About School Accreditation

Washington State school accreditation began to ensure that the state’s high schools were adequately preparing students for college. It was intended to document high program quality for colleges and for the patrons of Washington’s educational system.  Over the years, the State Board of Education opened the accreditation process to all grade levels.

AESD Accreditation is a research-based approach to school improvement aligned to the School Improvement Planning process.  This voluntary, self-study process is personalized and adaptable to meet the specific needs of each school.  The process uses a Cycle of Inquiry to focus improvement planning and action and includes active participation and input from staff, students, parents and community representatives.

The school improvement planning process is data-informed, continually impacting student learning so that students have “the opportunity to become responsible citizens, to contribute to their own economic well being and to that of their families and communities, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives…” RCW 28A.150.210

Operations & Service Area

AESD Service Area

Since 2014, the NWESD has served as the lead organization in the statewide AESD Accreditation process, providing statewide coordination, services and support, and maintaining the Accreditation website and online workspace.  To date, more than 200 schools throughout the state have successfully completed or renewed their six-year accreditation through the AESD Accreditation process.

A brief, informative video can be found on the AESD Accreditation Services webpage.

Benefits of Accreditation

  • Continuous Improvement
  • Support & Value Alignment
  • Collaboration
  • Accountability

Built-in support system

Schools work as a team and an AESD Accreditation coach provides support through the entire process.  The AESD Accreditation support staff consists of a State Coordinator and Accreditation Assistant, as well as:

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Coaches
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Site review members
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Facilitators/Panelists (2021-22)

The Process: Inquiry, Action, and Improvement