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AAQEP - Oregon


AAQEP

AAQEP is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. In 2015, the Oregon Legislature passed legisation requiring Oregon's educator preparation programs (EPPs) to be accredited by a national organization by July 1, 2022.  The mandatory accreditation date was later extended to July 1, 2025. 


Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Accreditation Commission 

The Accreditation Commission meets frequently via video conference to review cases in accordance with the Accreditation Decisions Policy. A chronological record of the Commission's actions is available here.

  • Operates independently of the CAEP Board of Directors.
  • Is responsible for all decisions specific to accreditation.
  • Consists of public, P-12, and academic professionals.
  • Has three major areas of responsibility:
    • Establish policies and procedures for the accreditation process;
    • Conduct accreditation review and determine accreditation status of EPPs; and
    • Manage the accreditation process to ensure equity and consistency in decision-making. 

The Accreditation Council is comprised of three commissions that represent the three CAEP accreditation pathways:

  • Inquiry Brief (IB) Commission;
  • Selected Improvement (SI) Commission; and
  • Transformation Initiative (TI) Commission.

As the accrediting body of CAEP, the Council determines accreditation and appoints volunteers to serve in roles related to the accreditation process.

Committees help bring recommendations to the CAEP Accreditation Council and carry out the work of accreditation.


Understanding accreditation

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is quality assurance through external peer review. When an institution or specialized program is accredited, it has demonstrated that it meets standards set by organizations representing the academic community, professionals, and other stakeholders. To maintain accreditation, the institution or program must undergo a similar review on a regular basis. In Oregon, that typically is every seven years.


AAQEP resources

AAQEP Home Page 

AAQEP Resources

Oregon / AAQEP Partnership Agreement

Standards:

  • Standard 1: Candidate / Completer Performance
  • Standard 2: Completer Professional Competence and Growth
  • Standard 3: Quality Program Practices
  • Standard 4: Program Engagement in System Improvement