Thursday, April 7

7:00 am - 8:30 am
Peachtree Ballroom

Continental Breakfast

7:30am - 5:00 pm
Peachtree Ballroom Foyer

Registration

8:30 am - 10:00 am
Peachtree Ballroom

General Session

Welcome
David Hill, Division Director for Educator Preparation, Georgia Professional Standards Commission

Blue Ribbon Panel Report Recommendations:
What Institutions Can Do Now
James Cibulka, President, NCATE

Dr. James Cibulka, NCATE President, will discuss the Blue Ribbon Panel report on clinical preparation and partnerships. Understanding that policy and procedural changes will need to be made at the state and district levels, and that those changes will involve multiple stakeholders, Dr. Cibulka will provide an overview of actions that educator preparation institutions can begin to take now.

Downloads:

Cibulka's presentation (Adobe PDF)

10:00 am - 10:15 am

Morning Break

10:15 am - 11:30 am

Concurrent Sessions A

Nuts and Bolts of the NCATE Visit

Marilyn Feldmann, Coastal Carolina University

This session will highlight practical tips on writing the institutional report, preparing exhibits, planning logistics, and writing the rejoinder for the current process and the continuous improvement and transformation initiative options. Ideas will be shared based on a variety of NCATE experiences and perspectives of the presenter.

Downloads:

Feldmann's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Standards 1 & 2

Yuhang Rong, University of Connecticut
Donna M. Gollnick, NCATE

This session will provide an overview of Standards 1 and 2, their elements, expectations for data and other evidence, and how the two standards connect. The application of Standards 1 and 2 in the Continuous Improvement option will be the focus of the session.

Downloads:

Gollnick and Rong's presentation (Adobe PDF)

CAEP Standards and Alignment (Adobe PDF)

How Do We Turn Teacher Education Upside Down? Implementing the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations

Irma Van Scoy, University of South Carolina

NCATE commissioned the Blue Ribbon Panel on Clinical Preparation and Partnerships for Improved Student Learning in 2009 to make recommendations on how to strengthen clinical preparation to better serve the goal of improving student learning. The Panel has now published its recommendations to change the policies and practices of how teachers are prepared. This interactive session will allow participants to discuss the impact these recommendations may have on teacher education programs, both nationally and at their home institutions.

Downloads:

Van Scoy's Presentation (Adobe PDF)

Effectively Using NCATE’s Accreditation Information Management System(AIMS)

Frank Huang, NCATE

From submitting preconditions documents to receiving notification of the Unit Accreditation Board’s decision, all NCATE documents are submitted electronically through the Accreditation Information Management System (AIMS). This live demonstration will include an explanation of how AIMS facilitates the accreditation process and what to expect both before and after an accreditation visit. NCATE has just introduced several important features in the institutional workspace of AIMS. Please attend this session to see these new and exciting features.

Downloads:

F. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Using Assessment for Program and Unit Review

Kim Boyd, Oral Roberts University

How can the program and unit assessments be developed to fit together effectively--to ensure continuity, coverage of both program and unit standards, and data that both programs and units can use to improve their work? This session will examine the requirements for assessments at both the program and unit level and demonstrate ways to link them successfully.

Downloads:

Boyd's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Preparing for a First Visit

Yi Huang, NCATE

The session provides an overview for institutions seeking first accreditation. Emphasis will be placed on processes and expectations at each of the key stages within the accreditation cycle, including preparations of preconditions for candidacy review, Institutional Report (IR) and exhibits for Offsite Review, IR Addendum and exhibits for Onsite visit, and Annual Report to maintain unit accreditation.

Downloads:

Y. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

National Program Review Process: an Overview

Margie Crutchfield, NCATE

This session will provide an overview of the program review process (sometimes called the SPA review process), including policies and procedures for submitting, expectations for documentation, new options, and recent revisions.

Downloads:

Crutchfield's presentation (Adobe PDF)

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Lunch on Your Own

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Peachtree Ballroom

General Session

CAEP Accreditation: What are the Options?

James Cibulka, CAEP and NCATE
Donna M. Gollnick, NCATE
Mark LaCelle-Peterson, TEAC

By 2013, NCATE and TEAC will be operating as the Council on Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP). What does this consolidation mean for institutions that are already preparing for a visit by TEAC or NCATE in 2013 or later? Members of the CAEP Design Team will discuss the organization of CAEP, the CAEP standards, state program review options, and the four accreditation options.

CAEP Options: Inquiry Brief and Internal Academic Audit
Mark LaCelle-Peterson will be available after the session to discuss TEAC options available under CAEP.

Downloads:

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (Adobe PDF)
CAEP Pathways to Accreditation (Adobe PDF)
LaCelle-Peterson's presentation (Adobe PDF)

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Concurrent Sessions B

Preparing for a "Regular" Visit

Yi Huang, NCATE

The session provides an overview for institutions seeking accreditation with regular visit option through spring 2012. Emphasis will be placed on processes and expectations at each of the key stages within the accreditation cycle, including preparation of Institutional Report (IR) and exhibits, preparation and communication prior, during and after onsite visit, and preparation of Annual Report to maintain unit accreditation.

Downloads:

Y. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Continuous Improvement Option:
What Every NCATE Coordinator Should Know

Peter Millet and Heraldo Richards, Tennessee State University
Irma Van Scoy, University of South Carolina
Renee Connolly, University of South Carolina

The NCATE coordinator plays a pivotal role in the accreditation process, from the earliest planning stages to preparation of the institutional rejoinder. Representatives from two Continuous Improvement (CI) pilot institutions will discuss strategies for accomplishing activities associated with the CI review.

Downloads:

Continuous Improvement Option: What Every NCATE Coordinator Should Know (Adobe PDF)

Standard 3: Expectations and Evidence

Yuhang Rong, University of Connecticut

This session is designed to examine Standard 3 of the NCATE Unit Standards including an understanding of the standard for initial and advanced programs, and a review of the rubrics. The presenter will discuss (1) the importance of partnerships between the unit and the P-12 schools, and (2) the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical and field experiences. Examples include measurable candidate dispositions explored during the placement periods, intentionally designed candidate seminars, and application of knowledge and skills in assessments of student learning.

Downloads:

Rong's presentation (Adobe PDF)

NCATE 101

Patty Garvin, NCATE

Take a close look at the governance and structure of NCATE. This presentation will include an overview of the state partnerships, NCATE standards, procedures for the NCATE visit, the program review process, and the decision-making process of NCATE boards. The session is designed for participants who have limited knowledge of NCATE and the accreditation process.

Downloads:

Garvin's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Advanced Programs Explained

Arlinda Eaton, Kennesaw State University
Donna M. Gollnick, NCATE

Many institutions question what programs are at the advanced level. The overview includes discussion of: (a) the definition of advanced level programs; (b) examples of advanced level programs; (c) advanced level programs which must be included in the NCATE review; and (d) application of the standards to the advanced level.

Downloads:

Eaton and Gollnick's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Assessment as the Center of Learning Communities

Debra Colley, Niagara University
James Mills, Niagara University

Niagara University's assessment system is comprehensive, deliberate, and inclusive. University, unit, and departmental leadership model high expectations for the use of assessment data for continuous improvement. Expertise and commitment has been purposefully extended across the unit to cultivate leadership from within the unit and extend the base of expertise to transform and sustain a culture of assessment and continuous improvement.

Downloads:

Colley and Mills' presentation (Adobe PDF)

National Program Review Process: an Overview

Margie Crutchfield, NCATE

This session will provide an overview of the program review process (sometimes called the SPA review process), including policies and procedures for submitting, expectations for documentation, new options, and recent revisions.

Downloads:

Crutchfield's presentation (Adobe PDF)

3:45 - 4:00 pm
Peachtree Ballroom

Afternoon Break

4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Presenters Round Tables

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss topics presented Thursday's and Friday's sessions with the presenters.

Friday, April 8

7:00 am - 8:30 am
Peachtree Ballroom

Continental Breakfast

7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Peachtree Ballroom Foyer

Registration

8:30 am - 10:00 am
Peachtree Ballroom

General Session Panel

Insights into the Continuous Improvement Option

Kim Boyd, Oral Roberts University
Jo Hoffman, NCATE Coordinator, Kean University
Beverly Reitsma, NCATE Coordinator, University of Indianapolis
Yuhang Rong, NCATE Coordinator, University of Connecticut

Moderator: Irma Van Scoy, University of South Carolina

Kean University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Indianapolis, all participated in the pilot of the Continuous Improvement accreditation option. Representatives from these institutions will discuss their experiences from planning for to hosting the visits, and the changes that have occurred on campus as a result. Dr. Boyd and Dr. Rong have both chaired BOE teams under the pilot and will share their perspectives of the CI option. As the NCATE Coordinator and Associate Dean, Dr. Van Scoy has guided the University of South Carolina through its recent Continuous Improvement review.

Downloads:

Session presentation (Adobe PDF)

10:00 am - 10:15 am
Peachtree Ballroom

Morning Break

10:15 am - 11:30 am

Concurrent Sessions C

Nuts and Bolts of the NCATE Visit

Marilyn Feldmann, Coastal Carolina University

This session will highlight practical tips on writing the institutional report, preparing exhibits, planning logistics, and writing the rejoinder for the current process and the continuous improvement and transformation initiative options. Ideas will be shared based on a variety of NCATE experiences and perspectives of the presenter.

Downloads:

Feldmann's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Standard 4: Diversity

Donna M. Gollnick, NCATE

This session will address areas in Standard 4 where institutions often face challenges, especially those related to candidate interactions with faculty, P-12 students, and peers from diverse backgrounds. The session will examine Standard 4 including a review of rubrics and possible sources of evidence.

Downloads:

Gollnick's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Preparing for a Continuous Improvement Visit

Yi Huang, NCATE

The session provides an overview for institutions seeking continuing accreditation with the Continuous Improvement (CI) option. Emphasis will be placed on processes and expectations of CI at each of the key stages within the accreditation cycle, including preparations of Institutional Report (IR) and exhibits for Offsite Review, IR Addendum and exhibits for Onsite visit, and Annual Report to maintain unit accreditation. Examples of institutional strategies and promising practices from CI pilot institutions will be shared and discussed.

Downloads:

Y. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

First Impressions:
Making the Most of the Electronic Exhibit Room

Debra Colley, Niagara University
Arlinda Eaton, Kennesaw State University

Along with the Institutional Report, the electronic exhibit room is the first experience BOE members will have working with the unit. An institutional representative and a BOE chair share experiences in creating and using electronic exhibit rooms that meet NCATE requirements and serve as a living functional part of the unit. The presenters will discuss the technical development of electronic exhibit rooms, the role of faculty in creating and maintaining them, as well as how they are used by BOE teams.

Downloads:

Colley and Eaton's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Handout: List of Exhibits for Continuing Improvement Option (Adobe PDF)

Pushing the Envelope:
Testing Assessment Systems for Validity and Reliability

Ann Larson, University of Louisville

As assessment becomes increasingly important to policy makers, accreditation, and institutions, the need for valid and reliable assessment systems is also increasing. This session will look at how institutions can go beyond fairness, accuracy, and consistency when developing assessments and refining their assessment systems.

Downloads:

Larson's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Using Assessment for Program and Unit Review

Kim Boyd, Oral Roberts University

How can the program and unit assessments be developed to fit together effectively--to ensure continuity, coverage of both program and unit standards, and data that both programs and units can use to improve their work? This session will examine the requirements for assessments at both the program and unit level and demonstrate ways to link them successfully.

Downloads:

Boyd's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Developing Effective Assessments to Meet SPA Standards

Margie Crutchfield, NCATE

Developing high quality assessments that also meet SPA and NCATE standards can be a challenge. This session will provide an overview of the key assessments used in program review, the criteria used to evaluate assessments, and ways to ensure that assessments are aligned to SPA standards. This session will also examine the requirements for assessments at both the program and unit level and demonstrate ways to link them successfully.

Downloads:

Crutchfield's presentation (Adobe PDF)

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Lunch on Your Own

12:45 pm - 2:00 pm

Concurrent Sessions D

Pushing the Envelope:
Testing Assessment Systems for Validity and Reliability

Ann Larson, University of Louisville

As assessment becomes increasingly important to policy makers, accreditation, and institutions, the need for valid and reliable assessment systems is also increasing. This session will look at how institutions can go beyond fairness, accuracy, and consistency when developing assessments and refining their assessment systems.

Downloads:

Larson's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Standard 5: Faculty

Marilyn Feldmann, Coastal Carolina University

Standard 5 expects the unit to ensure that its professional education faculty contributes to the preparation of effective educators through their qualifications, teaching, scholarship, service, evaluations, and professional development. An overview of the elements, required exhibits, and continuous improvement option for Standard 5 will be provided.

Downloads:

Feldmann's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Advanced Programs Explained

Arlinda Eaton, Kennesaw State University
Donna M. Gollnick, NCATE

Many institutions question what programs are at the advanced level. The overview includes discussion of: (a) the definition of advanced level programs; (b) examples of advanced level programs; (c) advanced level programs which must be included in the NCATE review; and (d) application of the standards to the advanced level.

Downloads:

Eaton and Gollnick's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Effectively Using NCATE's Accreditation Information Management System (AIMS)

Frank Huang, NCATE

From submitting preconditions documents to receiving notification of the Unit Accreditation Board's decision, all NCATE documents are submitted electronically through the Accreditation Information Management System (AIMS). This live demonstration will include an explanation of how AIMS facilitates the accreditation process and what to expect both before and after an accreditation visit. NCATE has just introduced several important features in the institutional workspace of AIMS. Please attend this session to see these new and exciting features.

Downloads:

F. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Assessment as the Center of Learning Communities

Yuhang Rong, University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is engaging in continuous improvement to facilitate a culture of assessment. Partners from P-12 schools are involved with the development and refinement of the assessment system. A process has been developed for field testing and evaluating assessment tools and processes for reliability, validity, and bias before they are formally incorporated as part of the assessment system. The presenter will discuss the processes that allow the unit to continuously evaluate the capacity and effectiveness of the assessment system.

Downloads:

Rong's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Preparing for a Continuous Improvement Visit

Yi Huang, NCATE

The session provides an overview for institutions seeking continuing accreditation with the Continuous Improvement (CI) option. Emphasis will be placed on processes and expectations of CI at each of the key stages within the accreditation cycle, including preparations of Institutional Report (IR) and exhibits for Offsite Review, IR Addendum and exhibits for Onsite visit, and Annual Report to maintain unit accreditation. Examples of institutional strategies and promising practices from CI pilot institutions will be shared and discussed.

Downloads:

Y. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Managing the Program Review Process:
The Role of the NCATE Coordinator in Program Review

Margie Crutchfield, NCATE

Managing the program review process can be a daunting challenge. Examples will be provided of ways NCATE Coordinators have done it--from engaging faculty, to monitoring reports, to tracking data, and to celebrating success!

Downloads:

Crutchfield's presentation (Adobe PDF)

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Peachtree Ballroom

Afternoon Break

2:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Concurrent Sessions E

Conceptual Framework in the Context of Unit Accreditation

Yi Huang, NCATE

The session provides an overview of Conceptual Framework within the context of unit accreditation. Emphasis will be placed on unit expectations and review procedures at each of the key stages within the accreditation cycle, including preparations of preconditions for candidacy review, Institutional Report (IR) and exhibits for Offsite Review, IR Addendum and exhibits for Onsite visit, and Annual Report to maintain unit accreditation.

Downloads:

Y. Huang's presentation (Adobe PDF)

How Do We Turn Teacher Education Upside Down?
Implementing the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations

Beverly Reitsma, University of Indianapolis

NCATE commissioned the Blue Ribbon Panel on Clinical Preparation and Partnerships for Improved Student Learning in 2009 to make recommendations on how to strengthen clinical preparation to better serve the goal of improving student learning. The Panel has now published its recommendations to change the policies and practices of how teachers are prepared. This interactive session will allow participants to discuss the impact these recommendations may have on teacher education programs, both nationally and at their home institutions.

Downloads:

Reitsma's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Developing Informative Assessments

Ann Larson, University of Louisville

Accreditation has had a great influence on how educational units assess their teacher candidates and themselves. This session is designed to help institutions develop assessments with their goals for candidate learning, program improvement, and unit assessment in mind.

Downloads:

Larson's presentation (Adobe PDF)

First Impressions:
Making the Most of the Electronic Exhibit Room

Debra Colley, Niagara University
Arlinda Eaton, Kennesaw State University

Along with the Institutional Report, the electronic exhibit room is the first experience BOE members will have working with the unit. An institutional representative and a BOE chair share experiences in creating and using electronic exhibit rooms that meet NCATE requirements and serve as a living functional part of the unit. The presenters will discuss the technical development of electronic exhibit rooms, the role of faculty in creating and maintaining them, as well as how they are used by BOE teams.

Downloads:

Colley and Eaton's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Handout: List of Exhibits for Continuing Improvement Option (Adobe PDF)

Standard 6: Governance

Kim Boyd, Oral Roberts University

This session will address several common myths related to governance and resources, describe the realities, identify the expectations, and suggest the types of evidence that will demonstrate how a unit meets this standard.

Downloads:

Boyd's presentation (Adobe PDF)

Continuous Improvement Option:
What Every NCATE Coordinator Should Know

Peter Millet, Tennessee State University
Heraldo Richards, Tennessee State University
Irma Van Scoy, University of South Carolina
Renee Connolly, University of South Carolina

The NCATE coordinator plays a pivotal role in the accreditation process, from the earliest planning stages to preparation of the institutional rejoinder. Representatives from two Continuous Improvement (CI) pilot institutions will discuss strategies for accomplishing activities associated with the CI review.

Downloads:

Continuous Improvement Option: What Every NCATE Coordinator Should Know (Adobe PDF)

Transformation Initiative Option

Donna M. Gollnick, NCATE

The Transformation Initiative (TI) asks institutions to assist in building the base of evidence in the field about what works in educator preparation. TI institutions conduct research-based initiatives that will contribute to the transformation of educator preparation. Participants in this session will discuss the nature of transformation initiatives, eligibility for the TI option, the proposal, the institutional orientation, and the timelines.

Downloads:

Gollnick's presentation (Adobe PDF)