NOVEMBER 19, 2004

Mesa State's Center for Teacher Education Receives National Accreditation

Grand Junction, CO - The Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education was recently granted provisional accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

"This reflects very highly on the caliber of training that the region's future teachers are receiving right here at Mesa State College," said Tim Foster, president of Mesa State College. "Yet again, a third-party accreditor is confirming that Mesa State's programs are on par with those at the state's flagship institutions, as well as those across the nation."

Recognized as a leading professional accrediting body for teacher preparation, NCATE is a coalition of 33 specialty professional associations of teacher, teacher educators, content specialists and local and state policy makers. Together, these NCATE members represent over 3 million individuals and accredit over 588 institutions. To receive NCATE accreditation, institutions must meet six standards: candidate content knowledge, assessment, field placement, diversity, faculty performance and qualifications and governance. These standards are evaluated during an on-site visit by a team of five board examiners from colleges and universities across the nation.

Mesa State College's NCATE visit occurred during March 20 - 24, after which the team of examiners filed a report with NCATE's Unit Accrediting Board. In October, the UAB met to review recent findings of institution visits and make recommendations regarding licensure. At that time, the UAB granted provisional accreditation status to Mesa State College Teacher Education program. A focused visit by a smaller examining team will be enacted by fall 2006 to review progress made toward meeting the two standards, assessment and governance, not met during the spring 2004 visit.

"I think the NCATE accreditation is a natural step in the evolution of Mesa State College as it continues to grow in size and fulfills the mission of being a regional education provider," said Dr. Cathy Barkley, director of the Center for Teacher Education. "As we provide teacher education for the region in both initial, and at a later date, advanced levels, being accredited by NCATE gives Mesa State the recognition it deserves in providing high quality programs of study."

A number of Mesa State's teacher education graduates stay in western Colorado and fill the demand for well-trained teachers, especially in the region's rural and resort town areas.

"This NCATE accreditation confirms what we've long known about Mesa State's teacher education program - they are producing quality teachers who are positively impacting K-12 students in our district," said Dr. Millie Hamner, superintendent of Summit School District RE-1.

"Top quality education is a priority not only within our school district, but also at Mesa State College," said Dr. Tim Mills, superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51. "By earning this national accreditation, the College has demonstrated their commitment to producing the types of teachers that District 51 students need."

For more information, contact Dr. Cathy Barkley at 970.248.1914 or cbarkley@mesastate.edu.

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