SEE Quality Accreditation FAQ

What is the Accreditation Process?

Perkins will use the accreditation process to improve itself. It is a peer-led, voluntary self study which will identify the school's strengths and areas which are in need of strengthening.

What are the benefits to Perkins of the accreditation process?

Perkins benefits from accreditation in two ways.

1. An accredited school is one in which, through its programming, substantially achieves its stated mission and has the resources to do so now and in the foreseeable future. Accreditation assures parents, school districts, future employers and educational institutions of the quality of a student's education.
2. Accreditation yields recommendations for improvement. As a result of prior accreditation processes, the Board of Trustees provided resources for a new student library, to improve the accessibility of bathrooms, and to form a Student Council.

Who will accredit Perkins?

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).

What can you tell me about NEASC?

Founded in 1885, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the nation's oldest regional accrediting association. Its mission is the establishment and maintenance of high standards for all level of education from pre-K to doctoral level.
For more information go to http://www.neasc.org.

What does the Accreditation Process involve?

The five steps of the accreditation process are completed in the following three phases:

Phase I – Self-Study: NEASC presents Perkins with a list of questions that ask how well the school is doing in a variety of areas including Instruction, Administration, Finances, Health and Safety. Perkins gathers information ranging from licenses and certificates of regulatory compliance, budgets, curricula, and completed surveys from parents, students, and staff to answer the questions posed by NEASC. Self-study committees, made up of Perkins staff, compile the collected information into a report, answering the questions honestly and directly. The report also includes recommendations for improvements and a plan to implement the recommendations.

Phase II - Visiting Committee: The visiting committee, formed by NEASC and made up of school leaders from the northeast and educators with experience at schools like Perkins, validates the self-study, makes recommendations to the school, and advises NEASC to award accreditation or to table the accreditation until certain changes are made.

Phase III – Follow-up: Follow-up begins the accreditation process anew. Perkins begins to implement recommended changes. Perkins sends a report to NEASC describing its success meeting the recommendations.

What are the timelines for the accreditation process?

The process is underway. Background information is being collected. Surveys are being conducted. Committees are being formed. The Visiting Committee is scheduled to come in the spring of 2008.

We have developed a calendar for the many activities that are part of the self-study. This calendar will give you an idea of the many activities involved in this process and the timeframes in which they will be completed.

How can I participate?

Students, parents and staff are being asked to participate by responding to a variety of surveys and interviews.

Please contact Judi Beltis or Mary Zatta for further information.