Western Governors University under fire

Online U Programs Under Fire.

 

I don't think that the issue here is WGU, it's DL in general. Most likely any other DL program, at least the totally nonresident ones, would encounter the same problems. WGU should be thanked by the rest of the DL community for taking the point and addressing this situation.

WGU is applying to have some of its programs approved for teacher licensure in Utah, and there are objections. Apparently the teacher licensing laws in Utah require in-class experiences and supervision of some sort, even before student-teaching.

From the story:

The university is asking the board to approve the teacher licenses connected to three degree programs: A bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies, a master's in teaching and a master's in mathematics.

Texas and Nevada recognize WGU licenses, but Utah does not.

The advisory committee questions whether online classes can give prospective teachers enough experience early in their degree programs -- before they begin student teaching.

"In Utah, we expect a certain amount of clinical supervision," said Deanna Winn, a committee member and associate commissioner for academic affairs for the Board of Regents.

"There just isn't any in their program. No one is concerned conceptually about how the program works, but we want to see how the program works."

Some board members said they recognized some of the concerns but hoped they weren't being fed by prejudice against online learning simply because it is nontraditional.

"I hope it's not innovation that's causing the problem," said board member Denis Morrill.

I'm a little confused by this story as it seems to confuse what in California would be two separate things: degrees and teacher's credentials.

 

wgu teacher certification

Do u have any info. on how the teacher certification at wgu works. I live in texas and was thinkin about doing this program but am not sure how it works or how a teacher gets certified. Any info. would be great

 

Are there any other DL programs out there that offer teacher certification?

 

teacher certification

i've been lookin for other places too, but have not been able to find one.