1. District Accreditation
Building and Recognizing Quality School Systems
Jefferson
County
Schools

2. All schools in Jefferson County have been awarded SACS Accreditation.
The accreditation process enables the school to analyze programming and develop strategies aimed at student achievement improvement.
This year the district is pursuing SACS Accreditation. 2

3. Why Gain District Accreditation?
Assures the district is working toward continuous improvement
Works to increase student learning and organizational effectiveness
Stimulates, supports and examines how all parts of the school system work as a team
Encourages growth to achieve excellence 3

4. Three Pillars The Cornerstones of Accreditation
Accredited Schools/Districts Must:
Meet high standards
Engage in continuous improvement
Demonstrate quality assurance

5. 7 Accreditation Standards
Vision and Purpose
Governance and Leadership
Teaching and Learning
Documenting and Using Results
Resources and Support Systems
Stakeholder Communications and Relationships
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Talking Points
AQSS book Chapter 3: Meeting Standards In their entirety, the AdvancED Standards create a comprehensive picture of a quality district and its operations. 5 5 5

6. Improvement Process Elements
What future are you pursuing ?
What have you accomplished?
Vision
Profile
Results
What is your current reality?
Monitoring
What actions will you take to improve?
Plan and Implementation

7. Quality Assurance Internal Review (mirror)
The district implements methods to monitor progress and determine effectiveness of efforts through TCSPP
External Review (window)
The district participates in a Quality Assurance Review every five years through SACS Accreditation 7

8. TCSPP Internal and Ongoing
Quality Assurance
TCSPP Internal and Ongoing
The district designs and implements a program of assessment practices and methods to
monitor and document improvement
provide meaningful feedback and support
ensure standards are met and strengthened
make certain there is alignment of efforts within the system
The district collects and uses assessment data and results to determine actions 8

9. Quality Assurance External Review The Hallmark of Accreditation
SACS Review Every Five Years
District hosts a visit by a national team of professional peers. That team:
Evaluates adherence to the AdvancED quality standards.
Assesses the efficacy and impact of the district’s continuous improvement process.
Assesses the effectiveness of the district’s methods for quality assurance.
Identifies strengths deserving of commendations and provide recommendations for improvement.
Makes an accreditation recommendation for national review.

10. 5-Year Accreditation Term
Submit Standards Assessment Report
Constantly
Assess
Learn
Improve
Submit Progress Report Two Years After
the Visit
Host a Quality Assurance
Review Team

11. Standards Assessment Report
Executive Summary of System
Standards Section (for each standard)
Narrative describing evidence
Guided by focus questions
Assessment of indicators and over-all standard
Rubrics
Description of Quality Assurance Methods
Identification of Peer-to-Peer Practice
Conclusion: General insights, Strengths and Challenges 11

12. Steps to District Accreditation
Applicant
Submit Letters
Complete Self-Assessment (TCSPP)
Host a Readiness Visit
Candidate
Prepare For the Visit
Host the Visit
Accredited
Act on Findings
Report on Progress 12