< previous page
page_111
next page > Page 111
collegiate aviation programs that would meet the needs of multiple employers. This approach ought to be attractive to employers, who have resisted supporting ab initio training and similar efforts because of reluctance to commit themselves, perhaps years in advance, to hiring program graduates. Common standards would provide schools with the knowledge they need to build their curricula. Carried out through a mechanism that recognizes or certifies programs that meet the standards, they would give prospective students the assurance that their training suits the demands of industry. Standard-setting and program recognition in American postsecondary education are normally accomplished through a voluntary and self-regulating system of accreditation. National or regional associations of colleges and schools accredit entire institutions. Commissions on accreditation established by national professional organizations conduct specialized accreditation of professional and occupational schools and programs. Specialized accreditation is well established in other fields, such as business, medicine, law, and engineering, but is just in its beginning stages in aviation education. Eight institutions had received accreditation from the Council on Aviation Accreditation for aviation education programs by June 1996. The committee recommends that collegiate aviation programs support the development of a system of accreditation similar to that found in engineering and business. The accreditation system should be developed through the Council on Aviation Accreditation or a similar organization working in close cooperation with the airlines to ensure that curricula are responsive to their needs. It should link its standards to the best available research on competency and skill areas, such as the AMT job task analyses currently being conducted at Northwestern University, and should encourage systematic evaluation of institutional programs. The committee further recommends that the commercial aviation industry support development of an accreditation system as well as provide more sustained and consistent support to individual aviation programs. Active involvement of employers is crucial if aviation accreditation is to accomplish its goal of establishing uniform educational quality standards that meet industry needs. Some employers are already assisting in these efforts, but more widespread participation is needed. To minimize the free-rider problem, employers may want to work at least in part through their major trade associations, such as the Air Transport Association and the Regional Airline Association for the airlines, to help develop and update accreditation standards consistent with the training they believe their future employees will need. Trade associations should also work actively with their members to increase their understanding of accreditation and its benefits. Employers also have an important role to play in making accreditation effective by giving special consideration to hiring graduates of accredited programs and by encouraging aviation programs to seek accredited status. In engineering,
< previous page
page_111 If you like this book, buy it!
next page >
