Recognition of CAA as an Accrediting Agency by CHEA and
ED
The
Council on
Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language
Pathology
(CAA) is recognized as an accrediting agency by two entities:
The CAA's scope of recognition with CHEA is for the
accreditation of
master's and entry-level doctoral programs in
speech-language pathology and audiology. The CAA and its predecessors have been recognized continually
by CHEA and its predecessors since 1964. CHEA's recognition
is for the maximum 10-year period for the accreditation and
preaccreditation (Accreditation Candidate) throughout the U.S. of
these education programs. The CAA also is recognized by U.S.
Secretary of Education as authorized by United States law. The
scope of this recognition may differ from the CHEA Recognition
Statement. Please consult the
U.S.
Department of Education
Web site for additional information.
The CAA's scope of recognition with ED is for the
accreditation and preaccreditation (Accreditation Candidate)
throughout the U.S. of
education programs in audiology and speech-language
pathology leading to the first professional or clinical degree at
the master's or doctoral level and the accreditation of these
programs offered via distance education. The CAA and its predecessors have been recognized continually
by the Secretary of Education since 1967. ED's recognition is
effective for the maximum five-year period.
Recognition of its accreditation program by these agencies is
an external validation of the CAA's adherence to best
practices in accreditation. The ED recognition also enables
CAA-accredited programs to establish eligibility to participate
in Federal programs authorized under the Individuals with
Disabilities Act (IDEA), 20 USC § 1462, and the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended, 34 CFR 386.20 (b)(2)(v).
Recognition Update: August 2009
In light of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act
(HEA), approved by Congress in August 2008 through the
Higher Education Opportunity Act
(HEOA), all ED recognized accrediting agencies were asked to
submit a report to demonstrate compliance with six new components
of the Criteria for Recognition, as specified in the statute. The
CAA submitted its report in August 2009 and should receive
feedback from the Department staff in the next several months. In
addition, the US Department of Education has issued a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the regulations for the HEA
in 34 CFR, part 602, governing the Secretary's recognition of
accrediting agencies. The purpose of these regulations is to
implement changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965, as
amended, and to clarify, improve, and update the current
regulations.
Comments on the proposed changes
must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by
September 8, 2009.
The CAA is evaluating the HEA and the proposed regulations to
determine what changes may be necessary for the accreditation
program, which may take the form of revised standards or
implementation language or modified policies and procedures. The
CAA will share any proposed changes with all academic programs,
in accordance with its policies.
For more information about the CAA, contact Patti Tice at
ptice@asha.org
or Tess Kirsch at
tkirsch@asha.org.