|
Who Are They and What Are They Doing? Contributed
by ACA National Board Member and Task Force
Chair, Art Wannlund.
In the spring of 2007, the ACA National
Board approved the formation of the Accreditation
and Education Task Force (A&E Task
Force) to explore opportunities for ACA
surrounding the larger framework of accreditation
systems. I was appointed as chair,
and all appointments were completed prior
to the ACA 2008 National Conference. The
balance of the task force includes: Jude
Bevan, Dawn Ewing, Dave Hilliard, Tom Horner,
Jean McMullen, and Chris Strevel. Amy Katzenberger
and Rhonda Mickelson provide ongoing support
from the National Office, along with staff
across multiple teams including education,
standards, research, membership, and communications. The
Task Force has met twice, once in Nashville,
during the National Conference, and a second
time in early March, in Chicago.
The A&E Task Force is employing a
phased approach. Phase I is an exploratory
phase intended to study opportunities,
challenges, best practices, models, and
the interrelations between our efforts,
and those of other task forces and groups
working on timely issues, including the
20/20 Vision. An exploratory
phase is also an educating phase. We
recognize that many in the organization
use accreditation and standards in interchangeable
ways; however, in most accreditation systems,
standards serve as one key component, rather
than the sole focus. We are managing
a sense of urgency with the need to complete
each phase exercising due diligence. The
exploratory or study phase is expected
to span six to twelve months.
Note: this task force has not been
charged with rewriting the ACA Standards.
The subsequent phases include: Concept
and Design; Program Development; and Implementation
and Roll Out (includes field testing, retooling,
and training). The completion
of all phases is anticipated to take thirty-six
to forty-eight months.
Guiding principles:
- Accreditation systems are comprehensive
and are comprised of various components,
including standards and professional
development, and are complementary to
other programs.
- Our process will benefit from internal
and external expertise throughout.
- Health, safety, and risk management
provide one important focus to standards.
- Core competencies, leadership development,
and progression are keys to professional
development.
- Our process is inclusive versus exclusive. It
is healthy to invite individuals and
groups across the profession to discuss
opportunities, challenges, and our shared
future.
- We inform in some cases, and are informed
in others.
- We honor our past and allow the past
to appropriately inform our future.
- Our current Standards program is operational
and will continue to function throughout
this process.
- We address the financial issues tied
to accreditation systems from all perspectives.
- Participation by other ACA entities
will expand and contract throughout in
practical ways.
We will continue to keep all of you up to
date as additional information is available
and actions are taken by this task force.
Top of page |
 |
|
