EUGENE–The graduate program at the University of Oregon College of Education ranks first in the Northwest and 16th in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The magazine’s annual Best Graduate Schools edition, which has consistently ranked the UO education college among the top 50 in the nation, will appear on newsstands Monday March 22.

Last year the report listed the UO education program as 37th in the nation. The report lists the UO’s Special Education Program sixth best in the country.

"I don’t know all the criteria used by US News & World Report to rate schools," says Marty Kaufman, dean of the UO College of Education, "but I do know that our reputation is one of the best in the nation."

Kaufman says the college has gained national visibility and presence through research partnerships with schools that led to improved student behavior and academic performance.

Researchers at the college contribute to federal, state and local programs to improve the teaching of reading and language arts, have developed innovative and effective programs to enhance school safety and are national leaders in curriculum assessment.

"We received $17.4 million in research funding last year," he adds. "That’s the third highest funding amount received by any school ranked in the report."

The UO education school admission policy is very selective, accepting only 37.7 percent of applicants. Only the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison were more selective in admissions.

"That tells me we are getting the top students in the country," Kaufman says.

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