Education Programs Meet National Standards for Reaccreditation

Only NCATE-Accredited University in Orange County

July 11, 2008 :: No. 5

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has awarded reaccreditation to Cal State Fullerton's teacher education programs. The university programs are the only NCATE-accredited in Orange County.

NCATE, the nation's leading accrediting body for teacher education programs, has accredited the university's programs since 1970.

"We're pleased to be receiving this reaccreditation, and we are committed to continuing to meet the very highest standards in the nation to prepare highly qualified educators to teach in public schools," said Claire Cavallaro, dean of the College of Education.

Research shows that teacher quality is the most important factor in student achievement and future teachers who are well prepared are highly valued by employers, Cavallaro added.

"Everywhere I go, school administrators tell me that they prefer to hire teachers with credentials and degrees from Cal State Fullerton because these teachers are so well prepared," she said.

Ephraim P. Smith, vice president for academic affairs, said that professional accreditation is one way to ensure that schools of education are preparing teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge so that students learn and excel.

"What this accreditation means is that Cal State Fullerton's College of Education teacher credential and master's programs met the rigorous standards of quality set by the profession and the citizens of California," he said.

Moreover, it's noteworthy that all standards were fully met by all of Cal State Fullerton's educator preparation programs, said Carmen Zuniga Dunlap, associate dean of the College of Education.

"Of last year's accreditation visits to six California institutions, only two universities, including Cal State Fullerton, received full accreditation, with no stipulations placed on any of its programs," added Dunlap, who oversaw the accreditation preparation and visit.

In a letter to CSUF President Milton A. Gordon, NCATE's president congratulated the university and college for "displaying the high quality necessary to be granted national accreditation."

Last November, education experts representing both NCATE and the state Committee on Accreditation visited Cal State Fullerton. The review teams evaluated the College of Education's programs and supporting documentation. In addition, more than 1,000 interviews with faculty members, program graduates, credential candidates, school administrators and employers were conducted. The committee endorsed full accreditation in January.

NCATE standards met by Cal State Fullerton include:

teacher candidates have in-depth knowledge of subject matter and required skills to teach
College of Education adequately assesses this knowledge and skill to determine that candidates are qualified to teach
CSUF partners with local schools and districts to enable teacher candidates to work in the field and develop the skills necessary to teach
candidates are prepared to understand and work with diverse student populations
college and university faculty members demonstrate effective teaching practices

One of the college's notable strengths is its commitment to technology, both in faculty modeling the use of technology in their classes, as well as preparing teacher candidates to utilize different technologies in their future classrooms, said Dunlap.

Additionally, College of Education faculty members are both scholars and researchers "at the top of their fields" and also have worked in K-12 classrooms, "which make them ideal teacher role models," Zuniga Dunlap noted.

"Our faculty members demonstrate to their students how to become caring, competent and effective classroom teachers," she said, adding that another strength of the teacher preparation programs is the strong collaboration between college faculty members and local school districts, which give student teachers the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience.

"In these 'lab school settings,' our students work with high-quality master teachers who model excellent teaching practices and conduct seminars and special classes," Dunlap said. "Master teachers also interact with university faculty members to develop programs and curriculum, as well as assist with grant writing and research."

CSUF Teacher Preparation Programs

The College of Education offers multiple-subject (K-8), single-subject (9-12) and education-specialist (special education) credentials. Advanced credentials are offered to prepare teachers for specialized positions in reading, administrative services and special education.

To best meet student needs and interests, different program options are offered, including online classes, courses that meet on site in school districts and the Streamlined Teacher Education Program, an accelerated curriculum that allows students to simultaneously earn a bachelor's degree and a preliminary teaching credential.

The university's Center for Careers in Teaching also offers advice and counseling to help students achieve their goal of becoming a teacher.

In May, 874 teacher candidates completed the college's credential programs, 376 master's degrees were awarded, and two local educators earned doctorates in education through a joint program with UC Irvine.

Media Contacts:
Claire Cavallaro, College of Education, 657-278-4021 or ccavallaro@fullerton.edu
Carmen Zuniga Dunlap, College of Education, 657-278-4021 or czdunlap@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu

Online Publications
Inside
Titan Magazine