Outreach Programs
Through outreach programs and it's Grosjean Clinic at University Hall, the BCOE strives to link the College and the surrounding community with programs that assist local educators, both pre- and post-service. These major programs include:
The Office of the Dean provides outreach and assistance to members of the faculty and staff of the BCOE and to personnel in schools and related agencies in the Terre Haute metropolitan area and serves as a clearinghouse and catalyst for interdepartmental, intercollege, interinstitutional, and interorganizational collaborations.
The Office of Assessment provides assistance to members of the faculty and staff of the BCOE and their school and community partners in the design, conduct, analysis, and dissemination of research and evaluation projects completed in educational and related settings.
Professional Development Schools (PDS) is a collaborative effort between the University and five area school districts. It is currently made up of 20 public schools and Indiana State University. Through this partnership students, teachers, and administrators of the schools and the University have come together to enhance education and training at all levels for over 10 years.
AdvancEd is the oldest and largest of the six regional accrediting associations that monitor US schools internationally. As a nationally recognized organization, AdvancEd’s purposes are to accredit schools and to support schools in their efforts for school improvement. It is a not-for-profit, voluntary membership organization of approximately 9,100 schools in a 19-state region plus the Department of Defense Dependent Schools and schools in the Navajo Nation. AdvancEd is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a regional accrediting association.
The Center for Mathematics Education helps teachers identify and develop their mathematical and pedagogical knowledge to help them become self-sufficient mathematics learners. The Center for Mathematics Education employs innovative learning strategies, allowing teachers to see the value of these strategies in their own learning. Teachers thus gain the mathematical and pedagogical knowledge to ensure all students become confident and creative mathematical thinkers. The Center for Mathematics Education promotes and conducts powerful research to guarantee that its strategies will meet the needs of all students. The Center for Mathematics Education’s research certifies that the strategies impact not only teaching but also have a profound effect on student learning.
Sycamore Readers is a free after-school tutoring program that serves struggling readers (grades K-5) from local elementary schools. Federal Work Study students and pre-service teachers are trained to tutor local elementary students. Sessions take place at the Vigo County Public Library (Main Branch) in the Lifelong Learning Center or at Meadows Elementary School in the cafeteria and music room. Each 1-on-1 tutoring session lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and occurs twice weekly during fall and spring semesters.
Blumberg Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education was established to encourage the interdisciplinary study of populations with special needs, ranging from persons with severe disabilities to those who are gifted and talented. Over the years, it has obtained Federal and State grants focused on developing and improving services for these individuals. The Blumberg Center includes faculty, students, and staff from the Department of Communication Disorders; the Department of Elementary, Early and Special Education; and the Department of Educational and School Psychology at Indiana State University. In the past academic year, over 2,962 educators, family members and students were providing programs through trainings, webinars and topical sessions.
The Grosjean Clinic at University Hall, which includes the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Clinic, the Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders, and the Porter School Psychology Center, offer services to members of the community while providing real time experiential learning for ISU students studying in their respective fields through both direct and indirect therapy sessions. Overseen by licensed professionals, the students are able to determine strengths and weaknesses and find ways to assist persons with exceptionalities.
The Wabash Valley Postsecondary Regional Partnership is comprised of Indiana State University, Ivy Tech-Wabash Valley, South Vermillion Schools, Southwest Parke Community Schools, and Vigo County School District. The partnership is on of three in Indiana and is funded by the Lumina Foundation and managed by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at University of Indianapolis. CELL and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education are participants in the Wabash Valley regional partnership.