By CHARLIE BIER
UL Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has earned a gold star from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Teacher preparation programs offered by UL Lafayette’s College of Education were recently accredited by CAEP after a rigorous evaluation process.
“It involves an intensive, comprehensive process that includes assessments of faculty, curriculums, clinical processes and plans for improvement,” said Nathan Roberts, dean of the College of Education.
The evaluation includes a four-day visit to campus by CAEP representatives who sit in on courses, meet with students and graduates, and evaluate recruitment and retention models.
The council is the only nationally recognized accrediting body for institutions that offer bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees, or post-baccalaureate or other programs for prospective teachers.
CAEP was established when the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council merged in 2013. Accreditation is mandated by the Louisiana Board of Regents.
It typically conducts reviews every seven to 10 years, according to the CAEP website. Since its formation, the council has accredited 281 schools.
Dr. Christopher A. Koch, CAEP president, said accredited teacher preparation programs “meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate.”
Learn more about CAEP [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net]
The College of Education has been nationally accredited since 1954 by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net]
