NCATE: Frequently Asked Questions About NCATE















NCATE works to make a difference in the quality of teaching and teacher preparation today, tomorrow, and for the next century.

Frequently Asked Questions About NCATE

What is NCATE?
Is NCATE a governmental agency?
What is accreditation?
Why is professional accreditation important?
What is a teacher education program?
What is the teacher education unit?
If accreditation is a peer review system, why are P–12 classroom teachers included in NCATE’s process for evaluating colleges and universities?
For how long are teacher education institutions accredited?
What is the knowledge base?
How is NCATE financed?
How were the NCATE standards developed?
What is a nationally recognized program?
What is a state/NCATE partnership?
What do the following acronyms stand for: BOE, COPPE, SPA, etc.?

What is NCATE?

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is the only accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. NCATE determines which schools, colleges, and departments of education meet rigorous national standards in preparing teachers and other school specialists for the classroom.

Is NCATE a governmental agency?

No. NCATE is the professional quality control mechanism for teacher preparation. NCATE is a coalition of 33 national education organizations, which represents teachers, teacher educators, subject matter specialists, and policy makers.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a process for assessing and enhancing academic and educational quality through voluntary peer review. Accreditation informs the public that the accredited college or university operates at a high level of educational quality and integrity. NCATE accreditation is the process by which a professional education unit is recognized by the profession as meeting national standards for the content and operation of the unit.

Why is professional accreditation important?

Professional accreditation of preparatory education programs is the bedrock upon which all professions (e.g., architecture, engineering, medicine, law) have built their reputations. It assures that those entering the respective field have been suitably prepared to practice through assimilation of a body of knowledge and pre-service practice in the profession. Accreditation of schools of education indicates that the school underwent rigorous external review by professionals, that performance of a teacher candidate in the program has been thoroughly assessed before he or she is recommended for licensure, and that programs meet standards set by the teaching profession at large.

What is a teacher education program?

The sequence of courses and experiences in general and professional studies required by a college/university for the preparation of professional education candidates to teach a specific subject or academic area, to provide professional education services (e.g., school psychology), or to administer schools. A program can be a major in education; it can also be a major, minor, or endorsement in an academic area with professional education requirements for licensing.

What is the teacher education unit?

The teacher education unit (sometimes referred to as the professional education unit) is the administrative body at a college.

If accreditation is a peer review system, why are P–12 classroom teachers included in NCATE’s process for evaluating colleges and universities?

Classroom teachers in P–12 settings are the practitioners for the teaching profession and have a unique, first-hand perspective, hence their involvement is appropriate, customary, and necessary All specialized accrediting associations involve practitioners; engineers participate in the Engineering Accreditation Commission, architects participate in the National Architectural Accrediting Board, pharmacists participate in the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.

For how long are teacher education institutions accredited?

Accreditation, once granted, is continuous as long as the institution fulfills its responsibilities under NCATE’s continuing accreditation process. Continuing accreditation status is granted after an institution has been accredited. Continuing accreditation requires institutions to file annual reports and host an on-site Board of Examiners team every five years.

What is the knowledge base?

The base of knowledge for effective teaching derived from empirical research, disciplined inquiry, informed theory, and the wisdom of practice.

How is NCATE financed?

NCATE is a non-profit (501C) organization funded through dues from its 33 member institutions, fees from NCATE-accredited institutions, and foundation grants.

How were the NCATE standards developed?

NCATE’s current standards were developed between 1998 and 2000 through a consensus of education leaders and reflect recent developments in teaching practices and advances in research. These standards are the current performance-based accreditation standards.

What is a nationally recognized program?

A nationally recognized program has been approved by its specialty professional association (SPA). In addition, if a program is approved by a state in which the state’s program review process has been approved by the relevant SPA, that program will be nationally recognized. (See also Frequently Asked Questions About Nationally Recognized Programs.)

What is a state/NCATE partnership?

The state/NCATE partnership is an agreement between a state and NCATE to conduct joint state program approval and NCATE accreditation reviews. This process saves time, effort, and expense for the institutions and the states while promoting high national standards for teacher preparation. (See also Frequently Asked Questions About State Partnerships.)

What do the following acronyms stand for: BOE, COPPE, SPA, etc.?

BOE= Board of Examiners
COPPE= Coalition of Organizations for the Professional Preparation of Educators
SPA= Specialty Professional Association

Please consult the list of acronyms commonly used by NCATE for information on other acronyms.

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All rights reserved. NCATE is the professional accrediting organization for schools, colleges, and departments of education in the United States. It is a coalition of over 30 organizations representing teachers, teacher educators, policymakers, and the public.

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NCATE works to make a difference in the quality of teaching and teacher preparation today, tomorrow, and for the next century.