Initial Accreditation Pathway

PUBLIC WEBINAR

AAQEP Initial Accreditation Pathway

March 25, 1:00–2:00 p.m. EDT

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MEMBER WEBINAR

Writing the Initial Accreditation Report

April 29, 1:00–2:00 p.m. EDT

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AAQEP's initial accreditation pathway is an option designed to facilitate providers' entry into the AAQEP system, both for those seeking an expedited transition from another accreditor and for providers with new or newly revised programs. Members seeking initial accreditation status conduct a self-study based on the AAQEP standards and write an Initial Accreditation Report (IAR) in application for the 5-year, nonrenewable initial accreditation status.

Note: States vary in their recognition of initial accreditation status. Please check with your state authorizer for details.

Helpful Downloads

  • AAQEP Initial Accreditation Pathway Information Sheet (PDF)
    The initial accreditation pathway became available after the latest Guide to AAQEP Accreditation was published. Members pursuing initial accreditation still reference the Guide for the AAQEP expectations framework and other elements of the system, but processes specific to the initial pathway are not currently detailed in the Guide. This information sheet fills in details about the purpose and process associated with the new pathway.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

IAR Templates and Guidance

  • Guidance on Writing the IAR (PDF)
    This document lists the components of an IAR and offers templates and guidelines for report authors to use. See also the member webinar "Writing the Initial Accreditation Report."

  • Program Specification Table (PDF)
    This document contains a template and full instructions for completing the Program Specification Table, an official record of the specific programs included in the scope of your AAQEP review. The table identifies the degrees or programs being accredited by AAQEP, any associated state credentials, enrollment and completer numbers, and other information. Download this Word file to use as a template to include in Section 1 of your IAR (as well as in other key reports in your AAQEP work cycle).

  • Aspect-Evidence Tables (PDF)
    These tables provide an organizer for your report readers by identifying evidence sources, their alignment to the standards and aspects, and which program(s) they support. Instructions specific to these tables' use in Initial Accreditation Reports are detailed in the Guidance on Writing the IAR linked above. Download this Word version of the Aspect-Evidence Tables to use in Sections 2 and 3 of your report.

  • Partnerships Table (PDF)
    This file shows two examples of how you might present your work with P-12 partners that host candidates for field-based experiences. Download this Word file to use or adapt for Section 4 of your report.

  • Faculty Qualifications Table (PDF)
    This table illustrates one way to present full- and part-time faculty qualifications. Download this Word file to use or adapt for Section 6 of your report.

  • Parity Table (PDF)
    This table shows a sample reporting format to demonstrate parity of your program’s capacity with another comparable program. Download this Word file to use or adapt for Section 6 of your report.

  • Curriculum Matrix (PDF)
    This table shows one way to document curriculum alignment to relevant state and national standards. Download this Word file to use or adapt for Section 6 of your report.

  • IAR Completeness Check (PDF)
    If you turn in your draft IAR at least 9 months prior to your site visit, staff will give it a completeness check. Download this Word version to customize for your own use.

Quality Review Team Templates

Help your reviewers present a complete picture of your program by knowing how their reports will look. You will have an opportunity to read and make factual corrections to both of these reports before they are finalized. Remember, the Accreditation Commission makes the final decision based on your self-study (IAR) and the QRT Report for Initial Accreditation.


Questions?
Contact Linda McKee