As we think about the year to come, let’s renew our focus on achieving excellence in higher education by rigorous accreditation. You have heard members of the ACAE Board and myself repeat this concept again and again, but let me reiterate on why it is important and what can happen when it is not a top priority.
Education is facing new and more intense scrutiny. Why is this happening now and why should we be concerned?
Topic(s): Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE)
Over the past 15 years since the doctor of audiology (AuD) degree was adopted nationally, it has become clear that many systemic problems with the externship model exist and need to be urgently addressed. For example, in the stakeholder survey conducted by ACAE in 2013–2014, students, faculty, and clinicians all reported large gaps between classroom and clinical training. The externship is too often inadequately supervised and lacking in quality and breadth of experiences.
Topic(s): Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), externships
