Co-authored by, Sarala Rijal, student writer and contributor
Avila is proud to announce another milestone in the university’s commitment to excellence in education – an announcement that will shape the future of Avila’s undergraduate and graduate programs. The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full 7-year accreditation to the educator preparation programs at Avila University.
Avila University has secured a 7-year accreditation with the prestigious Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
For several months a team from AAQEP came to campus for a visit. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners engaged in spirited conversations, sharing the essence of Avila’s education programs. That visit was one part of a larger conversation that culminated in a meeting with the commissioners. The Avila team, made up of The School of Education faculty, Dr. Fatima Gines, Dr. Stacy Keith, and Dr. Darin Smith were acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The team demonstrated the university’s commitment to excellence during the entire process which consisted of several steps.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its December 5 meeting. The Commission’s action affirms that the programs meet all four AAQEP standards:
- Candidate/Completer Performance: Program completers perform as professional educators with the capacity to support success for all learners.
- Completer Professional Competence and Growth: Program completers adapt to working in a variety of contexts and grow as professionals.
- Quality Program Practices: The program has the capacity to ensure that its completers meet Standards 1 and 2.
- Program Engagement in System Improvement: Program practices strengthen the P-20 education system in light of local needs and in keeping with the program’s mission.
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 37 states and other jurisdictions with over 190 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.
This achievement marks more than just a triumph; it signals a transition. Avila has seamlessly shifted from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to the esteemed AAQEP. A shift that will reflect the university’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of educational quality.
In the aftermath of this victory, expressions of gratitude echoed across the academic landscape as many faculty and staff made this happen. These efforts were led by Dr. Angela Danley, Interim Chair, Director of Clinical and Field Based Experiences for the School of Education. ” ‘Work hard in silence and let success be the noise’ would sum up the feeling of earning AAQEP accreditation,” states Danley. “The School of Education faculty and staff were working towards the accreditation visit before I started in August 2022. When asked to step in as Interim Chair for this academic year and lead the accreditation work, I knew this was no small task. During the past several months, my focus remained on the students in K-12 schools and how they deserve the best teacher. Successfully earning the seven-year AAQEP accreditation represents the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff in preparing highly qualified teachers to go forward and teach.”
Dr. Angela Danley, Interim Chair is in her 28th year in education. And, her roots go deep with Avila as she is a ’96 alum from Avila’s School of Education undergraduate special education and elementary program. Danley’s experience in PK-12 schools includes serving as a special education teacher, classroom teacher, and instructional coach. She served as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in Early Child and Elementary Education at the University of Central Missouri prior to accepting her position as Director of Clinical and Field Based Experiences in August 2022. ” I always knew I wanted to serve at Avila University so I could make an impact on the students and the community. Earning AAQEP accreditation is just one way that I have fulfilled this goal.”
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Avila University is a private university in Kansas City, Missouri. The school strives to be a university of access, providing education without limits to students across all stages of their education journey. Incorporating the founding principles developed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, students receive a well-rounded liberal arts education. Avila has over 60 academic programs to choose from, small class size and 100% of first-year students serve in the community.
About AAQEP
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
Dr. Angela Danley, Interim Chair is in her 28th year in education. Dr. Danley is a ’96 alum from Avila’s School of Education undergraduate special education and elementary program. Her experience in PK-12 schools includes serving as a special education teacher, classroom teacher, and instructional coach. She served as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in Early Child and Elementary Education at the University of Central Missouri prior to accepting her position as Director of Clinical and Field Based Experiences in August 2022. ” I always knew I wanted to serve at Avila University so I could make an impact on the students and the community. Earning AAQEP accreditation is just one way that I have fulfilled this goal.”