New Standards Recap
by Michael A. Bower, BA, ACC
NCCAP Secretary and
Standards Committee Chair
As
I write this, the 2001 standards are 4 months old and
a short Recap is due. The 2001 Certification Standards
and Application for Certification are available on the
NCCAP web site, NCCAP.ORG, and from the NCCAP Central
Office upon request. Needless to say, we have had many
email in-quiries about the changes.
The
change that has caused the most comments is the requirement
that, for any track requiring college credits, one class
must be in English Composition or Report Writing.
This
requirement only effects tracks that already require
college credit; it does not add to the number of cred-its
required for any track.
When
the Standards Committee began its work, and recommendations
from around the country came in, the one consistently
mentioned was the need to raise the quality of writ-ing
skills - a request that came from both educators and
employers! The English Com-position or Report Writing
requirement came into being as a direct result of this
feedback.
Several
people continue to use old applications for certification.
Along with the changes in the Standards, the 2001 application
has also changed. The required infor-mation is often
lacking when the old applications are used and they
must be returned. This slows the whole process, both
for those applying for the first time and for those
doing level changes. Please read the Standards carefully
before filling out the application. Work on a practice
copy first - it will save time and effort. We want to
get you certified as quickly as possible!
Many
of the comments I have heard about the changes have
been positive. The application is easier to understand
and fill out. In the Standards, the Body of Knowledge
has been reorga-nized and revised to meet current needs
and be easier to use. The 26 Areas of Applicable College
Course Work are now organized into four areas that promote
a broader academic base for Activity Professionals.
Over-all, the Standards are easier to understand.
As
with all NCCAP commit-tees, volunteers do the work!
Standards will be always be changing, and the Standards
Committee can use dedicated volunteers help us keep
the Activity Profession moving for-ward and upward.
If you would like to help, please send me an email using
the NCCAP web site or contact me at: Michael A. Bower,
ACC, 1134 57th Place SE, Auburn, WA 98092. NN
|
