What will they learn? This report suggests that an increasing number of America's most influential colleges and universities are requiring less than in previous generations in the areas of composition, literature, foreign language, US government and history, economics, mathematics and science. In short, the very areas that the Academy has established as a floor for building a robust liberal arts education. It further articulates why this trend ought to be of concern to the culture, parents, students, business and political leaders of the West. Also linked under our recent articles section is an excellent essay by professor Stanley Fish that adds further concern about the education that awaits the next generation.
In January of 2009, the Academy's founding President, Jeffrey D. Wallin, announced his retirement, effective May 29th, 2009. Dr. Wallin served as the Academy President since its creation in 1992 and oversaw its development into the only recognized accreditor concerned with liberal education.
At the April 28th, 2009 meeting of the Academy's Board of Trustees, it was announced that after a thorough search, Jeff A. Martineau, the Academy's long serving Vice President was named to replace Jeffrey D. Wallin - the Academy's founding President - as the Academy President effective June 1st, 2009.
Phi Beta Kappa Society Issues Resolution in Support of
Liberal Arts
In the winter of 2007, the Council of
Phi Beta Kappa has issued a rare resolution directly
related to a public policy debate. In reaction to the recent
publication of the Secretary's
A test of Leadership and her subsequent
public comments, the society has stressed the need for
the national debate on reform in Higher Education to
recognize the need for and the mission of liberal arts
colleges. The Academy endorses
this statement and stresses the need for all who strive
for excellence in American higher education to recognize
that liberal arts colleges are the foundation of an
educational system that is the envy of the world. The lenses
by which we evaluate the quality of such institutions must
be different than the ones used for education that simply
prepares students for their professional lives. Most of the
leading thinkers, creators, and political actors on the
American landscape, come from liberal arts colleges. We must
maintain and encourage such an education that breeds a
wonderful diversity of sought after ends.
AALE Starts Higher Ed Pilot Project
Do you represent an institution or program
interested in AALE accreditation at the two-year or graduate
level? Do you want to pursue accreditation for your
online liberal arts program? AALE is working to expand
its scope to work with you! Please look here if you are interested in participating in or
commenting on our pilot project.
Recent AALE Accreditation Actions
The AALE Board of Trustees recently met to review several
applications for accreditation. For a list of AALE Board actions and
new member institutions, please follow these links: for colleges and
universities, click here, for
charter schools, click here.
Quick Links to Important Documents
AALE Research and Publications
Higher Education Documents: Domestic
Higher Education Documents: International
