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Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS)
The Northwest Association of Accredited Schools,
formerly known as the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher
Schools, was formed as a voluntary organization in 1917 by 25
secondary schools and eight higher institutions in four northwestern
states. By June 2005, this membership increased to 1,709. Presently, the
organization functions in seven states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah and Washington and in several foreign countries around the
world.
What does accreditation mean?
When NAAS accredits a school, it is certifying that the school has met
the prescribed quantitative and qualitative standards of the Association, within the terms
of the school's own stated mission and beliefs. It is also certifying
that the school has undergone a self-study and validation by an outside
team of peers, upon application for membership, and once every six
years thereafter. Each member school must also be involved in a
continual school improvement process (SIP) that must be reported as part
of the school's peer-reviewed oral progress report to the
Association.
Accredited schools are members of one of the nation's six regional
accrediting associations. Being an accredited association member
implies that the school subscribes to a process of voluntary
self-regulation that is a constructive experience designed to improve
the quality of that member school.
Membership Benefits
Accreditation is an important aspect of school effectiveness.
Accreditation in Washington state is closely aligned to the School
Improvement Process of the Office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction (OSPI) and the School Improvement Plan (SIP) required by the
State Board of Education.
In addition to the intrinsic benefits that the school
receives, the public also obtains the following assurances:
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Regional Accreditation assures transferability of credits among
other regionally accredited schools.
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Citizens are assured of accountability and value for their tax
dollars in light of the fact that their school is meeting
regional standards.
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The community in general is more attractive to prospective incoming
families and businesses when it can be reported that its schools are
accredited.
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Accreditation assures the public that an outgoing process of
evaluation will be a permanent feature of school improvement
practices.
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Through school, the public can receive information regularly on the
extent to which their school is meeting standards.
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Accreditation provides general justification for public confidence
in a member school. It does not affirm that the school is perfect in all
aspects, but it does promise that the school has the resources,
leadership and vitality needed for ongoing improvement.
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Accreditation gives evidence to its public that the school is
meeting expectations and fulfilling standards that transcend local and state
requirements.
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Accreditation assures that other schools, colleges and universities
will accept student credits.
Schools in Washington state accredited through
NAAS
Secondary schools in Washington state not accredited
through NAAS
Questions regarding membership may be made directly to Joe Pope, NAAS
executive secretary, at 800.562.6100 or accreditation@awsp.org
Additional Information:
For the information below, schools will be contacted by their
consultant to schedule exact dates.
These schedules will be available the first week of
September 2008 by clicking on the links below.
NAAS Consultant Contact Information:
| NAAS, accreditation, school, Northwest Association of Accredited Schools |
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P (360) 357-7951 or (800) 562-6100 
