Project PRE
Project PRE: Partnering to Reform Education
Commitment
Some History
The University-wide commitment to quality teacher preparation is exemplified in the University’s history, recent activities, and future plans.
Created in 1865 as the Indiana State Normal School, the University began with the primary mission of “the preparation of teachers for teaching in the common schools of Indiana.” Over the 138-year existence of the University, a rich and honored tradition of teacher preparation has been at the core of its work. When the college was reorganized as a university in 1965, teacher education continued to be a major commitment of the university.
Recent Projects
Several projects between the College of Education and other academic units have served to strengthen the work of preparing future educators. The University was a charter member of Project 30, the only national organization bringing together faculty in Arts and Science with faculty in Education with the sole purpose of improving teacher education. Recent grant activities include a grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded to the University in the spring of 2003 involving faculty from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science collaborating with faculty from Elementary Education. Professional development will be provided for teachers of grades 4, 5, and 6 in understanding algebraic concepts and unique teaching strategies designed to enhance high need youngsters’ mathematics achievement.
Christa McAuliffe Award for Distinguished Programs
In 1991 the University committed significant resources to the implementation of the Professional Development Schools Partnership. That commitment has proven its worth as the University and its partners were honored in the fall of 2002 when the PDS Partnership was selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its prestigious Christa McAuliffe Award for Distinguished Programs in Teacher Education.