I recently completed my first on-site accreditation visit as a member of an evaluation team with the Council of International Schools (CIS). Finally getting a chance to have this experience, I now understand why so many educators consider these visits to be among the most valuable professional development experiences. They provide not only a chance to contribute to a school’s growth and continuous improvement but also an opportunity to observe how different institutions craft learning experiences that cater to their unique student populations. I’d like to share five takeaways from this visit that I will carry forward with me on future visits, along with the painting above, which a student at the school created and presented to me at the end of the visit.
Keep in mind where the school wants to go
At the heart of any accreditation visit is the school’s guiding statements. This vision serves as the school’s guiding star—its finish line. An evaluator’s role is to assess not just where the school is now but where it is headed and how it plans to get there. By consistently referring back to this vision, evaluators can better understand how evidence gathered before and during the visit fits into the larger narrative of continuous improvement. This lens allows for more relevant feedback to be provided that helps guide schools on the next steps toward their aspirations and goals.
Learning space matters
Some of the first observations – and impressions – an evaluator makes during a visit relate to the physical space and campus layout. But how does that space contribute to the learning experience? From classrooms to hallways, and even outdoor areas, every part of the school campus has a role to play. Are the spaces conducive to collaboration and creativity? Does the environment encourage wellness and balance? What is the atmosphere during lunch or break times? When we observe how the physical space supports both academic learning and student well-being, we gain valuable insights into how a school’s environment influences student success.
Child protection and safety
Keeping kids safe is arguably the most important thing a school can do. Safeguarding and child protection are not just important—they are essential. During a CIS visit, evaluators assess the strength of a school’s safeguarding measures as one of the four key drivers of the evaluation process. As external visitors, we often have a fresh perspective that can uncover potential gaps in physical safety or policy implementation. By identifying areas for improvement, evaluators can offer schools valuable recommendations that help enhance their safeguarding protocols and, ultimately, ensure the safety of every child.
Reaching the needs of every learner
Schools can be made up of students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, each with their own unique learning needs. As evaluators, it’s crucial to approach each school’s context with an open mind, ready to explore how it is meeting the needs of its diverse learners. This includes not only academic differentiation but also an understanding of the cultural and community-specific nuances that shape each student’s learning journey. Through classroom observations and conversations throughout the visit, evaluators gain a deeper understanding of how schools are adapting their curricula and instructional methods to serve all learners—an experience that evaluators can take back to their own school communities.
Networking
One of the most rewarding takeaways of these visits is the opportunity to collaborate with fellow international educators who share a commitment to growth and improvement. Throughout the visit, evaluators demonstrate unique perspectives and expertise, which sparks invaluable discussions and professional learning for the entire evaluation team. These experiences broaden understandings and can help strengthen the impact evaluators have in their own communities, all of this while simultaneously strengthening professional networks. In the international education community, these connections are a vital part of our ongoing growth and development.
Ultimately, accreditation is about much more than the title—it’s a reflection of a school’s commitment to continued growth and self-reflection. Earning accreditation (or re-accreditation) is a significant milestone for every school community to celebrate, but the true impact is on the students and the quality of the learning experiences they receive.
Mark Dominguez 