NCATE Program Reviewer Training
October 30, 2008
NAGC and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) have jointly developed revised initial standards for teacher preparation programs in gifted and talented education as part of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation process. These "Specialized Professional Association" (SPA) standards are the foundation for the knowledge and skills in which teacher candidates demonstrate competency, as determined by the field of gifted education. NAGC is extremely pleased to be working with NCATE and CEC to identify program reviewers who will make the decision whether university programs meet the new standards. Click here to read more about the new teacher preparation standards in gifted education.
Program Reviewer Qualifications:
NAGC is looking for individuals who are well qualified to evaluate university teacher preparation programs. NAGC will be selecting up to 10 reviewers each year. The strength of an application will be evaluated based on the candidate's demonstrated expertise in the field of their specific discipline, professional education, teaching, research, and/or evaluation. Because the review process is conducted online, it is also imperative that the program reviewer candidate has skill in the use of computer technology, and regular access to the Internet and email. NAGC-NCATE gifted education program reviewers must be current NAGC members, and must have the following:
skill in use of evaluation techniques, such as the interpretation of quantified data, use of rating scales and questionnaires, and analysis of written information.
good writing skills: the ability to convey clearly and concisely observations and judgments in writing.
the ability to make unbiased professional judgments about education programs based on the application of national standards.
Training:
Program reviewers are co-trained by NAGC leaders and NCATE staff. Training topics include the NCATE program review process, the gifted education standards, elements of appropriate assessments, decision-making criteria, writing reports, and other topics selected by NCATE, NAGC, and CEC. Training is required before a program reviewer may begin reviewing university programs. One-day training will take place annually at the NAGC convention. In 2008 the training is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2008, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm in Tampa, Florida. Travel and hotel expenses incurred to participate in the training are the responsibility of the trainee. NAGC will provide morning coffee and lunch during the training.
NAGC Program Reviewer Selection Process:
Interested program reviewers should complete the online application, which includes a statement explaining their interest.
The application postmark / fax deadline for the October 2008 training session in Tampa, Florida, is September 5, 2008. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee using the criteria stated in the qualifications paragraph above.
Applicants for the October 2008 training will be notified of their status during the week of September 22, 2008.
To access the online program reviewer application, click here.
NCATE Program Review Process:
As part of the NCATE accreditation process, colleges of education submit program reports to NCATE regarding teacher candidate mastery of the SPA standards. These program reports are evaluated, based on the SPA standards, by teams of reviewers from both CEC and NAGC. Reviewers submit final reports that are shared with the NCATE Board of Examiners - the individuals who make onsite, weeklong accreditation visits.
Once NAGC approves new program reviewers, the reviewers' names are forwarded to NCATE to become part of a program reviewer "pool." Each academic semester NCATE assigns reviewers to a three-person reviewing team. Program reviewers are asked to review a program report submitted by an institution, and make a judgment as to whether the program meets the standards and qualifies for national recognition. The review process is conducted online and thus requires Internet access and basic technology skills. Program reviewers will:
Judge alignment of a program's assessments and candidate data with the appropriate Specialized Professional Association (SPA) standards
Clearly communicate strengths and weaknesses in relation to the standards
Make as objective an assessment as possible about the degree to which a given program meets the SPA standards, based on candidate performance evidence.
Term of Service:
Program reviewers are appointed for three-year terms and may be reappointed for additional terms after the completion of another training session.
Time Commitment:
Reviewers may be asked to review a university gifted education program once per academic semester for each of the three years that the reviewer commits to being a reviewer.
NCATE estimates that after the initial learning curve, it takes an average of 5-7 hours to review and comment on an online university program report, plus additional time to participate in a conference call with the other members of the program review team.
NCATE provides reviewers four weeks to complete the review process each semester. In the fall the review window extends from October 15 to November 15. In the spring, the timeframe is typically between March 1 and April 1.
The importance of evaluating teacher preparation programs in gifted and talented education through a national process cannot be understated. Your commitment to NAGC and NCATE is critical to the future health and success of the field. Although the individual program reviews are confidential and anonymous, NAGC will recognize the volunteers who contribute time and expertise at the NAGC annual meeting, through publications, and by providing a letter of recognition and appreciation to your dean and others. We thank you for your interest and commitment.
If you have questions about becoming an NCATE program reviewer, please contact Jane Clarenbach at the NAGC national office at 202.785.4268 or via email at janec@nagc.org.