With many educator preparation programs out there, it is important to be informed about the various accreditation that exist. An NCATE accreditation is one of the most well known accreditation for teaching programs and, as such, it carries a lot of weight. However, it may not always be necessary to choose a program with an NCATE accreditation. Here is some information to help you decide whether or not an NCATE accreditation is crucial for you.
What is NCATE?
The NCATE is the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Accreditation. This agency oversees all teaching programs in the country. It holds teacher education to a high standard and only accredits programs that meet its specific guidelines. When you choose a program that is accredited by NCATE, you can be sure that the program is of a high quality. Each program accepted by NCATE has a high level success in turning out professional and well prepared educators. For more information about NCATE, you can visit their website at www.ncate.org.
Is an NCATE Accreditation Necessary?
In most cases, it is wise to choose a teacher education program that is accredited by NCATE. This will ensure that your education complies with the national standards of teaching. NCATE ensures that the facilities that you will learn in, the curriculum, and the teaching materials and strategies that you will be taught are correct and appropriate. NCATE also ensures that teaching facilities are kept up-to-date and take into account the latest developments in teaching theory. When you complete a program that is accredited by NCATE, you are sure to come out with a well developed and current knowledge of teaching practice.
An NCATE certification is also preferred by many schools. Once you have a degree that is accredited by NCATE, you will have your pick of teaching positions. If your degree is not accredited by NCATE or an equivalent accreditation standard, some jobs may not be open to you.
However, an NCATE accreditation is not always necessary. A program that is not accredited by NCATE may be of a lower quality than other programs. However, it may also just be unique and not conformant to some of NCATE’s particular guidelines. A program that is not accredited by NCATE may be better suited to your learning style or teaching preferences, so you shouldn’t write off a program simply because it is not NCATE accredited. Choosing a non NCATE certified program can be an especially good option if the program is one that leads into a long-term position at the completion of the program.
A program that is not accredited by NCATE certainly merits an additional level of scrutiny. If you are interested in a program that is not accredited by NCATE, try to assess for yourself why the program was not accepted by NCATE. GEt some reviews from past students on the school’s efficacy and on the students’ success in finding jobs after graduating the program.
Conclusion
In summary, an NCATE accredited program guarantees a high standard of education. However, there are some good and unique education programs out there that are not certified by NCATE. Having the most knowledge possible will equip you to make a good decision about which school to choose.
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