Accreditation

"Accreditation is an indication of striving for excellence. It is an indication of quality that is recognized worldwide." Comunidad Educative del Sol and the International American School of Cancun are accredited by the SECRETARY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION (SEyC) in Mexico. The secondary is also accredited by the SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS (SACS) in the United States. Accreditation is a process of helping institutions improve through a systematic program of evaluation and the application of educational standards or criteria. Accreditation means not only that standards are met, but also that the school community is committed to improving the quality of its program.

Regional accreditation is comprehensive and covers the total school, not just certain programs. The school must undertake comprehensive self-studies involving teachers, administrators, students, and members of governing bodies. Then there are evaluations by visiting committees of peers, professional educators who give an objective and candid reaction to the self-studies and make recommendations based on their assessment of the institution. The school responds to the recommendations, sets priorities, and designs short-term and long-range plans for improvement.

Accreditation is not a permanent status. Continuing membership in SACS and SEyC depends on meeting standards for accreditation and continuing improvements demonstrated through a regular cycle of annual reports, interim reviews, and periodic reevaluations with a self-study and visiting committee.

SACS Standards

Standard 1: Vision and Purpose - The school establishes and communicates a shared purpose and direction for improving the performance of students and the effectiveness of the school.

Standard 2: Governance and Leadership – The school provides governance and leadership that promote student performance and school effectiveness.

Standard 3: Teaching and Learning – The school provides research-based curriculum and instructional methods that facilitate achievement for all students.

Standard 4: Documenting and Using Results – The school enacts a comprehensive assessment system that monitors and documents performance and uses these results to improve student performance and school effectiveness.

Standard 5: Resources and Support Systems - The school has the resources and services necessary to support its vision and purpose and to ensure achievement for all students.

Standard 6: Stakeholder Communication and Relationships – The school fosters effective communications and relationships with and among its stakeholders.

Standard 7: Commitment to Continuous Improvement - The system establishes, implements, and monitors a continuous process of improvement that focuses on student performance.

International American School - English / Spanish Junior High and High School in Cancun, Mexico

Accreditation

SACS Standards