Overview of the Accreditation Process

PHASE 1: INQUIRY AND SELECTION OF REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Institution or Program:

Sends an inquiry to the Commission office, which responds with an information packet that includes an Accreditation Handbook order form and the names and addresses of Review Committee Chairpersons.

Requests information from the Review Committee (or Committees) in which it is interested. Handbooks are ordered from the Commission and the Committee(s) Review.

Studies the handbooks and selects the Review Committee to which it will apply.

Completes the Review Committee application form and sends it with appropriate fees to: (1) the Commission office and (2) the Review Committee Chair person.

The Commission Office and the Review Committee Chair person acknowledge receipt of the application and fees. The Review Committee Chair person sends the institution/program a mailing list for evaluations of the Self-Study evalutors.

PHASE 2: SELF-STUDY AND REPORT

Approximately one year before achievement of accreditation is planned, the institution/program begins its Self-Study. The Self-Study is a cooperative effort which provides an opportunity examine the programs to identify strengthes and weeknesses, and to consider ways in which it might be improved. Review Committee materials guide the self-evaluation of each certification course within its institutional setting. The Self-Study Report is completed during this process, according to the format provided by the Review Committee. It is one of the major sources of substantiating information about elements of the institution/program in relation to the MACTE Essential Standards and Criteria. The final section of the report contains a qualitative self-assessment based on the institution's self-analysis and application of the Essential Standards and Criteria, concluding with changes anticipated to strengthen the program. The completed Self-Study Report is sent to the Review Committee for initial evaluation with regard to potential compliance with MACTE Commission and Review Committee standards. The institution/program receives written feedback from the Review Committee and has an opportunity to revise its Self-Study before official consideration occurs.

PHASE 3: ON-SITE EVALUATION

When the Review Committee determines that the institution's/program's documentation indicates potential compliance with MACTE Commission standards, an On-Site Evaluation is scheduled. A key procedure in the accreditation process, the On-Site Evaluation is a visit (of at least 2 1/2 days) to the Montessori certification program-in-process by a team of professionals representing the Review Committee. The On-Site Evaluation Team (OSET) aims to achieve a comprehensive view of the institution/program and its courses, validate or clarify the contents of the Self-Study Report, assess the quality of the institution/program in terms of its compliance with Commission and Review Committee standards, assess ethical and educational principles, and provide a written report of their evaluation to the institution/program and its Review Committee. After giving an oral report of their evaluation to the administration, the OSET provides a written report within two to four weeks. The insitution/program then has a 30-day period in which to respond to the report.

PHASE 4: DECISION

All documentation is evaluated by the Review Committee, which deliberates and makes a decision with regard to its recommendation to the MACTE Commission on Accreditation. At least 30 days prior to the next scheduled Commission meeting, the institution/program sends a copy of its Self-Study to the Commission office and to an assigned members of the Commission. At its meeting, the Commission studies the documentation and makes a decision (1) to support the recommendation of the Review Committee, OR (2) to return the case to the Review Committee with written recommendations. The institution/program and the Review Committee are notified of the Commission decision within 30 days of the meeting. Procedures for reconsideration and appeal are provided in the event of a negative status decision.

PHASE 5: RENEWAL

The maximum term of accreditation from the MACTE Commission is seven (7) years. At least one year before its term ends, the institution/program must again complete the Self-Study and On-Site Evaluation process as described above, and be reconsidered by its Review Committee and the MACTE Commission.