The Daily Bulletin Archive

The Buffalo State College Teacher Education Unit will host the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Board of Examiners for a continuing accreditation site visit April 12–16, 2008. NCATE is the major authorized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for schools, colleges, and departments of education that provide professional preparation for teachers.

Buffalo State College has received continuous accreditation by NCATE since the organization conducted its first review of institutions in 1954. We continue to review and revise our programs to assure that they meet the high standards of our specialty professional organizations: the New York State Education Department and NCATE.

The Teacher Education Unit (TEU) comprises 68 programs across the five schools and University College, and 226 full- and part-time faculty members. Under the leadership of Ronald S. Rochon, dean of the School of Education and associate vice president for teacher education, TEU faculty members have collaborated to prepare for the continuing accreditation review. This effort is spearheaded by Rochon and organized by the accreditation team, including Lori V. Quigley, associate dean of the School of Education and NCATE coordinator; Mary M. Todd, accreditation coordinator; and Heidi E. Eckel, instructional support assistant.

At the beginning of the fall 2007 semester, a unit-wide drive was developed to allow all TEU members to view and share unit information. The accreditation team solicited specific documentation from program faculty in order to provide information representative of the entire unit to NCATE reviewers. In accordance with NCATE requirements, an institutional report and electronic exhibit room were developed, and each faculty member had the opportunity to view and offer feedback on the progress, format, and content.

At the end of January 2008, the TEU arranged a mock visit with two area consultants. The purpose of the mock visit—an optional activity scheduled at the discretion of each institution—is to determine preparedness for the official accreditation visit through interview sessions with all involved constituents. The TEU used this opportunity to showcase its strengths and determine areas for improvement in order to effectively respond to required NCATE prompts.

On February 12, the electronic exhibit room was made available to the NCATE Board of Examiners team. The following day, the NCATE Board of Examiners team chair, Charles Love, dean of the School of Education at the University of South Carolina Upstate, came to Buffalo State for a “previsit” to review accommodations, materials, and the campus’s general preparedness for the on-site visit. Based on Love’s recommendations, the visit plan was finalized and fundamental review materials were printed and sent to the Board of Examiners team members.

The NCATE Board of Examiners team consists of seven individuals, including education faculty members, practitioners, and administrators from institutions of higher education and P-12 schools. Members are charged with conducting a preliminary review of institution materials prior to their on-site visit. Following an NCATE-approved rubric, the team assesses key areas and notes any perceived areas of weakness to be explored further during their time on campus. Team members use the printed materials provided by the institution under review—as well as the online institutional report and electronic exhibit room—to conduct a previsit review and as a foundation for their visit schedule.

During their campus visit, the team interviews campus administrators, unit faculty members, teacher education candidates and alumni, and P–12 school partners. In addition, they will evaluate written program materials and create a report based on the team review of all evidence provided.

Before leaving campus, the NCATE Board of Examiners team chair conducts an exit interview with Buffalo State accreditation coordinators to discuss tentative areas for improvement identified by the examiners. The TEU is provided an opportunity to respond in writing to the areas identified.

Buffalo State receives a final report from NCATE within five weeks of the Board of Examiners site visit. The campus then has one month to submit a response to the findings and recommendations within the report. The Unit Accreditation Board will render a decision by October regarding the Buffalo State College TEU's approval for continuing accreditation.

The TEU faculty, staff, candidates, and community partners value continuing accreditation as an opportunity for acknowledgement of excellence. Preparation for a continuing accreditation visit is an ongoing collaborative process allowing the unit to profile faculty accomplishments, candidate performances, and relationships with community schools.

Although the NCATE accreditation review provides a scheduled and formal opportunity for feedback and recognition of teacher education preparation programs, Buffalo State continues to seek distinction of programs and quality education for every candidate on an ongoing basis—before, during, and after the NCATE visit. Partners at all levels have worked continuously to design and deliver quality educational programs and are effectively preparing future and continuing educators to significantly and positively influence the lives of all children.