All institutions are required to solicit third-party comment on the quality of their programs as part of the accreditation review process. Such comments must be within the specified period and based on the core tenets of NCATE accreditation standards of excellence, which recognize that:

• In NCATE's performance-based system, accreditation is based on evidence that demonstrates that teacher candidates know the subject matter and can teach it effectively so that students learn. In the NCATE system, units must prove that candidates can connect theory to practice and be effective in an actual P-12 classroom.
• A professional education unit that is accredited by NCATE is expected to be involved in ongoing planning and evaluation; engaged in continuous assessment and development; ensure that faculty and programs reflect new knowledge, practice, and technologies; and be involved in continuous development in response to the evolving world of education and educational reform.
• Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the respondent's relationship, if any, to the institution (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Copies of all correspondence received will be sent to the university for comment prior to the review. No anonymous testimony will be considered.

We invite interested parties to submit written testimony on the quality of the School of Education programs by e-mail to:

callforcomments@ncate.org

Letters of comment should be received no later than September 1, 2013 for institutions with visits in Fall 2013.
Letters of comment should be received no later than December 31, 2013 for institutions with visits in Spring 2014

The professional education units at the following institutions are being considered for accreditation: