State of Indiana renews Huntington’s accreditation
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Huntington, Ind. "Huntington University's Department of Education has proven its commitment to producing quality teachers for the nation's children by achieving renewed accreditation under the standards of the state of Indiana. Huntington University is proud of the high quality programs offered by our Education Department, said Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of Huntington University. We have an ongoing commitment to meet and exceed standards of teacher preparation in the state and to prepare teachers to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
Huntington University's education programs have been accredited by the state of Indiana since 1917.
State accreditation is a rigorous process and is not automatic, said Steve Holtrop, associate professor of education & associate dean for graduate and adult studies. Although the state uses the same standards as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the state's Teacher Education Committee makes its own decision on every standard for each of the 40 Indiana institutions of higher education with teacher education programs.
Accreditation standards require the state's Teacher Education Committee to read institutional reports, board of examiners reports, Rejoinders and Unit Accreditation Board Reports before making standard-by-standard decisions. TEC decisions are reviewed by the Professional Standards Board and the state superintendent of public instruction for final approval.
Huntington University's Department of Education offers bachelor's and master's degree programs for students who desire to become teachers or to expand their knowledge and skills. Elementary education majors can obtain endorsements for teaching kindergarten or middle school. Secondary education majors can be certified to teach middle school and high school art, business, English, mathematics, science or social studies. All-grade majors are available in art, music and physical education.
For more information about the Huntington University Department of Education, call (260) 359-4231 or visit the web site at www.huntington.edu/education.
