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Cognia (formerly AdvancED) is the accreditation organization for all DoDEA schools. Cognia has identified research-based foundational elements for accreditation, known as Performance Standards.
Culture of Learning
What it means: A good institution nurtures and sustains a healthy culture for learning. In a healthy culture, learners, parents, and educators feel connected to the purpose and work of the institution as well as behave in alignment with the stated values and norms. The institution also demonstrates evidence that reflects the mission, beliefs, and expectations of the institution (e.g., student work, physical appearance of the institution, participation in institution activities, parents' attendance at institution functions).
Keys to A Culture of Learning
A healthy culture is evidence where:
Stakeholders are actively engaged and supportive of the institution's mission
Learners' academic and non-academic needs and interests are the focal point
Stakeholders are included and supported
Leadership for Learning
What it means: The ability of a leader to provide leadership for learning is a key attribute of a good institution. Leaders who engage in their own learning while tangibly supporting the learning process for learners and teachers have a significant positive impact on the success of others. Leaders must also communicate the learning expectations for all learners and teachers, continuously, with consistency and purpose. The expectations are embedded in the culture of the institution, reflected by learners', teachers', and leaders' behaviors and attitudes toward learning.
Keys to Leadership for Learning
Leadership for learning is demonstrated when school leaders:
Communicate expectations for learning
Influence and impact the culture in positive ways
Model and engage in learning while supporting others to do so
Engagement of Learning
What it means: A good institution ensures that learners are engaged in the learning environment. Learners who are engaged in the learning environment participate with confidence and display agency over their own learning. A good institution adopts policies and engages in practices that support all learners being included in the learning process.
Keys to Engagement of Learning
Engagement is demonstrated when all learners
Are included in the learning process
Participate with confidence
Have agency over their own learning
Growth in Learning
What it means: A good institution positively impacts learners throughout their journey of learning. A positive impact on the learner is reflected in readiness to engage in and preparedness for the next transition in their learning. Growth in learning is also reflected in learners' ability to meet expectations in knowledge and skill acquisition.
Keys to Growth in Learning
Growth is evident when:
Learners possess non-academic skills that ensure readiness to learn
Learners' academic achievement reflects preparedness to learn
Learners attain knowledge and skills necessary to achieve goals for learning
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