NJAIS/Middle States Accreditation

NJAIS/Middle States Accreditation

For Kent Place School

Presented by: James Palmieri & Kathy Zagorski

August 31, 2010

How NOT to feel about accreditation…

How NOT to feel about accreditation…

How NOT to go about accreditation…

How NOT to go about accreditation…

What is accreditation?What is accreditation?

- The process of accreditation is based on self-evaluation, followed by a peer review.

- It is a careful, intensive study by the school of its entire operation.

- Every element of the school community must be involved and examined.

- The purpose is to determine to what degree KPS is staying true to its mission and is KPS providing a thorough education to its students?

What does it involve?What does it involve?

- Clarifying the school’s purpose and goals for its students

- Assessing all areas of the school’s operations

- Developing an action plan as well as an accountability system for monitoring the plan’s implementation

What are the benefits of being accredited?

What are the benefits of being accredited?

• Allows member schools to strengthen themselves as they go about serving their own missions

• Strengthens the school's independence

• Provides a credential for private, corporate and foundation fund raising

Background on NJAISBackground on NJAIS

• Recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Evaluating member schools since 1995

• Acts as solo evaluating agency or jointly with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

• Helps schools review and clarify their mission and goals for achieving that mission

• Jointly; Primary (NJAIS) and Secondary (Middle States)

• How? Acceptance of Protocols &Team Formation

The Nine Standards We Will Be Evaluated On Are:

The Nine Standards We Will Be Evaluated On Are:

• Philosophy/Mission• School and Community• Counseling/Health• Program/Instruction• Technology• Personnel• School Governance• School Finance• School Plant/Safety/Equipment/Services

Steering Committee & Sub-Committees (9

Standards)

Steering Committee & Sub-Committees (9

Standards)

Committees may include administrators, faculty, staff, coaches, students and/or board

members.

• Committee Information• Updates

Email: accreditation@kentplace.org

Planning Timeline (Before Visit)

Planning Timeline (Before Visit)

12-15 months prior• Each section of self-study

assigned to sub-committee.• Sub-committees collect and

record required data.

6-12 months prior• Chair of Visiting Team is

selected.

3-4 months prior• Visiting team members are

selected.

1 month prior• KPS mails out completed self-

study to Visiting Team.• KPS mails out completed study

to NJAIS office.

Follow-up Timeline (After Visit)

Follow-up Timeline (After Visit)

1 month after · The Chair sends the team

report to NJAIS.· The NJAIS Accreditation

Coordinator summarizes the report and transmits it to the Accreditation Committee for its review.

2 months after• The Accreditation Committee

meets to review the team report.

• The visiting team Chair presents an oral report on the school and the visit, summarizes the standards and presents the team’s recommendation on accreditation.

Long-Term TimelineLong-Term Timeline

1 Year After Visit• KPS completes Action Plan which includes 2-4 goals to focus on

in the coming years.• KPS responds to all recommendations made by Visiting Team.

5 Years After Visit• State of the school and goals are once again reviewed.• A 1 day visit is made and a decision on whether to

continue/renew accreditation is made.

Together we will have a wonderful accreditation! Thanks for your help!

Questions?

Together we will have a wonderful accreditation! Thanks for your help!

Questions?