The Sam Houston State University Office of NCATE
Liaison is committed to providing assistance to the university faculty
and administration in the area of accreditation.
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.
Importance of Accreditation
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 under went 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.
SHSU Accreditation Status
The College of Education is extremely proud
of its status as fully accredited by both the National Council for
Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the State Board for
Educator Certification (SBEC). Nationally recognized programs in
the College of Education include: (1) Educational
Leadership (ELCC),
(2) School
Library Media Specialist (AAL/AASL),
(3) and Special
Education (CEC).
During the academic year 2002-03, the LPC/Community Counseling program
will seek accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling
and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
In addition, the College of Education is a member of the American
Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE).
Through continued accreditation, educator candidates are assured
that they are receiving a high quality education at Sam Houston State
University.
Texas Law requires every person seeking educator certification
to perform satisfactorily on comprehensive examinations. The purpose
of these examinations is to ensure that each educator has the necessary
content and professional knowledge to perform satisfactorily in Texas
public schools. The Examination for the Certification of Educators
in Texas (ExCET) and
the new Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES)
programs were developed for this purpose.
Copyright © 2002 CEAS NCATE Accreditation
All rights reserved.
