West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Education Division is the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the West Virginia Department of Education.
The project was selected through a competitive grant process from proposals submitted from across West Virginia.
"The Partnerships Project" is a program that enhances the teacher education program at WVU Parkersburg, explained Cynthia Kelley, chairperson of the college’s Education Division.
"As a part of the project, three teacher education courses are now offered and taught in local Wood County Schools," she noted. "Teachers and preservice teachers work together to meet identified needs of students in project schools."
The Partnerships Project also provides professional development opportunities for college faculty, public school teachers, and students enrolled in the teacher education program.
WVU Parkersburg offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. Schools in partnership with WVU Parkersburg’s teacher education program are Fairplains Elementary, Neale Elementary, and Worthington Elementary.
Mrs. Kelley said the Partnerships Project has three main goals. The first is to assist in remediating and enhancing basic academic skills of students in the partner schools. The second goal is to offer a more practice-based training for college students majoring in elementary education. Third, the project works to offer meaningful professional development for teachers in Wood County Schools.
This marks the third time WVU Parkersburg has received an Education First/Goals 2000 grant.
