How about NPSAG ???
Bakz
http://www.npsag.com/accreditation.html
Please review this statement. Quote:
"In 1985, several private school accrediting organizations worked with the
U.S.
Department of Education's Office of Private Education in seeking Federal
recognition of their accrediting programs. However, the Department's General
ruled "there was not statutory authority for the Department to recognize any
elementary through secondary accrediting agencies, including regional
associations
who accredit public schools."
Therefore, requests for information about the current accredited status of a
specific
private school or its accrediting organization should be directed to the
private school
staff or its designated accrediting agency.
Requests for information concerning the acceptance of the accredited status
of a
specific private school and the acceptance of its diplomas, transcripts and
transfer
credits for any given purpose should be directed to the entity that seeks to
rely upon
that accredited status for its own stated purposes. The accrediting agency
operates
under the same freedoms of the United States Constitution as does the
Private
School Industry and the Students freedom of choice of Education
Alternatives."
Any comments ?
John Bear
high schools as well as colleges and universities.
Bakz
"John Bear" <jo...@ursa.net> wrote in message
news:3E0F95F1...@ursa.net...
> The simple fact is that all of the six regional accrediting agencies
accredit
> high schools as well as colleges and universities.
>
Albeit, the regional bodies do accredit secondary institutions also, but not
all. NPSAG claims to only accredit private secondary and pre-secondary
schools. Is this a viable claim, given that they are not recognized by the
US DoEd?
Randy Harris
have signs out front that say accredited by the North Central Regional
Accreditation Association.
--
Randy Harris
"John Bear" <jo...@ursa.net> wrote in message
news:3E0F95F1...@ursa.net...
Bakz
a viable accreditting Agency for secondary / pre-secondary instituitions? It
appears apparent that they are recognized by a few states. However, are they
legit? I'd like to know.
"Randy Harris" <randy....@nospam.net> wrote in message
news:vJOP9.10600$4j5.6...@newssvr28.news.prodigy.com...
Tish Wolfe
news:IDGQ9.9085$3j5.2489773161@twister2.starband.net...
> Yes it is common knowledge that the Regionals also accredit HS. But is
NPSAG
> a viable accreditting Agency for secondary / pre-secondary instituitions?
It
> appears apparent that they are recognized by a few states. However, are
they
> legit? I'd like to know.
Recognized by a few states? Such as ??? I haven't scoured their website, but
I see no reference to being recognized by any states. They say "NPSAG
ACCREDITATION IS NATIONAL RATHER THAN REGIONAL, STATE OR ETHNIC"
Are they viable? As long as they can sucker - ah, persuade - people to buy
their publications and pay their fees, the organization will survive.
But you may have meant whether their accreditation has any meaning. I doubt
it. Looks to me as if they claim to serve private schools from preschool
through grade 12 -- oh, but they'll also accredit a long list that includes
just about any kind of educational entity you could think of. But wait!
They'll also provide a transcript service. And teacher certification! Now
how much would you pay?
Bakz
news:pTNQ9.527432$P31.174355@rwcrnsc53...
>
> Recognized by a few states? Such as ???
Apparently they accredit some schools in Florida, Colorado and NC.
> I haven't scoured their website, but
> I see no reference to being recognized by any states. They say "NPSAG
> ACCREDITATION IS NATIONAL RATHER THAN REGIONAL, STATE OR ETHNIC"
>
> Are they viable? As long as they can sucker - ah, persuade - people to buy
> their publications and pay their fees, the organization will survive.
>
> But you may have meant whether their accreditation has any meaning. I
doubt
> it. Looks to me as if they claim to serve private schools from preschool
> through grade 12 -- oh, but they'll also accredit a long list that
includes
> just about any kind of educational entity you could think of.
I don't see that. All I have found is high school and elementary.
> But wait!
> They'll also provide a transcript service. And teacher certification!
Well, transcript service isn't too unlikely by a viable accreditor. But,
Teacher Certification? Well, they are not listed in the Eric Databases
either: http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed437367.html
Reviewing the old WWW. I find a lot of references to this "Group." But
nothing on the DoEd site. What will happen to these young students when they
graduate? Will they have to do the GED thing. Will they be able to go to a
College, or into the Military?
> Now how much would you pay?
Hopefully nothing. This is fishy don't you think?
http://www.npsag.com
Tish Wolfe
> Apparently they accredit some schools in Florida, Colorado and NC.
authorize NPSAG. I can say that I personally accredit Joe's Driving School
in Florida, and Joe can advertise that I accredit him, and it means nada.
On their home page -- in small print -- they say:
"NPSAG is dedicated to serving the needs of the Independent, (Non-Public),
Private School Industry in the United States who teach Students in grades
ranging from Preschool through High School. NPSAG also Accredits some Post
Secondary and Technical Programs. NPSAG Accredits Preparatory Schools,
Academies, Tutoring & Learning Centers, Military Schools, Boarding Schools,
Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, High
Schools, Preschools, Religious Schools, Exceptional Schools and the like.
NPSAG welcomes All Private Schools who are primarily funded through
Privately Paid Tuition and do not largely utilize public tax dollars for
their support."
What would they *not* accredit?
> Well, transcript service isn't too unlikely by a viable accreditor.
It isn't? Can you name one accrediting association recognized by the U.S.
Dept of Education that offers a transcript service?
What do you mean by "viable" accreditor? I've heard of accrediting
associations being either recognized or not recognized by the U.S. Dept of
Education; I haven't seen them sorted into "viable" and non-viable.
Bakz
> "Bakz" <bake...@starband.net> wrote in message
> news:FfPQ9.9261$Ch4.255...@twister2.starband.net...
> > Apparently they accredit some schools in Florida, Colorado and NC.
> That doesn't mean that Florida, Colorado, and NC "recognize" or in any way
> authorize NPSAG.
I have to differ here: They are listed and easily located on the Non-Public
Education sites for 2 of those 3 states.
Florida: http://www.firn.edu/doe/choice/accredit.htm
(notice Florida uses the NPSAA monicker).
Colorado: National Private School Association Group
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeedserv/nonpublic_resources.htm
(notice the Atlanta address).
I cannot find them on the Georgia or NC sites, they obviously operate there.
We could find other States where they are just as easily recognized, I'm
sure.
>
> I can say that I personally accredit Joe's Driving School
> in Florida, and Joe can advertise that I accredit him, and it means nada.
>
That's because Candadiens can't drive. Now, if it were Joe's Dog Sled
Driving School ... :>)
> On their home page -- in small print -- they say:
> "NPSAG is dedicated to serving the needs of the Independent, (Non-Public),
> Private School Industry in the United States who teach Students in grades
> ranging from Preschool through High School. NPSAG also Accredits some Post
> Secondary and Technical Programs. NPSAG Accredits Preparatory Schools,
> Academies, Tutoring & Learning Centers, Military Schools, Boarding
Schools,
> Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools,
High
> Schools, Preschools, Religious Schools, Exceptional Schools and the like.
> NPSAG welcomes All Private Schools who are primarily funded through
> Privately Paid Tuition and do not largely utilize public tax dollars for
> their support."
>
> What would they *not* accredit?
>
Public schools obviously.
> > Well, transcript service isn't too unlikely by a viable accreditor.
>
> It isn't? Can you name one accrediting association recognized by the U.S.
> Dept of Education that offers a transcript service?
>
SACS has done so on my behalf when my high school closed (Gordon High in
Decatur, GA). I'll assume that the other regionals do also. The DETC and
ACICS offer transcript services. Although not accreditors, ACE and the
Chauncey Group offer transcript services. Mills frequently advertise
"transcript" services. Simply because an organization publicly offers such
service does not void their legitimacy (nor define it).
What does raise an eyebrow is the fact that they certify teachers. Teacher
certification is not required in private schools. Why kick a dead horse?
> What do you mean by "viable" accreditor?
Acronyms for viable - practicable, possible, feasible
Websters - capable of working, functioning, or developing adequately
>
> I've heard of accrediting associations being either recognized or not
recognized by the U.S. Dept of
> Education; I haven't seen them sorted into "viable" and non-viable.
>
I'll accept this as an excellent definition of "viable" as it applies to
accreditation. It is exactly what I meant. Still, we are not talking higher
education here. The CHEA guidelines we adhere to simply do not apply. I
always assumed that the DoEd rule applied to secondary and pre-secondary
education also. So my question remains unresolved ...
Tish, I'm not trying to argue the merits of RA versus any other
accreditation as it applies to secondary education. It is common knowledge
that the RAs accredit high schools. Obviously the issue is that NPSAG/NPSAA
accredits high schools throughout the US. What will happen to these
students? Will they be allowed to continue their education at an accredited
post-secondary institution?
I'd really like to know. Honestly, I would.
Is a solely NPSAG accredited High School a "viable" alternative for the DL
student?
Yours,
Bakz
Tish Wolfe
> I have to differ here: They are listed and easily located on the
Non-Public
> Education sites for 2 of those 3 states.
> Florida: http://www.firn.edu/doe/choice/accredit.htm
> (notice Florida uses the NPSAA monicker).
"Private schools operate as businesses or churches and are regulated
accordingly. They are not licensed, approved, accredited or regulated as
schools by the state. Accreditation is not a state function and state law
does not require that private schools be accredited. There is no provision
for state recognition of the various agencies that accredit private schools.
"
Seems clear from this statement that Florida specifically does NOT recognize
NPSAG or any of the other agencies/associations that it lists.
> Colorado: National Private School Association Group
> http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeedserv/nonpublic_resources.htm
And the text at the top of this page includes: "The Colorado Department of
Education does not endorse any particular group or organization but provides
these contacts strictly as an informational service to those interested in
private schools."
Can you cite any instance in which a state agency says that the state
recognizes or authorizes NPSAG ?
> > What would they *not* accredit?
> Public schools obviously.
You'd think so. However, I know of at least one instance in which NPSAG
solicited a state university high school diploma program.
> SACS has done so [provided transcript service] on my behalf when my high
school closed (Gordon High in
> Decatur, GA). I'll assume that the other regionals do also. The DETC and
> ACICS offer transcript services. Although not accreditors, ACE and the
> Chauncey Group offer transcript services. Mills frequently advertise
> "transcript" services. Simply because an organization publicly offers such
> service does not void their legitimacy (nor define it).
I'll agree with you on this one. I found ACE's info at
http://www.acenet.edu/calec/corporate/registries-coll.cfm -- it seems to be
limited to courses and training that have been evaluated for ACE credit. I
haven't found information on transcript services from other regional
associations. Do they offer this as an ongoing service to existing schools,
or provide it only when a school has closed?
> > What do you mean by "viable" accreditor?
> > Acronyms for viable - practicable, possible, feasible
Yes, but does this have any legal meaning? Does it have any meaning in the
context of the U.S. accreditation system? I think not -- the acid test for
accrediting associations in the U.S. is whether they are recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education.
...
> Tish, I'm not trying to argue the merits of RA versus any other
> accreditation as it applies to secondary education. It is common knowledge
> that the RAs accredit high schools. Obviously the issue is that
NPSAG/NPSAA
> accredits high schools throughout the US. What will happen to these
> students? Will they be allowed to continue their education at an
accredited
> post-secondary institution?
I don't know what will happen to students at schools accredited by NPSAG.
Could a student from, say, The Grace Academy (which states it is
provisionally accredited by NPSAG --
http://www.thegraceacademy.org/entrance/ ) gain admittance at an accredited
college or university? One from the J.P. Igloo Academy? (
http://www.jpigloo.com/Academy.html ) Green Pastures Academy lists several
school names under the heading "College Acceptance" --
http://www.green1004.org/academy/his.htm -- but says nothing about
numbers/percentage accepted. My guess is that NPSAG accreditation would be
at best a non-issue in college acceptance. The colleges would be more likely
to consider other factors -- SAT and ACT scores, the application essay, etc.
> Is a solely NPSAG accredited High School a "viable" alternative for the DL
> student?
I'd say that it could be -- but this would have *nothing* to do with the
NPSAG accreditation. Note that Green Pastures, for example, has a contract
with the Los Angeles County Office of Education and a Private School
Affidavit with the California Department of Education.
Bakz
> "Bakz" <bake...@starband.net> wrote in message
> news:_n8R9.9558$As2.267...@twister2.starband.net...
> > I have to differ here: They are listed and easily located on the
> Non-Public
> > Education sites for 2 of those 3 states.
> > Florida: http://www.firn.edu/doe/choice/accredit.htm
> > (notice Florida uses the NPSAA monicker).
> And this page of that website says:
> "Private schools operate as businesses or churches and are regulated
> accordingly. They are not licensed, approved, accredited or regulated as
> schools by the state. Accreditation is not a state function and state law
> does not require that private schools be accredited. There is no provision
> for state recognition of the various agencies that accredit private
schools.
> "
Hmmmm. Very similar to NPSAG's own statement.
> Seems clear from this statement that Florida specifically does NOT
recognize
> NPSAG or any of the other agencies/associations that it lists.
>
Including SACS? Which is also on that list.
> > Colorado: National Private School Association Group
> > http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeedserv/nonpublic_resources.htm
> And the text at the top of this page includes: "The Colorado Department of
> Education does not endorse any particular group or organization but
provides
> these contacts strictly as an informational service to those interested in
> private schools."
>
> Can you cite any instance in which a state agency says that the state
> recognizes or authorizes NPSAG ?
>
No I cannot, nor any other accreditor for that matter.
> > > What would they *not* accredit?
> > Public schools obviously.
>
> You'd think so. However, I know of at least one instance in which NPSAG
> solicited a state university high school diploma program.
>
Where? Is that info available on the Web?
> > SACS has done so [provided transcript service] on my behalf when my high
> school closed (Gordon High in
> > Decatur, GA). I'll assume that the other regionals do also. The DETC and
> > ACICS offer transcript services. Although not accreditors, ACE and the
> > Chauncey Group offer transcript services. Mills frequently advertise
> > "transcript" services. Simply because an organization publicly offers
such
> > service does not void their legitimacy (nor define it).
>
> I'll agree with you on this one. I found ACE's info at
> http://www.acenet.edu/calec/corporate/registries-coll.cfm -- it seems to
be
> limited to courses and training that have been evaluated for ACE credit. I
> haven't found information on transcript services from other regional
> associations. Do they offer this as an ongoing service to existing
schools,
> or provide it only when a school has closed?
>
I don't know. In my situation, it was simply a locator service. I'm sure
SACS merely pointed my collegiate advisor to the correct GA archive. I was
stationed over seas and involved with a Military Education Counselor who was
assisting with my enrollment and acceptance. I did not know that my High
School had been closed for several years. However, please keep in mind,
Gordon and SACS are coincidentally in the same city. It was an easy place to
start.
> > > What do you mean by "viable" accreditor?
> > > Acronyms for viable - practicable, possible, feasible
> Yes, but does this have any legal meaning? Does it have any meaning in the
> context of the U.S. accreditation system? I think not -- the acid test for
> accrediting associations in the U.S. is whether they are recognized by the
> U.S. Department of Education.
>
Absolutely true, in the context of Higher Education. Again, No argument
there.
I think you are right.
sharonk...@gmail.com
lauri...@hallacademy.org
> So what did anyone find out? The application fee is about $2500.
We have spent 6 months preparing our documentation and support and are ready for our site visit. However, for over 3 weeks, we have not been able to make any contact- either by email or phone. Of course, they have already been paid and we are afraid we are now duped. I am holding out hope that there is something else going on.
FYI- they are recognized by the State Department, which seemed very legitimate to us as we are hoping to bring over International Students.
Also, since private school teachers are not required to be certified, the fact that they offer a program that teaches these professionals how to develop lesson, unit and overall curricular plans as well as teaching management and discipline techniques demonstrated to us that they were in fact deeply concerned with appropriate teacher knowledge. This was a plus for us, not a red flag.
Yet, as I say, we have been unable to get any return contact for over 3 weeks. We are running short on time for some other filings and are now concerned for our upcoming year. Has anyone else experienced issues?
