TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama College of Education received superlative scores last week on the fifth annual teacher preparation report card prepared by the Alabama State Department of Education.

All of UA’s 12 teacher preparation programs received A’s – the only major University to receive the top grade.

“Obviously, we are pleased with the report card,” said Dr. James McLean, dean of the UA College of Education. “The results, which provide quantitative evidence of the quality of our programs, are a tribute to our faculty, students and our graduates.

“The Report Card also provides us with information that will help us as we continue to improve our programs,” McLean added.

All 16 public and 13 private institutions in the state with teacher preparation programs were graded for the 2003-04 academic year.

Grades are given based on professional evaluation tests given graduates of the universities.

The overall state score was a B. Alabama State Department of Education standards require colleges and universities to guarantee their students will be certified and to provide remedial education.