Steps of Cognia Accreditation

 

For schools using an accrediting agency other than AdvancEd, the names of platforms, diagnostics, and data collection tools will vary. As well, the accreditation timeline and sequence will vary and reflect the philosophy and structure of that particular accrediting body.

 

Step One

• Contact RAISE Edu for application information

• Apply to become an RAISE member

 

Step Two

• Become a member of the Cognia Improvement Network or a similar accreditation body.

 

Step Three 

Receive access to all eProve platforms, diagnostics, and tools

 

• Receive access to all eProve platforms, diagnostics, and tools

• Surveys (provide information on stakeholder perceptions)

• Inventor

• ies (provide information on stakeholder experiences)

• eleot®

• School Quality Factor diagnostic (i.e. questionnaire)

• With your staff and/or administration:

  • Familiarize yourselves with the eProve tools

  • Decide how the tools will be used

  • By whom

  • When

  • To what purpose (formal or informal assessment)

• Complete and submit to Cognia the Readiness Diagnostic for International Schools. The Readiness Diagnostic consists of 2 parts; the Performance Standards including a SWOT analysis, and the International Assurances.

• Alternatively: Complete and submit the equivalent for other accreditation bodies.

 

Step Four

Analysis:

 

• Analyze the data you have gathered from surveys and inventories to align with school mission/vision

• Define gaps between perception (surveys) and current experiences (inventories)

• Analyze gaps/weaknesses re: School Quality Factors (SQF)

Use this data to begin your Continuous Improvement Plan

 

Step Five

• Get feedback from Cognia support staff regarding the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP)

• Begin implementation of your CIP

• Schedule and host a Readiness Review (similar to a pre-inspection report)

 

Step Six

Based on the outcome of the Readiness Review

 

• A recommendation will be made for continued readiness work or for Candidacy for Accreditation status

• Approximately two years from receiving Candidate status a school will schedule an Engagement Review for Accreditation

• Continue to modify the Improvement Plan and its implementation using feedback from stakeholders and Cognia staff

 

​Step Seven

Schedule the Engagement Review date

 

• Continue to collect evidence to demonstrate implementation of your CIP

• Complete and submit the SQF diagnostic, and collect evidence using eProve diagnostic tools and other evidence

• Upload all evidence, particularly that relevant to your Engagement Review, to the workspace

• EQAO – Education Quality and Accountability Office (Ontario schools)

 

Step Eight

Host the Engagement Review Team

 

• Final Engagement Review Team Report submitted by Accreditation Agency Lead Evaluator

• Recommendation is made for continued candidacy or accreditation

• Candidate status may continue OR school is accredited for 5 years

 

Please note: for schools using an accrediting agency other than Cognia, the names of platforms, diagnostics, and data collection tools will vary. As well, the accreditation timeline and sequence will vary and reflect the philosophy and structure of that particular accrediting body.