Accreditation Standards
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools has set twelve standards
for accreditation which are based on research and reflect current best
practices in education. They serve as a qualitative guide of what should
be in place in an accredited school. Generally, a self-review of these
standards occurs early in the Accreditation for Growth process. Strengths
and areas for potential growth are identified.
Standard #1:
Philosophy/Mission/Beliefs/Objectives
- The institution has clearly written statements of philosophy, mission,
beliefs, and/or objectives that convey the general and specific purposes
of the educational programs and that express expectations for quality.
Stakeholders, including staff, parents, and governing body members, understand,
accept, and give input into the development of the organization's philosophy,
mission, beliefs, and/or objectives. These documents are appropriate for
the groups served and are reviewed periodically.
Standard #2:
Governance and Leadership - The governance
and administration work in partnership to ensure the integrity, effectiveness,
and reputation of the organization through the establishment of policy
and oversight of leadership. There is an atmosphere of mutual respect
and purposeful effort on behalf of students and their learning. The administration
of the organization provides a productive work environment, timely and
open communication, and the leadership necessary to plan both day-to-day
operations and the long-term future of the institution. The school is
chartered, licensed, or authorized by a state, nation, or authority, which
operates in the public interest.
Standard #3:
Organizational Design and Staff -
The organizational structure of the institution provides the vehicle for
carrying out the established philosophy, mission, beliefs, and/or objectives
of the educational program and support services. A clearly defined
set of reporting relationships exists, and administrative, instructional,
and support staff are qualified, competent and sufficient in number to
allow the effective delivery of quality education to students. Staff
assessment procedures are in place, are clear to all involved, and are
collaborative. On-going professional development, clearly defined roles
and responsibilities, and collegial relationships among staff and administration
are evident and conducive to cooperative action.
Standard #4:
Educational Programs - The educational
programs consist of both carefully planned and well executed curriculum
programs that include appropriate standards, solid instructional pedagogy,
and appropriate assessment based on research and best practices. The
educational programs are sufficiently financed, periodically reviewed,
and mission-appropriate. They are developed to meet and address
the needs of students and are designed to produce student learning at
all levels. Effective policies and practices are in place, along
with instructional materials, technology, and equipment that are appropriate,
functional, and well maintained.
Standard #5:
Learning Media Services and Technology-
Learning media services and technology function as important tools to
enhance classroom instruction and other school activities as grade level
appropriate. Well-organized information resources reinforce knowledge,
skills, and attitudes learned in other program areas and broaden minds
by providing opportunities to conduct research and interact with information.
Standard #6:
Student Services - The school provides
services to students that optimize their preparation for learning. Chief
among these services are health services and, at appropriate levels, guidance
including academic and personal counseling. Preventive and emergency health
care services are provided, and health and safety policies are clear and
well-understood. Other services that may be provided include transportation,
food service, services for special needs students, and admissions and
placement.
Standard #7:
Student Life and Student Activities
- A healthy atmosphere exists for all students. At all levels, non-discriminatory,
appropriate student activities that supplement classroom experiences or
community life are provided. An appropriate student activities program
fosters a positive intellectual, cultural, and social climate,
Standard #8:
Facilities - The school facilities, consisting of
the site, building(s), and equipment, provide a safe, well-maintained,
physical environment that supports optimal student development and achievement. The
school facilities are appropriate to implement the stated philosophy,
mission, beliefs, and/or objectives of the school.
Standard #9:
Health and Safety- A safe
and healthy environment for teaching and learning is provided. Both
preventive and emergency health and safety procedures are clear and well-documented. The
school environment is productive and orderly.
Standard #10:
Finances - Financial resources are sufficient
to provide the educational opportunities defined in the school’s
philosophy, mission, beliefs, and/or objectives. The business practices
of the institution promote confidence in the organization’s ability
to manage fiscal and material resources in a responsible manner and to
follow prescribed budgeting and accounting principles. The majority
of resources raised for school purposes are dedicated to school operations.
Standard #11:
Assessment of Student Learning - The assessment
of student learning outcomes enables students to monitor their own learning
progress and allows teachers to adapt their instruction to the specific
learning needs of students. The school’s effectiveness is assessed
by examining areas such as student learning and performance, program evaluation,
performance results for support services, graduate success, and client
satisfaction. Results are used to develop strategies for improving service
and program quality. Assessment results are communicated appropriately
to parents/guardians, students, staff, and school community.
Standard #12:
Planning - The school makes use of strategic,
long-range, and operational planning to continuously improve its educational
programs and services. Improvement plans focus on student performance
and organizational growth and engender continuous improvement across all
aspects of the school organization. Externally validated processes for
evaluation, strategic planning, and school/district improvement are continuously
maintained. Systematic analysis regarding student performance and
organizational growth is coupled with analyses of instructional and organizational
practices to ensure alignment with the school’s philosophy, mission,
beliefs, and/or objectives. Trends in outcomes and results are projected
and goals of demonstrated strategic merit are identified.
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