History

The College of Education at Wayne State University has always been committed to recruitment of a diverse population of students. Approximately 25% of the 30,000 students at the University are from minority groups. Within the College of Education, however, small pools of students from minority groups were applying for initial teacher preparation programs. In an attempt to increase the number of certified teachers from minority groups, two major initiatives were developed: articulation agreements with local community colleges; and alternative pathways to teaching programs with the Detroit Public Schools.

Located in the center of Detroit, in close proximity to downtown, Wayne State University is commuting distance from the five campuses of the Wayne County Community College District. Henry Ford Community College is located in Dearborn, Michigan, also an easy commute to the campus of WSU. Both community colleges have open admissions policies and serve a non-traditional population with an average age of 27. Both institutions have high numbers of students who are members of minority groups. All three institutions are large and complex.

Since teacher certification programs have many specific requirements covering admissions, academic majors and minors, fieldwork in the schools and extensive state mandated testing, additional pipelines were needed to help students complete the programs. Articulation agreements were developed with these community colleges by an official Joint Development and Review Board. Included in these agreements are the following elements: assignment of a contact person from WSU to all community college students interested in pursuing teacher certification as soon as they indicate interest; special preparation for meeting University admissions requirements; arrangements on the WSU campus for community college students to use university resources (i.e. academic development, test taking seminars, etc.); assistance with scholarships and financial aid; guidance in selection of courses which transfer and apply directly for specific requirements for certification; monitoring of academic progress until completion of the program; and cohort group support.

The original Alternative Pathways Project with the Detroit Public Schools began with funding from the Dewitt Wallace-Readers' Digest Fund, through Bank Street College of Education. This program was jointly developed by faculty and administrators from Wayne State University College of Education and administrators and prospective teachers from the Detroit Public Schools. As a result of the success of the first program, four additional programs have been established using this model. All of the programs include teacher candidates who were already working in some capacity in the schools, but not as certified teachers. The programs provide financial support for tuition, monthly group meetings led by the students, experienced teachers who are mentors, an active role by principals in the program, special seminars and support services and on-the-job student teaching. The ongoing support and assistance of the Detroit Public Schools has been crucial to the success of these programs. The original cohort group included students in elementary education and secondary students from mathematics and science education. A second cohort group was modeled directly on the first group, and then additional cohorts were developed for bilingual education, special education and for minority males, the most under-represented group in teacher preparation. Students have made remarkable progress in the programs with most of the first two cohorts finishing their programs in 2-6 semesters, while continuing to work full-time.

We are now incorporating elements from these special programs into our regular preparation program, attempting to institutionalize the "best practices" developed in these alternative pathway programs. Faculty are enthusiastic about working with students admitted through these programs, because of their unique abilities and the richness they bring through their diverse backgrounds. We all believe these students will make significant contributions to the teaching profession, based upon their performance to date and the obvious commitment to their chosen profession.

Mission

Wayne State University is a national research university with an urban teaching and service mission. The university aspires to implement its curricula in ways that serve the needs of a non-traditional student population that is racially and ethnically diverse, commuting, working, and raising families. Most students are from the first generation in their family or neighborhood to attend a university. There are 14 Schools and Colleges within this state supported institution. The College of Education has over 3,700 students in undergraduate and graduate programs and certifies approximately 700 students per year. All teacher preparation programs are field based and students do multiple field placements before student teaching. The College is NGATE accredited. Wayne County Community College District is designed to be an affordable, comprehensive, contemporary, "open door," urban/suburban and multicultural institution, whose mission is to promote the educational, cultural, and economic development of the community by providing quality education. It serves over 11,000 students, 58% of whom are from minority groups. The city of Detroit is located in Wayne County.

Henry Ford Community College is dedicated to the education and enrichment of its students and community. It is a public, comprehensive non-residential community college striving to meet the diversified post-secondary educational needs of the community. The main campus is in Dearborn, Michigan and there is a Dearborn Heights Center. Together they serve over 13,000 students.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Paula C. Wood
Dean, College of Education
Wayne State University
441 Education Building
5425 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-577-1625 Fax: 313-577-3606 E-mail: pwood@coe.wayne.edu

Beverly Schneider
Executive Director of Human Resources, Management and Planning
Detroit Public Schools, 5057 Woodward, Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone: 313-494-1875

Dr. Sharon Elliott
Asst. Dean - Teacher Education, College of Education
Wayne State University, 241 Education Building
5425 Gullen Mall, Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone: (313) 577-0902; Fax: (313) 577-4091; E-mail: selliott@coe.wayne.edu

Dr. Janice Green
Asst. Dean - Academic Services
College of Education, Wayne State University
489 Education Building
5425 Gullen Mall
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone: (313) 577-1605 Fax: (313) 577-7904; E-mail: jwgreen@coe.wayne.edu

Dr. Annie Comer-Jacobs
East Campus Provost
Wayne County Community College
5901 Conner
Detroit, MI 48213

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