COST Credential Evaluation & Transcript Review 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which accreditation body's approval is most commonly required for a teacher preparation program to be recognized during out-of-state credential evaluation?
- CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) (Correct answer)
- HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
- AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
- SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)
Correct answer: CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
CAEP accreditation of a teacher preparation program signals that it meets national standards and is most widely recognized during credential evaluations.
Question 2: When a state evaluates an out-of-state transcript, what does the term 'semester credit hour equivalency' refer to?
- Converting quarter-system credits to semester credits (Correct answer)
- Counting only upper-division credits
- Excluding graduate-level coursework
- Recalculating GPA on a 5.0 scale
Correct answer: Converting quarter-system credits to semester credits
Some colleges use a quarter system; evaluators convert quarter credits (typically at a 2/3 ratio) to semester credit hours for comparison.
Question 3: A teacher holds a standard license in State A based on a preparation program completed in State B. Under NASDTEC interstate agreements, what is the typical expectation?
- State A should give comparable consideration to the State B license without requiring full re-preparation (Correct answer)
- State A must require the teacher to retake all state-specific exams
- State A can only issue a temporary license valid for 30 days
- State A must defer the decision to the federal Department of Education
Correct answer: State A should give comparable consideration to the State B license without requiring full re-preparation
NASDTEC Interstate Agreements establish reciprocity frameworks under which states give comparable consideration to valid out-of-state licenses.
Question 4: Which document is typically required to verify that an out-of-state candidate completed a student teaching or clinical practice component?
- Official letter or verification form from the preparation program confirming clinical hours (Correct answer)
- A self-attestation signed by the candidate
- A copy of the candidate's lesson plan portfolio only
- An email from the cooperating teacher
Correct answer: Official letter or verification form from the preparation program confirming clinical hours
States typically require an official program verification letter confirming that supervised clinical practice requirements were met.
Question 5: If an out-of-state teacher's undergraduate transcript shows coursework labeled 'Education Foundations,' how would an evaluator determine whether it counts toward content area requirements?
- By reviewing the course description and catalog to determine if it aligns with the subject-matter knowledge standards (Correct answer)
- By automatically rejecting it as a methods course
- By counting it only if the grade is an A
- By consulting the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Correct answer: By reviewing the course description and catalog to determine if it aligns with the subject-matter knowledge standards
Evaluators cross-reference course descriptions and college catalogs to determine whether coursework aligns with required content area or methods standards.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'deficiency plan' issued during out-of-state credential evaluation?
- To outline the specific coursework or tests the applicant must complete to meet the new state's requirements (Correct answer)
- To permanently deny licensure to the applicant
- To waive all remaining requirements for experienced teachers
- To record disciplinary actions from the prior state
Correct answer: To outline the specific coursework or tests the applicant must complete to meet the new state's requirements
A deficiency plan is a roadmap identifying gaps in a candidate's preparation and specifying what must be completed before a full license is issued.
Question 7: Why might a state require a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service report for an out-of-state teacher who trained abroad before obtaining a U.S. license?
- To confirm that the foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree and that coursework meets minimum standards (Correct answer)
- Because all foreign-trained teachers are automatically disqualified from U.S. licensure
- To replace the need for Praxis exams entirely
- To satisfy federal Title I funding requirements only
Correct answer: To confirm that the foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree and that coursework meets minimum standards
A Foreign Credential Evaluation Service translates and assesses non-U.S. academic records to confirm they meet U.S. degree equivalency standards.
COST Credential Evaluation & Transcript Review 2
Which accreditation body's approval is most commonly required for a teacher preparation program to be recognized during out-of-state credential evaluation?