Importance and Benefits of Accreditation
The thorough and rigorous process of accreditation administered by NJAIS is important to independent schools for many reasons.
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Undergoing a thorough self-study process, receiving feedback through peer review, and developing a multi-year plan for institutional improvement supports each school in more fully realizing its mission.
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An effective process of evaluation and accreditation brings credibility to NJAIS and inspires public confidence in each of its member schools.
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The absence of an effective and professional system of peer review could well lead to increased oversight on the part of state and/or federal governmental agencies, yielding an accreditation process that would likely be more cumbersome and less responsive to the unique character of independent schools.
Other Benefits of NJAIS Accreditation Include:
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Promoting a reflective and collaborative continuous school improvement process;
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Providing school leaders, including Boards of Trustees, with independent, non-governmental validation and affirmation of current programs and services, along with well-considered recommendations for future improvements;
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Enhancing student learning and growth by examining the educational program;
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Granting seasoned professional educators valuable exposure to best practices in other schools through their participation on peer review visiting teams;
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Presenting a school’s Board of Trustees an independent, non-governmental validation that the school under its care is effectively delivering a quality educational experience to its students;
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Assuring current school parents and the broader public, including prospective families, that the school is focused on sustaining a safe and enriching educational learning environment while maintaining efficient and effective operations;
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Providing a credential that is often required in corporate and foundation fundraising as well as for SEVP in order for a school to qualify to offer student visas for students from abroad;
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Facilitating school and college admissions, transfers, and admission of international students;
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Positioning school leaders for strategic planning and visioning; and
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Enhancing staff collegiality and broader school understanding through the self-study process.