The School of Education's diversity plan serves as a model for institutions around the nation. The plan's mission statement explicitly values diversity and cultural understanding. In combination with recruitment and retention efforts, the diversity plan contributes to increasingly diverse faculty and student bodies. Assessment of candidates' competencies at program completion indicates that candidates are well prepared to work with diverse student populations, including those who speak languages other than English and students with exceptionalities. The new program is designed for community college transfer students who have completed their general studies and enter the university as juniors.
Students take three blended courses in mathematics, science, and multiculturalism.
In addition, they visit local public schools for observation and participation field activities, take additional courses in educational methods and theory, and do student teaching. The entire sequence of study is completed at the undergraduate level. When finished, students have a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and an elementary teaching credential. The new program was developed in response to the critical need for credentialed teachers in local schools to be better prepared in a shorter period of time, without loss of quality. University of Cincinnati Cincinnati Professional Practice Schools is a partnership among the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Cincinnati Public Schools, and the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, committed to increased student achievement, induction of new teachers and ongoing professional development of experienced teachers, and inquiry directed toward the improvement of practice.