BOONE—More than 45 educators from across the region gathered at Appalachian State University recently to talk about academic expectations and student success in college.The group, comprised of high school English teachers from eight regional counties, faculty members from Appalachian’s Department of English and educational administrators, discussed how high school curriculum requirements influence the academic readiness of enrolled college students.

“These types of conversations and collaborative activities build a community of practice among public school teachers and university faculty that supports college access for students,” said Dr. Charles R. Duke, dean of the Reich College of Education at Appalachian. “It is just one of the many ways that Appalachian is fulfilling recommendations found in the UNC Tomorrow report that call for greater outreach activity to the region and the need to reach more students about the possibilities of and preparation steps for college.”

Miki Early, left, and Linda McCalister from Appalachian State University discuss academic expectation and student success in college with Lucas Paisley from Alleghany High School and Dawn Poore from Avery High School. The teachers were among 45 educators who attended an English Professional Learning Communities meeting held at Appalachian’s Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. Early coordinates the High School to College Teacher/Faculty Development Project in the Western NC Network for Access and Success. McCalister directs Appalachian’s Public School Partnership. (Photo by Marie Freeman, University Photographer)

The ASU Public School Partnership and the Western NC Network for Access and Success, both housed at Appalachian, facilitated the first in a series of gatherings that will occur throughout the year on the campuses of Appalachian, UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina University.

Support for the meetings has been provided in part by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

“Appalachian is a leader in preparing public school teachers and promoting college access,” said N.C. Senator Steve Goss, who attended the event. “Collaborative activities like these conversations are why the North Carolina legislature responded so positively to the funding request for a new college of education building at Appalachian.”

Examples of outreach programs focusing on teacher support and college access include the ASU Public School Partnership’s Professional Learning Communities, a collaborative effort among the Reich College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and practitioners in area public schools. Faculty members in the areas of English, math, science and social studies meet monthly to discuss issues related to content, curriculum alignment, standards and testing. Dr. Linda McCalister is the partnership director.

The WNC Network for Access and Success is a collaborative educational partnership among Appalachian, UNC-Asheville, Western Carolina University and the Appalachian Regional Commission that provides support to schools seeking to increase high school graduation and post-secondary enrollment. Joni Webb Petschauer directs the network. Michele R. Early coordinates the network’s “High School to College” Teacher/Faculty Development Project.

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation was established in 1936 as a memorial to the youngest son of the founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. In its history, the foundation has made grants totaling more than $414 million to recipients in North Carolina’s 100 counties.

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