The Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) views accreditation as a means to provide schools for the deaf high standards that will positively affect student performance and drive sustained continuous improvement. Research has shown that schools that embrace the accreditation process and commit to a continuous process of improvement are those that meet strict quality standards and demonstrate accountability.
CEASD’s accreditation process must be collaborative and comprehensive. The process yields the best results for schools and its students when community stakeholders, parents, teachers and administrators join together in the planning process. By bringing together all those who are invested in the school’s success, support for the school’s vision and goals build. The CEASD Accreditation Process is comprehensive, evaluating all aspects of the school program and the dormitory program when residential services are also provided.
The process focuses on the school’s vision and goals and reviews teaching and learning, and how results are documented and resources are allocated. The twelve CEASD Standards are the foundation of the Accreditation Process and serve as the guide to continuous improvement. CEASD provides resources and tools on its website. Technical assistance to answer individual school questions is available from the CEASD National Office as schools progress through their self-study.
Schools and/or Programs that are interested in becoming accredited by CEASD should follow A Self-Assessment Guide for Schools Seeking Accreditation, “The Guidelines.” The major steps in the process are as follows:
- Submit an Application for Accreditation (Appendix 1 in the Guidelines). If a joint visit with the regional accreditation body is planned, the National Office should be informed of that plan during the application process.
- Spend 12-18 months developing the Self-Study.
- Develop a School Improvement Plan (SIP) as a result of the needs identified in the Self-Study. At least two of the goals in the SIP must be student achievement goals. Other organizational goals may also be developed.
- Contact the National Office (Appendix 2 in the Guidelines), to arrange the dates for the Site Visit approximately six months before the visit.
- Six weeks before the site visit, the National Office will appoint the Team Chairperson and team members for the visit.
- The CEASD Team Chairperson and Internal Coordinator from the school will plan the schedule for the team site visit. (Samples in Appendix 8 of the Guidelines)
- Send the self-study either electronically or in hard copy to the chairperson and team members four to six weeks before the visit.
- Host the site visit.
- Contact the National Office for the financial arrangements for the accreditation and the visit. The School pays a fee that is due after the school receives its final written accreditation report. In addition, schools are responsible for the expenses involved in hosting the Visiting Team. Visiting Team costs include team accommodations, meals and travel. No honoraria are paid to any accreditation team member for they serve as volunteers.
- The team will inform the school and its CEO/Superintendent of the accreditation recommendation, which will be made to the CEASD Board of Directors at the next Spring Conference.
- The Board of Directors will act upon the team’s recommendation at the Spring Board meeting and the Accreditation Certificate will be awarded at the Spring Conference.
- A Press Release is available for a school to release to news media at the conclusion of the accreditation process.
- For further information about Accreditation and preparation visit the following page on our website: Resources for Schools and Accreditation Teams.
