| The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) today voted to accredit or reaccredit 72 schools and school systems in 17 states, as well as Puerto Rico and eight other countries.
“Accreditation is the gold standard for measuring and advancing school improvement,” said Lisa Marie McCauley, Ed.D., president of MSA-CESS. “Though the COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools around the globe to adjust and adapt to a new environment, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to collaboration, growth and ensuring their students have access to a quality education.” Middle States accredits preK-12 public, private, parochial, and charter schools. In addition, MSA-CESS accredits non-degree granting career and technical post-secondary institutions and learning services providers. Middle States accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The 12 Middle States Standards for Accreditation are: mission; governance and leadership; school improvement planning; finances; facilities; school organization and staff; health and safety; educational program; assessment and evidence of student learning; student services; student life and activities, and information resources. The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review visit. Traditionally Middle States peer review visits are conducted onsite. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Middle States is conducting all visits virtually for the 2020-2021 school year. Where possible, the chairperson of the peer review team may go onsite for one day. The peer review team makes its recommendation for accreditation or reaccreditation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which voted on the recommendations at its biannual meeting, held virtually, this week. A full list of schools and school systems that earned accreditation or reaccreditation is available here. |
The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.
Middle States Association Commissions
on Elementary and Secondary Schools
