The School of Education (SOE) at the University of Guam is scheduled for a Fall 2011 accreditation review by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as part of the ongoing accreditation review process. SOE was granted full accreditation status by NCATE in 2007 with the next visit scheduled for Dec. 4 -6, 2011. SOE started planning for the visit in Fall, 2009 and will be one of the colleges and universities across the U.S. that will pilot NCATE’s Continuous Improvement plan. The process has already begun with the submission of program reports to the Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs). Two SOE programs have received National Recognition : BA degree programs in Elementary Education and in Physical Education.

NCATE’s performance-based system of accreditation requires college and university teacher education units, to provide evidence in meeting six(6) standards of performance in the area of curriculum, assessment, field experiences, diversity, faculty qualifications, and governance. NCATE accredited program affirm that 1) teacher candidates can effectively teach subject matter resulting in student learning and 2) teacher candidates can connect theory and practice in order to be effective in the P-12 classroom.

A professional education unit accredited by NCATE is expected to be committed to the continuous processes of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation that characterize discovery, problem-solving, curriculum development, program development, inquiry, and research.

Both NCATE and UOG recognize graduates, parents, schools, and community organizations have valuable perspectives on the quality of the programs that prepare teachers, administrators and counselors. The School of Education invites interested parties to submit written testimony on UOG’s School of Education to:

Board of Examiners
NCATE
2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036-1023

Or by email to: callforcomments@ncate.org

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the respondent’s relationship, if any, to the institution (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Copies of all correspondence received will be sent to the university for comment prior to the review. No anonymous testimony will be considered. Letters of comment should be received no later than April 30, 2011.