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The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) is recognized as an accrediting agency by two entities:
The CAA's scope of recognition with CHEA is for the accreditation of master's and entry-level doctoral programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. The CAA and its predecessors have been recognized continually by CHEA and its predecessors since 1964. CHEA's recognition is for the maximum 10-year period for the accreditation and preaccreditation (Accreditation Candidate) throughout the U.S. of these education programs. The CAA also is recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education as authorized by United States law. The scope of this recognition may differ from the CHEA Recognition Statement. Please consult the U.S. Department of Education Web site for additional information.
The CAA's scope of recognition with ED is for the accreditation and preaccreditation (Accreditation Candidate) throughout the U.S. of education programs in audiology and speech-language pathology leading to the first professional or clinical degree at the master's or doctoral level and the accreditation of these programs offered via distance education. The CAA and its predecessors have been recognized continually by the Secretary of Education since 1967. ED's recognition is effective for the maximum five-year period.
Recognition of its accreditation program by these agencies is an external validation of the CAA's adherence to best practices in accreditation. The ED recognition also enables CAA-accredited programs to establish eligibility to participate in Federal programs authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), 20 USC § 1462, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 34 CFR 386.20 (b)(2)(v).
Recognition Update: August 2009
In light of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), approved by Congress in August 2008 through the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), all ED recognized accrediting agencies were asked to submit a report to demonstrate compliance with six new components of the Criteria for Recognition, as specified in the statute. The CAA submitted its report in August 2009 and should receive feedback from the Department staff in the next several months. In addition, the US Department of Education has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the regulations for the HEA in 34 CFR, part 602, governing the Secretary's recognition of accrediting agencies. The purpose of these regulations is to implement changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and to clarify, improve, and update the current regulations. Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by September 8, 2009.
The CAA is evaluating the HEA and the proposed regulations to determine what changes may be necessary for the accreditation program, which may take the form of revised standards or implementation language or modified policies and procedures. The CAA will share any proposed changes with all academic programs, in accordance with its policies.
For more information about the CAA, contact Patti Tice at ptice@asha.org or Tess Kirsch at tkirsch@asha.org.
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