innovation INITIATIVE
An energizing curriculum transformation
by Angie Klink
The College of Education’s Innovation Initiative has sparked the most comprehensive change in two decades for the teacher education curriculum, which will have a new focus beginning in 2021. “The new curriculum is going to be a gamechanger,” says initiative leader Kathryn Obenchain, associate dean for learning, engagement and global initiatives. “It’s going to set the College of Education apart, and it’s going to set our graduates apart.” The curriculum transformation started with a series of 2018 summits, convened to gather data via focus groups and surveys. Input was collected from college faculty and staff; current and former Purdue students; and superintendents, principals and teachers from across Indiana. The initiative is led by Obenchain, who also is professor of social studies education; Rachael Kenney, associate professor of mathematics education; and David Sears, clinical associate professor of educational psychology and research methodology. A team of about 50 Purdue faculty and staff are guiding the initiative’s areas, and about 20 of them participated in a summer work week to hone skills and develop ideas in those areas.
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