by PegNews wire

The University of North Texas also received the award.

DENTON — Texas Woman's University's Partnering for Teachers program with the Dallas Independent School District has received a prestigious 2009 Texas Higher Education Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

TWU's Partnering for Teachers program with the Dallas Independent School District received a 2009 Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Shown accepting the award are, from left: Andrae Rhyne; TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart; Dr. Nell Ingram; Dr. Barbara Lerner; Dr. Claudia Rodriguez; Dr. Sandra Adams; and Toyce Fanniel.

TWU was one of six in the state to receive a Star Award, which recognizes contributions toward achieving the goals of the THECB's Closing the Gaps program.

"This recognition highlights the value of collaboration in helping the state meet its education goals," said Dr. Barbara Lerner, director of academic outreach at TWU.

TWU's long-standing partnership with DISD is working to "close the gap" in student success by increasing the number of certified math, science, and bilingual teachers in Texas. Since 1986, TWU and DISD have trained more than 6,000 new teachers through the Dallas Alternative Certification Program. TWU provides curriculum support, course development and evaluation, graduate course supervision, and scholarships to students participating in the Dallas Alternative Certification Program. The program was expanded to include an alternative certification program for school librarians, and currently includes a collaborative program between TWU and DISD to train future school principals.

Established in 2001, the Star Awards recognize institutions of higher education, public and private schools, school districts, organizations, groups, and individuals for exceptional contributions toward one or more of the goals outlined in the Texas higher education plan "Closing the Gaps by 2015." Adopted by the THECB in 2000, the plan established four goals - to close the gaps in student participation, student success, academic excellence and research. For more information, visit www.thecb.state.tx.us.

TWU's G-Force student mentorship program also was a finalist for a 2009 STAR award.

Other 2009 Star Award recipients are: Amarillo College; South Texas College and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District; Texas A&M University-Commerce and Mesquite Independent School District; the University of Texas at San Antonio; and the University of North Texas.

Source: Texas Woman's University