Accreditation & Reporting
Continuous improvement of quality-assured programs.
Kutztown University’s College of Education prepares future educators through PDE-approved educator preparation programs and state and national accreditation. Our teacher preparation and advanced licensure programs are reviewed through state approval, national accreditation, and ongoing reporting and continuous improvement to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania requirements and alignment to professional standards.
PDE-Approved Educator Preparation Program Provider
Kutztown University is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) provider. PDE approval means our certification programs are reviewed by the Commonwealth and are designed to meet Pennsylvania standards and regulations for educator preparation.
Maintaining approval by PDE is an ongoing process to support continuous improvement and alignment to state standards.
CAEP Accreditation & Special Program Approval
Below, find KU programs that are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Initial level programs are those leading to an Instructional I teacher education license. Advanced programs refer to graduate programs that lead to a recommendation for licensure to PDE. The table also lists whether the program has Specialty Program Approval (SPA), and the SPA submission and most recent recognition are provided.
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CAEP & SPA Programs
Program Degree Level CAEP Level SPA Submission SPA Recognition Elementary Education, Grades PK-4 Baccalaureate Initial NAEYC Submission NAEYC Recognized Elementary Education, Grades PK-4 Masters Initial NAEYC Submission NAEYC Recognition English as a Second Language, Grades K-12 Specialist or C.A.S. Advanced TESOL Submission TESOL Recognized Library Science, Grades K-12 Masters Initial AASL Submission AASL Recognized Middle Level, Grades 4-8 Baccalaureate Initial AMLE Submission AMLE Recognition Principal Certification, Grades K-12 Masters Advanced ELCC Submission ELCC Recognized Reading Specialist, Grades K-12 Masters Advanced ILA Submission ILA Recognized Secondary Education Initial Certification, Grades 7-12 Masters Initial Non-SPA Secondary English, Grades 7-12 Baccalaureate Initial NCTE Submission NCTE Recognized Secondary Math, Grades 7-12 Baccalaureate Initial NCTM Submission NCTM Recognized Secondary Modern Languages (German & Spanish), Grades 7-12 Baccalaureate Initial Non-SPA Secondary Science, Grades 7-12 Baccalaureate Initial NSTA Submission NSTA Recognized Secondary Social Studies, Grades 7-12 Baccalaureate Initial NCSS Submission NCSS Recognized Special Ed, Grades PK-12 Baccalaureate Initial CEC Submission CEC Recognized Special Education Visual Impairment, Birth-21 Post-baccalaureate Initial Non-SPA Supervisory Cert: Curriculum & Instruction, Grades K-12 Specialist or C.A.S. Advanced ELCC Submission ELCC Recognized Visual Impairment, Birth-21 Baccalaureate Initial CEC VI Submission
Annual State and National Reporting Measures
The College of Education uses a variety assessments to ensure our programs meet state and national standards, as well as university-established Student Learning Outcomes. Results of collected data used to support data-driven decision making towards the continuous improvement of our programs. Below, find annual reports compiling data on program completers' career outcomes and impact on teaching, certification testing pass rates, and more.
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Measure 1 - Performance of Completers (Component R4.1)
- Impact on P-12 Learning & Development:
- Indicators of Teaching Effectiveness:
- Alumni Performance Evaluations - Danielson Framework Evaluations
- Case Study Findings on Alumni Effective Practice
- Updated Case Study Report – ongoing project with update soon
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Measure 2 - Satisfaction of Completers & Their Employers (Component R4.2 | R5.3 | RA4.1)
- Satisfaction of Employers & Employment Milestones:
- Satisfaction of Completers:
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Measure 3 - Title II Program Pass Rates (Component R3.3)
- Certification testing pass rates for completers of Initial and Advanced programs:
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Measure 4 - Career Outcomes of Program Completers
- Ability of Initial and Advanced program completers to be hired in educational positions for which they have been prepared:
Please note: These self-reported responses are collected while candidates are completing field experiences and may not reflect the full percentage who secure employment after graduation and certification.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What does “PDE-approved educator preparation program provider” mean?
A PDE-approved educator preparation program provider (EPP) is an institution that has been evaluated and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to offer specific educator preparation programs that lead to certification. PDE approval includes ongoing expectations for program review, reporting, and compliance with Pennsylvania regulations.
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Does PDE approval matter for PA teacher certification?
Completing a PDE-approved educator preparation program is a key step toward eligibility for Pennsylvania certification. PDE-approval allows the provider to recommend program completers for certification.
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What’s the difference between PDE approval and CAEP accreditation?
PDE approval is the state process that authorizes programs leading to Pennsylvania educator certification and ensures compliance with PA requirements. CAEP accreditation is a national accreditation process that evaluates educator preparation providers using evidence and standards focused on quality and candidate readiness. Many programs have both.
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Does accreditation affect career opportunities?
Many school employers and education agencies look for preparation through approved certification programs and degrees from accredited institutions when verifying qualifications. PDE approval supports certification pathways, and national accreditation (like CAEP) is a widely recognized quality signal for educator preparation.
For more information on the College of Education's accreditation and reporting, please contact our dean's office at coedean@kutztown.edu.