Accreditation Standards

In spring 2021, Cognia completed a development cycle to examine and update the Cognia Performance Standards. The new Cognia Performance Standards apply to all K–12 and postsecondary institutions. The new standards will go into effect for Accreditation Engagement Reviews beginning in the 2022–2023 school year. The new performance standards embrace today’s challenges and set a vision for quality education in our times. Additionally, they incorporate new research and learning, provide a framework for continuous improvement, and a means to measure our impact on all learners. Thus, enhancing the accreditation process and relevance to our work in the education of all learners

All DoDEA schools are on a five year accreditation cycle.

During that five year cycle the schools must:

• Make a commitment to continuous improvement by monitoring and evaluating efforts on a yearly basis;
• Complete a thorough self-assessment using the Cognia System and School Quality Factors Diagnostic;
• Complete an annual evaluation of student performance; and
• Host a district accreditation visit that includes a one-day accreditation visit at all schools in the district.

Accreditation Status

Cognia has two accreditation statuses that may be conferred on a school/school system as a result of the comprehensive accreditation visit. The accreditation status is based on the performance of a school/school system in areas related to the Accreditation Standards, policies, assurances, student performance results and stakeholder feedback.

The two accreditation statuses are:

• Accredited
• Accredited Under Review