Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago ACTT

Overview

The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) is the national regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the quality assurance of post-secondary and tertiary education and training in Trinidad and Tobago. Established as a statutory body under Chapter 39:06 of the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, ACTT's primary function is to conduct and advise on the accreditation and recognition of educational institutions, programs and awards, both local and foreign. The Council aims to promote and uphold the quality and standards of higher education in the country.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

ACTT was formally established by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago Act, 2004, which was proclaimed in 2004 and the organization was launched in November 2005. This Act designates ACTT as the principal body responsible for the accreditation and recognition of post-secondary and tertiary educational and training institutions, programs and awards in Trinidad and Tobago. The legal framework empowers ACTT to monitor and evaluate the quality of educational programs, safeguard the interests of students and the public and provide assurance of and improvement in, the quality of education and training.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

Mission: To enhance the quality of tertiary education through accreditation, monitoring and evaluation.

Vision: To be the leading authority in quality assurance for post-secondary and tertiary education in Trinidad and Tobago.

Strategic Objectives:

• To ensure that accredited institutions and programs meet national and international standards.
• To promote continuous improvement in the quality of education and training.
• To provide guidance and support to institutions seeking accreditation.
• To foster collaboration with local and international stakeholders in the education sector.

These objectives guide ACTT's efforts in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the workforce.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

ACTT operates under a governance structure that includes a Board of Directors responsible for overseeing its activities and ensuring adherence to accreditation standards. The Council's structure encompasses various departments and units dedicated to different aspects of the accreditation process, including program evaluation, policy development and stakeholder engagement. ACTT maintains its independence by adhering to established policies and procedures, ensuring that accreditation decisions are made based on objective criteria and without external influence.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ACTT's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of educational institutions and programs to ensure they meet established standards of quality. This process includes:

• Reviewing institutional missions and goals to ensure alignment with educational objectives.
• Assessing program curricula to ensure they meet national and international standards.
• Evaluating faculty qualifications and resources to support effective teaching and learning.
• Assessing student outcomes to determine program effectiveness in preparing graduates for professional practice.
• Providing feedback and recommendations for program improvement.

Through this rigorous evaluation, ACTT helps maintain high educational standards and fosters continuous improvement in higher education.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACTT collaborates with international organizations and accrediting bodies to promote global standards in higher education. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of best practices, support mutual recognition of accreditation standards and contribute to the development of a globally competent workforce. While specific memberships and partnerships are not detailed in the available sources, ACTT's commitment to international cooperation underscores its role in advancing the profession worldwide.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACTT's accreditation activities have a significant impact on higher education by:

• Ensuring that institutions and programs provide quality education that meets national and international standards.
• Promoting continuous improvement through regular program evaluations and feedback.
• Enhancing the credibility and recognition of accredited institutions among employers and other stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of a diverse and competent workforce to meet national and global challenges.

Looking forward, ACTT aims to further enhance its accreditation processes by integrating emerging trends in education, such as competency-based education models, to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce.

7. Summary

The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of higher education institutions and programs in the country. Through its comprehensive accreditation process, ACTT helps maintain high educational standards, supports continuous improvement and contributes to the development of a competent and diverse workforce. By collaborating with international partners and staying responsive to emerging trends, ACTT continues to advance the quality of higher education in Trinidad and Tobago.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is ACTT?
  ACTT is the national regulatory authority responsible for the quality assurance of post-secondary and tertiary education and training in Trinidad and Tobago.
• How does ACTT ensure program quality?
  ACTT ensures program quality through a comprehensive accreditation process that evaluates curricula, faculty qualifications, resources and student outcomes against established standards.
• Is ACTT recognized by the government?
  Yes, ACTT is a statutory body established by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago Act, 2004 and operates under the authority of the government.
• How can institutions apply for ACTT accreditation?
  Institutions can apply for ACTT accreditation by submitting applications demonstrating compliance with the Accreditation Standards, which include a self-study report and an on-site evaluation by peer reviewers.
• Does ACTT collaborate with international organizations?
  Yes, ACTT collaborates with international organizations and accrediting bodies to promote global standards in higher education.

Organization Name

Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago

Acronym

ACTT

Year of Establishment

1/01/2004

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Level 3 Building B ALGICO Plaza, St Vincent Street 91-93
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago

Phone

+1 (868) 623 2500

Fax

+1 (868) 624 5711

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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