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K-State Today

July 12, 2013

Kansas State University's English language program reaccredited for 10 years

Submitted by Mary K. Pyle

The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, or CEA, the specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. secretary of education as a national accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions, recently granted the university's English language program a 10-year accreditation. It is the longest period of accreditation available.

"The K-State ELP was the only program granted 10-year accreditation at the commission’s June 2013 meeting, so this is an outstanding accomplishment and recognition for our university," said Mary Wood, program director. "The ELP was initially accredited by CEA in 2008 and is now accredited through August 2023. The accreditation process was a full group effort. It was not only a lot of work but also a great learning process for our staff. Ketty Reppert, English language program instructor, did an incredible job of leading us in the self-study process."

In order to be accredited by agency, language programs must conduct a rigorous self-study document, detailing how their program meets each of the 44 standards set by agency. The standards cover all aspects of the program from curriculum development, instruction and assessment to administration, finances and student services. After approving the self-study report, the agency then conducts a two-day site visit allowing agency staff and academic professionals from peer institutions to further evaluate the language program.

Many faculty and staff from the program were involved throughout the accreditation process, which began in spring 2011. A number of committees were created to evaluate program content, instruction delivery, survey input and data collection.

"The office of international programs provided essential help, especially during the site visit, and a team from the information systems office has been working closely with the ELP to help integrate record keeping and reporting into iSIS so that data for the accreditation could be easily collected and analyzed," Reppert said.

The university's English language program provides English instruction to students who are qualified to begin university work but do not meet K-State's English proficiency requirement. The program also offers English instruction to international students choosing language training only or participation in study abroad experiences. Five levels of intensive English classes are offered as well as support classes for graduate and undergraduate students and specialized English courses for Kansas State University international partnerships. All English language program classes carry academic credit, and students can apply up to 15 hours of English language classes toward a bachelor’s degree at their department's discretion.

The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation was founded in 1999 by English language professionals as a specialized accrediting agency to provide a means for improving the quality of English language teaching and administration through accepted standards. The accrediting agency conducts accreditation reviews in the U.S. and internationally. For more information about the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, visit the website.

For more information about the university's program click here.