Lamar University earns National Accreditation of Programs for Principal, School Counselor Preparation
February 24, 2021 | by Shelly Vitanza
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation has awarded full seven-year accreditation to Lamar University’s Principal and School Counselor Educator Preparation Programs.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP
Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its January 29 meeting along with the following rationale:
The programs presented compelling evidence that they meet all AAQEP standards. The evidence showed that program completers are prepared to work effectively as professional educators and that they are able to adapt to different contexts and to grow professionally. The programs’ capacity to analyze and provide evidence for sustained actions and revisions on behalf of candidates was evident and sufficient to meet AAQEP standards. The programs engage with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system locally and across the State of Texas.
“Congratulations to Lamar University and to all of the faculty, staff and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The university made a clear case for quality in its leadership and counseling programs that meet critical school needs with a wide reach across the State of Texas.”
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 25 states and territories with 136 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.
“We value the external review and accreditation process because it ensures a quality product for our educators preparing to enter the workforce,” said Bob Spina, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “More than 4,800 Texas school principals and counselors are enrolled in these certification programs at Lamar University. Through the accreditation process, we know that our program is preparing them for the work ahead.”
About AAQEP
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP
Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its January 29 meeting along with the following rationale:The programs presented compelling evidence that they meet all AAQEP standards. The evidence showed that program completers are prepared to work effectively as professional educators and that they are able to adapt to different contexts and to grow professionally. The programs’ capacity to analyze and provide evidence for sustained actions and revisions on behalf of candidates was evident and sufficient to meet AAQEP standards. The programs engage with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the P-20 education system locally and across the State of Texas.
“Congratulations to Lamar University and to all of the faculty, staff and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The university made a clear case for quality in its leadership and counseling programs that meet critical school needs with a wide reach across the State of Texas.”
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 25 states and territories with 136 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.
“We value the external review and accreditation process because it ensures a quality product for our educators preparing to enter the workforce,” said Bob Spina, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “More than 4,800 Texas school principals and counselors are enrolled in these certification programs at Lamar University. Through the accreditation process, we know that our program is preparing them for the work ahead.”
About AAQEP
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. Visit aaqep.org for more information.