Title 4 . Education and Early Development

Chapter 4 . (Repealed)

Section 300. Standards for state accreditation of schools

4 AAC 04.300. Standards for state accreditation of schools

(a) The provisions of this section apply to any public or private school in this state seeking state accreditation under AS 14.07.020 .

(b) An elementary or secondary school seeking state accreditation under this section must show that

(1) classroom and instructional strategies support and promote student learning focused on the attainment of high standards by all students; a school demonstrates this standard by giving evidence that it

(A) bases curriculum, instruction, and assessment on clear student standards and objectives;

(B) has established student standards that are meaningful, agreed upon, and emphasize the importance of learning;

(C) assesses student performance in multiple ways; and

(D) holds high expectations for the achievement of all students;

(2) a climate of high expectations exists not only for students, but also for all staff, and high expectations are communicated to everyone in the community that the school serves, with incentives, recognition, and rewards in place to promote excellence;

(3) school time is used for learning;

(4) fair discipline practices and policies are established, communicated, and consistently enforced;

(5) the school environment is supportive and physically safe;

(6) appropriate technology is used to apply academic skills to simulate real life, workplace situations in addition to performing research and exploration;

(7) all staff are involved in ongoing and continuous staff development that focuses on school improvement goals and student performance standards;

(8) strong leadership that uses established research to guide the instructional program is in evidence;

(9) resources are focused on established student standards and school improvement efforts to guide the instructional program;

(10) the decision-making process for school plans and goals includes everyone in the community that school serves;

(11) programs and support are provided to help high-needs students achieve school success;

(12) the school goals and staff behavior promote equity and respect for diversity among students, teachers, administrators, families, and community members of different socio-economic status and cultural background;

(13) non-English-speaking and limited-English-proficient students are provided with a strong academic core program that supports the students' first language; and

(14) partnerships and collaboration are established between the school and parents, families, businesses, and other community members; a school demonstrates this standard by giving evidence that

(A) various types of involvement promote a variety of opportunities for school, families, and community to work together;

(B) collaboration between the school and agencies, businesses, and the community supports special programs for high-needs students and families; and

(C) staff and school procedures promote community connections and cross-cultural communications with parents and families.

(c) A public or private elementary or secondary school may demonstrate the attainment of the standards set out in this section by

(1) conducting a self-study, using a format prescribed by the department; or

(2) providing evidence of current accreditation by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges to the department.

History: Eff. 10/25/98, Register 148

Authority: AS 14.07.020

AS 14.07.060

Editor's note: Information on accreditation by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges may be obtained from Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725-1060.