Twenty-sixth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

In the United States, nearly every institution engaged in the preparation of educators needs to engage in an external institutional program review for re-authorization or re-accreditation every few year. The political discourse exhibits ever-increasing pressure from all directions on teacher preparation programs. This has led to more rigorous and demanding accreditation/reauthorization processes, which are considered to be a measure for accountability. While the increasing demand for outcomes and measures documenting the success of teacher education programs in meeting required professional standards may feel like it stifles the creativity and autonomy of Teacher Educators, a more constructive approach to take is to use this accountability process in a way that advances program quality, teachers success, and ultimately student learning. In research, limited effort has been made to examine authorization or accreditation process and its effect. The proposal will focus on demonstrating the manner in which the re-authorization process can be used constructively. This paper will examine the process and outcomes from the state re-authorization of a large historical teacher preparation institution, showcasing and providing an opportunity for dialogue regarding ways to use the accreditation process as a way to advocate for change to meet standards, while maintaining autonomy and creativity. Data sources include demographics, focus groups among stake holders, and data collected via survey and directly from student performance. The findings will shed light on how the institution could use the re-authorization process as a useful tool, rather than stifling external regulations, for desired program improvement without losing autonomy and creativity.

Presenters

Jingzi Huang
Associate Dean and School Director of Teacher Education, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado, United States

Brea Giancaterino

Michelle Saltis

Eugene Sheehan

Corey Pierce

Brian Rose

Michael Floren