Accreditation
Accreditation is a quality assurance process for educator preparation education programs, ensuring they effectively prepare candidates for the classroom while promoting continuous improvement in teacher preparation. The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has approved the following two national accreditors for Kentucky institutions:
- CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
- AAQEP (Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation)
Accreditation for Out-of-State EPPs
Kentucky is also a member of NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements). NC-SARA is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate postsecondary distance education. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. NC-SARA approved institutions submit their programs to the EPSB for review and approval.
Accreditation by CAEP, AAQEP, and NC-SARA ensures that Kentucky’s educator programs are held to the highest standards of quality and accountability. These accreditation bodies work to ensure programs:
- Continuously improve through feedback and data-driven evaluation.
- Meet national standards for educator preparation.
- Provide programs that are relevant and responsive to current educational needs.
- Support Kentucky’s educators by providing them with the best preparation for success in the classroom.
Accreditation also helps programs gain public trust and recognition. Being accredited by one or more of these bodies demonstrates a commitment to excellence and the continuous improvement of educator preparation in Kentucky.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the national accrediting body responsible for evaluating and accrediting educator preparation programs. CAEP accreditation ensures that educator programs meet national standards for quality, rigor, and effectiveness. By achieving CAEP accreditation, programs demonstrate their commitment to excellence in educator preparation and their alignment with national best practices.
Why CAEP Matters for Kentucky’s Educator Programs
- Ensures programs meet national standards.
- Promotes continuous improvement in educator preparation.
- Enhances program credibility and ensures public trust in Kentucky’s educator preparation programs.
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) is an organization focused on enhancing the quality of educator preparation programs through evidence-based evaluations and continuous improvement. AAQEP’s standards encourage programs to engage in a process of ongoing development, making sure they meet both state and national educational needs.
Why AAQEP Matters for Kentucky’s Educator Programs
- Focuses on continuous improvement and evidence-based evaluation.
- Promotes high standards for program quality and effectiveness.
- Ensures educator programs remain responsive to evolving educational challenges.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) approved institutions help ensure that programs meet Kentucky’s state preparation standards for educator preparation.
Why NC-SARA Matters for Kentucky’s Educator Programs
- Facilitates cross-state distance education and ensures compliance with state laws.
- Provides Kentucky programs with the ability to offer distance education in other states.
- Ensures that online programs meet both state and national regulations.
Contact Information
For additional information, please contact KDE/KBE Academic Program Manager Melissa Diebel.
