The 2009-10 academic year at Drake brings new programs and funding for the School of Education.
Drake Head Start, Iowa’s largest program dedicated to early childhood education, received federal funds to expand the program.
Two of the current classrooms were moved to new locations in Newton and Ankeny where they can better serve children in need.
The counseling program also received new grants, which will expand opportunities for graduate students at Drake. The funds will be used to support students working toward their master’s degrees in counseling, rehabilitation placement and rehabilitation administration.
In addition, Thomas M. Buckmiller, assistant professor of education, joined the faculty this fall.
He comes from Pennsylvania State University, where he completed his doctorate in globalization and lifelong learning. His thesis examined the experiences of Native American students at a predominately white university. Buckmiller will teach courses in Education Leadership for students earning master’s degrees and principal licensures.
Extension Education is introducing new distance learning courses for classroom teachers seeking professional development and graduate credit. New Extension Education online courses include:
- Foundations of Literacy (EDDL 294)
- Reading Assessment and Diagnosis (EDDL 295)
- Teaching Probability and Statistics (EDDL 298)
As part of the series of video courses for coaches and physical educators, Extension Education now offers:
- Relevant Elementary Physical Education (EDEX 272)
- Baseball Coaching (EDEX 273)
In addition, new cohorts of graduate students began the Masters of Science in Education: Effective Teaching at off-campus locations in the Des Moines metro area. For students in the western suburbs, all core courses required for the program are offered at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center and endorsement courses can be taken either online or on Drake’s campus. Students at the Des Moines Downtown School are taking a series of specialized courses for a master’s degree and an endorsement in advanced studies.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, the School of Education will welcome all education students, faculty and staff back to campus with an annual barbeque in Olmsted Center. It is hosted by the school’s Advisory Council — a group of local education leaders, including school superintendents and curriculum directors.