Program examines school achievement, social factors

Understanding how non-academic issues such as gender, race, class and self-concept affect the classroom performance of young people is the goal of a new certificate program targeted for educators.

Research has shown that non-cognitive issues – which also can include family academic values, quality of school curriculum and academic ability – affect the academic performance of today’s young people, especially young people of color.

Teachers are challenged to work with these issues in an effort to foster classroom success and close the achievement gap.

To address these challenges, the Department of Counseling Psychology and the Office of Education Outreach have developed a certificate of completion in psycho-social factors in student achievement.

The program consists of a series of workshops, conferences and courses addressing the impact of non-academic issues on student achievement.

Completion of the certificate will provide the recipient with a strong academic and practice base in working with a varied and multicultural student population.

Participants will earn 11 post-baccalaureate credits that can be completed in two academic years from the time of acceptance into the program, if the components are completed in a timely manner.

The program is geared for K-12 teachers, administrators, school psychologists and social workers, school counselors, interested members of boards of education and community members.

Leading the program is Hardin L.K. Coleman, professor and chair of counseling psychology. Joining Coleman are Professor Stephen M. Quintana and Assistant Professor Angela M. Byars-Winston.

The concepts of the certificate address several teaching standards created by the state Department of Public Instruction and can be included in a related professional development portfolio.

More information about the program is available online at Office of Education Outreach’s website, or contact Sue Schroeder by email at sueschroeder@education.wisc.edu or by phone at (608) 263-0951.