Accreditation
Pathways Academy Charter School Adult Education is a candidate for Accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
What is WASC?
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six regional associations, which accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. Regional accreditation began about 100 years ago and arose from a desire on the part of educational institutions to establish standards of quality.
Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process, which plays an important role in developing and maintaining the high quality of education in this country.
The Western Association is the newest of the six regional accrediting associations. It was formed in 1962 by an amalgamation of several accrediting agencies. There are three Commissions in the Association, which work with institutions at different levels.
What Does Accreditation Mean?
Accreditation certifies to other educational institutions, and to the general public, that an institution meets established criteria or standards and is achieving its own stated objectives. County Collaborative meets these objectives.
WASC and the other five regional associations in the United States grant "institutional accreditation" after a comprehensive self-study followed by an on-site evaluation of the programs and services of the total institution. This means that all diploma or degree programs and educational activities offered by the institution are covered by the institution's accreditation.
The evaluation determines whether or not the institution qualifies for regional recognition. More importantly, periodic self-study and review promote improvement in educational quality and institutional effectiveness.
