Irvin School of Education Earns Accreditation and Commendations

Earlier this year, as a result of continuous positive and productive instruction and effective assessments, the Irvin School of Education at Hardin-Simmons University received an accredited status according to the 2021-2022 Accountability System for Educator Preparation Accreditation Statuses (ASEP). In addition to the Accredited status, HSU Irvin SOE received two commendations.

About Commendations:

Educator preparation programs (EPPS) are entrusted to prepare educators for success in the classroom. Chapter 229 establishes the performance standards and procedure for EPP accountability.

To better distinguish EPP performance outside of the accountability system, the SBEC directed staff to provide options to recognize high-performing EPPs. At the October 2019 SBEC meeting, the Board adopted the EPP Commendation framework into rule, reflected in 19 TAC §229.1(d). This section allows the SBEC to recognize EPPs that go above and beyond in preparing candidates for educator preparation. The section identifies the following categories to identify high-performing EPPs to receive accommodations for success:

1. Rigorous and Robust preparation
2. Preparing the Educators Texas needs
3. Preparing Educators for Long-Term Success
4. Innovative Educator Preparation

Commendations for the Irvin SOE at HSU:

In the #1 category – Rigorous and Robust preparation

Performance Standard 95% for the state – 95% for HSU for First Test Pass Rate (85 number of passed exams). HSU was one of three universities to receive this commendation in the state.

Performance Standard 95% for the state – 100% for HSU First Test Pass Rate in teacher shortage areas in English Language Arts & Reading (20 number of passed exams). HSU was one of eight universities to receive this commendation in the state.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accredited programs demonstrate your school is of the utmost quality.

To students, accreditation shows:

• A commitment to quality standards
• A commitment to the success of students
• A commitment to continuing to meet the growing and changing standards
• Higher chances for employment because employers look for accredited institutions.