All accrediting bodies are required to conduct periodic

reviews of their educational standards, seeking continuous

improvement and increased relevancy. ACATE has begun

its Standards Revision process with the creation of five

Review Committees, aligned with the current standards

and appendices.

1. Sponsorship and Goals Review Committee – Standards I and II and Appendix A
2. Physical Resources and Faculty Review Committee – Standards III.A, III.B, III.D
3. Curriculum Review Committee – Standard III.C and Appendix B 
4. Student Evaluation and Program Outcomes Review Committee – Standard IV
5. Fair Practices Review Committee – Standard V

The full wording of the standards can be viewed on the ACATE website.

The Review Committees will seek ways to improve the quality and intent of each standard and the elements within each standard. To improve the relevancy of the standards, the committees will be asked to consider increased focus on flexibility and innovation in programs and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the curriculum. Each committee may meet six or more times over the next 18 months.

ACATE is seeking applications from stakeholders across the art therapy profession to join council members on the Review Committees. Practitioners and educators are especially sought, but other stakeholders are also welcome. We ask that individuals interested in participating in the Standards Revision submit a brief letter of interest and a brief biosketch by January 31, 2022, to Ron Hunt. Please also indicate a preference for which Review Committee(s) on which to serve.

Janet Kempf Receives AATA Distinguished Service Award

Janet Kempf, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, currently ACATE Past Chair, has received the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) 2021 Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary service to the profession as an ACATE member since 2016, Vice Chair from 2017-2019, and Council Chair from 2019-2021. Janet was an art therapy practitioner in Cincinnati, Ohio, until fall 2021 when she began a Ph.D. program in Counseling Education at the University of Toledo.

As one of the founding members, Janet was instrumental in creating the ACATE Council, setting its policies and procedures, and establishing the initial Accreditation Standards for Art Therapy Education. As ACATE Chair, Janet organized complex projects and workflow processes into important written materials that guide the Council’s accreditation efforts. Despite her full-time job, Janet worked tirelessly during the past six years, keeping the work of the Council flowing while

dealing with many unexpected developments.

The AATA is a sponsor of ACATE’s work, and the accreditation of art therapy programs is a part of the AATA strategic focus.