CLU School of Education earns approvals

National accreditation is mark of distinction

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(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Oct. 27, 2009) The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing have reaccredited California Lutheran University's School of Education.

The School of Education needs the state commission's approval in order to recommend students for California teaching and other credentials. NCATE approval is not required, but is a mark of distinction as only five other private universities in California have obtained national accreditation. The national recognition means that educators who seek employment outside of California can demonstrate that they have completed a high-quality standards-based program and that their performance has been assessed.

The reviewers who examined CLU noted the accomplished faculty, extensive use of technology, high degree of personal attention and strong collaboration with school partners.

To meet CCTC and NCATE standards, universities must offer intellectually rigorous standards-based programs relevant to the needs of today's schools. The two accrediting organizations conduct joint on-site visits every seven years. Last spring, a team of 18 evaluators visited CLU to conduct more than 600 interviews with faculty, administrators, candidates, graduates, classroom teachers, employers and school partners and review hundreds of documents.

"The accreditation process recognizes the professionalism, competence and quality work put forth by our faculty and staff as well as the quality of our students' experiences in the field with our partner schools and teachers," said Carol Bartell, dean of the School of Education. "Studies show that teacher quality is the most important factor in student achievement and these stamps of approval show that teachers trained at CLU enter the classroom ready to help children learn."

CLU's School of Education has prepared more than 12,000 teachers, administrators and counselors. Its many offerings include Teacher Preparation and Deaf and Hard of Hearing programs, master's degrees in teacher leadership, special education, counseling and administration, and doctorates in educational leadership and higher education leadership. Classes are offered on the main campus in Thousand Oaks as well as at the Woodland Hills and Oxnard centers.

For more information, call (805) 493-3127 or visit http://www.callutheran.edu/schools/education/.

 

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