Accreditation is the formal process of self-examination done by individual schools to determine the quality of the school and effectiveness of the education experience. This process studies school curriculum, teacher effectiveness, student performance and involvement, and community participation in the education process. Student test scores, department grading practices, quality of student work, lesson planning and extra-curricular offerings are also part of the evaluation.

Purpose

Accreditation is a school evaluation process that provides a system of self-study to make changes necessary to meet stated educational goals and standards. Accreditation "...does not provide automatic acceptance by an institution of credit earned at another institution, nor does it give assurance of acceptance of graduates by employers," according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Types of Accreditation

Schools undergo general accreditation and individual departments and degree programs are also evaluated to determine whether the programs meet the goals and objectives of the area of study or field. The self-study for higher education teacher training programs, for instance, is supervised by the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education.

Accrediting Bodies

The U.S. Department of Education recognizes higher education accrediting agencies but it does not have any authority over the accreditation of public or private early childhood, elementary, middle or high schools. These schools are evaluated by professional organizations recognized by the state departments of education. Colleges select an accrediting agency from a list published by the department.

Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions are accredited by subject-area professional associations and by private regional and national education associations, such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

Failure to Meet Standards

Any school failing to meet standards, regardless of grade level, must itemize deficiencies. The examining accreditation group then sets a new evaluation date to review progress toward the listed improvements. The goal is to improve education, rather than close schools; however, deficient schools without a plan for improvement face outside takeover or closure.

Source:

USDOE: Accreditation in the U.S.

USDOE: Regional Institutional Accrediting Associations

NCATE: Fact Sheet