The Teacher Education Program at Dickinson State University is nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036; phone: (202) 466-7496. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs.

NCATE is a coalition of over 35 specialty professional associations of teachers, teacher educators, content specialists, and state and local policy makers that have united to ensure high quality teacher preparation. The NCATE Standards focus on the following six areas:

• Candidate Knowledge, Skills and Dispositions
• Assessment System and Unit Evaluation
• Field Experience and Clinical Practice
• Diversity
• Faculty Qualifications, Performance and Development
• Unit Governance and Resources

Along with national accreditation, the Teacher Education Program at Dickinson State University is approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB), 9 th Floor, State Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-5040; phone: (701) 328-2264.

The ESPB sets the standards pertaining to teacher licensure, teacher education program approval (accreditation), and professional development of educators. As an "Option Two" state, the North Dakota ESPB patterns their standards after the NCATE standards. The membership of the ESPB is comprised of:

• 4 Classroom Teachers From the Public Schools
• 2 School Board Members
• 1 Non-Public School Member
• 2 School Administrators
• 1 Dean of Education