1. INTRODUCTION

This document outlines the formal process by which TEFL course providers may appeal decisions made by ITEFLOCA regarding course accreditation. ITEFLOCA is committed to fair and transparent decision-making, and this appeals process ensures providers have recourse if they believe an error has been made in the accreditation process.

2. GROUNDS FOR APPEAL

Appeals may be submitted on the following grounds:

2.1 Procedural Irregularity: The accreditation review did not follow ITEFLOCA’s stated procedures in a way that materially affected the outcome.

2.2 Misapplication of Standards: The reviewer(s) misapplied or misinterpreted ITEFLOCA standards when evaluating the course.

2.3 New Evidence: Relevant new evidence has become available that was not accessible at the time of the original review (the appellant must explain why this evidence was not available during the initial review).

2.4 Demonstrable Bias: There is evidence suggesting the review was not conducted impartially.

Appeals based solely on disagreement with professional judgment will not be considered valid grounds for appeal.

3. TIMEFRAME FOR APPEALS

3.1 Appeals must be submitted within 14 calendar days of receiving the accreditation decision.

3.2 ITEFLOCA will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 3 business days.

3.3 ITEFLOCA aims to complete the appeals process within 21 calendar days of receiving a valid appeal.

4. APPEAL SUBMISSION PROCESS

To submit an appeal, the provider must:

4.1 Complete the ITEFLOCA Appeal Form, which must include:

• Provider name and contact information
• Date of the original accreditation decision
• Specific grounds for appeal (as outlined in Section 2)
• Detailed explanation supporting the grounds for appeal
• Supporting evidence or documentation
• Desired outcome

4.2 Submit the completed form to accreditor@itefloca.com [1] with the subject line “ACCREDITATION APPEAL – [PROVIDER NAME]”

4.3 Pay the appeal fee (refundable if the appeal is successful)

5. APPEAL REVIEW PROCESS

5.1 Initial Screening
Upon receipt, the appeal will be screened to ensure it:

• Has been submitted within the required timeframe
• Contains all required information
• Presents valid grounds for appeal

Appeals that do not meet these criteria may be rejected without further review.

5.2 Appeal Panel Formation
If the appeal passes initial screening, an Appeal Panel will be formed consisting of:

• ITEFLOCA staff member(s) not involved in the original decision
• At least one external TEFL professional with relevant expertise

5.3 Review Process
The Appeal Panel will:

• Review all documentation from the original accreditation process
• Review the appeal submission and supporting evidence
• May request additional information from either the appellant or the original reviewer(s)
• May re-examine aspects of the course if necessary

5.4 Decision
The Appeal Panel will make one of the following decisions:

• Uphold the original decision
• Modify the original decision
• Overturn the original decision
• Recommend a new review with different reviewer(s)

6. COMMUNICATION OF OUTCOME

6.1 The appellant will receive a written notification of the appeal outcome, including:

• The decision of the Appeal Panel
• Rationale for the decision
• Any actions to be taken
• Next steps in the accreditation process (if applicable)

6.2 If the appeal is successful, the appeal fee will be refunded.

6.3 The decision of the Appeal Panel is final and binding.

7. POTENTIAL OUTCOMES

Depending on the nature and outcome of the appeal, ITEFLOCA may:

7.1 Confirm the original accreditation status

7.2 Change the accreditation status (e.g., from “Not Yet Accredited” to “Provisionally Accredited”)

7.3 Revise specific ratings (e.g., change “Not Yet” ratings to “Almost” or “Meets”)

7.4 Conduct a new review with different reviewer(s)

7.5 Modify the conditions for provisional accreditation

8. QUALITY ASSURANCE

ITEFLOCA will:

8.1 Maintain records of all appeals and outcomes

8.2 Review appeal patterns annually to identify potential improvements to the accreditation process

8.3 Use appeal outcomes to refine standards and reviewer training as appropriate

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about the appeals process, please contact:

Email: accreditor@itefloca.com
Website: www.itefloca.com