School wants to award teaching degrees online

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 7, 2003 by Jennifer Toomer-Cook Deseret News staff writer

The Western Governor's University, an online institution, wants to be able to churn out teachers for Utah schools.

But a committee set up to advise college and public school leaders on such matters is not yet sold on the idea.

The Educator Development Advisory Committee believes the WGU proposals, which would allow students to earn teaching endorsements and some teaching-related bachelor's and master's degrees, wouldn't comply with standards set up by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Partly, it is concerned about the online university's lack of face- to-face practice and coaching needed to build skills for the classroom.

But WGU President Bob Mendenhall believes his institution meets such requirements -- and then some -- through internships and its curriculum. The program has been endorsed by U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige, and its competencies developed from a database of standards from 23 states and national licensing exams.

At WGU, however, students demonstrate competency in what they've learned rather than how many hours they've sat through class. If they don't have the competency, they won't get a diploma, Mendenhall said.

The issue came to the State Board of Education Friday. The board must give approval to an education college program or graduates will not be able to receive state teaching licenses.

"I see great potential for these proposals," associate state superintendent Ray Timothy told board members. "At the same time, I feel there are some questions that have not yet been resolved."

The state school board wants the advisory committee to again meet with WGU officials, then offer a recommendation.

The board could vote on the matter as early as August.

E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com