Accreditation Handbook—Chapter XIV: Standards Development and Implementation
The CAA has adopted Standards for Accreditation as necessary conditions for accreditation of eligible graduate education programs. Compliance with all standards represents the minimum requirement for accreditation, regardless of mode of delivery, including distance education. All CAA reviews and decisions, including candidacy, are based on the program’s compliance with the CAA’s Standards for Accreditation.
The CAA implemented revised Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology on August 1, 2017.
Peer Review: Proposed Revisions to 2017 Accreditation Standards
The CAA is seeking comment on proposed revisions to Standards 1.1 (Institutional Accreditation), 1.9 (Public Information), 3.1A (Audiology Curriculum), 3.1B (Speech-Language Pathology Curriculum), 3.8A/3.8B (Clinical Education-Client Welfare), 5.2 (Program Assessment of Students), and 5.7 (Employment Rate) of the 2017 Standards for Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (Standards). Please review the proposed revisions and rationale [PDF] and provide your comments for each Standard as outlined in the peer review form. The CAA will consider all peer review feedback at its February 2021 meeting.
Comments must be submitted by Monday, December 28, 2020.
CAA Approves Changes to Standards 1.8, 1.9, and 4.10
The CAA reviewed all comments submitted during the peer review for the proposed changes for the Requirements for Review for Standards 1.8 (Equitable Treatment), 1.9 (Public Information), and 4.10 (Verification of Student Identity for Distance Education). The CAA voted to approve the changes, which went info effect August 1, 2020. The CAA believes the changes for Standards 1.8, 1.9, and 4.10 clarify expectations for complying with these standards. The CAA also removed a duplicative requirement under 3.1.6A Audiology Curriculum related to tinnitus management. Please review the changes and rationale in the August 2020 side-by-side document [PDF]. All relevant report forms and materials have been updated to support the August 2020 implementation.
Resources
- Documentation Guidance [PDF]
- Side-by-Side Comparison August 2020 [PDF] of changes approved in October 2019, to be implemented August 1, 2020.
- Side-by-Side Comparison April 2019 [PDF] of changes approved in November 2018 related to faculty sufficiency, implemented April 1, 2019
- Side-by-Side Comparison 2017 [PDF] of changes approved in July 2017 for nondiscrimination and student outcome data related standards
- Side-by-Side Comparison [PDF] of the 2017 and 2008 standards
- Standards Compliance Trends
Standards Review Processes
As a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the CAA is required to conduct a comprehensive review of its standards on a periodic basis, and does so every 5 to 8 years. The CAA also may conduct an interim review on an as-needed basis to provide clarification or to ensure continued compliance with recognition criteria.
