05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 138, § 1-07

Current through 2024-25, June 19, 2024

Section 071-138-1-07 - Accreditation through the Department of Education

A. The department accreditation process includes six phases:

1. self-study;

2. visitation / validation;

3. action planning / school improvement plan;

4. implementation / monitoring;

5. re-accreditation visit; and

6. implementation / monitoring.

B. Phase One -- Self-Study (Year 1)

The schools will complete a self-study in which teachers, administrators, students, and citizens with an interest in the school evaluate the school's performance based on its philosophy, goals, and Department standards.

All self-studies will include specific evidence which demonstrates that the school meets each accreditation standard. Self-study materials shall be supplied by the Department.

C. Phase Two -- Accreditation Visit (Year 2)

The Visiting Team:

A team of educators will visit the school following the completion of the self-study. The size of the team will be at least one member for every 100 students or portion thereof plus the chairperson. The team will have at least one representative from the Department. Schools may request that team members have specific skills and experiences. The Commissioner will make the final decision on all team members.

The Visit:

The visit validates the degree to which the school meets Department accreditation standards. The visiting team will be in the school for at least three days with additional time scheduled outside regular school hours. The self-study is the primary document used during the visit. The visit will include classroom visits and meetings with school board members, community members, students and administrators.

The Visit Report:

The visiting team will write a report which refers to all Department standards and includes for each:

1. Perceptions;

2. Commendations; and

3. Requirements for achieving accreditation.

D. Phase Three -- Action Planning / School Improvement Plan (Year 2)

Following the visit and review of the visiting team's report, the school will develop an action plan to address the requirements contained within the report. This plan, following the format of the SIP, will be submitted to the Department. The Department may require changes in the plan as a condition of achieving accreditation.

E. Phase Four -- Implementation / Monitoring (Year 3-5)

The school will implement the action plans and conduct an annual review based upon the goals of the plan to determine whether or not they are yielding results or need modification. As goals are accomplished, new goals should be added. The annual update will be submitted to the Department as part of the SIP.

F. Phase Five -- Re-accreditation Visit (Year 5)

A Department team will conduct a follow-up visit during the fifth year of the process. This visit will review and update the completion of and the progress towards established goals. An additional five years of accreditation may be granted by the Commissioner through this visit.

G. Phase Six -- Implementation / Monitoring (Year 6-10)

The school will continue to provide yearly updates focusing on progress toward established goals to the Department through the SIP.

05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 138, § 1-07