Section 30. Options for accreditation or a process approved by the Board of Education

Part III. Accreditation or a Process Approved by the Board of Education

A. Each professional education program in Virginia shall obtain and maintain national accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), or a process approved by the Board of Education.

B. Each Virginia professional education program seeking accreditation through a process approved by the Board of Education shall be reviewed. A report of the review shall be submitted to the Board of Education in accordance with established timelines and procedures and shall include one of the following recommendations:

1. Accredited. The professional education program meets standards outlined in 8VAC20-542-60.

2. Accredited with stipulations. The professional education program has met the standards minimally, but significant weaknesses have been identified. Within a two-year period, the professional education program shall fully meet standards as set forth in 8VAC20-542-60.

3. Accreditation denied. The professional education program has not met standards as set forth in 8VAC20-542-60. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) shall be notified of this action by the Department of Education.

C. Professional education program accreditation that has been denied may be considered by the Board of Education after two years if a written request for review is submitted to the Department of Education.

D. Professional education programs in Virginia seeking accreditation through NCATE, TEAC, or an accreditation process approved by the Board of Education shall adhere to the following requirements:

1. Accredited professional education programs shall be aligned with standards in 8VAC20-542-60; and

2. Accredited professional education programs shall be aligned with competencies in 8VAC20-542-70 through 8VAC20-542-600.

E. Professional education programs in Virginia seeking accreditation through a process approved by the Board of Education shall follow procedures and timelines as prescribed by the Department of Education.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 25, eff. September 21, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§ 22.1-298.2 of the Code of Virginia.