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State reviewers report changes to advisement, field experiences at Jacksonville State and Montevallo educator-prep programs
Summary
State Department of Education volunteers completed on-site reviews of Jacksonville State University and the University of Montevallo educator preparation programs and reported changes to advisement models, course timing and field experience design.
State Department volunteers reported that Jacksonville State University and the University of Montevallo have updated how they prepare teacher candidates, focusing on revised advisement models, course schedules and expanded field experiences.
The department presented both institutions’ reports during a work-session review attended by university leaders and members of the state board. The reviews follow the department’s documentation audit and an on-site visit, a standard part of the educator preparation program (EPP) oversight process.
Reviewers told the board that Jacksonville State has “changed their entire advisement model” and was examining course timing so candidates take tests at moments when they retain material better. The department also said Jacksonville State is “looking at opportunities to get the candidates in the field more often,” to align coursework with the practical work candidates will perform in classrooms.
Dr. Kimberly Gaetz White, dean of the College of Education at Jacksonville State University, called the visit collegial and thanked state reviewers for their support. “This was a very, very collegial visit, and I can't thank the state department, especially, Doctor Alika Hampton enough for how they came in to support us and to brainstorm with us the things that we were doing well,” she said.
University of Montevallo officials described a similar set of strengths and adjustments. Dr. Balor, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for Montevallo, said faculty “pour themselves into these educator preparation programs” and that the university is committed to continuous improvement. The university’s presentation noted candidate stories that reviewers said illustrated faculty intervention and student support during retention challenges.
Reviewers also told the board that Jacksonville State received a recent SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) report with “no recommendation,” a detail university leaders noted as positive for the campus.
Board members asked few follow-up questions. University leaders invited board members to visit campus, and the board acknowledged the reviews before moving to the next agenda item.
The department said the on-site reviews are part of routine oversight that pairs documentation review with follow-up visits to evaluate advisement systems, curriculum timing and clinical placements. The board did not take a separate formal vote during the public discussion recorded in the transcript.
