IIA Stage IV - Initial Program Approval Program Standards Submission Requirements for Proposed Educator Preparation Programs - Submission Requirements

Sep 12, 2026

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IIA Stage IV requires institutions to complete the Initial Program Approval (IPA) process by submitting evidence that proposed educator preparation programs meet Commission-adopted program standards. Trained reviewers evaluate program documentation, return submissions with standard-by-standard alignment feedback if needed, and require iterative revision and resubmission until standards are aligned. The submission is mandatory for all proposed programs, with specific elements applied only to certain preliminary and credential program types, including performance assessment components.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

1. Program Summary

1.1 IIA Stage IV Educator Preparation Program Summary (3-4 pages)

1.2 Program Standard-by-Standard Narrative (≤500 words per standard)

1.3 Table of delivery models and pathways by location

2. Organizational Structure

2.1 Organizational chart and roles in field placement

2.2 Third-party coursework providers (if applicable)

3. Faculty Qualifications

4. Course Sequence

5. Course Matrix

6. Fieldwork and Clinical Practice

7. Credential Recommendation Process and Individual Development Plan

8. Specific Evidence Guide for 2022 Literacy Standard and TPEs

9. Implementation of a Performance Assessment

Finalizing the IIA Stage IV Educator Preparation Program Standards Submission

IIA Stage IV: Initial Program Approval Program Standards Submission Requirements for Proposed Educator Preparation Programs February 2024 Table of Contents IIA Stage IV: Initial Program Approval Program Standards Submission Requirements for Proposed Educator Preparation Programs 3 1. Program Summary 3 2. Organizational Structure 4 3. Faculty Qualifications 5 4. Course Sequence 5 5. Course Matrix 5 6. Fieldwork and Clinical Practice 7 7. Credential Recommendation Process and Individual Development Plan 8 8. Specific Evidence Guide for 2022 Literacy Standard and TPEs* 8 9. Implementation of a Performance Assessment* 9 Finalizing the IIA Stage IV Educator Preparation Program Standards Submission 11 IIA Stage IV: Initial Program Approval Program Standards Submission Requirements for Proposed Educator Preparation Programs As part of the Initial Institutional Approval (IIA) process, institutions must complete Stage IV which includes approval of all proposed educator preparation programs. The Initial Program Approval (IPA) process provides the Committee on Accreditation (COA) and the Board of Institutional Review (BIR) members with evidence that an institution is prepared to meet Commission-adopted program standards. Trained reviewers from the Commission’s BIR will review program documentation submitted by the institution for each proposed program. If reviewers determine that the program submission does not demonstrate alignment to the standards, the submission is returned to the institution with specific feedback from the reviewers regarding the lack of alignment. The submission is holistic and exhibits and elements do not correspond with specific program standards, although the feedback provided by reviewers will be standard-by-standard. When reviewers have completed their review, the institution’s IIA consultant will send the feedback form to the institution. The institution may revise and resubmit the submission for further review. This iterative process continues until all program standards are determined to be aligned. All elements and exhibits noted below must be included in the IIA Stage IV Program Standards Submission. Please note that Element 8 only applies to Preliminary Multiple and/or Single Subject, Preliminary Education Specialist: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN), and Preliminary Education Specialist: Extensive Support Needs (ESN) programs. Element 9 only applies to the aforementioned preliminary programs and to Preliminary Administrative Services credential (PASC) programs. IIA Stage IV Program Standards Submission Requirements noted below are applicable to all proposed educator preparation programs and must be included in the IIA Stage IV submission. There are separate instructions for proposed Induction programs, Specialist credential programs, and Education Specialist Added Authorization programs. 1. Program Summary Three exhibits are required per program: 1.1: The IIA Stage IV Educator Preparation Program Summary provides context for the BIR team. Please use the IIA Stage IV Educator Preparation Program Summary template for completing this exhibit. The IIA Stage IV Program Summary (3-4 pages) provides a brief overview of the program design, coursework and field experience, and assessment of candidates for the proposed program. A clear description will also help reviewers understand the remaining evidence submitted but is not repetitive for exhibits that can stand on their own. It might, however, be important to provide the reviewers with information as to whether activities occur as part of a cohort, can be done out of order, or other pertinent information that provides a clear picture of how the program is designed. The guiding philosophies for the proposed program, or specific mission, must be included to help reviewers better understand the program. 1.2: The Program Standard-by-Standard Narrative is designed to provide additional contextual information to the

FAQs

What is the purpose of the IIA Stage IV Initial Program Approval process?

Stage IV confirms that an institution is prepared to meet Commission-adopted program standards for all proposed educator preparation programs by providing evidence to the COA and BIR.

How do reviewers evaluate a program submission and what happens if standards are not met?

Trained reviewers from the Commission’s BIR review each proposed program. If alignment is not demonstrated, the submission is returned with specific feedback, and the institution may revise and resubmit until alignment is confirmed.

Which elements and exhibits are conditional rather than universal?

Element 8 applies only to specified preliminary programs (e.g., Preliminary MMSN and ESN), while Element 9 applies to those preliminary programs and Preliminary Administrative Services credential (PASC) programs. Other required elements apply across all proposed educator preparation programs.

Sep 12, 2026

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