Baylor School of Education Graduates Repeat 100 Percent Pass Rate

January 25, 2016
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Media Contact: Tonya B. Lewis (254) 710-4656
WACO, Texas (Jan. 25, 2016) — For the second year in a row, graduates in Baylor University’s education programs achieved a 100 percent pass rate on certification exams in the State of Texas. The current rate reflects tests taken by Baylor students who graduated in the 2014-15 academic year, including graduation ceremonies in December 2014, May 2015 and August 2015. The overall state average for 2014-15 was 94 percent.
The 100 percent rate includes all tests taken by Baylor students, most of whom are enrolled in the teacher-education programs of the School of Education (SOE). SOE graduates who took the certification tests included those majoring in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), middle grades (grades 4-8 in math; social studies; science; or English, language arts and reading), secondary education (grades 7-12 in math; social studies; science; or English, language arts and reading), and all-level special education.
The SOE also certifies students from other areas of the university, including those majoring in physical education, music education, deaf education, business education and those majoring in math, history or biology with education as a minor.
Each student seeking initial teacher certification in Texas must take at least two tests — the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam (PPR) and a specific content-area exam. Students also take tests for supplemental certification in areas such as gifted and talented education, special education or ESL (English as a Second Language).
The pass rate also includes graduate students who take exams such as the principal certification exam, the physical-education certification exam for Sports Pedagogy master’s graduates and first-time certification for those finishing the masters level Strickland Scholars Program.
“Our program is one of only three programs in the state graduating more than 100 candidates per year to reach a 100 percent pass rate two years in a row,” said Krys Goree, Ph.D., director of the School of Education’s office of professional practice. “We are proud of this accomplishment, which reflects the quality of outstanding Baylor students and the dedicated faculty who prepare them for these exams.”
Baylor candidates for 2014-15 outperformed the other Big 12 schools in Texas, former Big 12-member Texas A&M and the other Baptist schools in Texas. Prior to the 2013-14 year, Baylor pass rate average had been 99 percent since 2006.

by Meg Cullar, director of communications, Baylor School of Education, 254-710-6435

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Founded in 1919, the Baylor School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The School prepares leaders beginning in undergraduate programs, continuing through master’s-level work and culminating in both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs; impacts the world as students participate in faculty-guided fieldwork, service learning and community-focused research in local and global contexts; and shapes the future by mentoring the whole person, developing an understanding of theory and practice and encouraging responsiveness to one’s calling.