Oakland University's School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) achieved accreditation renewal from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the organization responsible for professional accreditation of teacher education.

"Accredited programs in education that meet national standards reflect Oakland University's commitment to offering the best educational opportunities to its students," said Mary Otto, dean of SEHS. "The university invests resources to support education programs because we recognize the importance of quality teaching. The teachers and administrators who are prepared at Oakland University reflect upon the entire university, not just the School of Education and Human Services."

Oakland University is one of 60 schools of education that received either initial or continuing accreditation from NCATE's Unit Accreditation Board in its most recent round of decisions. The accredited institutions produce two-thirds of the nation's new teacher graduates each year.

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes NCATE as the professional accrediting body for schools, departments and colleges of education. On-site visits, document review and accreditation decisions are all carried out by professionals from the education community, including teachers, school specialists and teacher educators as well as members of the public and education policymakers.

Professional accreditation is one way to ensure the public that schools of education are graduating well-qualified teachers ready for today's classrooms. NCATE-accredited schools must meet rigorous standards set by the profession and members of the public.

For more information about Oakland University's teacher education program, visit the School of Education and Human Services Web site or call Sandra Packard at (248) 370-3059.