For more information, contact Elaine Simmons, 620-792-9214;

Dr. Rick Abel, 620-792-9333.

June 8, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

Elementary and early childhood education students at Barton Community College will be able to transfer to Fort Hays State University to complete their education after representatives from the two schools signed what is known as a 2+2 agreement June 7 on Barton’s campus.

The 2+2 memorandum of understanding puts in place a partnership that enables degree-seeking students in the areas of elementary and early childhood education to transfer from Barton to the university in a seamless manner, said Dr. Germaine Taggart, chair of the Department of Teacher Education at FHSU.

This 2+2 agreement lays out exactly what courses the student will need at Barton and at FHSU to complete a bachelor's degree in elementary or early childhood education. The agreement also lays out points of contact between students and faculty advisors at both Barton and FHSU.

“This agreement is a big benefit to our students,” said Elaine Simmons, Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education. “For the students to have a map laid out before them is the most important component of the 2+2 plan.”

This agreement with FHSU will help students achieve elementary education and early childhood unified teaching degrees. These degrees are offered online, face-to-face or in combination at both Barton and FHSU, enabling prospective teachers to take coursework in a manner that suits their busy lives, and in a cost-effective way.

For more information about Barton’s Early Childhood Education Program and the college’s 2+2 agreement with FHSU, contact Cheryl Couch, Barton’s Early Childhood Education Instructor/Coordinator, 620-786-1130.

For more information about Barton’s elementary education curriculum and the 2+2 agreement with FHSU, contact Barton’s Dean of Academics Dr. Rick Abel, 620-792-9333.

Barton Community College President Dr. Carl Heilman, right, and Fort Hays State University’s Interim Dean of Education Dr. Robert Scott sign a 2+2 agreement creating a partnership between Barton and FHSU that enables degree seeking students in elementary and early childhood education to transfer from Barton to FHSU in a seamless manner. Also pictured at the signing of the agreement are, standing left to right, FHSU Chair of Teacher Education Dr. Germaine Taggart; Barton’s Early Childhood Education Instructor/Coordinator Cheryl Couch; Barton’s Dean of Academics Dr. Rick Abel; Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Elaine Simmons; and Barton’s Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Dr. Penny Quinn.