The Delta State University College of Education and Human Sciences received continuing accreditation through 2021 during the May 2015 meeting of the Continuous Improvement Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).<\/p>\n
At the meeting, both initial and advanced programs met all standards set forth by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Founded in 1954, NCATE is recognized by the U. S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting body for schools, colleges and departments of education.<\/p>\n
NCATE and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council have consolidated and are now transitioning into the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation CAEP.<\/p>\n
CAEP\u2019s official notification stated, \u201cSpecial congratulations are in order because the Commission cited no areas for improvement relevant to any of the standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Leslie Griffin, dean of the COEHS, cited the pivotal role that the unit faculty played in developing a comprehensive assessment system over the past eight years that ensures quality control for each of the educator and school professional preparation programs \u2013 from undergraduate through doctoral level.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Katharine Rasch, unit assessment research director, and Dr. Cheryl Cummins, director of Field Experiences, served as co-coordinators for accreditation and did a stellar job of guiding faculty through the process,\u201d said Griffin. \u201cThe late Dr. Joe Garrison, in his role as chair of Teacher Education, Leadership and Research, provided support for educator preparation programs and Dr. Corlis Snow, coordinator of Advanced Studies in Elementary Education, coordinated extensive electronic exhibits that told our story.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe University\u2019s leadership has supported goals and practices in the college that strengthened the rigor and accountability of educator preparation programs at the institution, maintaining a steadfast commitment to program integrity and quality preparation for school personnel,\u201d added Griffin. \u201cThis is in keeping with Delta State\u2019s origins as a teacher preparation institution \u2014 and its tradition of excellence in this realm.\u201d<\/p>\n