Such a good explanation and a great call to action. I really appreciate the education you provide!
So many people that are not directly in the education system do not understand how this will affect their lives? An over the top example might be...Would you want your doctor to get their education from a school whose accreditation comes from a religious based political opinion that prescribed prayer will cure you? (cough...RFK..cough)
Or perhaps an electrician wiring your house with all knowledge only from an online degree and no hands on experience as an apprentice?
I have a BS degree in Health and Masters in Exercise Science from a State University back in early 90's and in 2005, got my Massage Certificate from a career college and passed an exam from an accredited long standing Massage Therapy Organization (NCBTMB) that earned me my state license in 2009. The state had just begun requiring licensing for massage Therapists to practice in 2009 with mandatory enforcement in 2014.
Here is my experience as an educator: I taught at this small private career "right to try" college (no minimum GPA required, only a HS diploma or GED) I taught a basic Anatomy class which became the "weed out" class for those not really serious about the actual career or education. I started teaching in 2008 and I was asked by an administrator around 2011 to make my class easier so more struggling students could "pass" to help keep our accreditation. I was told that our accreditation was based on number of students passing. (note: I did not change my tests as they were very similar to the licensing exam, and I did leave the program soon after.) Many students that have their certificate from the school did NOT go on to take a licensing exam but did go on to practice, claiming a "certificate of completion" from the school was all that was needed.
Yes, our education system has flaws and it certainly has been UNDERFUNDED for decades.
BUT proper, non-partisan, accreditation is what makes us a skilled, educated nation.
So like the purchase of eggs- do you check the credentials of someone actually putting their hands on you? Most don't until they're injured. You have to ask: "Why does the current administration want less accountability and also more control over what people learn?" Indoctrination maybe?
Just made a comment and learned that it's a 5,000 *byte* limit, not a 5,000 character limit. In case that helps anyone get their comment to go through.
I will comment- but ultimately the power sits with the colleges or universities. An institution can be accredited by Mickey Mouse- and they may get students- but those credits will not be transferrable. The degree itself will be less respected. The student may be limited in where he/she can go to graduate school.
As it stands now, the gold standard is a regional accrediting body such as Middle States Commission on Higher Education. ( MSCHE) and I suspect it will remain the gold standard regardless of how they monkey around with the system.
Don’t waste money or time in institutions that have dubious accreditation.
Such a good explanation and a great call to action. I really appreciate the education you provide!
So many people that are not directly in the education system do not understand how this will affect their lives? An over the top example might be...Would you want your doctor to get their education from a school whose accreditation comes from a religious based political opinion that prescribed prayer will cure you? (cough...RFK..cough)
Or perhaps an electrician wiring your house with all knowledge only from an online degree and no hands on experience as an apprentice?
I have a BS degree in Health and Masters in Exercise Science from a State University back in early 90's and in 2005, got my Massage Certificate from a career college and passed an exam from an accredited long standing Massage Therapy Organization (NCBTMB) that earned me my state license in 2009. The state had just begun requiring licensing for massage Therapists to practice in 2009 with mandatory enforcement in 2014.
Here is my experience as an educator: I taught at this small private career "right to try" college (no minimum GPA required, only a HS diploma or GED) I taught a basic Anatomy class which became the "weed out" class for those not really serious about the actual career or education. I started teaching in 2008 and I was asked by an administrator around 2011 to make my class easier so more struggling students could "pass" to help keep our accreditation. I was told that our accreditation was based on number of students passing. (note: I did not change my tests as they were very similar to the licensing exam, and I did leave the program soon after.) Many students that have their certificate from the school did NOT go on to take a licensing exam but did go on to practice, claiming a "certificate of completion" from the school was all that was needed.
Yes, our education system has flaws and it certainly has been UNDERFUNDED for decades.
BUT proper, non-partisan, accreditation is what makes us a skilled, educated nation.
So like the purchase of eggs- do you check the credentials of someone actually putting their hands on you? Most don't until they're injured. You have to ask: "Why does the current administration want less accountability and also more control over what people learn?" Indoctrination maybe?
1698 comments in so far including mine!
Thank you!
4,254 now!
I did it! Kept it short and simple, but it's better than nothing.
DONE
Please know accreditation means something! Stop messing with things that are not broken. I am against these changes.
Just made a comment and learned that it's a 5,000 *byte* limit, not a 5,000 character limit. In case that helps anyone get their comment to go through.
I sent my comment this afternoon. Thanks for the information!
I will comment- but ultimately the power sits with the colleges or universities. An institution can be accredited by Mickey Mouse- and they may get students- but those credits will not be transferrable. The degree itself will be less respected. The student may be limited in where he/she can go to graduate school.
As it stands now, the gold standard is a regional accrediting body such as Middle States Commission on Higher Education. ( MSCHE) and I suspect it will remain the gold standard regardless of how they monkey around with the system.
Don’t waste money or time in institutions that have dubious accreditation.
As of 9/18 11:30pm ET the site is down 503 Service Unavailable.
Done and restocked this. Thanks for sounding the alarm!