Accreditation - Teacher Education Unit Review

Michigan Technological University
Michigan State Board of Education/Michigan Department of Education

2004 INSTITUTIONAL REPORT

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Critical Accountability Factor III: Diversity

Quality Indicator 3: The unit provides teacher candidates the opportunity to learn about, interact with, and practice with individuals of diverse racial, cultural, socio-economic backgrounds, and gender orientation.

 A  |  B  |  C 

A. Describe the strategies used to ensure that teacher candidates are provided the opportunity to learn about racial, cultural, socio-economic, and gender diversity, and to interact with representatives of diverse groups.

UN1002 (World Cultures) is a freshman course required of all Michigan Tech students. The course emphasizes world cultural diversity, with attention to patterns of ethnicity and ethnic differences, the role and status of women in the world, and patterns of economic and social development. The course includes extensive reading of literature of major world culture regions and an intensive introduction to film and live performance as expressions of the cultures of the less developed nations.

In ED3110, Psychological Foundations of Learning (a required course), we examine racial, cultural, socio-economic individual and group differences as they relate to motivating students, managing students, teaching, and learning. Students demonstrate proficiency through reading comprehension quizzes administered in class prior to class discussion of topics, and on numerous role-playing exercises, assignments, and discussions designed to encourage critical thinking about diversity issues. Students are encouraged to examine how they can provide the best possible learning environment to promote excellence in all types of students.

ED4700 (Fundamentals of Instruction) is a required course that examines the role of teacher beliefs and values, expectations, as well as teaching approach, in affecting achievement. An underlying theme for the whole course is planning for and accommodating diversity (aptitude, gender, ethnic, disability, multiple intelligences). Written and video-based case studies from other settings are used to stimulate inquiry and expand the horizons of students. Among the materials used are written case studies of teaching and learning, guest speakers, and videos (e.g. Annenberg/CPB professional development workshop videos that are based on real classroom experiences). Student teachers write lesson plans and long term unit plans that accommodate diversity. Part of this work is presented as micro lessons for critique and discussion.

MTU's student body is diverse, promoting opportunities for interaction both in the class room and socially with diverse groups of people (See tables below). Furthermore, Michigan Tech’s student body has among the highest proportion of international students in Michigan. Education students are encouraged by faculty to participate in the numerous international-focused events on campus, including various organizations of international students, international residential houses, and the annual Parade of Nations. MTU strives to promote diversity through its strategic plan (goal 3) and a presidential initiative on diversity.

B. What strategies are used to support the recruitment/retention of a diverse pool of teacher candidates? Provide date showing the racial composition of education candidates.

The task of recruiting, admitting, and retaining a diverse student body is difficult for the Education Department at Michigan Tech. We admit students into the program from the student body who are enrolled in other University colleges and departments. Because the Upper Peninsula has relatively few underrepresented minorities, and because most students who come to MTU initially intend to study engineering or science, relatively few minorities are in the initial student pool. The Education Department engages in relatively little recruitment activity off-campus, but instead enrolls students who revise their career plans and decide they would prefer a teaching career to one in engineering or science.

We provide brochures and other information to admissions recruiters. We also participate in career day activities and provide background to grades 11 and grade 8 students. Opportunities for collaboration with community colleges with relatively higher minority enrollment offer one promising avenue for increasing the diversity of students pursuing teacher certification.

C. What strategies are used by the unit to support or promote diversity for the recruitment/appointment of faculty, administrators, and support staff? Provide data showing the racial composition of faculty, administrators, and support staff.

The Department of Education is committed to diversity in its recruitment and hiring practices. Staff are generally recruited from the local area, which has a relatively small minority population, but gender diversity is a central concern. Faculty are recruited nationally and efforts are made to recruit underrepresented minorities. The last three faculty hired have been either female or minority faculty.

Department of Education:

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