Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation for Schools Serving At Promise Youth Accredit approximately 5000 member schools Worldwide

Session Agenda 1. Purpose and Benefits of Accreditation 2. Description of the Accreditation Process 3. Online Criteria

Benefits of Accreditation Validates integrity of school Affirms trustworthiness Enhances school’s reputation Serves as a tool for change Validates student transcripts Purpose & Benefits of Accreditation

Why accreditation? Opens doors to colleges/universities Necessary for some scholarships Strongly encouraged for charter schools Opens doors to military academies Bottom line: it promotes ongoing school improvement

The Accreditation Process Three Components Self-EvaluationSchool Written Self- Study Report Peer ReviewSite Visit by Trained Educators (3 ½ days) Plan for Ongoing ImprovementSchool Action Plan

How the School Evaluates Itself HOW ASSESSMENT IS USED ORGANIZATION for STUDENT LEARNING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT and ALLOCATION SUPPORT for STUDENT PERSONAL and ACADEMIC GROWTH HOW STUDENTS LEARN WHAT STUDENTS LEARN FOCUS ON STUDENT LEARNING

General Accreditation Criteria 1. Mission, Purpose, Governance, Leadership 2. Faculty & Staff 3. Curriculum 4. Instructional Program 5. Assessment 6. Student Support Services 7. Parent/Community Involvement 8. Resource Management & Development 9. School Culture

Online Criteria Profile A: Organization for Student Learning B: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment C: Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth D: Resource Management & Development

1. Standards of quality must be maintained in all schools 2. It is the responsibility of all educators to provide open opportunities for all students Conclusions