Cognia (education)

Cognia is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools throughout the United States and internationally.[1] Founded in 2006, Cognia represents more than 36,000 institutions with a total of 25 million students and 5 million educators in about 80 counties.

Not to be confused with the British software company formerly called Advanced Computer Software.

Cognia
Non-profit organization
FoundedApril 2, 2006 (2006-04-02)
HeadquartersAlpharetta, Georgia
Tempe, Arizona
Websitewww.cognia.org

Background

Formerly known as AdvancED, the new name comes from the Latin word cognitio, which means knowledge. The non-profit said the name reflects the nonprofit’s belief that knowledge is the key to helping people reach their aspirations—regardless of circumstance or background.

Membership

Cognia reported that it served more than 36,000 institutions globally with a total of 25 million students and 5 million educators in about 80 counties.[2]

The organization has headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia and Tempe, Arizona

History

Cognia was formed as AdvancED in 2006 by the consolidation of the pre-college divisions of two of the U.S. regional accreditation organizations: the Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA CASI), and the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS CASI). In 2012 the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) joined AdvancED. AdvancED merged with Measured Progress in 2018 and the organization rebranded as Cognia in 2019.[3][4]

Criteria for accreditation

Cognia accreditation represents the unified policies and procedures for accreditation and certification from its Accreditation Divisions:

  • North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)
  • Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)

NCA CASI, SACS CASI, and NWAC comprise three of the six regionally recognized K-12 accrediting bodies and together have been accrediting institutions for 125 years.

Cognia has standards and processes that conform to conditions specific to Charter School Authorizers, Corporations, Digital Learning, Early Learning, Education Service Agencies, Postsecondary Schools, Special Purpose, and Systems.

In order to earn accreditation through Cognia, education providers must meet certain accreditation performance standards, assurances, and policies. [5]

Education providers must also demonstrate quality assurance through internal and engagement reviews and engage in continuous improvement.

References
  1. Nelms, Ben (October 3, 2010). "All 31 Coweta Schools to Get Another 5-Year Accreditation". The Citizen. Fayette, GA. Retrieved October 6, 2010.
  2. "Cognia's the new name of former Measured Progress". NH Business Review. August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  3. Schaffhauser, By Dian; 07/17/18. "AdvancED and Measured Progress Merging -". THE Journal. Retrieved August 14, 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. "Cognia – Nebraska Department of Education". webcache.googleusercontent.com. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
  5. https://www.cognia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Accreditation-and-Certification-Policies.pdf


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