Texas is committed to the principles of accountability and high standards for educator preparation programs. As required by the Texas Education Code (TEC §21.045), the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has implemented over the past five years a rigorous performance-based accountability system. The Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP) is the only program of its kind in the nation.

ASEP policies and rules were developed based on comprehensive, ongoing input received by the Board from educators and citizens across Texas. The strength of ASEP is the result of this collaboration and reflects the commitment of the education profession to provide highly qualified educators for the students of Texas.

Annual accreditation ratings are issued based on both the combined performance of all candidates and data disaggregated by ethnic and gender groups. Programs can be rated "Accredited," "Accredited - Under Review," or "Not Accredited." The law requires the SBEC executive director to appoint an oversight team to assist entities that are "Accredited - Under Review." If the program is under review for two consecutive years, the law compels the executive director to appoint an administrator with full powers to supervise all aspects of that program. Entities that do not meet standards for three consecutive years become "Not Accredited" and lose the authority to recommend individuals for certification.

Ratings are determined by the performance of the program's candidates on the assessments required for certification. These assessments evaluate the knowledge and skills (both pedagogy and content) that have been identified by Texas educators as being necessary for beginning educators to possess.

Candidates generally take the certification exams near the end of their preparation program; however, the program must approve their registration for the exams. Assessment data represent candidates' success during the final year of their program ("first-year pass rate" reflects performance during the year the tests are initially taken) as well as the subsequent year ("cumulative pass rate" is based on performance over the two-year period). If a program's pass rate reflects the performance of fewer than 30 students, current data are combined with data from the previous one or two years.

To be rated "Accredited," a program must achieve a 70% first-year pass rate or an 80% cumulative pass rate. Each candidate group ("all" candidates, and the ethnic and gender groups) must demonstrate performance at or above either the first-year or cumulative standard. Effective with accreditation ratings issued in September 2002, the standards will increase to 75% for the first-year pass rate and 85% for the cumulative pass rate.

Questions concerning ASEP should be directed to the SBEC Office of Accountability at (512) 936-8400.