The School of Education at Grace College is hosting an accreditation visit by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) in April 2015. Part of the reaccreditation process involves soliciting public input about the quality of the Grace educator preparation program (EPP) and the performance of its graduates. Comments must be submitted within the specified period and be based on the core tenets of NCATE accreditation standards of excellence which recognize that: *In NCATE’s performance-based system, accreditation is based on evidence that demonstrates that teacher candidates know the subject matter and can teach it effectively so that students learn. In the NCATE system, units must prove that candidates can connect theory to practice and be effective in an actual P-12 classroom. *A professional education unit that is accredited by NCATE is expected to be involved in ongoing planning and evaluation; engaged in continuous assessment and development; ensure that faculty and programs reflect new knowledge, practice, and technologies; and be involved in continuous development in response to the evolving world of education and educational reform. *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 college for comment prior to the review. No anonymous testimony will be considered. We invite interested parties to submit written testimony on the quality of the Grace College educator preparation program by email to: callforcomments@ncate.org Written testimony may be mailed to: Board of Examiners NCATE 1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 Letters of comment should be submitted no later than December 31, 2014. Sincerely, Laurie Owen, Ph.D. Dean of the School of Education Grace College 11-10 hspaxlp
