Middle States Standards
STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION
The Middle States Standards for Accreditation define the level of
quality required in each area of an institution’s educational programs,
operations, and services expected of all accredited institutions. The Standards for Accreditation are
particularly important because they identify the foundational elements or
building blocks that must be in place before an institution can produce high
levels of student performance. Each
Standard is amplified by a set of indicators that show possible evidence or
ways that an institution can demonstrates it meets each Standard.
The first step in the process of determining whether an institution
meets the Standards for Accreditation is a process of self-assessment conducted
by the institution’s stakeholders. At
the Academy of the Holy Angels, students, parents, faculty, administration,
staff, alumnae, and members of the Board of Trustees all participated by
completing self-assessment surveys. The
visiting Validation Team will use the results of this self-assessment, together
with the evidence it gathers during the visit, to determine whether Holy Angels
meets each of the Standards for Accreditation.
STANDARD #1: Philosophy/Mission/Beliefs/Objectives
The Standard: The institution has clearly written
statements of philosophy, mission, beliefs, and/or objectives that convey the
general and specific purposes of the educational programs and that express
expectations for quality. Stakeholders,
including staff, parents, and governing body members, understand, accept, and
give input into the development of the organization's philosophy, mission,
beliefs, and/or objectives. These
documents are appropriate for the groups served and are reviewed periodically.
STANDARD #2: Governance and LeadershipThe Standard: The governance and administration work in
partnership to ensure the integrity, effectiveness, and reputation of the
organization through the establishment of policy and oversight of
leadership. There is an atmosphere of
mutual respect and purposeful effort on behalf of students and their learning.
The administration of the organization provides a productive work environment,
timely and open communication, and the leadership necessary to plan both
day-to-day operations and the long-term future of the institution. The school
is chartered, licensed, or authorized by a state, nation, or authority, which
operates in the public interest.
STANDARD #3: Organizational Design and Staff
The Standard: The organizational structure of the
institution provides the vehicle for carrying out the established philosophy,
mission, beliefs, and/or objectives of the educational program and support
services. A clearly defined set of
reporting relationships exists, and administrative, instructional, and support
staff are qualified, competent and sufficient in number to allow the effective
delivery of quality education to students.
Staff assessment procedures are in place, are clear to all involved, and
are collaborative. On-going professional development, clearly defined roles and
responsibilities, and collegial relationships among staff and administration
are evident and conducive to cooperative action.
STANDARD #4: Educational Programs
The Standard: The educational programs consist of both
carefully planned and well executed curriculum programs that include
appropriate standards, solid instructional pedagogy, and appropriate assessment
based on research and best practices.
The educational programs are sufficiently financed, periodically
reviewed, and mission-appropriate. They
are developed to meet and address the needs of students and are designed to
produce student learning at all levels.
Effective policies and practices are in place, along with instructional
materials, technology, and equipment that are appropriate, functional, and
well-maintained.
STANDARD #5: Learning Media
Services and Technology
The Standard: Learning media services and technology
function as important tools to enhance classroom instruction and other school
activities as grade level appropriate. Well-organized information resources
reinforce knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned in other program areas and
broaden minds by providing opportunities to conduct research and interact with
information.
STANDARD #6: Student Services
The Standard: The school provides services to students that
optimize their preparation for learning.
Chief among these services are health services and, at appropriate
levels, guidance including academic and personal counseling. Preventive and
emergency health care services are provided, and health and safety policies are
clear and well-understood. Other
services that may be provided include transportation, food service, services
for special needs students, and admissions and placement.
STANDARD #7: Student Life and Student Activities
The Standard: A healthy atmosphere exists for all
students. At all levels,
non-discriminatory, appropriate student activities that supplement classroom
experiences or community life are provided.
An appropriate student activities program fosters a positive
intellectual, cultural, and social climate, promotes growth in student
leadership and social interaction skills, and encourages students’ special
interests.
STANDARD #8: Facilities
The Standard: The school facilities, consisting of the
site, building(s), and equipment, provide a safe, well-maintained, physical
environment that supports optimal student development and achievement. The school facilities are appropriate to implement
the stated philosophy, mission, beliefs, and/or objectives of the school.
STANDARD #9: Health and
Safety
The Standard: A safe and healthy environment for teaching
and learning is provided. Both
preventive and emergency health and safety procedures are clear and
well-documented. The school environment
is productive and orderly.
STANDARD #10: Finances
The Standard: Financial resources are sufficient to provide
the educational opportunities defined in the school’s philosophy, mission,
beliefs, and/or objectives. The business
practices of the institution promote confidence in the organization’s ability
to manage fiscal and material resources in a responsible manner and to follow
prescribed budgeting and accounting principles.
The majority of resources raised for school purposes are dedicated to
school operations.
STANDARD #11: Assessment of Student Learning
The Standard: The assessment of student learning outcomes
enables students to monitor their own learning progress and allows teachers to
adapt their instruction to the specific learning needs of students. The
school’s effectiveness is assessed by examining areas such as student learning
and performance, program evaluation, performance results for support services,
graduate success, and client satisfaction.
Results are used to develop strategies for improving service and program
quality. Assessment results are communicated appropriately to
parents/guardians, students, staff, and school community.
STANDARD #12: Planning
The Standard: The school makes use of strategic, long-range,
and operational planning to continuously improve its educational programs and
services. Improvement plans focus on
student performance and organizational growth and engender continuous
improvement across all aspects of the school organization. Externally validated
processes for evaluation, strategic planning, and school/district improvement
are continuously maintained. Systematic
analysis regarding student performance and organizational growth is coupled with
analyses of instructional and organizational practices to ensure alignment with
the school’s philosophy, mission, beliefs, and/or objectives. Trends in outcomes and results are projected
and goals of demonstrated strategic merit are identified.
AHA Middle States Committees
Members on the Standard Committees