Standard and Criteria for
School District and Systems Accreditation

Definition of a System of Schools

A system approach is the current best approach for districts that want to improve and sustain student performance results over time. High student achievement is more than teaching reading, math, or science better. It is a result of how well all the parts of the education system work together. Getting started on improving the district as a system begins with an honest look and clear understanding of the district's current capacity for the continual improvement needed to achieve performance excellence. The NCA CASI Standard and Criteria and Supporting Protocol provide the district system with the method to systematically apply continual improvement strategies at all levels.

A district or system is defined as a group of schools:

• With a coordinated continuous improvement process which strives to meet shared goals.
• That recognizes the uniqueness of each school.
• That strives toward comprehensive and systemic reform efforts.
• That is willing to monitor the NCA Protocol and Performance Accreditation Process internally.
• That seeks or currently holds NCA CASI accreditation for all its school buildings and educational entities.

District or systems examples may include school districts or systems, school corporations, diocesan school systems, or tribal school coalitions. Coalitions of unrelated schools joined together for the purpose of school improvement may be considered for systems accreditation with special approval of the Commission.

The NCA CASI Standard is designed as a Systems Approach to assessing and improving schools. The approach is both systematic and systemic, while providing a framework for continually improving organizational performance. The NCA CASI Standard and Supporting Protocol provides a comprehensive approach for the system to support ever increasing levels of student performance.

Table of Contents:

• Leadership and Governance (14-kb)
• Strategic Planning (9-kb)
• Valuing Students and Community (7-kb)
• Information System (9-kb)
• Valuing Faculty and Staff (14-kb)
• Helping Students Learn (36-kb)
• Documenting Performance Results (12-kb)
• Appendix A (Provisions for Granting Credit) (6-kb)
• Appendix B (Policies of the Commission) (11-kb)
• Appendix C (Organization and Procedures) (4-kb)
• Appendix D Appeal Procedures (9-kb)
• Appendix E Organization and Procedures (16-kb)
• Appendix F Personnel Qualifications (26-kb)
• Glossary of Terms (17-kb)
• Accreditation Fees (4-kb)