Accreditation
The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) achieved full accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) using their Sustaining Excellence Protocol on May 1, 2019.
— The Importance of Accreditation
The MSA-CESS accredits a wide range of educational institutions, including early childhood through post-secondary, non-degree granting public, private, faith-based schools, special purpose schools, and learning service providers.
The accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the institution's mission, goals, and objectives and its performance in key areas such as curriculum, faculty, student services, and governance. Accreditation by the Middle States Association signifies that an institution has met or exceeded high standards for educational quality and is committed to ongoing improvement.
Accreditation by the Middle States Association is highly regarded in the United States and internationally. It assures students, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders that the school is committed to providing high-quality education. It also enhances the school's opportunities for post-secondary education and employment.
— The Accreditation Process
As part of the accreditation process, MSD has been conducting a self-study research project to explore how technology can foster improved engagement, involvement, education, and collaboration with diverse families throughout Maryland. This study focuses on language and social/emotional development, academic support, and enhancing student academic achievement.
— MSD's Action Research Plan
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Through the Middle States Association following their Sustaining Excellence accreditation protocol, MSD engages in strategic planning and action research surrounding this self-study research question:
How can the use of technology foster improved engagement, involvement, education, and collaboration with diverse Maryland School for the Deaf families throughout the state of Maryland as it relates to language and social/emotional development as well as academic support to enhance student academic achievement?
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— Sustaining Excellence Standards Review: A Report of the Visiting Team for Accreditation by the Middle States Association
Read the report from the Visiting Team for Accreditation by the Middle States Association.
— Sustaining Excellence Colloquium
The Sustaining Excellence Colloquium represents the mid-point in the accreditation process.
During the colloquium, MSD has an opportunity to present evidence of the effectiveness of its initiative and share strategies and activities that have contributed to its success. A critical component of the colloquium is the presentation of student growth data to support the school's progress report. This data provides concrete evidence of the impact of the school's initiative on student learning and achievement. In addition, the colloquium also offers an opportunity for the school to share its strategies and activities with other members of the surrounding school community. The goal of doing so is to promote collaboration and sharing of best practices, which can benefit all schools in the community.
While MSD was initially scheduled to present its findings at a colloquium in Spring 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the school's ability to fully implement its research during the 2020-2021 school year. MSD was granted an extension and has been able to continue its self-study. The Sustaining Excellence Colloquium took place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. This event was held virtually via Zoom Webinar.
— View Recording of Colloquium
For those who missed the event, the recording of the virtual presentation is available on YouTube. Please click on the following link to view the recording of the presentation: https://youtu.be/JPnySemisg8
— View Presentation File
Additionally, a copy of the PowerPoint presentation used during the colloquium is also available at this link: Click here to view presentation
— For More Information
To learn more about the accreditation process and the Middle States Association's standards for accreditation, please read the accreditation report for the Maryland School for the Deaf or visit the Middle States Association website at www.msa-cess.org/.
— Additional Documents