The North Central Association's fundamental belief is that standards and their application make a difference in the quality of schooling. In order to become a member of NCA, schools must first demonstrate that they meet or exceed the standards established for all member schools.

In April 2006, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), and National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE) came together to form one strong unified organization dedicated to education quality. The combined strengths of NCA CASI, SACS CASI, and NSSE under AdvancED create a powerful organization built on and committed to advancing excellence in education worldwide

Through AdvancED, NCA CASI and SACS CASI have defined shared, research-based accreditation standards that cross state, regional, and national boundaries. Accompanying these standards is a unified, clear and powerful accreditation process designed to help schools continuously improve. Schools will continue to earn the NCA CASI or SACS CASI accreditation seals based on the region in which they reside. The shared standards and accreditation process enhance the value, consistency, and meaning of the NCA CASI and SACS CASI accreditation seals.

The AdvancED accreditation standards and process that will be implemented by NCA CASI and SACS CASI are based on ongoing self-assessment against the quality standards, rigorous on-site evaluation, and continuous improvement.

An Educational Practices Reference Guide has been written to highlight areas of the AdvancEd is more often asked for examples or benchmarks of good practice and pertain to indicators in Standard 1-Vision and Purpose, Standards 2-Governance and Leadership, Standards 3-Teaching and Learning, and Standard 5-Resources and Support Systems. This reference guide should not be interpreted as requirements, nor should it limit thinking to common practice.

AdvancED is focused on quality. The AdvancED Standards for Quality Schools provide a comprehensive view of quality. Schools should use the standards to focus on the end goal of quality. The educational practices can be used to support the standards when schools are looking for a guidepost; however, they should do so always recognizing that there are many paths to quality.

The ultimate goal of the accreditation process is help schools maximize student success and school effectiveness.

Read NCA's view on Accepting High School Credits.

If you still have questions regarding the AdvancED 21st Century Standards and their interpretations, please don't hesitate to contact Al Monetta, Associate Director via e-mail or by phone, (866) 642-4622.