However, if an institution in Kentucky chooses only to acquire state accreditation, the institution still has to follow national guidelines and meet the national standard. This requires a self-evaluation of the education department. Modifications must be made to any part of the education program that does not exceed expectations. The education department will then report how well equipped it is to receive national accreditation. Upon the council's satisfaction, Asbury will be granted national accreditation for its education program.
National accreditation means a number of things to education majors.
To her, national accreditation would mean fewer hassles after graduation, since she does not plan to teach in Kentucky. For all education majors, whether they have emphases in art, history, math or elementary education, there is sometimes a different cut score that varies from state to state in order for students to obtain teaching certificates. If another state has a higher cut score than Kentucky, that state will require graduates with Kentucky teaching certificates to retest if they do not meet up to that state's expectations. For others who will be able to take advantage of Asbury's high aspirations, it presents a world of possibilities. Nicole Green is a junior transfer student from Pennsylvania majoring in education.