The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools nationwide as an institutional accreditor for Career and Technical programs. Middle States had previously been recognized as a regional accreditor serving the Mid-Atlantic region.
This means that postsecondary, non-degree granting career and technical institutions across the country may use Middle States accreditation to establish eligibility to participate in federal Title IV student loan programs for adult students.
Just as important, it also means that CT centers nationwide will now have the opportunity to become part of an elite network of Middle States member schools that shares a commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
Middle States accreditation offers a protocol specifically developed to meet the unique needs of career and technical schools.
Through Middle States accreditation, member schools demonstrate they meet a defined set of research-based performance standards that ensure accountability and advance student achievement.
The standards measure quality through performance criteria such as program completion rate, student job placement rate, licensing examination pass rate, and student loan default rate.
Additionally, Middle States is able to accredit schools with both secondary and postsecondary programs as part of one self-study and evaluation visit, saving time and money. The protocol evaluates both technical and academic programs in the same self-study and evaluation process, encouraging alignment and integration of those programs.
Earlier this month, Middle States hosted a webinar for CT schools interested in learning more about accreditation. To watch a recording of the webinar, click (here).
