I have previously commented in this forum about a Texas state law which
does not recognize the degrees of many national accreditors, including
the Distance Education and Training Council, which accredits Penn
Foster College. Not only does Texas not currently recognize these
degrees, but it makes using them as a credential in their state a
crime. The state's reasoning was that it was trying to protect
students and employers from "substandard" schools. What they were
ignoring was the fact that the DETC and other national accreditors are
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.
However, it appears that may be about to change. At a recent meeting
of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Committee on
Academic Excellence and Research, officials took up a proposal to
finally formally recognize these national accreditors, in particular
the DETC, which currently accredits no institutions in Texas. That
action is currently listed as "pending" Other accreditors listed in the proposal include the ACCSCT and ACICS.
Texas currently only recognizes the six regional accrediting bodies,
and two faith-based accrediting agencies. According to a report to the
committee, "at a January 2008 meeting, the Coordinating Board adopted
amendments to rules that identified a process for allowing national
accrediting agencies to apply for recognition. Those agencies accredit
private, primarily for-profit career schools and colleges. To date,
five national accreditors have applied, using an application form
developed by Board staff. Staff is currently reviewing those
applications."
If approved, it means that these national accrediting agencies,
including the DETC, would finally be recognized by the state of Texas.
Degrees from DETC-accredited schools could be used as academic and
vocational credentials. Of course, it would still be up to employers
and other schools in Texas whether they will accept a degree or credits
from a DETC school for jobs or to enroll in an academic program.
However, this would definitely be a step in the right direction.
At one point, the state of Texas had identified schools such as
California Coast University as "substandard", or worse...a diploma
mill. This unfairly tarnishes instituions which have accreditation
through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Nothing is guaranteed, but things are looking up in Texas.