The NCATE Partnership is based on good faith negotiations between NCATE and the state in determining the elements and conditions of the partnership. Partnerships should be regarded as a “win-win” compact.

The agreement reflects understandings about conducting the joint reviews.

The elements of the partnership agreement should promote high standards yet allow flexibility that will encourage growth and improvement.

The State Partnership Board (SPB) determines a state’s eligibility to enter into a partnership agreement with NCATE based--in part--on its program standards and approval process.

If the state requests that NCATE defer to the state's program review process, NCATE’s specialized professional associations (SPAs) review state program standards to determine the degree to which the state’s standards align with the SPA standards. The SPB considers these findings; however, it is not necessary for the state’s program standards to be in total alignment with the NCATE-approved program standards for a partnership to be approved.