SAN JOSE, CA – For a program "to receive Accreditation from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), we must meet both common standards and program standards" according to Kathy Wahl, Director of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Inclusion Collaborative Program.
"It was amazing," Wahl continues, "and we were honored that we met all nine common standards and a total of 74 program standards. This accreditation status will remain for the next seven years; our next visit will be in 2023."
Nelson Estupin, Manager of Credential Services at the SCCOE, added: "we actually passed with flying colors." While California has many excellent programs, Estupin said no other program received "the resounding approval our programs did."
The Committee on Accreditation, on behalf of the CTC, assigned Accreditation status to the SCCOE after a thorough review of its Administrative and Special Education programs in May. The recommendation was "a unanimous decision," according to Wahl, "they were amazed by all of the support from the SCCOE in terms of resources as well as the community, school districts, qualified faculty, mentors, and our candidates."
As a result of the accreditation, the SCCOE is authorized to continue offering the following programs:
- Preliminary Education Specialist - Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Credential Program (Intern)
- Preliminary Education Specialist - Moderate/Severe (Mod/Sev) Credential Program (Intern)
- Clear Educational Specialist Credential Induction Program
- Administrative Preliminary Credential
- Administrative Clear Credential
In addition, the SCCOE is permitted to propose new credential programs and will continue as an assigned cohort on the schedule of accreditation activities by the CTC.
The Inclusion Collaborative leads the effort to provide all children in Santa Clara County with quality learning environments. Its focus is the successful inclusion of children with special needs in child care, preschool programs, educational environments through grade 12, and the community through education, advocacy, and awareness.
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