I am writing to oppose the CACREP or CORE accreditation for programs in Virginia. My concerns are largely based in the lack of any evidence that CACREP or CORE is the standard of education in the field. While I applaud many of the efforts they are making to increase accountability and standards, there are many other organizations that are making efforts as well. To exclude such efforts would stunt the quality and diversity within the field, ultimately impacting the individuals that we serve. As we move to more exclusionary criteria, this impacts the ability of states to make decisions that serve their specific residents in a manner that may be unique to VA. Requiring accreditation from a single entitity will limit the access VA residents have to a variety of high quality counselors.

I understand that CACREP has supported the notion of research evidence that supports a higher quality graduate; however, much of this research has methodological flaws and appears to be driven by motive, rather than solid science.

I am strongly opposed to these legislative steps.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Thomas Farmer

Roosevelt University

Director of MA Programs