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The approved quality standards called the 10 Hallmarks can be read at ... (read more)
Official Context
Accrediting agencies in North America come in different shapes and sizes and functions mostly determined by the state's or provincial government legal environment.
Official Types
In many American states accrediting agencies fulfill a semi official role for the Government. While the state governments do not "approve" or "endorse" private schools for political reasons schools need to be accredited in order to qualify for governmental grants, educational participation and diploma recognition. It is a form of quality control.
In Canada, the provincial governments do not "accredit" private schools but generally the high schools are inspected in order to be able to issue the provincial diplomas. This then gives the students access to the state funded university system. Elementary schools are exempt unless the province funds them.
Impartial Types
In some states the accrediting agencies are recognized by the state and expected to provide an impartial evaluation of the quality of the education provided. In Canada, there are no objectives or impartial agencies by the education establishment. Consequently, the two independent school accrediting agencies CESI and CHI operate on their own credibility and peer authority.
Performance Review Agencies
In some states and provinces, there are both public and private agencies that monitor a specific dimension of school performance. Most often that is directed at student achievement. Sometimes it is directed at governance, and sometimes it is aimed at the professional preparation of teachers. |
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