Only at Charlotte: Leading in literacy

April 7, 2023
Categories: General News Tags: Cato College of Education

In North Carolina, UNC Charlotte stands alone in training teachers in literacy instruction.

The Challenge

Across the country, literacy rates for students in grades K-12 are lower than they should be. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only around one-third of fourth grade students are proficient in reading.

The Solution

At UNC Charlotte, faculty from the Cato College of Education focus on the fundamentals as they apply new evidence-based understandings to how we train future educators to teach literacy.

Here’s how:

  • Our faculty members are national leaders in literacy theory and bring their expertise to their classrooms.
  • We focus on proven approaches to teacher preparation: course syllabi and schedules, assignments, assessments, online modules, video observations of course instruction and instructor interviews.
  • Resources for continuous learning are available through interdepartmental collaboration, the Teacher Education Institute and the UNC System Literacy Initiatives and state-level leadership, and more.

The Outcome

A recent independent report commissioned by the North Carolina Board of Governors rated UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education as “Strong” in training teachers in literacy instruction – the only public university in the state to earn that recognition.

We see the path forward, and we’re committed to leading the way.

literacy graphic

Learn More about Success Happening Only at Charlotte

Democracy in Technology — The College of Computing and Informatics is the No.1 producer of minority computer science graduates in the region, and has earned the college recognition as an example of what is possible when inclusion is an action, not just stated as an initiative.

DeCIPHERing threats to Human Health — UNC Charlotte is fueling the effort to foresee and fight infectious diseases, finding success in health innovation through collaboration.