UHV graduates pass state teaching exam with flying colors
The University of Houston-Victoria once again is upholding its reputation for excellence after 95 percent of the university’s students studying to become educators, administrators or counselors passed their state exams.
UHV students took the Texas Examination of Educator Standards tests in 11 different education certification programs from Sept. 1, 2017, to Aug. 31. Ninety-five percent of the 59 UHV students seeking initial teacher certification passed the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities test, one of the state exams required to become a teacher in Texas. Ninety-two percent of the 62 students seeking additional certifications – such as administration, counseling or a specific subject – passed their content examinations.
UHV students took the state exams in 11 different areas, and in eight of the areas, 100 percent of the students passed.
“These numbers are exciting because they speak to the success of UHV’s education program,” said Fred Litton, dean of the school. “UHV’s scores consistently have been in the mid- to high-90s for the past few years, and I am glad to see that trend continue.”
The numbers were released by the Texas Education Agency and reflect any UHV student who took the test during the time period. Future teachers, principals, school counselors, superintendents and educational diagnosticians are required to take a state exam to become certified educators.
Of the 11 areas tested, none fell below the state’s passing level. The state also breaks down pass rates by gender and race. All but two of the gender and race categories were more than 90 percent, and three categories received a 100 percent passing rate.
Much of the credit for the high passing rates goes to the UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development’s faculty, said Rachel Martinez, associate dean of the school and associate professor of special education. The school’s low student-to-faculty ratio and emphasis on offering practical learning opportunities gives students a clear path toward success.
“Our faculty make the program as stellar as it is,” Martinez said. “They take a lot of pride in teaching future educators, and our numbers demonstrate that their diligence produces wonderful results.”
Another tool UHV’s education program uses to prepare students for the exams is the university’s Texas Examination of Educator Standards Academy, Litton said. The TExES Academy offers practice tests, study guides and an electronic support system for students.
“Our primary focus always is to help students prepare to be highly qualified educators who can make a difference in the lives of their students,” Litton said. “These test results show future educators that they are joining and will be part of a quality program.”
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
