Capella University School of Accreditations, Approval and Recognition Document The purpose of this document is to inform all stakeholders regarding the accreditations and approvals of Capella University s School of and its individual programs. NCATE Accreditation NCATE is the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher. This accreditation is for Capella University s School of, covering advanced educator preparation programs. This is not a SPA recognition (see below) or state program approval. Specialized Association (SPA) Recognition Specialized Associations are national organizations which represent those who teach specific subject matter (e.g., reading) or students at a specific development level (e.g., special education or early childhood), administer schools (i.e., principals, superintendents, or directors of special education), or provide services to students (e.g., school psychologists or school counselors). Many of these associations are member organizations of NCATE. In most cases SPA recognition is a required pre condition prior to gaining NCATE accreditation. Approval (for advanced or initial licensure) Usually, state department or board of education approval (or appointed organization, e.g., Minnesota ) for a program designed to prepare candidates for an area of licensure or Initial Teaching Preparation Program A program designed for individuals who are seeking to become licensed teachers for the very first time. This type of program would be for an individual who has never been licensed as a teacher or for individuals who want to move from provisional or temporary licenses or certificates to permanent, initial licenses or certificates. Initial Program A program designed for individuals who are seeking to become a licensed school services professional. Program A program designed for educators who hold a license and are seeking to add an endorsement or content area to that Administrative Program A program designed for educators who hold a license and are seeking administrative or leadership 1
Early Childhood English Language Learning and Teaching K 12 Studies in K 12 Studies in NCATE No Yes N/A No No EdS No Yes N/A No No PhD No Yes N/A No No Yes Yes, NAEYC No initial No Yes No No No No Yes N/A No No PhD No Yes N/A No No Endorsement requirements vary 2
al al EdS Yes, Arizona Administrator NCATE in Arizona is administrator (if other requirements are satisfied) if al PhD Administrators 3
Reading and Literacy NCATE Yes No No initial Reading endorsement requirements vary widely from state to state. Reading and Literacy School Counseling School Psychology EdD No Yes No No No + Specialist Cert and Arizona and Arizona Yes Yes Yes, CACREP Yes, Provisional NASP in Minnesota and Arizona for the purposes of initially candidates as School Counselor or Guidance Counselor in Minnesota and Arizona for the purposes of initially candidates as School Psychologist No No Many states require applicants hold an initial license and have experience Many states require applicants hold an initial license and have experience 4
Special Leadership Special Teaching: Learning Disabilities PhD Administrators NCATE Yes Yes, CEC No Yes Yes, CEC No initial do not offer a specific Special Leadership certificate. Special endorsements vary widely from state to state. * License/certification/endorsement requirements vary significantly State requirements should be researched before enrolling in any program. 5