The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) is a nationally and internationally renowned leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years MSA-CESS has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic action plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.
Five Newark Board of Education Comprehensive High Schools will begin the MSA-CESS process in SY 22-23: Barringer, Central, Malcolm X Shabazz, Weequahic and West Side. East Side High School is currently MSA-CESS accredited and will be going through the re-accreditation early 2023. These schools will be embarking on a journey of self-study for a year, culminating in a comprehensive peer review by MSA-CESS volunteers who will visit the schools to inspect the validity of the schools’ work based on the self-study and the strategic action plan. They will be assessed on the following standards: Foundations- clearly defined mission, and core values; Governance and Organization- the organizational structure has capacity; Student Well-being- nurturing school community; Resources- finances, facilities and Technology and Teaching and Learning- Curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development.
In conclusion, as an accrediting agency, MSA-CESS helps schools and ultimately students continuously grow and improve. The MSA-CESS accreditation designates and recognizes that each school has the organizational structure, capacity and programs to provide a quality education for ALL students.
