NC West Virginia News

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full 7-year accreditation to the educator preparation program at Alderson Broaddus University. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the AAQEP awarded full accreditation through December 31, 2029, to AB’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (K-6), their Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education: Social Studies (Grade 5-Adult), and the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (PreK-Adult).

“This recognition from AAQEP is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff in the School of Education,” explains Dr. Andrea Bucklew, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I am proud that Alderson Broaddus University is taking an active role in preparing qualified teachers to fill much-needed positions in schools across the state and region.”

The Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards were met. Teacher candidates in the program are prepared to work effectively as professional educators, and graduates can adapt to different contexts and grow professionally. The program regularly attends to evidence of its effectiveness, holding meaningful and ongoing conversations to analyze data and make revisions to benefit candidates. Its small size and close relationships with partners enable it to serve the community effectively and strengthen the local P-20 education system.

The program is working toward a self-identified vision for improving assessment practices while implementing and adapting to personnel, facilities, and policy expectations changes. The site visit confirmed that the work the faculty and staff are doing is transformative for the unit as they maintain a steadfast focus on student needs and development while making good decisions for the future strength of their program.

“In gaining national accreditation through AAQEP, we have demonstrated our effectiveness in preparing quality educators through the School of Education at Alderson Broaddus University, explains Marcie Raol, Chair School of Education at AB. “The accreditation process allowed us to demonstrate how we engage in data-driven decision-making with our area partners to ensure a quality education for our students. National accreditation provides our graduates the confidence that our education degree meets national expectations”.

National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standard- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP has members in 32 states and other jurisdictions, with over 180 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.

“Congratulations to Alderson Broaddus University and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The program’s unwavering support for students is complemented by a clear commitment to ongoing improvement.”

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