UCA College of Education meets state expectations in Science of Reading audit
The University of Central Arkansas College of Education has completed the Arkansas Science of Reading audit conducted by Teacher Prep Inspection-US (TPI-US) as directed by the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The review concluded that UCA meets expectations across the three review areas and pathways evaluated, affirming the strength of the university’s literacy preparation programs.
The comprehensive review examined four separate programs: Undergraduate Special Education K-12; Undergraduate Elementary Education K-6; Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary; and MAT Special Education programs. Across Review Area 1 (Quality of Literacy Instruction), Review Area 2 (Quality of Field-Based Experiences) and Review Area 3 (Quality of Performance Management and Continuous Improvement), all pathways received overall ratings of Meets Expectations.
Originally scheduled as an on-site review, the audit was moved to a fully virtual format with only a few days’ notice due to severe weather across the state. Despite the shift, the College provided complete documentation, observation recordings, and access to materials to ensure a comprehensive and uninterrupted review process.
Validation of Program Quality
Reviewers identified a strong commitment to structured literacy and evidence-based instruction aligned with the Arkansas Literacy Framework.
Program strengths cited in the report include:
Systematic, explicit preparation in phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, encoding and multisyllabic word instruction.
- Comprehensive training in literacy assessment, including the use of tools such as the PAST and CORE Phonics Assessment.
- Integration of high-quality instructional materials within coursework and clinical experiences.
- Strong partnerships with school districts to support candidates’ application of structured literacy practices.
- A robust Quality Assurance System that uses multiple data sources to monitor and improve program effectiveness.
The review also confirmed that UCA’s performance management and continuous improvement systems meet expectations across all evaluated indicators
Leadership in Literacy and Dyslexia Preparation
The successful audit reinforces UCA’s longstanding role as a leader in educator preparation. Founded in 1907 as a teacher training institution, UCA continues to prioritize early literacy and preparation aligned with current research.
The College of Education holds accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association, reflecting alignment with nationally recognized standards in dyslexia preparation. In addition to undergraduate preparation, UCA offers advanced graduate programs in literacy and dyslexia, providing continued professional development for practicing educators.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The audit also identified targeted areas for program enhancement. In response, the College has developed a Prioritized Quality Program Blueprint outlining specific action steps, including:
- Aligning and spiraling literacy coursework across undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Expanding structured modeling and applied practice in vocabulary, comprehension and writing.
- Enhancing mentor and university supervisor training focused on evidence-based literacy instruction.
- Strengthening partnership agreements to ensure consistent exposure to high-quality instructional materials in clinical placements.
The College views the audit as part of an ongoing cycle of accountability and improvement rather than a terminal milestone.