Below are the standards for accreditation by SACS, which is so highly touted. How many of these "standards" don't exist or are sub-par? What would happen is HLA lost their SACS accreditation???
(404) 679-4500, (800) 248-7701
Southern Association of Independent Schools and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Standards & Indicators for SAIS-SACS Dual Accreditation
SAIS-SACS Dual Accreditation is contingent upon the school meeting all standards. In addition, the school must show evidence of all indicators. When evidence of an indicator is not shown, the school must explain how the standard is met in the absence of the indicator. The chair and visiting team inform the SAIS Accreditation Committee, via the visit report, if the school has met the standards. The SAIS Accreditation Committee has final approval of whether or not the school meets the standards and is accredited.
STANDARD 1: Continuous Process of Educational Improvement
A quality school establishes, implements and monitors a continuous process of educational improvement clearly focused on student performance, organizational effectiveness, and capacity to support the learning process.
STANDARD 2: Beliefs and Mission
A quality school collaboratively develops and communicates a vision, beliefs, and a mission statement that provide focus for the quality of the work of the students and the quality of the work of the school.
STANDARD 3: Governance and Leadership
A quality school provides and promotes stability in the leadership, governance, and organizational structure that includes a focus on developing and maintaining a vision, an emphasis on improving student performance, and support for innovative efforts that produce desired results.
STANDARD 4: Finances and Resources
A quality school provides financial resources for the educational opportunities defined in the school?s mission and beliefs.
STANDARD 5: Human Resources
A quality school provides competent and qualified staff to support student performance and implement the administrative functions of the school, and is aligned with the beliefs, mission, and goals of the school.
STANDARD 6: Support Services for Student Learning
A quality school identifies and provides a network of services that promotes the health, safety, development, and well being of each student.
STANDARD 7: Library and Media Services
A quality school provides a comprehensive program of library/media services that is aligned with its beliefs, mission, and goals.
STANDARD 8: Facilities
A quality school provides sites, facilities, and equipment that are functional, safe, and fully support the school?s mission.
STANDARD 9: Communication and Community Relationships
A quality school has developed, implemented, and communicated an effective school-community interaction plan that fully supports the school?s mission and beliefs.
STANDARD 10: Curriculum and Instructional Design
A quality school offers a curriculum based on research and employs instructional strategies and activities based on clearly defined expectations for student performance that is subject to review and revision at regular intervals.
STANDARD 11: Citizenship and Conduct
A quality school promotes the development of decision-making skills, ethical and lawful conduct, and responsible citizenship.
STANDARD 12: Assessment, Measurement, and Effective Results
A quality school uses effective and continuous performance management systems for assessing, aligning, and improving student performance and school operation, including organizational and instructional effectiveness.
STANDARD 13: Dormitory Life
A quality school that houses students in dormitories has developed policies and procedures that provide for proper supervision, health, and safety of students in clean and well-maintained facilities.
1 ? Continuous Process of Educational Improvement
STANDARD 1:
A quality school establishes, implements and monitors a continuous process of educational improvement clearly focused on student performance, organizational effectiveness, and capacity to support the learning process.
INDICATORS for Standard 1 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
1.1 The school establishes an improvement committee or team that includes representative stakeholders.
1.2 The school is engaged in a planning process with improvement goals focused on student performance, organizational effectiveness, and capacity to support the learning process.
1.3 A strategic plan, aligned with the vision, mission and beliefs of the school, is developed and implemented to guide improvement efforts.
1.4 Improvement efforts demonstrate continuity and collaborative planning among the elementary, middle and secondary levels.
1.5 An external review team visits the school at least once every five years to validate the planning and implementation phases of the quality school improvement planning process, assess the school?s progress in improving student performance, and determine the school?s compliance with the Standards of the Commission.
1.6 The school takes action to correct any identified areas of noncompliance with standards and addresses recommendations for improvement.
2 ? Beliefs and Mission
STANDARD 2:
A quality school collaboratively develops and communicates a vision, beliefs, and a mission statement that provide focus for the quality of the work of the students and the quality of the work of the school.
INDICATORS for Standard 2 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
2.1 The school, in cooperation with its stakeholders, establishes a vision for education in the community, identifies school-wide goals to advance the vision, and establishes an implementation system to document and monitor achievement of its goals.
2.2 The school develops and continuously maintains a profile or database that describes the school, students and community.
2.3 The beliefs and mission guide the instruction and curriculum throughout the school and reflect research and best practices concerning teaching and learning.
2.4 The school annually reviews the mission and beliefs, revises when needed, and continually communicates to the stakeholders.
3 ? Governance and Leadership
STANDARD 3:
A quality school provides and promotes stability in the leadership, governance, and organizational structure that includes a focus on developing and maintaining a vision, an emphasis on improving student performance, and support for innovative efforts that produce desired results.
INDICATORS for Standard 3 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
3.1 All legal documents that define and describe the corporate status, (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Franchise Agreements, Proprietary Registration, Partnership Agreement) of the school are onsite and readily available.
3.2 The school operates within the jurisdiction of a governing board or civil authority and, when necessary, has a charter, license, or permit to operate within that jurisdiction.
3.3 The school complies with all applicable statutes and governmental regulations.
3.4 The school has policies and procedures that provide for the orientation and training of the governing and/or advisory board.
3.5 There are written policies and procedures that promote the effective operation of the school including clearly-defined lines of authority, relationships, and accountability.
3.6 The school establishes policies and procedures that recognize and preserve the executive, administrative, and leadership prerogatives of the head of the school.
3.7 The school maintains access to legal counsel who can advise or obtain necessary information about the legal requirements and obligations that exist in the state, federal, or other jurisdictions in which it operates.
3.8 The administrative head of the school creates and strengthens collaborative networks of community stakeholders to support student learning.
3.9 The administrative head of the school allocates and aligns the human, instructional, financial, and physical resources in support of the vision, mission, and beliefs of the school.
3.10 The administrative head of the school promotes the use of relevant data and research in making curriculum, instructional, and organizational decisions.
3.11 The governing board establishes policies to ensure no conflict of interest between duties to business professional or parental roles and duties to the school.
3.12 The governing board has the responsibility for hiring one employee, the administrative head of the school.
3.13 The governing board does not interfere with the day-to-day operations of the school.
4 ? Finances and Resources
STANDARD 4:
A quality school provides financial resources for the educational opportunities defined in the school?s mission and beliefs.
INDICATORS for Standard 4 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
4.1 The accounts of the school are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are reviewed annually by an independent licensed accountant. The report of the annual review is on-site and available to evaluators.
4.2 The income from all regular sources is sufficient to support all regular expenditures and to assure the continuity and stability of services.
4.3 Debt service or lines of credit are managed in such ways as to assure that fiscal responsibility remains under the control of the governing authority.
4.4 The school is not in, or in prospect of moving into, financial reorganization under the protection of bankruptcy.
4.5 A balance sheet is maintained and monitored that describes the overall financial operations and financial condition of the school, and an operating budget is prepared on a regular basis.
4.6 The budget of the school provides the resources to support the beliefs, mission, and educational programs of the school.
4.7 The school develops, implements, and maintains a plan to fund a maintenance reserve.
4.8 The school maintains adequate insurance or equivalent resources to protect its financial stability and administrative operations from protracted proceedings and claims for damage.
4.9 Any funds generated by school or student activities are under the control of the head of the school.
5 ? Human Resources
STANDARD 5:
A quality school provides competent and qualified staff to support student performance and implement the administrative functions of the school, and is aligned with the beliefs, mission, and goals of the school.
INDICATORS for Standard 5 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
5.1 Administrative, instructional, and support staff are qualified and competent to perform the duties assigned to them in the school and to meet the needs of the total school program, and the students enrolled.
NOTE: All administrative and teaching employees:
? meet the legal qualifications of the state in which employed, or
? have a state credential, meet regional accrediting standards, or meet national or federal standards or regulations, or
? have a portfolio of educational and professional accomplishments that reveals they are fully qualified to perform the duties assigned to them in the school.
5.2 The school has written policies covering recruitment, employment, assignment, evaluation, and termination of service of all school personnel.
5.3 The school administration supports a comprehensive program of professional development for all staff by allocating appropriate time and resources.
5.4 Administrative, instructional, and support staff are sufficient in number to meet the needs of the total education program, student services, student activities, and the students enrolled.
5.5 A clearly understood table of organization for the school exists with written job descriptions that specify levels of responsibility and reporting relationships.
5.6 All personnel are required to have continuing professional development and training during each five years of employment.
NOTE: Six semester hours of credit is equivalent to 120 clock hours of professional development activities such as workshops, seminars, conferences, serving on peer review teams, and other training activities.
5.7 There is an appropriate system of employee evaluation and assessment that includes confidentiality for each staff evaluation or assessment.
5.8 Counseling services and library/media services are under the leadership of legally qualified personnel (see note). These services are aligned with the school?s mission, beliefs and goals.
NOTE: All administrative and teaching employees:
? meet the legal qualifications of the state in which employed, or
? have a state credential, meet regional accrediting standards, or meet national or federal standards or regulations, or
? have a portfolio of educational and professional accomplishments that reveals they are fully qualified to perform the duties assigned to them in the school.
5.9 Sufficient professional staff is provided to ensure a maximum student-professional staff ratio of 18:1.
NOTE: Teachers, principals, guidance personnel, librarian/media specialists and other professional personnel assigned to the school may be included in computing the student-professional ratio, but they must be considered on the appropriate fractional part of full-time equivalency. Paraprofessionals who assist teachers with instruction may be used in computing the student-professional staff ratio, but shall not exceed 10 percent of the teaching positions. Each such full-time paraprofessional shall be considered the equivalent of 0.5 of one professional. Students in self-contained classes for the disabled and their teachers and assistants shall be excluded from the computation. Special education teachers serving students on a resource basis are included in the computation. One-half day early childhood students shall be counted as 0.5 when computing all requirements for staffing, including student-professional ratio, maximum class sizes, and all administrative and support positions.
5.10 There is an effective orientation program for faculty and staff new to the school.
5.11 Professional ethics are strictly observed in hiring practices.
5.12 Professional ethics are strictly observed in the admissions process.
6 ? Support Services for Student Learning
STANDARD 6:
A quality school identifies and provides a network of services that promotes the health, safety, development, and well being of each student.
INDICATORS for Standard 6 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
6.1 A process for designing and maintaining student support services is in operation, is continually reviewed, and is aligned with the vision, beliefs, mission, and expectations for student performance.
6.2 Student services are provided and meet laws and regulations as appropriate in the areas of health, counseling, nutrition, safety, co-curricular, and transportation.
6.3 The school program provides counseling services that meet the needs of students.
6.4 Counselors or other qualified personnel, administrators, teachers, and/or other staff share responsibilities for providing guidance and support to students.
6.5 Students whose needs cannot be met in school are referred to appropriate agencies for assistance.
6.6 The school maintains a secure, accurate and complete student records system in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Note: Schools have established a process for the protection of student records in the event that the school closes.
6.7 The school has a written plan for use in the event of student injury or illness, and the staff is trained to implement the plan.
6.8 The school requires and develops written emergency and security plans that ensure the safety and care of students and persons present within the bounds of the school in the event of severe weather or natural or man-made disasters, and has trained students and staff in such measures according to local, state, and federal regulations.
6.9 The school has an activities program that is an integral part of the educational program and is comprehensive enough to meet the needs and interests of the students.
6.10 The school has written policies that safeguard the development and well-being of students by specifying age-appropriate activities.
6.11 Children in elementary grades are prohibited from door-to-door fund raising activities sponsored by the school or by a school-related organization.
7 ? Library/Media Services
STANDARD 7:
A quality school provides a comprehensive program of library/media services that is aligned with its beliefs, mission, and goals.
INDICATORS for Standard 7 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
7.1 The library/media materials collection includes current technological formats in support of the school?s mission and instructional program.
7.2 The library/media collection of print and non-print media is current, comprehensive, and carefully selected in terms of the school?s mission and instructional program.
7.3 Evidence demonstrates that all students and staff have regular and ready access to media services, materials, and equipment.
7.4 In schools without a central library, each classroom has a media collection that is appropriate to the various developmental stages of the students.
7.5 The school has a policy and procedure for responding to challenged materials that have been approved by the school and governing board.
8 ? Facilities
STANDARD 8:
A quality school provides sites, facilities, and equipment that are functional, safe, and fully support the school?s mission.
INDICATORS for Standard 8 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
8.1 The school is in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, standards, and regulations.
8.2 The school?s physical facilities are inspected annually and approved by local fire and health authorities.
8.3 The site, building, equipment, and furnishings are designed and maintained to facilitate the safety of those on-site and the quality of the school?s instructional and co-curricular programs.
8.4 The buildings are climate-controlled, well-lighted, heated, and well-ventilated.
8.5 Safeguards, including exit plans, for the protection of students and staff against hazards such as accidents, fire, violent storms, and earthquakes are evident throughout the buildings.
9 ? Communication and Community Relationships
STANDARD 9:
A quality school has developed, implemented, and communicated an effective school-community interaction plan that fully supports the school?s mission and beliefs.
INDICATORS for Standard 9 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
9.1 There is evidence that long-range planning in alumni affairs and/or public relations is an ongoing process.
9.2 Communications among and between school staff, stakeholders, and alumni are clear and effective.
9.3 There is evidence of communication with appropriate agencies, such as public health, mental health, physicians, and other professionals.
9.4 The school?s advertising and promotional materials reflect accurate information about the school?s programs and accomplishments.
9.5 Provisions are made to assure records and other correspondence defining students? accomplishments are accurate and consistent with professional standards.
9.6 Follow-up studies are conducted of graduates and other former students, and the resulting data are shared with staff to help in determining the effectiveness of school programs.
9.7 The school has a well-defined, published admission process including criteria upon which admission decisions are made.
9.8 Those wishing to enroll in the school are clearly informed of the mission, beliefs, and goals, the nature and extent of educational programs and services available, the expectations of students for satisfactory performance and/or graduation, and tuition, fees, and financial expectations.
9.9 The school accepts students for whom there is a reasonable expectation of success from the program.
9.10 There is evidence that no form of bias or prejudice is allowed or practiced.
9.11 The granting of scholarships or financial aid is based upon established and published criteria.
10 ? Curriculum and Instructional Design
STANDARD 10:
A quality school offers a curriculum based on research and employs instructional strategies and activities based on clearly defined expectations for student performance that is subject to review and revision at regular intervals.
INDICATORS for Standard 10 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
10.1 The school develops and aligns the curriculum and instructional design with the school?s mission and expectations for student performance across subject areas and grade levels.
Note: Schools with pre-school programs apply indicators from the Early Childhood Checklist, available at
http://www.sacs.org/elem/standards/erlychld.pdf10.2 The curriculum reflects a commitment to equity, an appreciation of diversity, and a recognition of different ways of learning and challenges each student to excel.
10.3 There are written curriculum guides and support materials that serve as a basis for implementing the curriculum.
10.4 The curriculum promotes the active involvement of students in the learning process, including opportunities to explore application of higher order thinking skills and to investigate new approaches in applying their learning.
10.5 The school gathers, analyzes, and uses data and research in making curriculum choices.
10.6 The curriculum relies on sound learning principles and provides a balance of educational experiences, including academic, fine arts, and physical education based on knowledge of human growth and development.
10.7 The school designs and employs instructional strategies and activities that accommodate diverse learning styles and are research-based and reflective of best practice.
Note: Schools with pre-school programs apply indicators from the Early Childhood Checklist, available at
http://www.sacs.org/elem/standards/erlychld.pdf 10.8 Instructional time is allocated and protected to support student learning.
10.9 The school provides an average of 25 hours of instructional and developmental activities per week.
Note: This standard does not apply to early childhood students who attend 3- or 4-year old programs.
10.10 The academic school year, at a minimum, consists of 175 days during which students and teachers engage in teaching/learning activities. For one-half day kindergarten programs, one-half day is equivalent to a full day in meeting the 175-day standard.
10.11 A technology plan is in place and implemented on a continual basis.
10.12 All students, faculty, and staff are educated in technology.
10.13 Technology is incorporated into the teaching of the various disciplines.
11 ? Citizenship and Conduct
STANDARD 11:
A quality school promotes the development of decision-making skills, ethical and lawful conduct, and responsible citizenship.
INDICATORS for Standard 11 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
11.1 The school and its program emphasize elements of citizenship and conduct that include honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, responsibility, citizenship, self-discipline, and respect for others.
11.2 The administrative head of school and the staff establish, maintain, and model high expectations for students that demonstrate respect, fairness, and understanding.
11.3 The school offers leadership, responsibility, and character-building opportunities for all students.
11.4 Guidelines for student conduct, attendance, and dress are written and communicated to all students, parents, and members of the staff.
11.5 Procedures for termination of any student are established and written.
12 ? Assessment, Measurement, and Effective Results
STANDARD 12:
A quality school uses effective and continuous performance management systems for assessing, aligning, and improving student performance and school operation, including organizational and instructional effectiveness.
INDICATORS for Standard 12 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
12.1 A comprehensive assessment system is established and provides current data that includes a profile of student performance, community characteristics, school characteristics, and stakeholder perceptions of the school (staff and stakeholders).
12.2 The school establishes key indicators and performance expectations for student learning.
12.3 A comprehensive system for assessing student progress based on clearly defined student results for learning is developed and implemented.
12.4 The results of assessments of student learning are analyzed and used to improve instructional design and effectiveness. Evaluation of design processes is included in this assessment.
12.5 The school assesses organizational and instructional capacity including curriculum, instructional design, financial processes, staff results, and operational and organizational effectiveness.
12.6 The school communicates assessment results to all appropriate stakeholders.
12.7 The school accepts and classifies transfer credits or grade placements from schools that are accredited by regional accrediting agencies that are a part of the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation without further validation.
13 ? Dormitory Life
STANDARD 13:
A quality school that houses students in dormitories has developed policies and procedures that provide for proper supervision, health, and safety of students in clean and well-maintained facilities.
INDICATORS for Standard 13 ? write short response to each or cite where proof may be found:
13.1 Continuous and responsible supervision by qualified adults is provided for all dormitory students.
13.2 In boarding schools, provisions are made for healthy relationships with adults in loco parentis, for student privacy, for recreation, and for religious practice as appropriate.
13.3 Rules and policies governing dormitory life, leaves, privileges, and discipline are published so that both dormitory students and their parents may know them.
13.4 Measures are taken to ensure a wholesome atmosphere, a proper diet, supervised study, recreation, and a healthy balance between leisure time and school activities.
13.5 Provisions are made for keeping parents fully informed regarding student progress and conduct.
13.6 Provisions are made for student participation in dormitory governance.
13.7 The school?s dormitories are in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, standards, and regulations.
http://www.sacscasi.org/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Council on Accreditation and School Improvement
Commissions on Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Schools
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: (404) 679-4500, (800) 248-7701
Fax: (404) 679-4541
