Important Information - ASE Education Foundation

Update for Programs Facing Deadlines - Updated September 22, 2021

In August 2020, the ASE Education Foundation began offering some programs the opportunity to extend their current accreditation for an additional year. As COVID-19 continues to impact programs at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, we are again expanding the one-year extension policy.

Applications in Process – Under normal circumstances, all applications must be completed within a year. Due to COVID-19, all applications received through the end of 2021 will remain active through December 31, 2022.

Programs due to expire now through January 2022- These programs are eligible to request a one-year extension. The year will be added to their current expiration date. When they complete their reaccreditation, five years will be added to the extended expiration date. Programs that requested and received a one-year extension in fall 2020 can request a second one-year extension if the previously extended expiration date is prior to January 1, 2022.

Programs that expired between January 2020 and now – These programs are eligible to be reinstated for one year. Their new expiration date will be one year from the month their extension request is approved. When they complete their reaccreditation, five years will be added to the new expiration date.

In either case, programs must show that they are continuing to meet ongoing Standards requirements, including holding advisory committee meetings and keeping instructors' training and ASE credentials up to date. There is a $170 fee for the one-year extension. Download the simple request form along with a list of questions and answers here.

Note that instructors can use on-line training sessions, including the ASE Instructor Webinars offered every Monday afternoon, to satisfy the 20-hour technical update training requirement. For more details, view the ‘Instructor Training’ section on http://aseeducationfoundation.org/faq.

Onsite Evaluations – Programs are encouraged to continue the application process, and we will continue to assign Evaluation Team Leaders (ETLs) when applications are approved. Schools and ETLs should continue to communicate and plan for evaluations to take place only when they can be conducted safely and thoroughly.

Compliance Reviews – Programs with a compliance review due between January 2020 and January 2022 can now request a one-year delay in their due date. This does not change the accreditation expiration date, only the due date for the compliance review. To qualify, programs must complete the Extension/Delay Request form and meet all the same requirements, but there is no fee for the Compliance Review delay. Programs that requested and received a one-year compliance review extension in fall 2020 can request a second one-year compliance review extension at no cost as long as the previous extended date is prior to January 1, 2022.

In all cases, programs are still responsible for following all the Accreditation Standards. Administrators and instructors should document any shortcomings and discuss them with their advisory committee members and look for creative solutions.

We hope these updated policies will allow school staff to concentrate on safe, effective instruction now and allow for accreditation processes to continue when health conditions improve, as we all hope they will through the fall of 2021 and into 2022. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates.

Update for Programs Facing Deadlines - Updated December 15, 2020

In August, the ASE Education Foundation began offering some programs the opportunity to extend their current accreditation for an additional year. As COVID-19 infections continue to grow and impact more programs, the Foundation is updating its guidance and expanding the extension offer.

Applications in Process – Under normal circumstances, all applications must be completed within a year. Due to COVID-19, all applications received through the end of 2020 will remain active through December 31, 2021.

Programs due to expire now through October 2021- These programs are eligible to request a one-year extension. The year will be added to their current expiration date. When they complete their reaccreditation, five years will be added to the extended expiration date.

Programs that expired between January 2020 and now – These programs are now eligible to be reinstated for one year. Their new expiration date will be one year from the month their extension request is approved. When they complete their reaccreditation, five years will be added to the new expiration date.

Onsite Evaluations Programs are encouraged to continue the application process, and we will continue to assign Evaluation Team Leaders (ETLs) when applications are approved. However, due the growing number of COVID-19 infections, we strongly discourage any new evaluations from being scheduled in December, January, or February. Schools and ETLs should continue to communicate and plan for evaluations to take place only when they can be conducted safely and thoroughly.

Compliance Reviews- Programs with a compliance review due between January 2020 and October 2021 can now request a one-year delay in their due date. This does not change the accreditation expiration date, only the due date for the compliance review. To qualify, programs must complete the Extension/Delay Request form and meet all the same requirements, but there is no fee for the Compliance Review delay.

We hope these updated policies will allow school staff to concentrate on safe, effective instruction now and allow for accreditation processes to continue when health conditions improve, as we all hope they will in 2021. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates.

ASE Virtual Instructor Conference Recordings are now available - Updated August 14, 2020

The ASE Virtual Instructor Conference was a huge success as over 900 instructors from across the country participated in the sold-out event. The conference was developed and conducted for high school and post-secondary instructors from automotive, truck and collision repair programs nationwide. Many thanks go to the presenters who shared critical information that instructors could not get anywhere else, and Cengage who provided the registration and webinar technical support.

Educators who participated in the conference received a collective total of 5,700 hours of professional development training specifically geared to training programs coping with the effects of COVID-19. On average, each instructor participated in more than six hours of virtual training during the two days of the conference, all of which are applicable to the 20-hour annual training requirement.

Instructors who missed the conference can still benefit, though. Recordings of most sessions are now available for viewing on demand. Visit https://aseeducationfoundation.org/uploads/2020-ASE-Virtual-Instructor-Conference-Recorded-Sessions.pdf for details. Instructors will receive a certificate of completion after viewing the recorded sessions. Slides and handouts from most sessions are available at https://bit.ly/ASE-Instructor-Downloads.

These recordings will only be avaialable through June 30, 2021.

One-Year Extension Possible for Accredited Programs Expiring Soon - Updated August 14, 2020

Back in March, the ASE Education Foundation pushed back the expiration date by six months for programs expiring this calendar year. In recognition of the continuing challenges from COVID-19, we are now offering some schools the opportunity to extend their current accreditation for an additional year.

To qualify, programs must show that they are continuing to meet ongoing Standards requirements, including holding advisory committee meetings and keeping instructors' training and ASE credentials up to date. Download the simple request form along with a list of questions and answers here: https://bit.ly/ASE-Extension-Request.

Extensions are targeted to help programs that expire between January 2020 and July 2021, though not all may need it. Schools with favorable local conditions will be able to complete their renewals as normal. We will continue to accept first-time and renewal applications and will schedule on-site evaluations only where they can be conducted safely and thoroughly. We will keep all applications active until we can complete the evaluations. We will not require any school to conduct an on-site evaluation until they are comfortable doing so.

Programs are still responsible for following all the Accreditation Standards. Administrators and instructors should document any shortcomings and discuss them with their advisory committee members and look for creative solutions. We will continue to stay in touch as the school year unfolds.

Join us Virtually! August 4th and 5th - Updated July 22, 2020

Since our in-person Instructor Conference was canceled, we decided to bring you a Virtual Instructor Conference on August 4th and 5th. Join us online along with hundreds of other high-school and post-secondary instructors from across the country for this FREE virtual event.

Speakers will address some of the most pressing issues you face as the new school year begins, focused specifically on the needs of automotive, truck, and collision repair programs. All sessions count toward your 20-hour annual update training requirement. Topics include:

· Three Scenarios for Instruction: In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid

· The T-TEN “Safe Lab” Plan

· Keeping Distance Learners Engaged

· Classroom Management Tools in your E-learning Curriculum

· How COVID-19 Affects ASE Program Accreditation

· Putting Work-Based Learning to Work

· Developing Students’ Employability Skills

Registration is open! Click here to register and be sure to visit www.ASEeducationFoundation.org/events for more details!

Preparations for Fall 2020 - Updated July 21, 2020

Like everyone, we were hoping to put COVID-19 behind us before the new school year. Like everyone, we are now preparing the for the likelihood of continued partial or complete campus closures and extensive distance learning.

This will likely necessitate additional extensions and waivers of requirements in the short term and may mean other changes to the ASE Accreditation Standards in the long term.

We are collecting feedback from educators and administrators and will announce changes as necessary in the coming months. Again, keep checking back here for additional updates.

2020 ASE Instructor Conference has been cancelled - Updated May 15, 2020

Due to ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 conference. Our top priority is the safety of our instructors, technical presenters, and other attendees.

If you have already paid conference registration fees, they will be refunded in full. If you have received an invoice, you can disregard it. If you included payment for ASE testing, that will be refunded as well. You can register to take ASE tests at Prometric test centers at myASE.

If you made reservations at Embassy Suites or another hotel, you should separately cancel or confirm that those reservations have been cancelled. The phone number for Embassy Suites in Frisco, TX is 972-712-7200.

We appreciate your support and hope that we will see you at the 2021 ASE Instructor Training Conference in Concord, North Carolina, July 26-29, 2021.

Extended ASE Entry-Level Certification testing window – Updated April 24, 2020

We understand that schools have not been able to administer ASE Entry-Level Certification tests during this period of distance learning. Some instructors have asked about providing the tests to students at home via a remote proctoring system. We are considering options for remote proctoring and hope to offer a pilot program soon.

In the meantime, to assist you with completing your 2019-2020 testing, we are extending the end of the current testing window from June 30 to September 30, 2020. This will allow you to administer the tests at your school should your students return later this spring, over the summer, or in the early fall.

The 2020-2021 school year for ASE Entry-Level Certification testing will then open in early October 2020 for new purchases and fall testing. ASE will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and will contact you if our plans change.

We appreciate your patience as we all learn to deal with the changes facing our programs, students, and schools. Please stay safe, continue to follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at home and work, and know that you have the full support of ASE and the ASE Education Foundation as you keep your classes going.

Thanks for your continued support.

The ASE Education Foundation and our industry partners are here to help – Updated April 8, 2020

We know that many schools have moved to online instruction, and the ASE Education Foundation and our industry partners want to help with that transition. Here are two offers:

Many industry partners offer online training curriculum or modules and are extending an invitation for instructors at ASE Accredited programs and their students to make use of these resources for FREE! Some offers are only available through the end of the semester or the end of the summer, but others are open-ended.
You can view the full list here.

We know that the transition to online instruction can be a challenge, so we are allowing instructors to apply up to 5 hours of training on effectively delivering distance learning completed in spring 2020 toward the 20-hour annual technical update training requirement (for this year only). ACTE has several of these resources, and is included in the list above.

Deadlines Extended for ASE Accredited Programs – Updated March 31, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 virus, many programs are unable to complete their renewal applications and compliance reviews at this time. In addition, while virtual instruction may be taking place this spring in some places, many programs are unable to provide hands-on lab instruction. Other activities such as Advisory Committee meetings are being delayed or cancelled. The health and safety of students, school staff, evaluation teams and industry partners is our first concern during this time. Therefore, the ASE Education Foundation is making the following accommodations:

Extending Expirations and Due Dates

Programs with accreditation renewal deadlines from 3/1/2020 to 12/1/2020 will have six months added to their expiration dates.

Programs with compliance reviews due from 3/1/2020 to 12/1/2020 will have six months added to their due date.

Any applications or compliance reviews that were submitted prior to 3/1/2020 but were not completed (due to no on-site evaluation, program improvement needed, pending instructor ASE certifications, etc.) will remain active through 12/31/2020.

Providing Allowances and Waivers for Accreditation Requirements

Advisory Committee – It may not be possible to hold physical meetings during Spring 2020. If possible,hold the meeting by teleconference instead. Even if the meeting takesplace, it may not be possible to conduct many of the regular activities of the committee (review of curriculum, shop/lab walkthroughs, evaluation of tools and equipment, etc.) ASE will waive requirements for these activities for Spring 2020 in current and future applications and compliance reviews.

Instruction – It may not be possible to provide the required number of hours of instruction and/or provide on-vehicle practice and instruction during Spring 2020. If possible, provide for online classes to continue classroom instruction. Programs whose students are working in part-time or co-op jobs (only where local conditions safely allow) may be able to coordinate with employers to document student task competencies. Even if instruction continues, it may not be possible to conduct other elements of instruction (student progress tracking, student testing, etc.) ASE will waive requirements for these activities for Spring 2020 in current and future applications and compliance reviews.

Instructional Staff – It may not be possible to take ASE tests or attend technical update training during Spring 2020. If possible, use the ASE Renewal App to maintain Auto certifications and use online resources to complete update training. ASE will not waive the requirement that instructors be currently ASE certified in required areas, but will keep all current applications active through December 31, 2020 to enable instructors to complete testing. Up to 5 hours of training on effectively delivering distance learning/online instruction completed in Spring 2020 may be applied to instructors’ technical update training requirement for this year only.

Other Standards – There may be local hardships that prevent a program from completing other aspects of the ASE Accreditation Standards during Spring 2020. If possible, use creative solutions to meet as many of the standards as possible, e.g. conduct a graduate survey online rather than in person, etc. If the program documents these issues, ASE will waive other accreditation requirements for Spring 2020 in current and future applications and compliance reviews as warranted. No program will be penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

The staff and Board of Directors of the ASE Education Foundation appreciate the hard work of administrators, instructors, advisory committee members and evaluation teams to continue the important mission of educating the next generation of service technicians for our industry, especially in these challenging times. Please stay safe and well, follow the guidance of the CDC and health authorities, and know that we are here to support you as you continue that mission.

March 16, 2020

CORONA VIRUS UPDATES FROM ASE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

As the coronavirus outbreak continues across the country, many schools are closing for an extended period, modifying their schedule, or moving to online instruction. Even if your school does not close, there may be policy changes that affect your program.
We want you to know that the ASE Education Foundation recognizes the challenges this presents for automotive, truck and collision training programs, and that we will work with you to deal with these issues. Here are our current plans and recommendations. We will provide updates to this information as time goes on and conditions change.

Advisory Committee Meetings - Move advisory committee meetings to video or teleconference, postpone or limit the number of participants as warranted by local conditions.

Accreditation Applications and Renewals - Notify the ASE Education Foundation in writing of school policy changes or closures that impact completion of applications, renewals, compliance reviews, on-site evaluations or update training. We can extend your accreditation or modify requirements as needed.

Loss of Hands-On Instruction - Schools that close for an extended period or switch to online instruction may not be able to meet the required number of contact hours or provide hands-on instruction and evaluation for the remainder of the school year. Contact us. ASE recognizes these limitations and will work with each school individually to provide waivers or extensions as warranted.

Work-based Learning - Business tours, job fairs, job shadowing and internships all create possible exposure for students and business partners. Each student, school and business should consider these risks when determining whether to participate in these activities.

Instructor Update Training - At this time, the 2020 ASE Instructor Conference (July 14-17 in Frisco, TX) remains scheduled as planned. The health and safety of instructors, presenters and guests is our top priority. ASE will continue to closely monitor coronavirus conditions and will announce any changes. You should check the status of state or regional instructor conferences separately.

ASE Entry-Level Certification Testing – We have no policy changes at this time. Testing for the 2020 school year will continue as scheduled through the end of June. Testing may only be administered in a secure, proctored environment.

Contact us if you have any questions – info@ASEeducationFoundation.org or 703.669.6650.
We thank you for the important work you do every day. Please stay safe and well.

Mike Coley
President, ASE Education Foundation