CIS Accreditation: What's in it for the school community?
CIS Accreditation: What's in it for the school community?
Tala Qudah Al-Ra'ed Al-Arabi School




By Tala Qudah, Al-Ra'ed Al-Arabi School

 

When I first joined an international school in Amman, Jordan, in 2019, the school was in the midst of a transformative journey to achieve CIS International Accreditation. During this process, I witnessed tremendous improvements across all aspects of the school. The CIS International Accreditation is a rigorous process that requires schools to meet high standards in various areas and promote ongoing growth and improvement.

In this blog post, I share my perspective on the numerous benefits and added value that the CIS International Accreditation process brings to our school community.

  • Improved quality of learning: We found that this accreditation ensures our school has the resources, programs, and processes to provide high-quality learning to students. We’ve experienced ongoing support and guidance to help us continuously improve and maintain our standards. It all leads to an environment that prepares students for life beyond our school.
     
  • Increased credibility and recognition: Achieving accreditation from a reputable organization like the Council of International Schools (CIS) is a powerful signal to the world that our school is committed to educational excellence. Our accreditation demonstrates that our school has met rigorous standards and is recognized as a high-quality institution. Our increased credibility can be beneficial for students when applying to universities, as many higher education institutions worldwide recognize CIS International Accreditation.
     
  • Improved reputation: It has enhanced our school's reputation in the local and international community, making it a more attractive option for families looking for high-quality education and for educators and administrators looking for a work environment with international standards.
     
  • Enhanced school culture and community: It’s a comprehensive process that brings together our various stakeholders, including administrators, educators, staff, parents, and students. This process fostered a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement, which positively impacted the school community as a whole. Accreditation also provided an opportunity for our school to reflect on its strengths and weaknesses, which helped to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall school experience for the whole school community.
     
  • There is one more important aspect to consider—professional development. CIS International Accreditation urges ongoing professional development for educators, administrators, and staff to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date and in line with the latest best practices in education. It benefits the individuals involved and helps to improve our school's overall quality and better prepare our students for the future.

Overall, obtaining CIS International Accreditation has been a valuable investment and a powerful tool that can help our school achieve our mission and vision and provide a top-notch education to our students. It is definitely a journey worth undertaking!

Having experienced the positive outcomes and reaped the benefits of CIS International Accreditation firsthand, I decided to become a CIS volunteer Evaluator.

Illustration of people climbing books, helping each other up, for success at the top

Being a CIS Evaluator provides me with a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world of international education. Evaluators play a critical role in the accreditation process, helping schools to achieve and maintain high standards of educational quality. Here are the reasons why I wanted to become a CIS Evaluator.

  • Make an impact: As a CIS Evaluator, I have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students, educators, and the broader school community at my own school and the schools I support in the Evaluator role. I know my work will help schools to continuously improve and provide a high-quality education to their students. It is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, knowing that I am making a positive difference in the world of education.
     
  • Develop professionally: Becoming a CIS Evaluator provided me with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Evaluators can expand their knowledge of best practices in international education, develop new skills, and collaborate with like-minded professionals worldwide. This experience can be invaluable for those looking to further their careers in the field of education.
     
  • Network and collaborate: I enjoyed the opportunity to network and collaborate with professionals from around the world. It can lead to the development of long-lasting relationships and a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals. The network of CIS Evaluators can provide valuable support and resources for your personal and professional growth.
     
  • Give back: I have the opportunity to give back to the international education community. I know my work helps schools improve and provide a high-quality education to their students, making a positive impact on the future of international education. It’s a meaningful way to use my skills and expertise to make a difference in the world.

Ultimately, becoming a CIS Evaluator is a challenging and rewarding experience that provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, building connections and collaboration, and making a significant contribution to the world of international education. If you are passionate and enthusiastic about education and want to make a meaningful impact, it may be worth considering becoming a CIS Evaluator.

 



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CIS Accreditation: What's in it for the school community?