The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) met December 12th -14th, 2008. Following are highlights of the meeting.

Accreditation Decisions
For initial accreditation, the Commission may grant 5-year accreditation to programs in compliance with the CEA Standards or one-year accreditation to programs that substantially meet the standards but need to address minor standards-related deficiencies. Programs granted one-year initial accreditation are granted 4-year continued accreditation if the deficiencies are corrected. For re-accreditation, the Commission may grant 10-year re-accreditation to programs that fully meet the standards or one-year re-accreditation to programs that have standards-related deficiencies that may be met in one year. Programs granted one-year re-accreditation may be granted 9-year continued accreditation if the deficiencies are corrected.

In accordance with Section 602.26 of the U.S. Secretary of Education's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies (effective July 1, 2000), notice is hereby given of the following decisions made by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation at its December meeting.

Granted one-year accreditation
Columbia School of English
10-week Program in English as a Second Language, University of California, Irvine

Granted 9-year continued accreditation
English as a Second Language Program, Duquesne University

Granted 10-year re-accreditation
English Language Program, George Mason University

Upcoming Workshops and Presentations

Preconference Institute, TESOL, March 25, 9-4:
“Aligning Curriculum Objectives, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment.” This workshop aims to develop understanding of how to build an outcomes-based postsecondary English language program. Using the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions, presenters will demonstrate how to successfully align curriculum objectives, learning outcomes, and assessment practices.

Accreditation Workshop
An Accreditation Workshop will be held March 27 and 28th in Denver during the TESOL convention. To attend a workshop, the program or school must have already submitted an eligibility application for CEA accreditation. If you are interested in beginning the accreditation process, the application form can be found on the CEA web site at www.cea-accredit.org. Registration is through CEA not through TESOL.

CEA will also hold a reviewer training workshop in Denver March 27 & 28th. Those interested in being considered to serve as CEA site reviewers must first apply and be reviewed by the Commission. The application can be found on the web site download page. You may submit your application electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in being considered for the TESOL workshop. CEA reviewers play an important role in the accreditation review process, and applications are always welcome. At this time, CEA especially needs professionals with experience working in and administering independent English schools.

For more information about CEA, access the web site at www.cea-accredit.org or call 703.519.2070.