Simmons’ Reading and Writing Program Meets High Standards

IDA Recognized Program Seal_FINALSMU Simmons has been recognized by The International Dyslexia Association as one of nine university teacher training programs that meets the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. The distinction is for Simmons’ Master of Education in Reading and Writing.

To learn more about the IDA standards, click here.

 

NCTQ Releases Report on Teacher Prep Programs

NTCQ TPR_2013_icoThe National Council on Teacher Quality reviewed 2,420 traditional teacher preparation programs in the country, including SMU Simmons’ undergraduate programs.

We believe NCTQ’s mission to examine and review teacher preparation in education schools is one important step in understanding teacher quality across the nation.

SMU Simmons collaborated with NCTQ early in 2010 when it assessed teacher training programs in Texas. SMU was cited as being one of four Texas schools with a strong overall design. In this year’s national report, we also were highly rated for strong design in early reading–only one of three in the country to receive the designation.

Getting good students to enter our programs is a strong component of our school and university. Simmons received a perfect score in selection criteria. We also received a perfect score in outcomes because of our efforts to survey and track students, and to secure growth data.

We believe this year’s report gives us some good information for improvement, and we plan on taking action to enhance areas where NCTQ noted we fell short.

There are significant discrepancies in the report about what we do to prepare our students, but we will be making updates to NCTQ’s portal to correct the record. To read the report click here.

 

 

 

Biomechanics Team in Simmons to Study Basketball “Flopping”

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Peter Weyand, director, Locomotor Performance Lab

Biomechanics experts at Southern Methodist University have teamed with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to carry out a scientific study of the unsavory practice of player flopping in basketball and other sports.

Peter Weyand, associate professor of applied physiology and biomechanics, will direct researchers in SMU’s Locomotor Performance Lab to examine the forces in basketball collisions. Read more.