Standards-based Approach
Advance school improvement guided by forward-thinking, learner-centric performance standards.
Best-in-class roadmap for excellence in education
Cognia research-based performance standards are created with the end in mind: ensuring high-quality learning. They define the practices for excellence and are central to all that we do—from accreditation to school and system improvement to turnaround.
Every six years Cognia reviews our standards to ensure they are viable and relevant to education in today’s world. They are developed based on environmental scans, rating data from member institutions, current research, and innovative educational practices. The process includes multiple peer and external reviews before being approved by Cognia’s Global Accreditation Commission.
Innovation and improvement for institutional success
These characteristics serve as our model for identifying and discussing PreK–12 school and system quality. When your education institution works with Cognia for accreditation, certification, or other continuous improvement, your stakeholders can be assured that learners benefit from a high-quality education recognized around the globe.
Culture of Learning
The institution’s focus on the challenges, joys, and opportunities for learning, and the coherence with its mission and vision
Leadership for Learning
The responsibility of an institution’s leaders to influence and impact all aspects of the institution in positive ways
Engagement of Learning
The inclusion of all learners in the learning process, and their development of confidence and love of learning
Growth in Learning
The growth of learners in the programs and curricula provided by the institution and their readiness to successfully transition to next levels of learning
Standards grounded in concepts that support student learning
The current performance standards stimulate thinking about schooling with significant new concepts and characteristics while building on the prior version to support ongoing improvement.
Learner-centered
Cognia’s new standards focus on the learner, describing the impact on the learning journey of processes and practices, which reflect the performance of the institution. Further, the standards emphasize student voice and agency.
Demonstration of equity
Cognia standards emphasize the expectation of fairness for all. We have always believed that students learn best in an environment where cultural differences are embraced and where no boundaries confine a student’s potential.
Learner well-being
Learning depends on more than skilled instruction. Institutions must address multiple aspects of learners’ circumstances and environment so that every learner can grow.