The St. Joseph School District is seeking third-party accreditation from an international organization.

According to a news release Tuesday, the District is a candidate for accreditation from AdvancED, which serves more than 30,000 public and private schools and districts throughout the United States and 70 countries.

Accreditation through AdvancED is a voluntary method of quality assurance designed mainly to distinguish schools adhering to a set of educational standards.

The process is known for driving student performance and continuous improvement in education.

“This accreditation process will help us take a hard look at ourselves as a system and, as a result, improve student learning and strengthen our culture of continuous school improvement,” said Melody Smith, Superintendent of Schools.

“We decided to take this on so that we can get better and pay recognition to the fine work of our teachers and staff,” said Dr. Smith.

Dr. Laura Nelson, the District’s assessment director, will help lead the accreditation effort.

“This is a comprehensive, rigorous approach to school improvement,” she said. “Essentially, the process consists of an intensive self-reflection initiative, followed by an on-site visit at which a team of ‘judges’ looks for areas of improvement as well strengths.”

The accreditation process dissects the District through five standards: purpose and direction; governance and leadership; teaching and assessing for learning; resources and support systems; and using results for continuous improvement.

The District hopes to complete the process by the end of the school year.

AdvancED brings together the experience and expertise of three US-based accreditation agencies: the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement; Northwest Accreditation Commission; and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.