Smart Planning, Powerful Partnerships and Innovative Practices Promoting Academic Achievement : Using an Evidence Based Approach GaPSC Certification and Program Officials Conference Fort Valley State University December 2, 2015 1895 State Land-Grant Institution Founded more than 100 years ago, Fort Valley State University embraces a history that weaves together African-American culture, a commitment to personal and intellectual growth and a deep sense of community. What students of every era have found here is unequaled leadership across a wide scope of programs. The university is one of Georgias two land-grant institutions and one of the states ten historically black colleges and universities. Its no secret that quality education requires quality teachers. The issues and conversations around quality are in question when we speak of our rural schools. At FVSU we are: Nurturing and developing teachers dedicated to Rural Education. Standard 1 Content and Pedagogical Knowledge: Alignment and Experiences The EPP ensures that candidates develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of their discipline and, by completion, are able to use discipline-specific practices flexibility to advance learning Critical Partners Middle Georgia RESA Math and Science Partnership Starbase Warner Robins NASA Marshall Science Center USG-GADOE Partnerships: College Access Challenge Grants Gear Up Grant: Bibb County Middle Georgia RESA Math/Science Partnership Near Peer Grant: Summer Residential Camp. Avid College Summer Residential AVID Summer Residential NASA Teacher Training Near Peer : Project IMPACT Gear Up Grant Critical Partnership with Bibb County Third year Program Outcomes Program Director Dr. Alfredia Manson Near Peer College Access: Project Impact Third Year of this Critical Partnership Service provided to students from Peach and Twiggs County Program Outcomes Program Director: Mrs. Davine Watson Starbase Expereince Special Initiatives to Support Standards 1-3 Annual Mock Interviews Professional Development Conferences Real Men Teach Initiative Enhancing S.T.E.M. Pedagogy and Outcomes Title III Grant Annual Teacher Induction Ceremony Licensure and Assessment Support Induction Support