ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 9/29/2026) – Louisiana State University of Alexandria’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has earned an A+ rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), placing it among the nation’s top programs for preparing future teachers to teach reading effectively.
The recognition comes from NCTQ’s newly released Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, which evaluates how well educator preparation programs equip future elementary teachers to teach reading using scientifically based instructional practices. LSUA was recognized for providing comprehensive preparation in all five core components of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
The distinction carries particular significance in Louisiana, where literacy remains one of the most important educational challenges facing schools and communities. According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), four in ten Louisiana fourth graders are not reading at a basic level. Research consistently shows that teacher preparation is one of the strongest predictors of reading success for young learners, making the quality of teacher training a critical component of improving student outcomes.
“We recognize that schools continue to face significant challenges in literacy achievement, and our program remains responsive to the needs of students, teachers, and school communities,” said Arlene Duos, Director of the School of Education at LSUA. “Through rigorous coursework, meaningful field experiences, and a strong emphasis on effective teaching practices, our teacher candidates are prepared to meet the demands of the classroom and make a positive impact on student learning, particularly in the critical area of literacy.”
A+ Rating
To earn an A+ rating, programs must demonstrate that future teachers receive instruction in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction while avoiding instructional methods that research has shown to be ineffective or unsupported. According to NCTQ, LSUA exceeded the standards required for an A rating by fully aligning its literacy coursework with evidence-based practices.
“Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but LSUA is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”
The review was conducted by a team of literacy and teacher preparation experts who analyzed course syllabi, lecture topics, assigned readings, assessments, instructional activities, and opportunities for teacher candidates to practice literacy instruction. NCTQ’s methodology was developed with input from reading researchers, teacher preparation faculty, literacy advocates, and measurement experts.
As school districts across Louisiana work to improve literacy outcomes, LSUA is preparing future educators with the skills and knowledge needed to make an immediate impact from their first day in the classroom. For Louisiana schools, it means more educators arriving in the classroom prepared to tackle one of the state’s most pressing educational challenges.
Adapted by Adam Lord from the National Council on Teacher Quality
Image: Canva stock edited by LSUA Strategic Communications
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