Center for College Readiness
Since 1967, the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies has fulfilled Edgar Odell Lovett’s vision of a university engaged with its community by providing high-quality educational opportunities to our ever-changing community. In 1994, in service to this vision, the Glasscock School established a department of teacher professional development to provide summer training for AP and Pre-AP teachers.
Though our original mandate was teacher professional development, over the last several years our initiatives have expanded to include programming for not only teachers but also district administrators, and secondary students. To date, the department has trained more than 30,000 educators and students from all 50 states and 37 countries through a variety of programming that includes professional development for AP, IB, global education, ESL, American history, and student programs. Funding for these award-winning programs has been received from the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, and the Freeman Foundation, among others.
In light of our ever expanding and diversified portfolio of educational programming, in 2011 we created the Center for College Readiness which better encompasses the full scope of our work. Historically training Pre-AP and AP teachers and then in 2005 expanding to include IB teachers and administrators, we have always been advocates of coursework that is rigorous and prepares students for post-secondary education. Our programming has and continues to be centered on innovative strategies and content to increase the college readiness of students. Rice is the only institution in the country endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization and the College Board to provide training programs for both IB and AP teachers.
The Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University is currently one of the largest teacher-training institutes in the country. The programs for teachers focus on improving content knowledge and instructional strategies; the programs for students emphasize personal growth through curriculum-based education and authentic experiences; and the programs for administrators are designed to build awareness about the role of rigor in preparing students for college and how to create college going culture within the school community. These college readiness programs are praised nationally for upholding high academic standards for all participants.
Testimonials
"I have been privileged to be an instructor at the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies for 13 years- Rice's reputation among teachers is nonpareil. I have seen teachers rejuvenated and energized to begin another school year with a new class of future leaders. The Glasscock School can be proud to have reached thousands of teachers and ultimately, students, from all over the world. Rice exemplifies a commitment to excellence, and their famous afternoon treat of Blue Bell Ice Cream has satisfied many a teacher on those warm Houston afternoons...a perfect combination for a Texas summer day." - Susan Hollier, Instructor
"My years of training teachers for the Glasscock School has given me one of the most rewarding teaching experiences of my life. The organization and professionalism of the Glasscock staff outshines any of the other universities I have worked for (and that's a lot). The increasing success of the programs offered teachers in the Houston area and around the nation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff. Since I first came to Rice University a decade ago, I have seen the Glasscock staff consistently give everyone who comes their way — consultants, teachers, and students — a positive, welcoming experience. There's no place I'd rather work than Rice University." - Jim Smith, Instructor