Criteria for accreditation of Islamic schools in North America. These
standards represent the basis for determining whether or not each member
school will be eligible for accreditation.
These standards are derived from general standards of accreditation published
and distributed by the following educational organizations:
1. Association of Christian Schools International
2. Council for American Private Education
3. National Association of Independent Schools
4. National Catholic Educational Association
5. National Council of Independent Schools
6. National Independent Private School Association
7. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
8. United States National Conference
CLASSIFICATION
1. For purposes of accreditation the following classification system for
each category of Islamic schools has been established:
a. full-time Pre-K and/or Nursery Schools
b. full-time Elementary Schools
c. full-time Secondary Schools
d. Boarding Schools
e. Colleges and Universities
2. We are concerned with the full-time Pre-K through University schools
with professional staffs, teachers and administrators. We are keeping in
mind the configuration of our student and community population so that we
are prepared to become a comprehensive accrediting body as the school demographics
change.
3. The accrediting process requires a standing body within CISNA to deal
with the ongoing process of accreditation in order to provide for the necessary
continuity.
4. Many Islamic schools are already accredited in their local or state jurisdictions.
We have created for them an accelerated means of receiving accreditation
that doesn't compromise our Islamic goals and objectives.
ACCREDITATION STATUS OF FULL-TIME ISLAMIC SCHOOLS
For accreditation purposes full-time Islamic schools shall go through a
two-phase accreditation process:
Phase I: (Pending Applications)
Schools must practice the most excellent of Islamic values.
Schools must have been operating for at least two consecutive years.
Schools must submit a written application including the following and other
information: grade span of school, student population summary, fee and tuition
schedule, evidence of compliance with all accreditation criteria outlined
by CISNA.
Schools must agree to conduct a self-study of the total school program within
two years of the initial application (self-study materials will be provided
by CISNA)
Phase II: (Fully Accredited Schools)
Schools must agree to conduct a self-study which will be reviewed by our
accreditation team. The self-study will include the schools Purpose and
Goals, Organization and Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction and Learning
Methodologies, Student Services and Activities, School Staff Survey, Parent
and Community Survey, Facility Survey, and Finance Survey.
The CISNA Accreditation Team will schedule and make an on-site visit at
each school.
CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION
A school shall be measured on the basis of the degree to which it is accomplishing
the purposes and functions outlined in its own statement of Purpose and
Goals, Objectives and on the appropriateness of those purposes and functions
for an institution of its type. In addition, the school must give evidence
of adequately carrying out its mission by meeting the following criteria
which are established as general guidelines to determine the effectiveness
of the schools educational program and services.
Criterion #1
The school must have a statement of philosophy, approved in writing, by
the governing body of the school and that does not conflict with Al-Quran
and As-Sunnah. This statement of philosophy and goals shall serve as the
governing document of the school and its programs.
The statement should be expressed clearly; it should represent the thinking
of the teaching staff, student body, parents, and community; and it should
reflect the individual character of the school, indicating its special purposes.
Criterion #2
The school shall have a clearly defined organizational structure showing
how the goals and objectives of the governing document are to be carried
out. This structure should specify the functions of the administrator, the
functions of the Board of Directors, the roles of staff and students, and
limits to their authority and responsibility. This can be satisfied with
an accurate organizational chart. The school should have a full-time administrator.
Legal organizational documentation is necessary. Policies and procedures
for hiring, assignment and retention of all personnel is required. A non-discrimination
statement must be included.
Other important documentation needs to include:
how the school selects students; the schedule of the school day/school year
(minimum of 180 days); and procedures for granting credits, graduation,
academic units; accurate record keeping and reports regarding students and
staff; school records of educational experiences on a students transcripts;
tuition and fees; procedures by which school policies are determined, implemented,
and revised; the person responsible for educational leadership.
Criterion #3
A curricular program, with written description of all subjects taught, should
be available. This program must be consistent with the school's goals and
student needs, abilities and interests.
There should be adequate instructional resources to implement the curriculum.
Responsibility for leadership in curriculum development and supervision
must be demonstrated.
Faculty, student and parent input into the curriculum and its assessment
must be demonstrated. For example, there must be at least one workshop each
semester dedicated to discussing the current curriculum and its advantages/
disadvantages for those enrolled.
Performance objectives in each curriculum subject must be written.
Curriculum guides must be available to staff and parents.
There must be evidence of an ongoing curriculum evaluation process.
Criterion #4
Each staff member must have the necessary qualifications and skills needed
to meet the educational objectives of the school program.
Methods of faculty qualification, selection, orientation and evaluation
must be demonstrated.
Teachers and other staff personnel must be given written job descriptions,
contracts, and an employee Policies and Procedures Manual.
All Staff must meet the standard requirements of the positions which they
hold.
Criterion #5
Programs and expectations of students must be clearly defined so that the
family being served can make an informed choice about the school.
The school should have a clearly defined admissions and withdrawal policy.
The school should have a uniform testing program which yields data, quantitative
and qualitative, for interpretation by instructional staff, parents and
students.
The school should have a policy of expected behavior and disciplinary guidelines.
The school should have a health policy.
The school should have emergency procedures.
The school should have a mechanism for diagnosing student learning abilities/styles.
The school should be in compliance with laws regarding disclosure.
The school should have a transportation policy.
The school should have a food service policy.
The school should have a policy concerning extra-curricular activities.
The school should have a guidance/counseling policy.
Criterion #6
The school should have a parent/community organization with a defined structure
that represents the concerns of the school service population.
The parent/community organization should be involved in evaluating the school's
programs.
There should be official school communication with the parent/ community
organization on a regular basis.
Criterion #7
School facilities must be located and constructed in a manner which provides
an environment conducive to learning.
School facilities must ensure the health and safety of those served.
School facilities must be appropriate for use as an educational facility.
There must be adequate space in rooms designated for each school activity
or function such as classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, storage facilities,
etc.
Facilities must be regularly inspected by local fire and health officials
and properly insured.
A school maintenance plan must be in effect that includes designated daily
housekeeping tasks, supplies and equipment and a schedule for completion
of major repairs.
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