The Review Process

Accreditation decisions are based on materials submitted by the institution seeking accreditation, as well as on a site visit by members of NCATE’s Board of Examiners.

Approximately six months prior to the site visit, an institution seeking accreditation of its advanced literacy education programs submits a program report to NCATE. In turn, NCATE requests that three IRA reviewers consider the report. The lead IRA reviewer compiles a composite report, using the Program Evaluation Guide for Reviewers. The completed review includes a recommendation regarding accreditation and national recognition.

This composite review is submitted to NCATE, which then informs the institution that it is available. (Should a program not receive national recognition, the institution has 18 months in which to submit a rejoinder.) The report can include recommendations for on-site follow-up by the Board of Examiners; the report itself is available to the examiners during their site visit.

If the IRA reviewers do not agree on a recognition decision, IRA’s five- to six-member SPA Audit Committee makes the recommendation.

The new Web-based system

NCATE is now piloting a new Web-based system for program report preparation and review. With the new process, report preparation and review will be more streamlined and more consistent across all specialized professional associations; the result will be a simpler process for institutions seeking accreditation, and more consistent decisions on recognition.

The SPA Audit Committee will review every decision recommended during the pilot program for the new Web-based review; they also review reports flagged by NCATE staff.