The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full 7-year accreditation to Clarkson University’s Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT ESOL), and Certificate of Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CAS TESOL) programs.
“AAQEP is a new, high-standards national accreditor for teacher education programs. As the first University to pursue AAQEP accreditation in New York State, we are proud that their standards align with the education program’s mission to prepare the next generation of teachers to meet the growing needs of our k-12 students,” said Catherine Snyder, chair of Clarkson’s education department. “Clarkson has once again stepped out in front to be the first education program to receive this sought after, rigorous accreditation.”
The Clarkson Master of Arts in Teaching program is a nationally recognized program of excellence with a 100% job placement rate for graduates. The program features a unique full year teaching internship period which puts students in the setting where they will learn, through a mentored experience, how to be an effective classroom teacher.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its May 23 meeting along with the following rationale:
The program presented compelling evidence that it meets all AAQEP standards. The evidence presented showed that program completers are prepared to work effectively as professional educators and that they are able to adapt to different contexts and to grow professionally. Program capacity to analyze and provide evidence for sustained actions and revisions on behalf of candidates was evident and sufficient to meet AAQEP standards. The program engages with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system locally and across the state of New York.
“Congratulations to the Clarkson University faculty, staff and stakeholders on completing a successful quality assurance review,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The programs provided clear and compelling evidence of completer effectiveness and deep engagement with schools across New York. AAQEP is also grateful for the university’s willingness to put this new accreditation system to the test and provide feedback as one of the first institutions to complete an AAQEP review.”
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. In AAQEP’s system, the process is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions.
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services to all types of educator preparation providers. The association promotes excellent, effective and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement and that enjoys a high degree of community engagement and public confidence. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
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