and graduate candidates over the years-is retiring. Dan T. Ouzts, Ph.D., who began his career at The Citadel 30 years ago, plans to begin the next stage of his life after the fall 2007 semester.

Prior to joining the faculty at The Citadel, Dr. Ouzts worked as a public school reading teacher and a school district reading coordinator. Joining The Citadel family in 1978, Dr. Ouzts developed the Graduate Reading Program (now called the Division of Literacy Education).

During his years in Capers Hall, he wore many hats including Acting Dean of Education, Associate Dean of Education, Assistant Department Head, and Coordinator of the Reading Division. In addition, he served as President of the Charleston County Council of the International Reading Association and President of the Bibliotherapy and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association.

He is the recipient of many awards, including the Charleston County School District's Friend of Reading Recovery Award in 2004 and the State Literacy Award from the International Reading Association almost ten years ago. Also, he received a prestigious $250,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation enabling the Division of Literacy to assist area children who are struggling with reading. Dr. Ouzts is a true pioneer of reading education in the Lowcountry. He is a founding member of the State Council for the International Reading Association and started The Citadel's summer school reading program.

While he will be missed by all of us on the third floor of Capers Hall and by colleagues across campus, we wish him well in his future endeavors.

LiveText Update http://www.LiveText.com/

by: Alice B. Hambright, Technology Specialist

Fall 2007 came in like a LION! Final preparations were being made for our September 30th through October 2nd NCATE visit. Is were dotted and Ts were crossed, and final touches were added to our LiveText electronic Exhibit Center to make it more user friendly for our NCATE team.

In the midst of all the NCATE excitement, new faculty members received their LiveText accounts and initial LiveText training sessions. School of Education candidates purchased and registered their LiveText accounts. Initial LiveText training sessions were held; new LiveText templates were created as requested; and our Fall 2007 "Who What When" document was revisited and revised.

The "Who What When" document is the cornerstone of the LiveText portion of our Assessment System. This document provides a LOT of information in a small space. It includes the following information:

• a list of all LiveText courses offered that semester
• instructor's name for each course section
• the program responsible for each course (example: Literacy)
• each assessment type (Program or Unit AND Rubric or Form)
• who is responsible for completing each assessment
• the Assessment List (very important!) that contains all LiveText assessments to be administered that semester
• when each assessment is available for completion
• the date the technology specialist will have the collected data aggregated, disaggregated, and compiled into available reports

It looks similar to the following example but is much more comprehensive.


(Click the table above for a larger version.)

At the end of each semester, the four division coordinators submitted their reports and recommendations for program improvement based on the data collected thus far, and report summaries were posted on the School of Education website.

We mailed a LiveText Visitor's Pass to NCATE team members enabling them to access our electronic Exhibit Center prior to the visit. Once they arrived on campus, we presented our Assessment System and explained LiveText's role in compiling and disseminating data. Members of the team examined candidates' actual electronic portfolios. Team members offered numerous positive comments about our implementation and use of LiveText.

LiveText is doing its job and getting better everyday! In fact, the "New" LiveText will be available soon with many additional useful features for both faculty and candidates.

Yes, the fall 2007 semester came in like a lion, but promises to go out like a lamb. With our NCATE visit behind us, we're looking forward to the holidays and to bigger, better, brighter LiveText features to come! I'll keep you posted.

Student Spotlight

Cadet Jean Audrey Keating

The School of Education congratulates Ms. Jean Audrey Keating of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets for being named the 2007 Reserve Marine of the Year from the local chapter of the Navy League. A 2003 graduate of Fort Mill High School and a member of The Citadel's newly formed Papa Company, Cadet Keating received the Marine of the Year award due to her dedication to her USMC Reserve Unit. In addition to being an excellent leadership model for the Marines, Ms. Keating has also been an example within the Corps of Cadets. Over the past four years, she has balanced her time as a Cadet, a Marine, an active member of the Education Leaders Club, and a member of The Citadel Pistol Team. When asked to share about her Citadel experience as a Social Studies Education major, Ms. Keating said, "The School of Education has shown me that hard work and dedication can help you achieve any goals."

A special "Thank You!" to Citadel Photographer, Russ Pace, for providing the above photo.

Teacher Education

by: Dr. Kathy Richardson-Jones, Coordinator

The Teacher Education Division thanks all undergraduate and graduate students for their participation in the NCATE process and for their on-going support of The Citadel's teacher education programs. Candidates, as they move through the program, have offered valuable suggestions for improvement through: Town Hall meetings, the Education Leaders Club, End of Course Evaluations, and Program Completer Surveys. Through review of survey suggestions, the Teacher Education Division has been able to improve its processes and better prepare teachers. Some of the changes to our programs are highlighted below.

Program Advising

Program advising has changed significantly over the past four years. Because of an indicated need for content area support and advising for incoming graduate students, a dual advising system has been implemented. The School of Education appreciates the work of Dr. David Allen, English; Dr. Michael Barrett, Social Studies; Dr. Steve Comer, Mathematics; Dr. Alix Darden, Biology and General Science; Dr. John Moore, Mathematics; Dr. Paul Rosenblum, Biology; and Dr. Josey Templeton, Physical Education for their assistance in this very important teacher candidate support effort.

Through the dual advising system, once an MAT applicant meets requirements for admission, content area faculty review the applicant's transcripts and develop a tailored Program of Study in accordance with state and national standards. The next step is for members of the Teacher Education faculty to finalize this personalized Program of Study. During a group meeting, Teacher Education faculty make sure that incoming students understand the requirements for program completion and faculty answer any questions that the group may have. Full admission to the program occurs when the Program of Study is signed by the relevant constituencies including the applicant, the academic and professional advisors, and the Dean of the School of Education. Throughout the program, both the Content Area advisor and the Education advisor are available to help teacher candidates with individual programmatic questions. Through the development of a similar, collaborative process, undergraduate students are also jointly advised.

Program Changes

A few program changes have recently been made. Beginning this semester (Fall 2007), MAT candidates take either EDUC 500 (Foundations of American Education) or EDUC 522 (Critical Educational Issues) dependent upon prior undergraduate preparation. In addition, if a teacher candidate has verifiable undergraduate preparation in Human Growth and Development, the Psychology requirement (PSYC 500) may be waived.

Admission and Retention

Early this semester (Fall 2007) the Teacher Education Admission and Retention Committee's procedures were revised to more closely monitor candidate progress and evaluations. This committee now reviews candidate grades, PRAXIS scores and disposition evaluations on a semester by semester basis as students move through the program. The committee's primary functions are to help make sure students meet the expected standards and to suggest appropriate remediation as needed.

The Teacher Education Division of the School of Education appreciates the suggestions offered by our students, alumni and P-12 partners. As part of our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, we welcome suggestions for program improvement from both current teacher education candidates and from graduates of our programs.

Giving to The Citadel's School of Education

Donors often ask how they might designate a gift to the School or to one of its divisions. It is the college's policy

Mr. Robert O. Blakely Major Gifts Officer The Citadel Foundation

that any solicitation be conducted only by an authorized Citadel fund-raising organization. The Citadel is fortunate to have two funding raising entities-The Citadel Foundation and The Citadel Brigadier Foundation. Gifts restricted to the School of Education or to one of its divisions should be made through The Citadel Foundation.

Donors who wish to make their gift through the Foundation may use the form mailed during the annual fund drive and, in the appropriate blank, specify the School of Education or one of its divisions for any purpose you prefer. To obtain a copy of the form, please contact the Foundation at (843) 953-5297 or write to them at 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409. If you prefer, you can donate online at http://www.citadel.edu/tcf. You may also donate without the form by simply noting on the check or in an accompanying letter the purpose of the gift payable to The Citadel Foundation. You are welcome to restrict your gift to an area of your choice. You may choose to make a contribution to the School of Education for undesignated or general purposes, leaving it to the discretion of the Dean of the School of Education. Funds are always needed for candidate activities and for our outreach efforts with P-12 Schools. Contributions to the School of Education's scholarship fund or other endowed funds are always welcome. Whatever your choice, please know that your gift is greatly appreciated.

The support we receive from alumni like you is crucial to the success of the School of Education. To assist us in the pursuit of educational excellence, we ask you to consider a gift to the School of Education Dean's Excellence Fund. All gifts are tax deductible. Thank you for your continued support of The Citadel's School of Education.

For more information about giving to The Citadel's School of Education, please contact Robert Blakely of The Citadel Foundation at (843) 953-3843 or robert.blakely@citadel.edu.