Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ALA belong to NCATE?
Many school library media specialists are prepared in units of education in colleges and universities with programs that are not eligible for accreditation by ALA. Under NCATE policies, any institution that has preparation programs for public school personnel, K-12, MUST have those programs reviewed by appropriate professional bodies that develop standards. Joining NCATE has given ALA an opportunity to identify specific entry level competencies for the school library media specialists and to evaluate programs for the preparation of school library media specialists to determine whether curricula in those programs will help students develop the specified competencies.
If a school library media education program is found to be in compliance with AASL guidelines, is that program accredited?
No. The term accreditation should not be used to describe these programs. The institutional unit is given accreditation by NCATE. Programs that comply with the AASL standards are AASL-recognized.
What is the current status of the ALA/AASL Standards For Initial Programs for School Library Media Specialist Preparation?
NCATE approved the ALA/AASL Standards For Initial Programs for School Library Media Specialist Preparation (PDF File) on March 5, 2003.
The Standards are currently being revised in accordance with NCATE guidelines. The NCATE Specialty Area Studies Board will review the draft standards in the fall of 2009.
Additional questions concerning the content of program review standards should be addressed to:
American Association of School Librarians
800-545-2433 x4382
aasl@ala.org
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