Committee to review field of education

A faculty committee has been appointed to consider the future of research and teaching in the field of education at the University. The committee, chaired by Clark Gilpin, Dean of the Divinity School, was appointed by Provost Geoffrey Stone following the University's decision to close the Department of Education in 2001.

According to Stone, the committee is to review how the University should structure interdisciplinary research in the field of education; how it can prepare students for careers in elementary, secondary and higher education; how the University can help enhance education in the city, state and nation; and whether the University should continue to offer a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and doctoral programs in education.

"In thinking about teaching and research in the field of education, the committee will consider education broadly, including issues relating to the family, the community and the workplace," Stone said.

In addition to Gilpin, the committee includes Susan Goldin-Meadow, Professor in Psychology; Larry Hedges, the Stella M. Rowley Professor in Education; and Robert Michael, the Eliakim Hastings Moore Distinguished Service Professor in the Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies.

The group is being advised by 10 consultants, including faculty members at the University and at other campuses.

"We have met several times and talked with the consultants, who include national leaders in the field of education," Gilpin said. "We look forward to continued discussions on this important subject."

The committee is expected to complete its report in the fall.

Stone also appointed a committee to examine the way the University closes academic units. That committee is chaired by Norman Bradburn, the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor in Psychology, and includes Mark Ramseyer, Professor in the Law School, and Laura Slatkin, Associate Professor in Classical Languages & Literatures. The committee has been asked to submit its report in the fall as well.

The decision to close the Department of Education was made following a recommendation by Richard Saller, Dean of the Social Sciences Division, which was supported through a vote of the division faculty members and the Committee of the Council. The decision was finalized by the Provost and President.