As students at Baker University finish settling into their class schedules for the semester, the School of Education is working to prepare for a test of its own.
“It comes down to the individual,” Assistant Professor of Education Carolyn Doolittle said. “I have to be prepared to know our goals and how we are working to meet them.”
The National Counsel for Accreditation of Teacher Education will visit the Baker University campus Nov. 14 through Nov. 18.
During their time on campus, professors from the School of Education will present data that illustrates an ability to meet the six standards for accreditation set by NCATE.
“It’s a high-stakes situation,” Peggy Harris, dean of the school of education, said. “They take four to five days to try to take a snap shot of the program to evaluate it.”
Representatives from the program assess university programs every seven years.
In the past two evaluations Baker University has passed with only one area of weakness. The School of Education has worked to improve that weakness, which was not specified, since the last evaluation.
Before NCATE’s visit in November there will be a preliminary meeting Sept. 29 to set an agenda for the official evaluation.
“We have already sent over 100 documents,” Bill Neuenswander, director of teacher education, said. “The preliminary meeting will give them a chance to let us know any other information (NCATE) may want.”
Harris said it is important to realize that the results of the NCATE visit affect more students than just those at the Baldwin City campus. <br/>The NCATE inspection also affects the graduate school in Overland Park, where 1,400 to 1,500 students are enrolled.The NCATE inspection also affects the graduate school in Overland Park, where 1,400 to 1,500 students are enrolled. The NCATE inspection also affects the graduate school in Overland Park, where 1,400 to 1,500 students are enrolled.
“I know everyone is taking this seriously,” Harris said. “It is asking a lot to prepare for this in addition to the regular workload.”
Neuenswander said even though preparing for the visit is difficult for the department, it is an important part of the School of Education.
“At this point we would be disappointed if we weren’t approved in all standards,”