1. NJAIS/Middle States Accreditation For Kent Place School Presented by: James Palmieri & Kathy Zagorski August 31, 2010

2. How NOT to feel about accreditation…

4. How NOT to go about accreditation…

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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

9. Background 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Long-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.

15. Together we will have a wonderful accreditation! Thanks for your help! Questions?