Accreditation

Accreditation

Cognia defines continuous improvement as "an embedded behavior rooted in an institution's culture that constantly focuses on conditions, processes, and practices to improve teaching and learning." Accreditation and certification are continuous improvement processes that help an institution improve teaching and learning. The School District of Indian River County has earned system accreditation by Cognia™, a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers. Cognia, formerly AdvancED, nationally recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning environments, strategic resource allocation that meet the needs of learners, and effective leadership. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the system and all of its schools are accredited, and that the School District of Indian River County is recognized across the nation as a school system that meets Cognia Standards of Quality and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.

Cognia-award

Cognia Performance Standards

Cognia's standards and key characteristics are the foundation for continuous improvement—not just accreditation. These are the elements that should guide every educational institution to ensure high-quality teaching and learning and overall organizational effectiveness.

Performance Standards for K12 and Postsecondary Institutions

 

 Why Does Accreditation Matter?

SDIRC-Overview-of-System-Accreditation

STEM Certification

Using Cognia’s STEM Certification Standards, Osceola Magnet Elementary School (OMES) and Storm Grove Middle School (SGMS) examined its current effectiveness as well as its capacity and capability to achieve its vision and goals for the future of its STEM education model. OMES and SGMS successfully earned STEM Certification which demonstrates a strong and effective STEM focus. STEM certification from Cognia empowers each school to:

  • Convey to parents and staff your commitment to high-quality STEM education;
  • Build awareness in your community and increase expectations for STEM education; and
  • Encourage enrollment with a unique differentiator

Performance Standards for STEM

On September 11, 2023, the School District of Indian River County was awarded the Cognia Values-Driven Award of Excellence. This award is one of three state-level awards given by Cognia, and is presented to one education organization that systematically and systemically models the following values through their daily efforts to improve outcomes for their students:

  • Dream Big
  • Stand for the Learner
  • Be Bold and Daring
  • Drive Potential
  • Be Tenacious
  • Build Connections