UB’s Graduate School of Education provides a new tool for implementing Common Core learning standards

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education will take a leading role helping teachers prepare for Common Core Learning Standards, adding to the coalition of educators in support of new college and career readiness standards for all students, the dean of the school said today.

“All K-12 educators face significant policy implementation challenges,” says Jaekyung Lee, dean of the Graduate School of Education. “GSE is at the forefront of supporting the implementation of common core standards in local schools through both pre-service and in-service training of educators.

“These ongoing efforts include several one-credit professional development courses offered this fall semester as well as curriculum realignment of all educator (school administrator, teacher, counselor and librarian) preparation programs.”

UB’s GSE will continue to align its curriculum to address standards in all phases of its instruction, whether it is preparing teachers, educational leaders, librarians, psychologists or counselors, Lee said.

The GSE curriculum also stresses the need to prepare for Common Core standards in its mini courses for the fall semester. These specifically address the pressing needs of the education community as far as carrying out Common Core guidelines.

Lee’s words and GSE’s current initiatives follow endorsements of Common Core standards from local, state and national educational leaders.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher also praised Common Core in an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education as an opportunity to set national standards for public-school education that must not be squandered.

The mini-courses for fall build on the existing strengths in UB’s GSE curriculum and add to innovations and distinctiveness the school has established in its efforts to strengthen PreK-16 programs. The unique approaches that GSE has developed over the years include:

• A liaison school model that immerses students within partner PreK-12 schools for an academic year, helping students expand their knowledge and skills as related to the common core learning standard. Through field experience and teaching components, students in the teacher education program work alongside PreK-12 teachers, observing others’ practices, participating in professional development opportunities within the schools and teaching that is mentored both by school and university-based faculty. 
• An educational administration certification program, Leadership Initiative for Tomorrow’s Schools (LIFTS) that helps leaders and future leaders develop the skills, including reflective practice and collaboration, to effectively and fairly implement the CCLS at the building and district levels.
• Formal and informal ways in which current teachers can tap into the knowledge and expertise of faculty through a number of mini one-credit-hour courses designed specifically to speak to their immediate needs related to implementation of the Common Core.
• Mini-courses for the fall semester (on campus and/or fully online) through the Center for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) to “empower, educate and help” current teachers, librarians, staff and others in the education community prepare themselves to implement the CCLS. 

To inquire about these courses or learn more about the graduate education programs offered through UB’s Graduate School of Education, visit http://gse.buffalo.edu or call 716-645-2110.