Letter: School of Ed. issues

In the past two weeks, I have had two perplexing experiences with the IU School of Education. Recently, I tried to apply to the English department honors thesis program. However, because I am an English education and special education student, I am not eligible because the School of Education refuses to recognize the program. A few days later, I learned that the IU School of Education does not recognize or grant minors. Both of these situations struck me as peculiar: Why on earth does a school of education fail to allow students earned recognition for academic endeavors in other departments?

Nearly all of my School of Education classes have either touched on or seriously studied self-determination, divergent thinking and how to teach so that students enjoy learning and go above and beyond the class or school requirements. The IU School of Education is certainly talking the talk about these issues, but they are not walking the walk. The structure of the School of Education and the opportunities for learning outside (and sometimes within) the education major are severely curtailed.

It seems odd that a school that trains teachers does not encourage their students to actively pursue academic inquiry in departments across the IU campus. I cannot fathom a good reason for not encouraging and celebrating students who want to go above and beyond their degree requirements.

The IU School of Education needs to allow students to pursue and to be recognized for completing outside minors, majors and departmental honors programs. It is in the interest of the education school to have well-educated, academically well-rounded teachers who are eager to engage in their own learning as well as in teaching others.

­— Rebekah Sims
Junior
School of Education student