Belmont University's College of Education is collaborating with Deans for Impact, a national nonprofit, with Tennessee SCORE to align teacher preparation with evidence-based practices in literacy instruction.
The partnership brings together faculty from Belmont, other Tennessee universities and Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to ensure pre-service teachers are well-equipped to teach reading using methods grounded in scientific research.
Bringing the Science of Reading to Teacher Preparation
The focus of the partnership is on integrating the science of reading into teacher preparation programs. "A lot of that has been based on literacy, and really bringing the science of reading into [teacher preparation programs]," said Dr. Lauren Lunsford, a professor specializing in special education in Belmont's College of Education.
While the science of reading has long been central to special education instruction, the initiative aims to ensure that it is also embedded in the preparation of all teacher candidates. "The science of reading has really been the cornerstone of special ed instruction,” said Lunsford. “But this initiative is about making sure that it’s there for our teacher candidates."
Collaborating Across Institutions
The partnership brings together faculty from multiple institutions, all committed to the shared goal of improving literacy outcomes for Tennessee students, a long-term goal for the state. In fact, Tennessee SCORE reports the 2022-23 school year showed 40% of third graders reading on grade level — the highest percentage since the state raised academic standards nearly a decade ago.
This collaborative approach allows for the sharing of strategies and expertise across institutional boundaries to see even more success. It also underscores Belmont's commitment to partnering with local schools and universities to drive meaningful improvements in teacher preparation and, ultimately, student learning.
"The science of reading has really been the cornerstone of special ed instruction,” said Lunsford. “But this initiative is about making sure that it’s there for our teacher candidates."
Collaborating Across Institutions
The partnership brings together faculty from multiple institutions, all committed to the shared goal of improving literacy outcomes for Tennessee students, a long-term goal for the state. In fact, Tennessee SCORE reports the 2022-23 school year showed 40% of third graders reading on grade level — the highest percentage since the state raised academic standards nearly a decade ago.
This collaborative approach allows for the sharing of strategies and expertise across institutional boundaries to see even more success. It also underscores Belmont's commitment to partnering with local schools and universities to drive meaningful improvements in teacher preparation and, ultimately, student learning.
Building on a Foundation of Integrated Teacher Preparation
The Deans for Impact initiative builds on Belmont's strong foundation of integrated teacher preparation. The College of Education is known for its collaborative approach, with faculty in general education and special education working side by side to equip all teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to support diverse learners.
This commitment to bridging the gap between general and special education is evident in the college's approach to the science of reading initiative. By ensuring that evidence-based literacy instruction strategies are infused throughout the curriculum, not just in special education courses, Belmont is preparing all of its graduates to effectively teach reading.