The Accreditation Services in the USA Assignment

The Accreditation Services in the USA - Assignment Example The process of accrediting helps to promote as well as uphold this unique function of higher education. There are quite a number of associations which offer the accreditation services. However, this essay will discuss and compare two accreditation associations; the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. To be qualified for Initial Accreditation or Reaffirming of Accreditation as well as the Candidacy status, the MSCHE states that institutions of higher education have to and continue to abide by the following requirements: 2. The institution has to provide written documents that it has the authority of operating as an educational institution as well as award postsecondary degrees through the right governmental organization in the Middle States Region. 4. Commit itself to periodic self-evaluation, institutional improvement and a continuous compliance with the standards set by the Commission as well as its decisions, procedures, and policies (WASC Handbook of Accreditation, 2001). Based on the results of the institutional review by colleagues and peers chosen by the Commission, accreditation proves to the finding of the Higher Education Commission that a given institution has confirmed to the following criteria: 1. Organization for student learning: this involves issues such as whether the institution has set up a clear and purposeful statement which reflects the philosophy and the beliefs of the institution. It also rotates on whether the governing authority has adopted policies which are in line with the goals of the school. 2. Curriculum and Instruction: This involves such issues as to whether the school has the capacity to provide a coherent, relevant and challenging curriculum for every student who meets the purposes of the school.