April 25, 2016 (267) 258-0076
kim@wordplayllc.comPHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced today that the Freehold Regional High School District in Monmouth County, N.J., earned accreditation, the gold standard for measuring and advancing school improvement.“The accreditation process examines schools and school systems in a holistic way, supplementing student testing data to provide a more complete measure of performance and chart a strategic and realistic course for continuous school improvement,” said Henry G. Cram, Ed.D., president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “At the Middle States Association, we look at the whole school – not just test scores – because we realize that improving outcomes requires a comprehensive approach.”
Accreditation is a multifaceted process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The 12 Standards for Accreditation are: mission; governance and leadership; school improvement planning; finances; facilities; school organization and staff; health and safety; information resources; educational program; assessment and evidence of student learning; student services, and student life and activities.
The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school and school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Association member schools conducts an on-site peer review visit to observe school operations and interview various stakeholders.
The visiting team makes its recommendation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which voted to accredit or reaccredit 100 schools and school systems in 11 states, Puerto Rico and seven countries at its biannual meeting earlier this month.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by Middle States for the achievements of our students, teachers and parents throughout the district,” said Freehold Regional High School District Superintendent Charles B. Sampson. “Accreditation is a valuable measure of our commitment to providing current and future students with an enriching educational experience as we prepare them for the world of opportunities that awaits them after graduation.”
All six schools in the Freehold Regional High School District were accredited as a system.
About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in 34 states and nearly 100 countries, MSA-CESS is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century.
