By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

THE Unit Accreditation Board of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education recently voted to grant accreditation to the University of Guam’s School of Education, an accomplishment that university officials say could help pull students into UOG’s education programs.
“NCATE accreditation showcases the quality of our teacher preparation program, and underscores the commitment of the School of Education faculty to the development of future educators. The School of Education has developed a highly competitive program that meets national standards,” UOG president Harold Allen said.
NCATE, a national accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education, determines which schools, colleges, and departments of education meet rigorous national standards in preparing teachers and other school specialists for the classroom.
“The achievement of NCATE accreditation is the culmination of years of hard work. School of Education students, faculty and staff focused on the goal of NCATE accreditation for the last several years and today, all of our efforts have been realized,” said Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, School of Education executive director.
Dr. Vivian Dames, dean of College of Professional Studies, said the NCATE accreditation will have an impact on recruitment and retention “as education students realize the University of Guam’s education programs are on par with national standards.”
“Accreditation, once granted, is continuous as long as the institution fulfills its responsibilities under NCATE’s continuing accreditation process,” according to a press release from UOG.