Fifty is a lucky number for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Not only is the Washington-based organization commemorating its 50th anniversary this year, but it is also celebrating the addition of two new state partners.
Arizona and New Jersey became the 49th and 50th jurisdictions to align their teacher education standards with NCATE’s.
Even if colleges choose not to undergo the NCATE accreditation process, they are still compelled to satisfy the body’s standards by meeting state requirements, according to Jane Liebbrand, a spokeswoman for the council.
New Hampshire and Vermont are the only states that do not have a partnership with NCATE. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico help make up the 50.