How Important is an Accredited Diploma Program?
The saying, “He who pays the piper calls the tune” is true when it comes to accreditation.
Years ago, I was contacted by a top leader within the Oregon Department of Education. He wanted to travel up from Salem and meet with me to discuss the possibility of Basic Skills becoming a charter school. Soon after he arrived, our conversation began. I asked him, “What’s the advantage for us?”
His response was, “State recognition and endorsement of your program.” In other words, accreditation by the state of Oregon. With state accreditation came the following benefits:
- Credibility
- Easy access and entrance into public colleges and universities
- Guaranteed acceptance by public schools of student course work and grades
- Referrals
- And finally, access to state funds
I said, “Wow! That sounds really good. But, I have just one question. About textbooks. Can we and our parents still choose the texts we use? Can we use text books published by Christian publishing houses?”
I knew what he was about to say, and so did he.
“No. You’ll need to use the same or similar textbooks we use in the public-school system.”
“Yea, that’s pretty much what I thought.”
“He who pays the piper calls the tune.” There are strings attached where money is concerned.
Knowing where we both stood, we left Basic Skills and enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant.
Accreditation is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a diploma program.
Here is one way to frame the question to help you think it through: What do I gain and what do I lose if I choose (or don’t choose) a program that is accredited?
Our diploma program was not accredited. Not that we didn’t think about pursuing accreditation, we did now and then. In the process of researching, I found that just because a program is accredited doesn’t guarantee acceptance of it by other accredited programs. Some accredited program are not recognized by other accredited programs. They are regionally accredited, not nationally accredited.
Regional and national accreditation issues aside, our diploma program remained unaccredited. We did not take state or federal funds. As a result, we were not controlled by government standards and regulations. Taking this position ensured that the academic and religious freedom we and the students we served was not compromised. Our intention was to assist parents as they educated and trained their students toward academic and vocational excellence, allowing the Bible to inform all subjects. We also wanted to maximize each family’s freedom and promote flexibility as they worked toward this end. This would not have been possible to the degree it was had we been accredited through public agencies.
The end result? Students graduating from the NCCA diploma program have been accepted at both public and private colleges and universities nationwide.
Again, the question I encourage you to ask is, “What do I gain and what do I lose if I choose (or don’t choose) a program that is accredited?”
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
An achievement test is not the only tool available through Basic Skills you can use to measure your student’s progress. The ELO Quick Assessment series is a popular choice for parents who want to test at home. It’s available to purchase as an instant download as well as a mailed hard copy. Click Here to get your copy today. Available for grades 1 through 8.
