Bureau of Evaluation and Research Services (BERS)

The Center of Excellence for Learning Science’s research units interface with Tennessee State University’s Bureau of Evaluation and Research Services (BERS). BERS administers academic and service programs, which in turn provide demonstration sites for conducting research, promoting innovation, and enhancing collaboration with various agencies and organizations. BERS units encompass research, continuing education, academic instruction, in-service training, consultation, and public service activities. For more information, contact Mary Simmons, BERS Assistant Director, (615) 277-1675, or Email: simmons@coe.tsuniv.edu.

Child Development Associate Credential Training Program (CDA)

The Center of Excellence for Learning Science/BERS at Tennessee State University offers Child Development Associate (CDA) training for child care providers in the State of Tennessee. The Center has provided approved training for 18 years and is recognized as a leader in preparing trained, qualified staff for many public and private employees. Its CDA training program acknowledges the skills of working professionals and helps to provide a framework for professional development. Since 1979, over 1,000 teachers throughout Tennessee have become CDAs through the Center of Excellence for Learning Science/BERS training and scholarship programs.

Hands-On Science and Math Professional Development

The Center of Excellence for Learning Science has been offering hands-on science and math training for teachers since the 1980s. To date, over 5,000 teachers in Tennessee schools have been trained. In 1996, the University received a $5 million award from the National Science Foundation to train K-5 classroom teachers on a nationally approved hands-on science curriculum to improve science education for 75,000 students in 4 school districts. Currently, the Center is conducting randomized controlled trials in science classrooms in elementary schools across the nation through NSF Grant REC # 0114431. For more information, contact Dr. Rick Vanosdall, (615) 277-1650 or Email: rvanosdall@coe.tsuniv.edu.

Social Service Competency Based Training (SSCBT)

The Social Service Competency Based Training (SSCBT) Program is a national training program developed by the Center of Excellence for Learning Science/BERS at Tennessee State University. The training is used extensively by Head Start grantees. SSCBT is a one year competency-based program to improve the knowledge and skills of human service workers. In conjunction with the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, a Social Service Practitioner’s credential is awarded to interns enrolled in the SSCBT program. BERS has implemented the program throughout the Southeast United States and also has program adopters in nine other states.

Mentoring: An Approach to Supervision

The SSCBT mentoring component allows human service agency employees to receive extensive on-the-job advisement. For individuals without social work degree preparation, or whose work experience does not include direct practice with low income families, the SSCBT mentoring component provides a means for social service agency employees to test knowledge and receive training while protecting the integrity of the client and the agency. Service delivery to children and families, and community advocacy are supported and enhanced by mentoring. This process is a part of the SSCBT program model.

You may also download an overview of the SSBT Program, including content of the modules and the credentialing process:

SSCBT Overview (.pdf)

For more information on Tennessee State University’s SSCBT Program, please contact:

Mary Simmons

(615) 277-1675