NCATE: Frequently Asked Questions About the Scope of NCATE Accreditation















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 the Scope of NCATE Accreditation

What types of preparation programs are included in the scope of NCATE accreditation?

Does NCATE review programs that prepare candidates in an area for which there is no state licensure requirement or for which there is no state program approval review?

What types of preparation programs are included in the scope of NCATE accreditation?

The education unit must include in its accreditation review all initial teacher preparation and advanced programs offered by the institution for the initial and continued preparation of teachers and other professional education personnel to work in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. This includes baccalaureate programs, post-baccalaureate programs, and fifth year programs (MAT) at the initial level. At the advanced level, this includes programs that prepare candidates for a new role in schools (e.g., reading specialist, counselor, principal) and also includes programs designed for the continuing professional development of practicing teachers (e.g., master’s degree) and other school personnel (e.g., certificate programs for licensed practicing counselors, administrators, etc.). The unit must include off-campus programs, distance learning programs, and alternate route programs for the preparation of professional educators in their NCATE review.

Does NCATE review programs that prepare candidates in an area for which there is no state licensure requirement or for which there is no state program approval review?

Although most programs reviewed by NCATE match state program approval and licensure requirements, NCATE may review programs not reviewed by the state. For example, not all states require a license for pre-kindergarten or middle school teachers. Nevertheless, these programs must be included in the NCATE review, since they are preparing candidates to work in P–12 school settings.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Scope of NCATE Accreditation

What types of preparation programs are included in the scope of NCATE accreditation?

Does NCATE review programs that prepare candidates in an area for which there is no state licensure requirement or for which there is no state program approval review?