For the second year in a row, the Andrews University Teacher Preparation Program has been declared an exemplary program and achieved the distinction of being the only institution out of 32 in the state of Michigan to receive a perfect 70/70 score.

Each year, the State of Michigan develops a report card for all Teacher Preparation colleges and universities in Michigan. "We are thrilled to have such a high quality program that it has scored above other larger, more well-known institutions," says Lee Davidson, chair of the Department of Teaching, Learning & Curriculum.

Aaron Koleda, who teaches at the Village Adventist Elementary School in Berrien Springs, Mich., says, "I had no doubt that it was a quality program, yet it brings me a new level of confidence knowing I am a product of a top-notch institution."

Using seven measures, or data points, the Office of Professional Preparation Services and the State Board of Education assess how each institution has performed in preparing elementary and secondary teachers to educate students. These conditions include the passing rate on the Michigan Test of Teacher Certification (MTTC); graduating teacher satisfaction level; employer satisfaction survey of graduates and diversity of graduates, to name a few.

Five points out of the 70 recognize Andrews as ethnically and racially diverse. Jim Jeffery, dean of the Andrews University School of Education, says, "Interestingly enough, that is recognized as one of the seven data points and makes us stand out from several higher education peers who have little to no minority representation."

Andrews received 30 out of the total 70 points for the scores students received on the MTTC, a test on the content of the major. "The success of the high marks for the MTTC is the result of a joint effort between the School of Education and the College of Arts & Sciences at Andrews," says Jeffery.

Keri Suarez, media relations specialist, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communication