California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Local District-South have been awarded a $1.2 million grant by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation to expand practice-based training for new K-8 teachers in implementing the state’s math and science standards. The teacher preparation program at CSUDH has a tradition of preparing quality teachers to excel in under-served schools. Through the new residency pathway model that this grant will support, the university can continue to have a profound impact on the elementary and secondary learning environments in Los Angeles.
“The outstanding faculty who teach in CSU Dominguez Hills’ teacher preparation program and our California STEM Institute for Innovation and Improvement greatly anticipate the expansion of our partnership with LAUSD Local District-South,” said CSUDH President Willie J. Hagan.
We’re thrilled the Bechtel Foundation has acknowledged our commitment to developing highly educated math and science teachers with this grant and look forward to working together.”
With Bechtel’s grant, and in close partnership with LAUSD Local District-South, CSUDH College of Education (COE) will redesign its existing multiple-subject credential program into a 14-month residency model—and optional master’s program in four additional months—that incorporates extensive clinical practice and develops the prioritized skills for multiple-subject teachers based on Common Core and Next Generation Sciences Standards, which are considered critical to 21st century teachers. Teacher candidates’ residency will take place in 12 target schools identified as high-need by Local District-South, and the college will work closely with school and district administrators to analyze the program’s effectiveness throughout the course of the grant.
“We are most encouraged by the feedback we receive regarding the preparedness of our teachers to handle the rigors of urban teaching, and their readiness to challenge and engage students in economically-disadvantaged settings,” said John Davis, dean of the CSUDH College of Education. “Our brand for many years has been our ability to ground teachers in the realities of urban instruction, and ignite a passion within them to achieve educational excellence in light of the challenges they may encounter.”
Investments made by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation will also expand the CSU’s New Generation of Educators Initiative (NGEI), an initiative focused on preparing highly qualified math and science teachers for the elementary and middle grades—the formative years in the educational pipeline that lay a foundation for students’ long-term success and college and career readiness.
“We applaud California State University, Dominguez Hills and LAUSD-Local District South for this bold effort that will benefit students across the entire region for decades to come,” said Loren Blanchard, CSU executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.
For more information, visit the CSU’s NGEI site.
