TRACS Executive Director Speaks About ACCS Grad Faculty

I was just on the phone with Dr Russell Fitzgerald, Executive Director of TRACS. The purpose of my call was to have him define 15.1 of the TRACS Accreditation Standards. Specifically, I wished to know what TRACS deems is the necessary degree to teach Bible / Theology at the graduate level.

The answer is that the DMin, by TRACS standards does NOT qualify one to teach grad Bible/Theology, but rather an accredited ThD or PhD in the teaching area is required. Dr. Russell said in fact this was one area ACCS is found wanting as ACCS has profs with only DMins teaching grad Bible/Theology.

Another deficit area, according to Dr. Russell, is that ACCS has the same expectations, strategies, and materials for teaching grad courses regardless whether the level of instruction is at the
MA, MDiv, or DMin level.

With all my negative talk lately, one might think that all I wish to do is tear down. I don't want to be thought of as one who just wishes to tear schools down. When I finish my dissertation in 11-04 [ I hope by then], I plan to find and donate my time freely to a sincere school that could use another hand in areas I am able to help.

 

Bill, did the director say anything in regards to ACCS as to whether or not they would keep their accreditation?

I have appreciated your postings.

 

Being factual is not being negative, I don't think. I also think your volunteering your time to assist schools with academic, credential, and accreditation issues would be a wonderful gift from you.

 

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No, sorry I did not broach that. But Robert April 04 is a way off yet ; perhaps ACCS will recover. I wish the very best for you, North and others.

 

Re: Re: TRACS Executive Director Speaks About ACCS Grad Faculty

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ummm, watch that double negative

Thanks,

 

Again Bill, my experience is somewhat different than yours. My professor has an accredited PhD in Counseling and my faculty advisor for my ARP has a PhD.

On top of that and your concerns about depth level, I think this is not an uncommon problem. I sensed that RA University of Sarasota's EdD in Counseling was basically a repeat of my MA in Counseling coursework (just maybe more of it in terms of research papers). This is why some people prefer the research doctorate model of GB, South Africa and AU.

I don't know what the future willhold for ACCS. Of the outcomes I understand that the 'stay' was the best situation as they would not have simply lifted it. And there were a couple of other less desirable. From what little I know ACCS worked hard (very) to get things cleared up to where they could get a positive outcome and from their point of view this was positive.

North