School Accreditation: Quality & Accountability PDF

Accountability, Quality & Accreditation in Education  Accountability defined  Responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, expectation of account- giving.  Acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, products, decisions, and policies including: t...

Accountability, Quality & Accreditation in Education  Accountability defined  Responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, expectation of account- giving.  Acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, products, decisions, and policies including: the administration, governance, and implementation within the scope of the role or employment position and encompassing the obligation to report, explain and be answerable for resulting consequences.  Accountability is an assurance that an individual or an organization will be evaluated on their performance or behavior related to something for which they are responsible. Corporate accountability involves being answerable to all an organization’s stakeholders for all actions and results. In education, accountability refers to a set of policies and practices that a state uses to measure and hold schools and districts responsible for raising student achievement for all students, and to prompt and support improvement where necessary. It has been noted that accountability in the school system helps to protect public funds from misuse as well as fostering a committed pursuit of educational goals by administrators (Tawari, 1995). Educational accountability enhances teaching and learning in the school system.  Educational Accountability Accountable “for what” and “to whom”?  Compliance with statutes and regulations: educators are accountable for adherence to rules and accountable to the bureaucracy.  Adherence to professional norms: educators are accountable for adherence to standards and accountable to their peers.  Accepting responsibility for students’ results: educators are accountable for student learning and accountable to the general public. Quality Assurance (QA) A program for the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of a project, service, or facility to ensure that standards of quality are being met. Two key principles characterize QA: ○ "fit for purpose" (the product should be suitable for the intended purpose) ○ "right first time" (mistakes should be eliminated). “Total Quality Management” (TQM) is the approach which is most often associated with quality assurance. It refers to systems which are developed to monitor all processes that are part of the work of an organisation. Quality assurance in schools Quality assurance involves the systematic review of educational programmes and processes to maintain and improve their quality, equity and efficiency. While the design of quality assurance mechanisms (tools, processes and actors) varies across national contexts, their common objective is to improve teaching and learning – with the ultimate goal to support the best outcomes for learners. Quality assurance approaches can include mechanisms that are external and internal to schools. External mechanisms may include national or regional school evaluations and/or large-scale student assessments. Internal mechanisms may include school self- evaluation, staff appraisal and classroom-based student assessments. T How would these concepts apply to education? School Accreditation  Definition of school Accreditation  Generally, total quality management systems use the idea of “accreditation”: a business which subscribes to a total quality management system, and is audited by the appropriate organisation, is given accreditation  In educational settings, accreditation refers to the recognition of an educational institution or a specialized course in light of certain officially recognized standards and educational qualifications.  Accreditation in the US context Accreditation is the process used in U.S. education to ensure that schools, postsecondary institutions, and other education providers meet, and maintain, minimum standards of quality and integrity regarding academics, administration, and related services. It is a voluntary process based on the principle of academic self-governance. U.S. Department of Education Discussion Why pursue accreditation?  Why accreditation? o It helps determine if an institution meets or exceeds minimum standards of quality. o It helps students determine acceptable institutions for enrollment.... Employers often require evidence that applicants have received a degree from an accredited school or program. Accreditation process School quality assurance committee  Qatar National School Accreditation: Vision QNSA is a specialized entity that reviews a school’s selfstudy, validating areas of strength and reinforcing the areas a school needs for improvement. This is done according to specific standards set forth for accreditation as elaborated in this QNSA handbook. QNSA aims to achieve the principles of the education system in the State of Qatar, in an era of educational reform, ensuring that schools are continuously and consistently improving standards through self-evaluation and action planning. Ascertain the level of school performance and educational processes and management through self- study and school visits; to encourage self-evaluation and planning for the future; as well as improving all elements of the educational process on a continuous and consistent basis. Qatar School Accreditation Standards Application of Standards: Form