FAQ About Accreditation
Q: Aren’t all schools accredited?
Q: Is the NEASC a part of the state departments of education?
Q: What is the best way to find out more about accreditation?
Q: Will the accreditation process raise test scores?
Q: Is accreditation a “one size fits all” process?
Q: What support do we get from NEASC during the process?
Q: What if we are an underperforming school? Can we still be accredited?
Q: Aren’t all schools accredited?
A: Accreditation is a strictly a voluntary activity and process. Schools choosing to apply for membership do so for the purposes of self-assessment and strategic planning. There is no requirement for an elementary or middle level school to be accredited.
Q: Is the NEASC a part of the state departments of education?
A: The NEASC is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization that is funded and supported by its membership. Although it has relationships with each to the state departments of education in the best interests of its membership, the NEASC has no legal or business ties to the government.
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Q: What is the best way to find out more about accreditation?
A: If you call or e-mail the Commission office with that question, the Director of the Commission will make an appointment with you (and/or some members of your staff) at your school to present the process, go over the mechanics and provide you with materials to review at your convenience. The Commission believes strongly that joining the NEASC is not n overnight decision but one that needs to be fully investigated. The Director will return to speak with other persons or groups of persons as appropriate.
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Q: Will the accreditation process raise test scores?
A: The accreditation process will not of itself raise test scores. However, involvement in and completion of the process will directly impact the climate for teaching and learning and, as a result, affect test scores.
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Q: Is accreditation a “one size fits all” process?
A: Although the Standards for Accreditation are the same for each school, there is no expectation that each school looks or acts the same. Different communities, families, faculties and administrations are some factors that separate one school from another. The differences begin to be noticed as each school develops its mission statement which should be reflective of the values and beliefs of that particular educational community. The NEASC does not espouse the “cookie cutter” model for schools. It wants schools to construct their programs to meet the needs of the students within their buildings, not forces outside their buildings.
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Q: What support do we get from NEASC during the process?
A: NEASC provides on-site and/or electronic technical support and materials during the candidacy and self study phases of the process. Schools have license to call on that support at any time for any reason. The Commission office will set up the peer review team with input from the school, and it will ensure that reports are completed and returned in a timely fashion. Finally, the Commission office is available to assist schools in preparing and submitting reports to the Commission during the Follow-Up period.
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Q: What if we are an underperforming school? Can we still be accredited?
The accreditation process can serve as a guide for an underperforming school. Rather than enter into an immediate self study, the school becomes a pre-candidate and uses the Standards as guides to determine those areas in need of priority attention. The NEASC staff is available to assist the school in setting both direction and priorities to ensure continuing progress toward shoring up its weaknesses by meeting the Standards. The school and the NEASC work closely together to determine when the school is ready to begin the full self study.
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