West Virginia University’s College of Human Resources and Education received full, continuing accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education through the organization’s next visit in 2019.

The accreditation covers the College’s initial teacher preparation programs (agriculture education, art education, child development and family studies, elementary and secondary education, music education, physical/health education, and special education) and advanced preparation levels (advanced elementary and secondary education, educational leadership, reading, school counseling, and speech language pathology).

WVU has held continuous NCATE accreditation since 1957.

“Our expectations are to exceed the NCATE standards and we clearly have done that,” Lynne Schrum, dean of WVU’s College of Human Resources and Education, said.

“An education degree and certification from WVU continues to be a gold standard; school leaders have consistently recognized that our teacher candidates are exceptionally ready to guide their students’ learning.”

“The programs we offer—in teacher education and in a variety educational support services—have long been strengths at WVU,” Provost Michele Wheatly said. “These programs are excellent examples of what a crucial resource we are for the state. The college’s continued accreditation attests to the quality education and professional training delivered by our faculty and to the abilities of our students.”

A six- member team composed of four NCATE Board of Examiners members and two West Virginia representatives, along with two observers from the West Virginia Department of Education and the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, produced a report based on a four-day site visit in March, and a review of an Institutional Self-Study Report and electronic exhibits provided by the College. During the visit, the team conducted interviews with University administrators, faculty members, professional education students, alumni and public school partners.

The NCATE team’s report noted several strengths including the effectiveness of the Professional Education Unit’s partnerships with state preschool-12 schools in designing clinical and field experience opportunities for professional education students, and technology-rich facilities and resources for professional education students, faculty and staff.

NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is a major authorized accrediting body for schools, colleges and departments of education that provide professional preparation for teachers and other school professionals.

More information about HR&E: http://www.hre.wvu.edu/.

More information about NCATE: www.ncate.org.

-WVU-

11/27/12

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