ACTDEC

ACTDEC is the Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses. It is an independent, non-profit making body founded in 1993 by a small group of TESOL distance education providers.

History

ACTDECs first Chair, and one of its driving forces, was Dr W.R. Lee, who was also responsible for ACTDECs Code of Practice and accreditation procedures.

Course Levels

The courses and qualification levels framework was originally proposed by Monica Vincent of the Overseas Development Authority. The status titles she suggested were subsequently adopted by ACTDEC.

Level 1: Preliminary Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL
Level 2: Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL
Level 3: Certificate in the Theory and Methodology of TESOL
Level 4: Diploma in the Theory and Methodology of TESOL or TESP

Staff

ACTDEC is headed by its Patron Professor Arthur van Essen. A Secretary and Treasurer are elected annually at the AGM, which is held at the English Speaking Union in London. ACTDEC's current Chair is Kenneth Milgate BA(Hons), MIL, MA, M.Ed, Dip.FE, FCollT(TESOL). Chair of the ACTDEC Independent Accreditation panel: Jacqueline Sykes BA(Hons), LTCL(TESOL), Dip.TESOL, MA TESOL.

Current Developments

ACTDEC is currently seeking formal recognition of its qualifications from the QCA.