Abstract:

Nationally, during the year 2003-4, Texas had 15 of the top 100 largest school districts in the United States (NCES, 2009). This University (U) is situated in the 4th largest city in the U.S., partners with school districts that were ranked 7th, 31st, 53rd, and 66th in the nation. The U also has teacher candidates (TC) seeking positions in neighboring school districts that ranked 84th and 89th in the same NCES list. Eight of the nine school districts with which the U has partnerships receive Title I allocations due to poverty rate (NCES, 2009).

Locally, U serves a diverse student body (White = 24.8%, African-American = 26.6%, Hispanic = 42.3%, and Asian = 4.8%). Students who seek teacher certification generally reflect the diversity of the university student body. The current university enrollment is approximately 12,000 students and the enrollment in our Department (D) is approximately 1,400.

The U, as the name suggests, sits in the center of town. It continues to grow and one evident result of the growth is the lack of parking spaces for student, staff and faculty alike. While U attracts a student body that mirrors area demographics, it also has become a 4-year higher education institution that appeals to, and therefore attracts, students who might not meet academic requirements of other institutions. Subsequently, U works arduously in helping “non-traditional” students to become college graduates.

Our teacher education program is also growing at a dramatic pace and the program that is growing by leaps and bounds is the bilingual education (BiEd) teacher certification. The type of student enrolling in the BiEd program seems to be characteristically someone who is employed fulltime and often, as “paraprofessional” (Para) in the districts with whom our institution partners. As a result, D has adapted its program to help meet the needs of the Para TC. Currently demographics at D’s satellite locations far into the sub-urban communities mirror those of U.

The presentation will speak of a satellite that is located in the far northwest part of the metro area. Specifically, it will describe the BiEd program in which a group of three full time assistant professors and one adjunct collaborate with the community college that serves as a source of rooms, when needed, and a school district that actively recruits Paras for our institution.

In summary, universities across the United States are finding it more difficult to attract students, retain them and ultimately graduate them. As a response to this phenomenon, U is crossing traditional campus borders and use the satellite program. The TC at the satellites undertakes the same rigorous program that includes class work and field experiences but does so in a schedule that is aligned with his or her work schedule. More importantly, the TC at the satellite is able to transition into the district as a teacher of record almost seamlessly because a large number of the TC enrolled in the satellite program have been recruited directly and indirectly, by the district in which our classes meet.

Keywords:

bilingual teacher preparation, new trends, collaboration, urban education.